“And who said we were? It was his fault, though, entirely, that we were not. I am, as I have ever been, the most easy fellow in the world on that score, never give myself airs to military people, endure anything, everything, and you see the result; hard, ain’t it?” “But, Webber, Sir George must really be excused in this matter. He has a daughter, a most attractive, lovely daughter, just at that budding, unsuspecting age when the heart is most susceptible of impressions; and where, let me ask, could she run such a risk as in the chance of a casual meeting with the redoubted lady-killer, Master Frank Webber? If he has not sought you out, then here be his apology.” “A very strong case, certainly,” said Frank; “but, still, had he confided his critical position to my honor and secrecy, he might have depended on me; now, having taken the other line--” “Well, what then?” “Why, he must abide the consequences. I’ll make fierce love to Louisa; isn’t that the name?” “Lucy, so please you.” “Well, be it so,--to Lucy,--talk the little girl into a most deplorable attachment for me.” “But, how, may I ask, and when?” “I’ll begin at the ball, man.” “Why, I thought you said you were not going?” “There you mistake seriously. I merely said that I had not been invited.” “Then, of course,” said I, “Webber, you can’t think of going, in any case, on _my_ account.” “My very dear friend, I go entirely upon my own. I not only shall go, but I intend to have most particular notice and attention paid me. I shall be prime favorite with Sir George, kiss Lucy--” “Come, come, this is too strong.” “What do you bet I don’t? There, now, I’ll give you a pony apiece, I do. Do you say done?” “That you kiss Miss Dashwood, and are not kicked down-stairs for your pains; are those the terms of the wager?” inquired Power. “With all my heart. That I kiss Miss Dashwood, and am not kicked down-stairs for my pains.” “Then, I say, done.” “And with you, too, O’Malley?” “I thank you,” said I, coldly; “I am not disposed to make such a return for Sir George Dashwood’s hospitality as to make an insult to his family the subject of a bet.” “Why, man, what are you dreaming of? Miss Dashwood will not refuse my chaste salute. Come, Power, I’ll give you the other pony.” “Agreed,” said he. “At the same time, understand me distinctly, that I hold myself perfectly eligible to winning the wager by my own interference; for if you do kiss her, by Jove! I’ll perform the remainder of the compact.” “So I understand the agreement,” said Webber, arranging his curls before the looking-glass. “Well, now, who’s for Howth? The drag will be here in half an hour.” “Not I,” said Power; “I must return to the barracks.” “Nor I,” said I, “for I shall take this opportunity of leaving my card at Sir George Dashwood’s.” “I have won my fifty, however,” said Power, as we walked out in the courts. “I am not quite certain--”