“When I said an estate, sir, I rather alluded to a recognized condition of power and influence than to mere wealth. Not, I will add, that I am one of those who approve of this consummation; nor can I see how men of my order can ever so regard it.” “Well,” said O'Reilly, sighing, as though the confession cost something, “there 's nothing equal to a newspaper. I 'm reading 'Saunders' this eight-and-forty years, and I own to you I never found one I liked so much. For you see, my Lord, it's the same with a paper as with your house,--you ought to know where to lay your hand on what you want. Now, you might as well put me in Buckingham Palace, and tell me to find my bedroom, as give me the 'Times' and bid me discover the Viceregal Court. If they mention it at all, it 's among the accidents and offences.” “Castle festivities--Patrick's Hall--great fun!” said Twining, laughing pleasantly, for he cherished some merry recollections of these hospitalities. “Have you--But of course you were too young for presentation,” said his Lordship to Molly. “We were n't out; but, in any case, I 'm sure we 'd not have been there,” said Molly. “The pleasure of that presentation may perhaps be reserved for me, who knows?” said the Viscount, graciously. “If our people come in, it is the post they 'd offer me.” “Lord-Lieutenant!” said Molly, opening her eyes to the fullest. “Even so, _ma belle_. Shall we rehearse the ceremony of presentation? Twining, do you perform the Chamberlain. Stand aside, O'Reilly; be a gentleman at large, or an Ulster King-at-arms. Now for it!” And so saying, he drew himself proudly up to an attitude of considerable dignity, while Twining, muttering to himself, “What fun!” announced aloud, “Miss Molly O'Reilly, your Excellency;” at which, and before she was aware, his Excellency stepped one step in advance, and sainted her on either cheek with a cordiality that covered her with blushes. [Illustration: 124] “That 's not it, at all, I 'm certain,” said she, half angrily. “On my life, it's the exact ceremony, and no more,” said the Viscount. Then resuming the performance, he added, “Take care, Twining, that she is put on your list for the balls. O'Reilly, your niece is charming.” “My niece--sure she 's--” “You forget, my worthy friend, that we are enacting Viceroy, and cannot charge our memory with the ties of kindred.” Spicer now came up to say that a thunderstorm was threatening, and that the wisest course would probably be to land the luncheon and remain where they were till the hurricane should pass over. The proposition was at once approved of, and the party were soon busily occupying themselves in the cares for the entertainment; all agreeing that they felt no regret at being separated from the other boat, which had proceeded up the lake; in fact, as Mr. O'Reilly said, “they were snugger as they were, without the Roosians,”--a sentiment in various ways acknowledged by the rest.