, on
account of her many accomplishments, she was eminently qualified to fill.
Francis Ardry had, however, persuaded her to relinquish her intention for
the present, on the ground that, until she had become acclimated in
England, her health would probably suffer from the confinement
inseparable from the occupation in which she was desirous of engaging; he
had, moreover--for it appeared that she was the most frank and confiding
creature in the world--succeeded in persuading her to permit him to hire
for her a very handsome first floor in his own neighbourhood, and to
accept a few inconsiderable presents in money and jewellery. 'I am
looking out for a handsome gig and horse,' said Francis Ardry, at the
conclusion of his narration: 'it were a burning shame that so divine a
creature should have to go about a place like London on foot, or in a
paltry hackney coach.'

'But,' said I, 'will not the pursuit of politics prevent your devoting
much time to this fair lady?'

'It will prevent me devoting all my time,' said Francis Ardry, 'as I
gladly would; but what can I do? My guardians wish me to qualify myself
for a political orator, and I dare not offend them by a refusal. If I
offend my guardians, I should find it impossible--unless I have recourse
to Jews and money-lenders--to support Annette; present her with articles
of dress and jewellery, and purchase a horse and cabriolet worthy of
conveying her angelic person through the streets of London.'

After a pause, in which Francis Ardry appeared lost in thought, his mind
being probably occupied with the subject of Annette, I broke silence by
observing, 'So your fellow-religionists are really going to make a
serious attempt to procure their emancipation?'

'Yes,' said Francis Ardry, starting from his reverie; 'everything has
been arranged; even a leader has been chosen, at least for us of Ireland,
upon the whole the most suitable man in the world for the occasion--a
barrister of considerable talent, mighty voice, and magnificent
impudence. With emancipation, liberty, and redress for the wrongs of
Ireland in his mouth, he is to force his way into the British House of
Commons, dragging myself and others behind him--he will succeed, and when
he is in he will cut a figure; I have heard --- himself, who has heard
him speak, say that he will cut a figure.'

'And is --- competent to judge?' I demanded.

'Who but he?' said Francis Ardry; 'no one questions his judgment
concerni