let me pass."

At this moment the carriage of the eccentric and beautiful Lady ------,
one of the wildest, strangest, and best-hearted females of the Irish
Court, set down its lovely burden. She had seen the whole transaction
of the sentinel, and heard Ellen's pathetic appeal, and her heart was
instantly moved in her favor, for the example of fashion had not yet
frozen up its finer feelings. Partly through the workings of a softened
heart, and partly to make what was then all the rage, a scene or
sensation, she resolved instantly to get her admitted to the presence
of the Duke--nay, to present her herself. She was well known to be
a favorite, and whatever whim of hers took place, no matter how
extravagant, was sure to meet his hearty concurrence. She desired Ellen
to rise and follow her; and the poor creature's eyes streamed with tears
as she invoked a fervent blessing on the head of her lovely protectress.
While passing up the grand staircase, amid the wondering gaze and
suppressed titter of many a pampered menial, she instructed her how to
proceed; and having received a hasty account of all, and desired her not
to be faint-hearted, she turned to the simpering master of ceremonies to
tell him of her "dear delightful freak;" there was a glad smile on
her lip, and a glowing crimson on her cheek, but still there was a
glistening moisture in her fine eyes, that told of soft and womanish
feeling.

The Duke was sitting on a chair of crimson velvet; a cushion of the
same costly material supported his feet; and he was looking with an
appearance of apathy and ennui on the splendid group around him. The
glitter of the lights, the lustre of the jewels, and the graceful
waving of the many-colored plumes, gave every thing a courtly, sumptuous
appearance, and the air was heavy with odors, the fragrant offering of
many a costly exotic. Suddenly every eye was turned on the door with,
wonder and astonishment, and every voice was hushed as Lady ------
entered, her cheeks blushing from excitement, and her eye bright with
anticipated triumph. She led the poor and humbly clad Ellen by the hand,
who dared not look up, but with her gaze riveted on the splendid
carpet, was brought like an automaton to the feet of the Duke, where she
mechanically knelt down.

"Will yer Excillincy be plazed," began Lady ------, playfully mimicking
the brogue, "to hear this poor crathur's complaint. Her husband has been
condimned to die for a murdher he didn'