ot to speak of
its abruptness," said he, graciously; "but we only learned accidentally
to-day that Herbert was going up to Dublin, and my father sent me to
request he would join our party."

"He is about to enter college," said Sir Archy, half fearing to direct
the youth's mind from the great object of his journey.

"Be it so," said Fred, gaily; "we'll talk Virgil and Homer on the road."

"I'm afraid such pleasant companionship may put Greece and Rome in the
background," said Sir Archy, drily.

"I'll answer for it he'll be nothing the worse for the brief respite
from study; besides you'd not refuse me his company, when I tell you
that otherwise I must travel alone. My father in his wisdom having
decided to despatch me half a day in advance, to make preparations for
his arrival. Is that quite fair, Miss O'Donoghue?"

"I protest I think not, as regards us. As for you," added she, archly,
"I should say, so accomplished a traveller always finds sufficient to
amuse him on the least interesting journey. I remember a little theory
of yours on that subject; you mentioned it the first time I had the
pleasure to meet you."

The allusion was with reference to the manner in which Travers made her
acquaintance in the Bristol packet, and the cool assurance of which,
she, with most womanly pertinacity, had not yet forgiven. Travers, who
had often felt ashamed of the circumstance, and had hoped it long since
forgotten, looked the very picture of confusion.

"I perceive Sir Archibald has not taught you to respect his native
proverb, Miss O'Donoghue, and let 'by-gones be by-gones.'"

"I hae taught her nothing Scotch, sir," replied Sir Archy, smiling; "but
to love a thistle, and that e'en, because it has sting."

"Not from those that know how to take it, uncle," said she, archly, and
with a fond expression that lit up the old man's face in smiles.

The Guardsman was less at his ease than usual; and, having arranged the
matter of his visit satisfactorily, arose to take his leave.

"Then you'll be ready for me at eight, Herbert. My father is a martinet
in punctuality, and the phaeton will not be a second behind time;
remember that, Miss O'Donoghue, for he makes no exception, even for
ladies."

He moved towards the door, then turning suddenly, said--

"By-the-bye, have you heard any thing of a movement in the country here
about us? The Government have apparently got some information on the
subject, but I suspect without any fo