t quite certain what were Sir Marmaduke's words on the occasion,
and how far he should feel called upon to demand a retractation, and Sir
Archibald, fretful and annoyed at the impression Mark's conduct would
convey of the habits and temper of the house, felt his task a severe
one, to assume an air of serenity and quietude.

Frederic Travers alone seemed happy and delighted. The sudden expression
of Kate O'Donoghue's opinion, so utterly unlike anything he had ever
heard before from a young lady's lips, took him as much by surprise as
the spirit pleased him; and he would willingly have engaged to horsewhip
a dozen process-servers, for another glance of her flashing eyes, as she
delivered the words; while Sybella could not help a sentiment bordering
on fear, for one who, young as herself, gifted with every womanly
attitude of grace and loveliness, had yet evinced a degree of
impetuosity and passion she could not reconcile with such attractions.
As for Kate, the sentiment had evoked no stir within her bosom. It was
a wish, as naturally expressed as it was felt; and all the surprise the
others experienced at her words would have been nothing to her own, to
have known of their astonishment.

The visit soon came to a termination, and Sir Marmaduke, having
succeeded in a great degree, in restoring the favourable impression
he had at first obtained, took his leave of the O'Donoghue, and then,
addressing Sir Archy, said--

"You, sir, I rejoice to learn, are not an invalid. May I expect the
happiness of seeing you sometimes?"

Sir Archy bowed deeply, and, with a motion of his hand towards Miss
Travers, replied--

"I have already made an engagement here, sir."

"Yes," said Sybella, to whom this speech seemed half addressed, "Sir
Archibald has been kind enough to offer me his guidance up the glen,
where there are several points of view finer than any I have seen."

Emboldened by the success of these advances, Sir Marmaduke, with a
courtesy he was perfect master of, requested the party would not
delay their kind intentions, but favour him with their company on the
following day.

It is doubtful whether Sir Archy might not have declined a more formal
invitation; but there seemed something so frank in the abruptness of the
present, that he acceded at once; and Kate having also pledged herself
to accompany him, their greetings were interchanged, and they parted.

CHAPTER XXIII. SOME OPPOSITE TRAITS OF CHARACTER

It may