mmoned to attend
the funeral of a maiden aunt in Dublin, who had left him executor and
residuary legatee, but that he knew nothing of her circumstances. He
was still a bachelor, and amused himself in giving advice and medicines
gratis to the poor people of the village in which he resided, there
being no resident practitioner within some distance. He liked the
country very much, but there was one objection to it--the _cattle_. He
had not forgotten the _mad bull_. At a very late hour we retired to our
beds: the next morning the weather had moderated, and, on the arrival of
the mail, we embarked, and had a very good passage over. On my arrival
at Dublin I directed my steps to the F--t Hotel, as the best place to
make inquiries relative to Mr De Benyon. Mr Cophagus also put up at
the same hotel, and we agreed to share a sitting-room.

"Waiter," said I, "do you know a Mr De Benyon?"

"Yes, sir," replied he; "there is one of the De Benyons at the hotel at
this moment."

"Is he a married man?"

"Yes--with a large family."

"What is his Christian name?"

"I really cannot tell, sir; but I'll find out for you by to-morrow
morning."

"When does he leave?"

"To-morrow, I believe."

"Do you know where he goes?"

"Yes, sir, to his own seat."

The waiter left the room. "Won't do, Japhet," said Cophagus. "Large
family--don't want more--hard times, and so on."

"No," replied I, "it does not exactly answer; but I may from him obtain
further intelligence."

"Won't do, Japhet--try another way--large family--want all uncle's
money--um--never tell--good night."

This remark of Mr Cophagus gave me an idea, upon which I proceeded the
next morning. I sent in my card requesting the honour of speaking to
Mr De Benyon, stating that I had come over to Ireland on business of
importance, but that, as I must be back if possible by term time, it
would perhaps save much expense and trouble. The waiter took in the
message.

"Back by term time--it must be some legal gentleman. Show him up," said
Mr De Benyon.

I walked in with a business-like air. "Mr De Benyon, I believe?"

"Yes, sir; will you do me the favour to take a chair?"

I seated myself, and drew out my memorandum book. "My object, Mr De
Benyon, in troubling you, is to ascertain a few particulars relative to
your family, which we cannot so easily find out in England. There is a
_property_ which it is supposed may be claimed by one of the De Benyons,
but whi