dead letter.

"You have positively done nothing," said he, "since your accession. Here
we are, all ready to do your bidding, only waiting for the shadow of a
wish on your part. There is no obstacle anywhere; pray let us commence a
series of such right royal festivities as shall cause the envy of every
other sovereign in Christendom."

"I 'm sure I wish for nothing better; but nobody minds me," said she,
pouting.

"What shall be the opening, then?" said Linton, taking a sheet of paper,
and seating himself, in all form, to write. "A masquerade?"

"By all means! A masquerade!" exclaimed a dozen voices; and at once a
large circle gathered round the table where he sat.

"Does the country afford materials for one?" asked Jennings.

"Oh, dear, yes!" sighed Meek; "you could gather a great many important
people here by a little management."

"I 'll tell Macnevin, wha commands at Limerick, to send ye every officer
wha is n't under arrest," said Sir Andrew,--a speech received with great
favor by various young ladies unknown to the reader.

Every one who knew anything of the three neighboring counties was at
once summoned to form part of a select committee to name those who
ought to be invited. The Chief Justice was acquainted with the principal
persons, from his having gone circuit; but then, those he mentioned
were rarely of the stamp to add lustre or brilliancy to a fancy
ball,--indeed, as Linton whispered, "The old judge had either hanged or
transported all the pleasant fellows."

The Infantry men from Limerick were familiar with every pretty girl
of that famed capital and its environs for some miles round; and as
exclusiveness was not to be the rule, a very imposing list was soon
drawn up.

Then came the question of receiving so large a party, and each vied
with his neighbor in generous sacrifices of accommodation; even Downie
vouchsafed to say that the noise would be terrible, "but one ought to
submit to anything to give pleasure to his friends."

The theatre should be the ball-room; the two drawing-rooms and the
library would offer space for the company to promenade; the buffet stand
in the dining-room; and supper be served in the great conservatory,
which, with its trellised vines all studded with lights disposed as
stars, would have a new and beautiful effect.

Sir Andrew promised two military bands, and unmarried officers _a
discretion_.

Devoted offers of assistance poured in from every side. Foraging p