herself invited by any of those
distinguished personages who figured the oftenest at her own table. They
thought, perhaps justly, that their condescension was sufficiently great
to demand no further acknowledgment; and that, as virtue is said to be
its own reward, theirs was abundantly exhibited in the frankness with
which they ate Kennyfeck's venison, and drank his Burgundy, both of
which were excellent.

Every one dined there, because they knew "they 'd meet every one." A
pretender in the world of fashion, unlike a pretender to monarchy, is
sure to have the best company in his _salon_; and so, although you might
have met many at the tables of the first men of the country, who were
there by virtue of their talents or abilities, at Kennyfeck's the
company was sure to be "select." They could not afford dilution, lest
they should find themselves at ease!

"Olivia, pray take that newspaper from Mr. Kennyfeck, and let us hear
who he has asked to dinner to-morrow," said Mrs. Kennyfeck, gracefully
imitating an attitude of Lady Londonderry in the "Book of Beauty."

Mr. Kennyfeck heard the request, and started; his surprise had not been
greater if the Chancellor had addressed him as "Tom." It was the
first time in his life that an allusion had ever been made to the bare
possibility of his inviting the company of a grand dinner; a prerogative
he had never so much as dreamed of, and now he actually heard his wife
refer to him, as if he were even a party to the deed.

"Invite! Mrs. Kennyfeck. I 'm sure I never thought--"

"No matter what you thought," said his spouse, reddening at his
stupidity. "I wanted to remember who are coming, that we may let Mr.
Cashel learn something of our Dublin folk."

"Here's a list, mamma," said Olivia; "and I believe there are no
apologies. Shall I read it?"

"Do so, child," said she, but evidently out of humor that the delightful
little display of indifference and ignorance should not have succeeded
better.

"Sir Andrew and Lady Janet MacFarline, of course!" cried Miss Kennyfeck;
"ain't they first?"

"They are," replied her sister.

"Sir Andrew, Mr. Cashel," said Mrs. Kennyfeck, "is a very distinguished
officer,--a K.C.B., and something else besides. He was in all the
Duke's battles in Spain; a most gallant officer, but a little rough in
manner,--Scotch, you know. Lady Janet was sister to Lord--What is that
lord, Caroline? I always forget."

"Dumkeeran, mamma."

"Yes, that's it She