s. I _could_
leave this--that is, if any urgency required it--at once; but, if
possible, it is better I should remain at least a little longer. My last
meeting with Glencore was unpleasant. Poor fellow! his temper is not
what it used to be, and he is forgetful of what is due to one whose
nerves are in the sad state of mine. You shall hear all my complainings
when we meet, dear Princess; and with this I kiss your hand, begging you
to accept all "_mes hommages" et mon estime_,

H. U.

Your letter must be addressed "Leenane, Ireland." Your last had only
"Glencore" on it, and not very legible either, so that it made what I
wished _I_ could do, "the tour of Scotland," before reaching me.

Sir Horace read over his letter carefully, as though it had been
a despatch, and, when he had done, folded it up with an air of
satisfaction. He had said nothing that he wished unsaid, and he had
mentioned a little about everything he desired to touch upon. He then
took his "drops" from a queer-looking little phial he carried about with
him, and having looked at his face in a pocket-glass, he half closed his
eyes in revery.

Strange, confused visions were they that flitted through his brain.
Thoughts of ambition the most daring, fancies about health, speculations
in politics, finance, religion, literature, the arts, society,--all came
and went. Plans and projects jostled each other at every instant. Now
his brow would darken, and his thin lips close tightly, as some painful
impression crossed him; now again a smile, a slight laugh even, betrayed
the passing of some amusing conception. It was easy to see how such
a nature could suffice to itself, and how little he needed of that
give-and-take which companionship supplies. He could--to steal a figure
from our steam language--he could "bank his fires," and await any
emergency, and, while scarcely consuming any fuel, prepare for the most
trying demand upon his powers. A hasty movement of feet overhead, and
the sound of voices talking loudly, aroused him from his reflections,
while a servant entered abruptly to say that Lord Glencore wished to see
him immediately.

"Is his Lordship worse?" asked Upton.

"No, sir; but he was very angry with the young lord this evening about
something, and they say that with the passion he opened the bandage on
his head, and set the vein a-bleed-ing again. Billy Traynor is there now
trying to stop it."

"I'll go upstairs," said Sir Horace, rising, and b