r's, and walked with him into the back drawing-room, "these
kind of men make government very difficult in Ireland. There is no
reserve--no caution about them. They compromise one at every step.
You are the only Irishman I ever met who would seem to understand the
necessity of reserve."

Dunn bowed twice. It was like the acknowledgment of what he felt to be a
right.

"I go further," said the other, warming; "you are the only man here
who has given us real and effective support, and yet never asked for
anything."

"What could I wish for better than to see the country governed as it
is?" said Dunn, courteously.

"All are not inspired so patriotically, Dunn. Personal advantages have
their influence on most men."

"Of course,--naturally enough. But I stand in no need of aid in this
respect I don't want for means. I could n't, if you offered it, take
office; my hands are too full already, and of work which another
might not be able to carry out. Rank, of course--distinction--" and he
stopped, and seemed confused.

"Well, come, we might meet you there, Dunn," said the other, coaxingly.
"Be frank with me. What do you wish for?"

"My family is of humble origin, it is true," said Dunn; "but, without
invidious reflection, I might point to some others--" Again he
hesitated.

"_That_ need not be an obstacle," said the Secretary.

"Well, then, on the score of fortune, there are some poorer than myself
in--in--" He stopped again.

"Very few as wealthy, I should say, Dunn,--very few, indeed. Let me only
know your wishes. I feel certain how they will be treated."

"I am aware," said Dunn, with some energy, "that you incur the risk of
some attack in anything you would do for me. I am necessarily in scant
favor with a large party here. They would _assail you_, they would
_vilify me_; but that would pass over. A few weeks--a few months at
furthest--"

"To be sure,--perfectly correct It would be mere momentary clamor. Sir
Davenport Dunn, Baronet, would survive--"

"I beg pardon," said Dunn, in a voice tremulous with emotion. "I don't
think I heard you aright; I trust, at least, I did not."

The Secretary looked quickly in his face, and saw it pale, the lips
slightly quivering, and the brow contracted.

"I was saying," said he, in a voice broken and uncertain, "that I 'm
sure the Premier would not refuse to recommend you to her Majesty for a
baronetcy."

"May I make so bold as to ask if you have already held any convers