charming
style, on a promised knighthood, of which the Viceroy of Ireland had
whispered something to _Mr. Punch_.

"No man ever earned his spurs better than the man who has been spurring
railways into increased activity for so many years," said _Mr. Punch_,
with a beautiful bow.

"I have not called you from the House at an unfortunate time, I trust,
Sir," said the other. "Not that you can ever be spared, but--"

"WILLIAM GLADSTONE is quite up to his work," replied the great patriot.
"He has but a couple of dozen of the Brigade in hand at present, and he
is tossing up one after the other, cup-and-ball fashion, cupping or
spiking him to taste, with the precision of a RAMO SAMEE. I can leave
WILLIAM. Let us go."

"You will take care that no other passenger is put into _Mr. Punch's
coupe_, guard," said the gentleman, as the Euston whistle sounded.

"No masculine passenger, please tell him, Mr. RONEY," said _Mr. Punch_,
facetiously. "Good night."

"This Irish journey is capitally done, certainly," said _Mr. Punch_, as,
thirteen hours later, he found himself over his coffee and prawns in
Sackville Street, on a radiant morning, and all the bright eyes of
Dublin sparkling round the door of his hotel, eagerly glancing towards
his balcony. _Mr. Punch_ rushed forth, _serviette_ in hand. His large
heart beat high at the sight of so much loveliness, and at the sound of
those angel-voices, rising into musical cheering.

"Bless you, my darlings!" _Mr. Punch_ could say no more, but finished
his prawns, and, throwing his manly form upon a jaunting car, he dashed
over the bridge, and to Merrion Square.

"An' it's for luck I'll be takin' your honour's sixpence, and not for
the dirthy money," said the excited driver, as he rattled round the
corner, and into the Square, and the gigantic cylinders of the
EXHIBITION burst upon _Mr. Punch's_ gaze.

"My Irish friend," said _Mr. Punch_, gravely, but not severely, "do not
talk nonsense. Your carriage is clean, your horse is rapid, you are
civil, and your fare is certain. In London, we have as yet neither clean
carriages, rapid horses, civil drivers, nor certain fares. We may learn
those lessons of you. Learn two from us. Do not believe in luck, but
practice perseverance; and do not call that money dirty which is the
well-earned pay of honest service. To sweeten the advice, there is a
shilling." And _Mr. Punch_ entered the Exhibition building, and was
drawing out his purse at the turns