“It was a very great politeness to think of bringing us the letter, and I trust your fatigues will not be injurious to you,” said Lady Eleanor, smiling faintly. “Worse than the damage to a pair of very old shoes, ma'am, I don't anticipate; I begin to suspect they've taken their last walk this evening.” While Mr. Dempsey contemplated the coverings of his feet with a very sad expression, the Knight continued to read the letter he held in his hand with an air of extreme intentness. “Eleanor, my dear,” said he, as he retired into the deep recess of a window, “come here for a moment.” “I guessed there would be something of consequence in that,” said Dempsey, with a sly glance from Helen to the two figures beside the window. “The envelope was a thin one, and I read 'War Office' in the corner of the inside cover.” Not heeding the delicacy of this announcement, but only thinking of the fact, which she at once connected with Lionel's fortunes, Helen turned an anxious and searching glance towards the window; but the Knight and Lady Eleanor had entered a small room adjoining, and were already concealed from view. “Was he ever in the militia, miss?” asked Dempsey, with a gesture of his thumb to indicate of whom he spoke. “I believe not,” said Helen, smiling at the pertinacity of his curiosity. “Well, well,” resumed Dempsey, with a sigh, “I would not wish him a hotter march than I had this day, and little notion I had of the same tramp only ten minutes before. I was reading the 'Saunders' of Tuesday last, with an account of that business done at Mayo between O'Halloran and the young officer-you know what I mean?” “No, I have not heard it; pray tell me,” said she, with an eagerness very different from her former manner. “It was a horsewhipping, miss, that a young fellow in the Guards gave O'Halloran, just as he was coming out of court; something the Counsellor said about somebody in the trial,--names never stay in my head, but I remember it was a great trial at the Westport assizes, and that O'Halloran came down special, and faith, so did the young captain too; and if the lawyer laid it on very heavily within the court, the red-coat made up for it outside. But I believe I have the paper in my pocket, and, if you like, I'll read it out for you.” “Pray do,” said Helen, whose anxiety was now intense. “Well, here goes,” said Mr. Dempsey; “but with your permission I 'll just wet my lips again. That 's elegant sherry!” Having sipped and tasted often enough to try the young lady's patience to its last limit, he unfolded the paper, and read aloud,--