imself.

"'May I ask what they consist in--these precautionary movements?" said
Kate.

"A full organization of the militia and yeomanry," replied Sir
Marmaduke, proudly, for he commanded a regiment of 'Northamptonshire
fencibles.' "Strengthening the different garrisons in large
towns-mounting guns of heavy calibre on the forts--"

A hearty burst of laughter broke from Kate, which she made no effort to
control whatever.

"I cannot help laughing, because that same word recalls a conversation I
once heard between two French officers in Bruges; one of them who seemed
to know Ireland well, averred that these forts were so placed as only to
be capable of battering down each other. I know he instanced two on the
southern coast, which in three discharges must inevitably make a drawn
battle of it."

"My dear young lady," said Sir Marmaduke, with an unusual gravity, "it
is not exactly to our enemies we must look for any warm encomium on our
means of defence, nor has experience yet shown, that British courage can
be justly a subject for a Frenchman's laughter."

"And as to the militia and yeomanry," continued Kate, for she seemed
bent on tormenting, and totally indifferent to the consequences
regarding herself, "Colonel Delcamp called them 'arsenals ambulantes,'
admirably contrived to provide an invading army with arms and
ammunition."

"I heartily wish your friend, Colonel Delcamp, would favour us with a
visit of inspection," said the Baronet, scarcely able to control his
anger.

"I should not think the occurrence unlikely," was the cool reply, "and
if so, I may be permitted to assure you, that you will be much pleased
with his manners and agreeability." Sybella's imploring look was all in
vain; Kate, as she herself said, belonged to a race who neither gave nor
took quarter, and such a controversy was the very conflict she gloried
in. How it was to be carried on any further, is not easy to foresee,
had not the difficulty been solved by the entrance of Frederick Travers,
come to communicate the news of his appointment. While Sir Marmaduke and
Sybella expressed their joy at his success, Kate, half chagrined at the
interruption to a game, where she already deemed herself the winner,
walked towards the window and looked out.

"Have I nothing like congratulation to expect from Miss O'Donoghue," said
Frederick, as he placed himself at her side.

"I scarcely knew if it were a subject where congratulation would be
suitable.