I had never seen my uncle since I was a child, and could not even recollect him--my cousins, or my aunt, I had never met with. In a minute, an answer was brought, requesting that I would walk into the library. When I was ushered in, I found myself in the presence of Lord Privilege, who sat in his usual place, and a tall gentleman, whom I knew at once to be my uncle, from his likeness to my father. "Here is the young gentleman, my lord," said my uncle, looking at me sternly. "Heh! what--oh! I recollect. Well, child, so you've been behaving very ill--sorry to hear it. Good-bye." "Behaving ill, my lord!" replied I. "I am not aware of having so done." "Reports are certainly very much against you, nephew," observed my uncle dryly. "Some one has told your grandfather what has much displeased him. I know nothing about it myself." "Then some rascal has slandered me, sir," replied I. My uncle started at the word rascal; and then recovering himself, replied, "Well, nephew what is it that you require of Lord Privilege, for I presume this visit is not without a cause?" "Sir," replied I, "my visit to Lord Privilege was, first to thank him for having procured me my commission as lieutenant, and to request the favour that he would obtain me active employment, which a line from him will effect immediately." "I was not aware, nephew, that you had been made lieutenant; but I agree with you, that the more you are at sea the better. His lordship shall sign the letter. Sit down." "Shall I write it, sir?" said I to my uncle: "I know what to say." "Yes; and bring it to me when it is written." I felt convinced that the only reason which induced my uncle to obtain me employment, was the idea that I should be better out of the way, and that there was more risk at sea than on shore. I took a sheet of paper and wrote as follows:-- "MY LORD,--May I request that your lordship will be pleased to appoint the bearer of this to a ship, as soon as convenient, as I wish him to be actively employed. "I am, my lord, etcetera, etc." "Why not mention your name?" "It is of no consequence," replied I, "as it will be delivered in person, and that will insure my speedy appointment." The letter was placed before his lordship for signature. It was with some difficulty that he was made to understand that he was to sign it. The old gentleman appeared much more imbecile than when I last saw him. I thanked him, folded up the letter, and put it in my pocket. At last, he looked at me, and a sudden flash of recollection appeared to come across his mind. "Well, child--so you escaped from the French prison--heh! and how's your friend--what is his name, heh?" "O'Brien, my lord." "O'Brien!" cried my uncle, "he is _your_ friend; then, sir, I presume it is you am indebted for all the inquiries and reports which are so industriously circulated in Ireland--the tampering with my servants--and other impertinences?"