"That's somethin', Mr. Free," says my lord; "ye say he comes from a
good stock?" "The _rale_ sort, my lord," says I; "an ould, ancient
family, that's spent every sixpence they had in treating their
neighbors. My father lived near him for years,"--you see, Molly, I
said that to season the discourse. "We'll make him a captain," says
my lord; "but, Mr. Free, could we do nothing for you?" "Nothing, at
present, my lord. When my friends comes into power," says I, "they'll
think of me. There's many a little thing to give away in Ireland, and
they often find it mighty hard to find a man for lord-lieutenant; and
if that same, or a tide-waiter's place was vacant--" "Just tell me,"
says my lord. "It's what I'll do," says I. "And now, wishing you
happy dreams, I'll take my lave." Just so, Molly, it's hand and glove
we are. A pleasant face, agreeable manners seasoned with natural
modesty, and a good pair of legs, them's the gifts to push a man's
way in the world. And even with the ladies--but sure I am forgetting,
my master was proposed for, and your humble servant too, by two
illigant creatures in Lisbon; but it wouldn't do, Molly, it's higher
nor that we'll be looking,--_rale_ princesses, the devil a less. Tell
Kitty Hannigan I hope she's well; she was a disarving young
in her situation in life. Shusey Dogherty, at the cross road--
I don't forget the name--was a good-looking slip too; give her my
affectionate salutations, as we say in the Portuguese. I hope I'll be
able to bear the inclementuous nature of your climate when I go back;
but I can't expect to stay long--for Lord Wellington can't do without
me. We play duets on the guitar together every evening. The master is
shouting for a blanket, so no more at present from,

Your very affectionate friend,

MICKEY FREE.

P. S.--I don't write this myself, for the Spanish tongue p
out o' the habit of English. Tell Father Rush, if he'd study the
Portuguese, I'd use my interest for him with the Bishop of Toledo.
It's a country he'd like--no regular stations, but promiscuous eating
and drinking, and as pretty girls as ever confessed their sins.

My poor Charley, I think I am looking at you. I think I can
see the struggle between indignation, and laughter, which every line
of th