y some gentleman to be remarkably high flavoured. This observation
turned the conversation to Irish commodities and Ireland. Lady
Clonbrony, possessed by the idea that it was disadvantageous to appear
as an Irishwoman, or as a favourer of Ireland, began to be embarrassed
by Lady St. James's repeated thanks. Had it been in her power to offer
anything else with propriety, she would not have thought of sending her
ladyship anything from Ireland. Vexed by the questions that were asked
her about HER COUNTRY, Lady Clonbrony, as usual, denied it to be her
country, and went on to depreciate and abuse everything Irish; to
declare that there was no possibility of living in Ireland; and that,
for her own part, she was resolved never to return thither. Lady St.
James, preserving perfect silence, let her go on. Lady Clonbrony,
imagining that this silence arose from coincidence of opinion, proceeded
with all the eloquence she possessed, which was very little,
repeating the same exclamations, and reiterating her vow of perpetual
expatriation; till at last an elderly lady, who was a stranger to her,
and whom she had till this moment scarcely noticed, took up the defence
of Ireland with much warmth and energy: the eloquence with which
she spoke, and the respect with which she was heard, astonished Lady
Clonbrony.

'Who is she?' whispered her ladyship.

'Does not your ladyship know Lady Oranmore--the Irish Lady Oranmore?'

'Lord bless me!--what have I said!--what have I done! Oh! why did not
you give me a hint, Lady St. James?'

'I was not aware that your ladyship was not acquainted with Lady
Oranmore,' replied Lady St. James, unmoved by her distress.

Everybody sympathised with Lady Oranmore, and admired the honest zeal
with which she abided by her country, and defended it against unjust
aspersions and affected execrations. Every one present enjoyed Lady
Clonbrony's confusion, except Miss Nugent, who sat with her eyes bowed
down by penetrative shame during the whole of this scene; she was glad
that Lord Colambre was not witness to it; and comforted herself with the
hope that, upon the whole, Lady Clonbrony would be benefited by the pain
she had felt. This instance might convince her that it was not necessary
to deny her country to be received in any company in England; and that
those who have the courage and steadiness to be themselves, and to
support what they feel and believe to be the truth, must command
respect. Miss Nugent hop