more deadly encounter
were made on every side. The matter now assumed so serious an aspect,
that the Duke was obliged himself to interfere, and order both parties
off the ground; the Cork deploying towards the lodge, while the brave
Louth marched off with banners flying and drums beating in the direction
of Knockmaroon.

These movements were conducted with a serio-comic solemnity of the most
ludicrous kind; and although the respect for viceregal authority was
great, and the military devotion of each party strong, yet neither one
nor the other was sufficient to prevent the more violent on both sides
from occasionally turning, as they went, to give expression to some
taunting allusion or some galling sarcasm, well calculated, did the
opportunity permit, to renew the conflict.

A hearty burst of laughter from the Duke indicated pretty clearly how
he regarded the matter; and, however the grave and significant looks of
others might seem to imply that there was more in the circumstance than
mere food for mirth, he shook his sides merrily; and, as his bright eye
glistened with satisfaction, and his cheek glowed, he could not help
whispering his regret that his station compelled him to check the very
best joke he ever witnessed in his life.

"This is hot work, Sir Charles," said he, wiping his forehead as he
spoke; "and, as it is now past three o'clock, and we have a privy
council at four, I fear I must leave you."

"The troops will move past in marching order," replied Sir Charles,
pompously: "will your Grace receive the salute at this point?"

"Wherever you like, Sir Charles; wherever you like. Would to Heaven that
some good Samaritan could afford me a little brandy-and-water from his
canteen. I say, Hinton, they seem at luncheon yonder in that carriage:
do you think your diplomacy could negotiate a glass of sherry for me?"

"If you'll permit me, my Lord, I'll try," said I, as, disengaging myself
from the crowd, I set off in the direction he pointed.

As I drew near the carriage--from which the horses had been
taken--drawn up beside a clump of beech-trees for the sake of shelter--I
was not long in perceiving that it was the same equipage I had so
gallantly rescued in the morning from the sabres of the horse police.
Had I entertained any fears for the effects of the nervous shock upon
the tender sensibilities of Mrs. Paul Rooney, the scene before me must
completely have dispelled my uneasiness. Never did a merrier peal