“There 's a rule in this establishment, Mr. Dempsey,” said Mr. Dunlop, with all the gravity of a judge delivering a charge,--“a rule devised to protect the purity, the innocence,”--here the ladies held down their heads,--“the beauty--” “Yes, sir, and I will add, the helplessness of that sex--” “Paul 's right, by Jove!” hiccuped Jack Leonard, whose faculties, far immersed in the effects of strong whiskey-and-water, suddenly flashed out into momentary intelligence,--“I say he's right! Who says the reverse?” “Oh, Captain Leonard! oh dear, Mr. Dunlop!” screamed three or four female voices in concert, “don't let it proceed further.” A faint and an anxious group were gathered around the little gentleman, whose warlike indications grew stronger as pacific entreaties increased. “He shall explain his words,” said he, with a cautious glance to see that his observation was not overheard; then, seeing that his adversary had relapsed into oblivion, he added, “he shall withdraw them;” and finally, emboldened by success, he vociferated, “or' he shall eat them. I 'll teach him,” said the now triumphant victor, “that it is not in Mark Dunlop's presence ladies are to be insulted with impunity. Let the attempt be made by whom it will,--he may be a lieutenant on half pay or on full pay!--I tell him, I don't care a rush.” “Of course not!” “Why would you?” and so on, were uttered in ready chorus around him; and he resumed,-- “And as for this Gwynne, or Quin, who lives up at 'The Corvy' yonder, for all the airs he gives himself, and his fine ladies too, my simple belief is he 's a Government spy!” “Is that your opinion, sir?” said a deep and almost solemn voice; and at the same instant Miss Daly appeared at the open window. She leaned her arm on the sill, and calmly stared at the now terrified speaker, while she repeated the words, “Is that your opinion, sir?” Before the surprise her words had excited subsided, she stood at the door of the apartment. She was dressed in her riding-habit, for she had that moment returned from an excursion along the coast. “Mr. Dunlop,” said the lady, advancing towards him, “I never play the eavesdropper; but you spoke so loud, doubtless purposely, that nothing short of deafness could escape hearing you. You were pleased to express a belief respecting the position of a gentleman with whom I have the honor to claim some friendship.” “I always hold myself ready, madam, to render an account to any individual of whom I express an opinion,--to himself, personally, I mean.” “Of course you do, sir. It is a very laudable habit,” said she, dryly; “but in this case--don't interrupt me--in the present case it cannot apply, because the person traduced is absent. Yes, sir, I said traduced.”