llest.

"Even so, _ma belle_. Shall we rehearse the ceremony of presentation?
Twining, do you perform the Chamberlain. Stand aside, O'Reilly; be
a gentleman at large, or an Ulster King-at-arms. Now for it!" And
so saying, he drew himself proudly up to an attitude of considerable
dignity, while Twining, muttering to himself, "What fun!" announced
aloud, "Miss Molly O'Reilly, your Excellency;" at which, and before she
was aware, his Excellency stepped one step in advance, and sainted her
on either cheek with a cordiality that covered her with blushes.

[Illustration: 124]

"That 's not it, at all, I 'm certain," said she, half angrily.

"On my life, it's the exact ceremony, and no more," said the Viscount.
Then resuming the performance, he added, "Take care, Twining, that she
is put on your list for the balls. O'Reilly, your niece is charming."

"My niece--sure she 's--"

"You forget, my worthy friend, that we are enacting Viceroy, and cannot
charge our memory with the ties of kindred."

Spicer now came up to say that a thunderstorm was threatening, and that
the wisest course would probably be to land the luncheon and remain
where they were till the hurricane should pass over. The proposition was
at once approved of, and the party were soon busily occupying themselves
in the cares for the entertainment; all agreeing that they felt no
regret at being separated from the other boat, which had proceeded up
the lake; in fact, as Mr. O'Reilly said, "they were snugger as they
were, without the Roosians,"--a sentiment in various ways acknowledged
by the rest.

Strange freemasonry is there in conviviality. The little preparations
for this picnic dinner disseminated amidst them all the fellowship of
old acquaintance, and, as they assisted and aided each other, a degree
of kindliness grew up that bound them together like a family. Each vied
with each in displaying his power of usefulness and agreeability; even
the noble Viscount, who actually did nothing what-ever, so simulated
occupation and activity that he was regarded by all as the very life and
soul of the party. And yet we are unjust in saying he did nothing; for
he it was who, by the happy charm of his manner, the ready tact of a
consummate man of the world, imparted to the meeting its great success.
Unused to the agreeable qualities of such men, O'Reilly felt all the
astonishment that great conversational gifts inspire, and sat amazed and
delighted at the stores of