that there was no chance
of the weather improving until three o'clock, and that there wasn't much
chance of sunshine even then.

"But, at least," said the Comtesse, "I shall be able to see your old
castle? I have heard so much about the castle. Could we not even go
there?"

"We might," said Una dubiously, "but you will have to walk across two
fields, and the grass is long at this time of year. I don't mind getting
wet, of course, but you----"

"I think, Estelle," said Lord Dunseveric, "that you had better give
up the idea of any expedition out of doors. Una will have a good fire
lighted for you in the morning-room, and you must make yourself as
comfortable as you can."

When breakfast was over, Lord Dunseveric himself conducted his sister to
the morning-room. He selected a chair for her. He placed a small table
beside her. He stirred the fire into a fair blaze. He even fetched some
books for her from the library. But the Comtesse was not content.

"Please sit down," she said, "and talk with me."

The prospect of a long morning spent sitting on a chair talking to a
woman was not one which pleased Lord Dunseveric very greatly, but his
manners were, as his sister-in-law had observed, excellent. He had
letters to write and an important communication from the general in
command of the troops in Belfast to consider. But he sat down beside
his sister-in-law as if he were really pleased at having the chance of
a long chat with her, as if she did him a favour in granting him the
privilege of keeping her company.

"What shall we talk about?" she said. "About dear Marie? About old
times? That would be too sad. About Maurice and Una? What is Maurice to
do? Have you obtained for him--how do you say it?--a commission in the
army? There is nothing better for a young man than to spend a short
time in the army. He sees the world. He learns manners and how to bear
himself and speak to a woman. And Una? We must have Una presented at
Court. Will you take her to Dublin this year? I think that you ought to.
It is not good for a girl to grow up all alone here."

"I fear it will hardly be possible for me to go to Dublin either this
year or next."

"But why? Surely you would be well received? Or is it not so? I suppose
that you are one of the _grands seigneurs_ of Ireland, one of the
leaders of your aristocracy. Besides, _mon frere_, your appearance, your
manner----. There cannot be many of your Irish gentry----."

She paused and s