ct was his principal object,) and the natural
consequences followed. Immediately on his marriage, Russell went to
the Continent, where he remained until a few weeks previous to the
time of which I speak. Of Frederick Felworth, I saw occasional mention
in the Indian newspapers; such as his distinguishing himself in
tiger-shooting expeditions, riding horse-races, and the like.
Latterly, however, I had heard nothing of him.

On my way to Ireland, I diverged a few miles from the line of railway,
for the purpose of spending a day with the Russells. I found the
"little Fanny" of former years now the staid matron, with the
apartment called the nursery not altogether untenanted. When Russell
and I were alone, we fell (as persons in such circumstances invariably
do) into conversation about old times and old friends. It is needless
to say that I made special inquiry after Frederick Felworth. I found
that he had returned from India a short time before Russell's
marriage: and that, when about to rejoin his regiment after a few
months' leave of absence, the Colonel feeling lonely after the
departure of his daughter, and finding infirmities growing upon him,
compelled him to sell out.

"You remember," said Russell, "the passion he had for horses when a
boy; well, this madness (for it can be called by no other name) has
ever since continued on the increase;--and between farming,
magisterial duties, and his horses, he finds occupation and amusement
sufficient. The Colonel is daily feeling more and more the effects of
age, so that all matters devolve on Frederick. I was writing to him
this morning, and I promised that you would pay him a visit when in
Ireland. The house is called Craigduff, about forty miles from
Dublin."

"I will very gladly do so," I replied; "but my stay will be short, as
I am under a positive promise of speedy return."

"I am happy," added Russell, "to hear you will go. I have only to add
that the country about Craigduff is tranquil;--and (you are still
single,) though there is no charmer in the house, there is one not far
off."

I did not see much of Mrs Russell during my stay, as some matters
seemed to engage a good deal of her attention. In a brief
conversation, however, which I had with her in the evening, I found
that she, like my friend Thomson, was a believer in the science of
Phrenology.

Having been always accustomed to treat the subject as a butt for the
shafts of ridicule, I fear I did not then s