Mrs. Kennyfeck, in an accent that there was no mistaking, although only
a whisper.

"We considered that you had abdicated, Mr. Cashel," said Mrs. White,
who, having in vain waited for Roland to approach the window she
occupied, was fain at last to join the others, "and we were debating on
what form of Government to adopt,--a Presidency, with Mr. Linton--"

"I see you are no legitimist," slyly remarked Miss Kenny-feck. But the
other went on,--

"Or an open Democracy."

"I 'm for that," said a jolly-looking cavalry captain. "Pray, Miss
Olivia Kennyfeck, vote for it too. I should like nothing so much as a
little fraternizing."

"I have a better suggestion than either," said Roland, gayly; "but you
must admit me ere I make it."

"A device of the enemy," called out Mrs. White; "he wants to secure his
own return to power."

"Nay, on honor," said he, solemnly; "I shall descend to the rank of the
humblest citizen, if my advice be acceded to,--to the humblest subject
of the realm."

"Ye maunna open the window. Leddy Janet has the rheumatics a' dandering
aboot her back a' the morning," said Sir Andrew, approaching the group;
and then, turning to Cashel, said, "Glad to see ye, sir; very glad
indeed; though, like Prince Charlie, you're on the wrang side o' the
wa'."

"Dear me!" sighed Meek, lifting his eyes from the newspaper, and
assuming that softly compassionate tone in which he always delivered the
most commonplace sentiments, "how shocking, to keep you out of your
own house, and the air quite damp! Do pray be careful, and change your
clothes before you come in here." Then he finished in a whisper to Lady
Janet, "One never gets through a country visit without a cold."

"Upon my word, I'll let him in," said Aunt Fanny, with a native richness
of accent that made her fair nieces blush.

"At last!" said Cashel, as he entered the room, and proceeded to
salute the company, with many of whom he had but the very slightest
acquaintance,--of some he did not even remember the names.

The genial warmth of his character soon compelled him to feel heartily
what he had begun by feigning, and he bade them welcome with a
cordiality that spread its kindly influence over all.

"I see," said he, after some minutes, "Lady Kilgoff has not joined us;
but her fatigue has been very great."

"They say my Lord 's clean daft," said Sir Andrew.

"Oh, no, Sir Andrew," rejoined Roland; "our misfortune has shaken his
nerves a good deal,