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opposition in the house; the real head of the government was engaged at the moment in holding a red-hot salamander over a little dish of scalloped oysters, which sent out a pleasant crispy odour, like a cheerful presentiment, all over the house.

“It was the pulsatilla. It did me so much good; so don't be vexed, dear. And besides, I know Mead wanted to get Corkscrew exercised. Didn’t you now, Mead?”

“’Deed and I did, Miss. The ould vagabond is fit to jump over a church now, he’s getting so fresh. Will I bring dinner in now, mam?” he concluded, with a marked glance at Alice’s habit, which said as plainly as words could say, “Make your escape now while you can, and I will engage the enemy on your behalf.”

“Oh yes, do, Clare, have dinner in! I’m perfectly starving. It must be the pulsatilla, for I had nothing else. And tell me how you enjoyed the party. And did you play kiss-in-the-ring and hunt the slipper?”

“Well, I’ve no doubt those good old English sports were in full swing in some part of the grounds, judging by the noise I heard. But I knew I should be ill if I walked about, so I sat in the library most of the time and talked to Mr. Campbell. He tells me he knows you, Alice.”