zle," said
O'Brien, earnestly looking in the count's face. "Blood and thunder! if
it a'n't Chucks!--my dear fellow, when did you rise from your grave?"

"Fortunately," replied the count, as they shook each other's hands for
some time, "I never went into it, Sir Terence. But now, with your
permission, my lord, I'll take some food, as I really am not a little
hungry. After dinner, Captain O'Brien, you shall hear my history."

His secret was confided to the whole party, upon my pledging myself for
their keeping it locked up in their own breasts, which was a bold thing
on my part, considering that two of them were ladies.

The count stayed with us for some time, and was introduced by me
everywhere. It was impossible to discover that he had not been bred up
in a court, his manners were so good. He was a great favourite with the
ladies; and his mustachios, bad French, and waltzing--an accomplishment
he had picked up in Sweden--were quite the vogue. All the ladies were
sorry when the Swedish count announced his departure by a PPC.

Before I left town, I called upon the First Lord of the Admiralty, and
procured for Swinburne a first-rate, building--that is to say, ordered
to be built. This he had often said he wished, as he was tired of the
sea, after a service of forty-five years. Subsequently, I obtained
leave of absence for him every year; and he used to make himself very
happy at Eagle Park. Most of his time was, however, passed on the lake,
either fishing or rowing about; telling long stories to all who would
join him in his water excursions.

A fortnight after my assuming my title, we set off for Eagle Park: and
Celeste consented to my entreaties, that the wedding should take place
that day month. Upon this hint O'Brien spake; and to oblige me, Ellen
consented that we should be united on the same day.

O'Brien wrote to Father McGrath; but the letter was returned by post,
with "dead" marked upon the outside. O'Brien then wrote to one of his
sisters, who informed him, that Father McGrath would cross the bog one
evening when he had taken a very large proportion of whisky; and that he
was seen out of the right path, and had never been heard of afterwards.

On the day appointed, we were all united; and both unions have been
attended with as much happiness as this world can afford. Both O'Brien
and I are blessed with children, which, as O'Brien observed, have come
upon us like old age, until we now can muster