say they
were to go to Plymouth. The husband's name is, of course, O'Sullivan;
so I'd recommend you to take a coach and see what you can do in that
quarter; in the meantime, I'll try all I can for the truth in this,
and will write again as soon as I can find out any thing more. All I
want to do is to get Father McGrath to go to the old devil of a
mother, and I'll answer for it, he'll frighten her into swearing
anything. God bless you, Peter and give my love to all the family.

"Yours ever,

"TERENCE O'BRIEN."

This letter of O'Brien was the subject of much meditation. The advice
to go to Plymouth was too late, the troops having sailed some time; and
I had no doubt but that Mary Sullivan and her husband were among those
who had embarked at the time that I was at the port to pass my
examination. Show the letter to my father I would not, as it would only
have put him in a fever, and his interference would, in all probability,
have done more harm than good. I therefore waited quietly for more
intelligence, and resolved to apply to my grandfather to obtain my
promotion.

A few days afterwards I set off for Eagle Park, and arrived about eleven
o'clock in the morning. I sent in my name and was admitted into the
library, where I found Lord Privilege in his easy chair as usual.

"Well, child," said he, remaining on his chair, and not offering even
one finger to me, "what do you want, that you come here without an
invitation?"

"Only, my lord, to inquire after your health, and to thank you for your
kindness to me in procuring me and Mr O'Brien the appointment to a fine
frigate."

"Yes," replied his lordship, "I recollect--I think I did so, at your
request, and I think I heard some one say that you have behaved well,
and had been mentioned in the despatches."

"Yes, my lord," replied I, "and I have since passed my examination for
lieutenant."

"Well, child, I'm glad to hear it. Remember me to your father and
family." And his lordship cast his eyes down upon his book which he had
been reading.

My father's observations appeared to be well grounded, but I would not
leave the room until I had made some further attempt.

"Has your lordship heard from my uncle?"

"Yes," replied he, "I had a letter from him yesterday. The child is
quite well. I expect them all here in a fortnight or three weeks, to
live with me altogether. I am old--getting very old, and I shall have
much to arrange with yo