as they
say nowadays, when some misguided admirer calls upon a meeting for
enthusiasm they don't f eel. The Americans were (and one description
will serve for both, so like were they) sallow, high-boned, silent
men, with a species of quiet caution in their manner, as if they were
learning, but had not yet completed, a European education as to habits
and customs, and were studiously careful not to commit any solecisms
which might betray their country.

As dinner proceeded, the sporting characters carried the day. The
_ouverture de la chasse_, which was to take place the following morning,
was an all-engrossing topic, and I found myself established as judge on
a hundred points of English jockey etiquette, of which as my ignorance
was complete I suffered grievously in the estimation of the company,
and, when referred to, could neither apportion the weight to age, nor
even tell the number of yards in a 'distance.' It was, however, decreed
that I should ride the next day--the host had the 'very horse to suit
me'; and, as the abbe whispered me to consent, I acceded at once to the
arrangement.

When we adjourned to the drawing-room, Colonel Muddleton came towards me
with an easy smile and an outstretched snuff-box, both in such perfect
keeping: the action was a finished thing.

'Any relation, may I ask, of a very old friend and brother officer of
mine, General Mark O'Leary, who was killed in Canada?' said he.

'A very distant one only,' replied I.

'A capital fellow, brave as a lion, and pleasant. By Jove, I never
met the like of him! What became of his Irish property?--he was never
married, I think?'

'No, he died a bachelor, and left his estates to my uncle; they had met
once by accident, and took a liking to each other.'

'And so your uncle has them now?'

'No; my uncle died since. They came into my possession some two or three
years ago.'

'Eh--ah--upon my life!' said he, with something of surprise in his
manner; and then, as if ashamed of his exclamation, and with a much more
cordial vein than at first, he resumed: 'What a piece of unlooked-for
good fortune to be sure! Only think of my finding my old friend Mark's
nephew!'

'Not his nephew. I was only----'

'Never mind, never mind; he was kind of an uncle, you know--any man
might be proud of him. What a glorious fellow!--full of fun, full of
spirit and animation. Ah, just like all your countrymen! I've a little
Irish blood in my veins myself; my mother was