ason, I shall be amply repaid for my resolve."

Against the season of his return, too, Sir Marmaduke hoped to make
such additions to the Lodge as should render it more comfortable as a
residence; various plans for which were heaped upon the library table,
and littered the chairs about the room.

Miss Travers had already given her hearty concurrence to all her
father's schemes, and seconded, most ably, every one of his views
by such arguments as she was possessed of; so that Frederic, even if
disposed to record his opposition, saw that the present was not an
opportune moment; and prudently reserved for another time, what, if
unsuccessful now, could never be recurred to with advantage.

The conversation on these topics lasted long. They discussed with
interest every detail of their plans; for so it is--the pleasures of
castle building are inexhaustible, and the very happiest realities of
life are poor and vague, compared with the resources provided by our
hopes and fancies. The slightest grounds of probability are enough to
form a foundation--but there is no limit to the superstructure we raise
above.

In the indulgence of this view, they continued to chat till a late hour,
and parted for the night in high good humour with each other--a visit to
the O'Donoghue being the plan for the succeeding day's accomplishment.

CHAPTER XXII. A MORNING VISIT.

On the afternoon of the following day, Sir Marmaduke, accompanied
by his son and daughter, bent their steps towards the castle of the
O'Donoghue. The day was a fine and bright one, with a blue sky above,
and a hard frosty surface on the earth beneath, and made walking as
pleasant as open air and exercise can render it. The carriage was
ordered to meet them on their return; less, indeed, on account of
the distance, than that the shortness of the day made the precaution
reasonable.

Chatting agreeably, on they went. The time slipped rapidly away. Now,
adverting to the bold and majestic scenery around them--now, speaking of
the people, their habits, their prejudices, and their leanings, or anon
discussing the O'Donoghue family, which, of all the puzzling themes the
land presented, was certainly not the least embarrassing to them.

"We must think of some means of evincing our gratitude to this boy,
Fred," said Sir Marmaduke, in a whisper. "You appear to have found the
matter more difficult than you anticipated."

"Very true, sir. In the early part of my visit, it was