ing, pouring, swooping
wet days which Ireland is accustomed to, for nearly one half of every
year. All out-of-door occupation was impossible; the most fidgety could
only get as far as the stables, to smoke a cigar and "chaff" horse-talk
with the grooms; while the more resigned wandered from room to room, and
place to place, in that restlessness that defies common philosophy to
subdue.

A wet day in a country house is always a severe trial. Sociability will
not be coerced, and the greater the necessity for mutual assistance,
the less is the disposition to render it; besides, they who habitually
contribute least to the enjoyment of their fellows have always great
resources of annoyance at such periods,--as the most insignificant
instrument in the orchestra can at any moment destroy the harmony of the
band.

Scarcely was breakfast over in Tubbermore than the guests were scattered
in various directions, it was difficult to say where. Now and then,
some one would peep into the drawing-room or the library, and, as if not
seeing "the right man," shut the door noiselessly, and depart. Of the
younger men, many were sleeping off the debauch of the previous evening.
Downie Meek, who had a theory upon the subject, always kept his bed
while it rained. Sir Andrew had, unfortunately, mistaken a lotion
containing laudanum for some concoction of bitters, and was obliged
to be kept eternally walking up and down stairs, along corridors and
passages, lest he should drop asleep; his man, Flint, accompanying him
with "the wakeful announcement" of "Hae a care, Sir Andrew; here 's
my leddy,"--an antidote to the narcotic worth all the Pharmacopoeia
contained.

Lady Janet was meanwhile deep in the formation of a stomachic, which,
judging from the maid's face as she tasted it, must needs have been of
the pungent order. Mrs. White was letter-writing. Howie was sketching
heads of the company, under the title of "Beauties of Ireland," for a
weekly newspaper. Frobisher was instructing Miss Meek in the science of
making knee-caps for one of his horses; and so with the remainder, a few
only were to be seen below stairs; of these the "Chief" was fast asleep
with the "Quarterly" on his knee, and a stray subaltern or two sat
conning over the "Army List," and gazing in stupid wonder at their
own names in print! And now we come to the Kennyfecks, at whose door
a servant stands knocking for the second or third time. "Come in" is
heard, and he enters.