be married; that Adolphus was very eager for it, and that
Fanny had received his attentions and admiration with evident pleasure
and satisfaction. And so she has, my dear; you couldn't but have seen
that yourself."

"Well, mamma, what else did papa say?"

"Why, he said just what I'm telling you: that I wasn't to be surprised
if we were called on to be ready for the wedding at a short notice;
or at any rate to be ready to congratulate Fanny. He certainly didn't
say she had accepted him. But he said he had no doubt about it; and
I'm sure, from what was going on last week, I couldn't have any
doubt either. But he told me not to speak to anyone about it yet;
particularly not to Fanny; only, my dear, I couldn't help, you know,
talking it over with you;" and the countess leaned back in her chair,
very much exhausted with the history she had narrated.

"Now, mamma, listen to me. It is not many hours since Fanny told me she
was unalterably determined to throw herself at Lord Ballindine's feet."

"Goodness gracious me, how shocking!" said the countess.

"She even said that she would ask Adolphus to be the means of bringing
Lord Ballindine back to Grey Abbey."

"Lord have mercy!" said the countess.

"I only tell you this, mamma, to show you how impossible it is that
papa should be right."

"What are we to do, my dear? Oh, dear, there'll be such a piece of
work! What a nasty thing Fanny is. I'm sure she's been making love to
Adolphus all the week!"

"No, mamma, she has not. Don't be unfair to Fanny. If there is anyone
in fault it is Adolphus; but, as you say, what shall we do to prevent
further misunderstanding? I think I had better tell papa the whole."

And so she did, on the following morning. But she was too late; she did
not do it till after Lord Kilcullen had offered and had been refused.

XXXII. HOW LORD KILCULLEN FARES IN HIS WOOING

About twelve o'clock the same night, Lord Kilcullen and Mat Tierney
were playing billiards, and were just finishing their last game: the
bed-candles were lighted ready for them, and Tierney was on the point
of making the final hazard.

"So you're determined to go to-morrow, Mat?" said Kilcullen.

"Oh, yes, I'll go to-morrow: your mother'll take me for a second Paddy
Rea, else," said Mat.

"Who the deuce was Paddy Rea?"

"Didn't you ever hear of Paddy Rea?--Michael French of Glare
Abbey--he's dead now, but he was alive enough at the time I'm telling
you of, and kep