“Yes, my Lord, I can say as much with confidence.” “It is necessary, sir, that I should be satisfied on this-head. The very essence of the struggle between the Crown and myself is in the fact that _my_ responsibility is pledged, _my_ reputation is in bond for the integrity and the efficiency of this officer, and I will not leave to some future biographer of the Irish Chief Barons of the Exchequer the task of apology for one who was certainly not the least eminent of the line.” “Your Lordship's high character shall not suffer through me,” said Sewell, bowing respectfully. “The matter, then, is so far settled; perhaps, however, you would like to consult your wife? She might be averse to your leaving the army.” “No, my Lord. She wishes--she has long wished it. We are both domestic in our tastes, and we have always-been looking to the time when we could live more for each other, and devote ourselves to the education of our children.”' “Commendable and praiseworthy,” said the Judge, with a half grunt, as though he had heard something of this-same domesticity and home-happiness, but that his own experiences scarcely corroborated the report. “There are-certain steps you will have to take before leaving the service; it may, then, be better to defer your public nomination to this post till they be taken?” This, which was said in question, Sewell answered at once, saying, “There need be no delay on this score, my Lord; by this day week I shall be free.” “On this day week, then, you shall be duly sworn in. Now, there is another point--I throw it out simply as a suggestion--you will not receive it as more if you are indisposed to it. It may be some time before you can find a suitable house or be fully satisfied where to settle down. There is ample room here; one entire wing is unoccupied. May I beg to place it at your disposal?” “Oh, my Lord, this is really too much kindness. You overwhelm me with obligations. I have never heard of such generosity.” “Sir, it is not all generosity,--I reckon much on the value of your society. Your companionable qualities are gifts I would secure by a 'retainer.'” “In your society, my Lord, the benefits would be all on my side.” “There was a time, sir,--I may say it without boastful-ness,--men thought me an agreeable companion. The three Chiefs, as we were called from our separate Courts, were reputed to be able talkers. I am the sole survivor; and it would be a gain to those who care to look back on the really great days of Ireland, if some record should remain of a time when there were giants in the land. I have myself some very curious materials--masses of letters and such-like--which we may turn over some winter's evening together.” Sewell professed his delight at such a prospect; and the Judge then, suddenly bethinking himself of the hour,--it was already nigh eleven,--arose. “Can I set you down anywhere? Are you for town?” asked he. “Yes, my Lord; I was about to pay my mother a visit.”