ay, her costume had become, as
far as fashion went, rather antediluvian. Constance announced that a
back-tooth called for professional interference. May heaven forgive
her if she fibbed!--for a dental display of purer ivory never slily
solicited a lover's kiss, than what her joyous laugh exhibited. My
poor mother entered a protest against the "_spes ultima gregis_,"
meaning myself, being left at home in times so perilous, and when
all who could effect it were hurrying into garrisoned towns, and
abandoning, for crowded lodgings, homes whose superior comforts were
abated by their insecurity. The order for a general movement was
consequently issued, and on the 22d of June we commenced our journey
to the capital.

With all the precision of a commissary-general, my father had
regulated the itinerary. Here, we were to breakfast, there, dine,
and this hostelrie was to be honored with our sojourn during the
night-season. Man wills, fate decrees, and in our case the old saw was
realized.

It will be necessary to remark that a conspiracy that had been
hatching for several years, from unforeseen circumstances had now
been prematurely exploded. My father, with more _hardiesse_ than
discretion, declined following the general example of abandoning
his home for the comparative safety afforded by town and city.
Coming events threw their shadow before, and too unequivocally to
be mistaken, but still he sported _deaf adder_. In confidential
communication with Dublin Castle, all known there touching the
intended movements of the disaffected was not concealed from him.
He was, unfortunately, the reverse of an alarmist--proud of his
popularity--read his letters--drew his inferences--and came to
prompt conclusions. Through his lawyer, a house ready-furnished in
Leeson-street was secured. His plate and portable valuables were
forwarded to Dublin, and reached their destination safely. Had our
hearts been where the treasure was, we should, as in prudence bound,
have personally accompanied the silver spoons--but the owner, like
many an abler commander, played the waiting game too long. A day
sooner would have saved some trouble--but my father had carried habits
of absolute action into all the occurrences of daily life. Indecision
is, in character, a sad failure, but his weak point ran directly in
an opposite direction. He thought, weighed matters hastily, decided in
five minutes, and that decision once made, _coute qui coute_, must be
carrie