“I wish to Heaven you 'd write it, then,” said Jack, placing a pen in her fingers. “Something in this fashion,” said she, while her hands traced the lines rapidly on the paper:-- “'Finding that a new era is about to dawn in the political state of Ireland, when the consequences of late legislation will engender new conditions and relations, I present myself before you to solicit the honor of your suffrages, a perfect stranger to your town, but no stranger to the wants and necessities of that nationality which now, for the first time for centuries, is about to receive its due development.' “Or this, if you prefer it,” said she, writing away rapidly as before:-- “'The presumption of aspiring to your representation will, perhaps, be compensated when I come before you deeply impressed with the wrongs which centuries of legislation have enacted, and which, stranger as I am in Ireland, have arrested my attention and engaged my sympathies, impelling me to enter upon a public career; and, if favored by your approval, to devote whatever energy and capacity I may possess to your great and good cause.'” “I like the first best,” said Jack. “The new era and the results of the Relief Bill will be such appetizing suggestions. There must be an allusion to the Martins and their support.” “Rather, however, as though _you_ had brought over Martin to _your_ views, than that _he_ had selected you to represent his. In this wise:” and again she wrote,-- “'It is with a just pride that I announce to you that in these professions I am strengthened by the cordial approval and support of one who, in his rank and station, and natural influence, is second to none in this great county; and who, whatever misconceptions have hitherto prevailed as to his views, is, heart and soul, a true patriot and an Irishman!' “It will puzzle him sorely to guess what line he should adopt to realize all this, and he'll have to come to _you_ for his politics!” “You have caught up the cant of this peculiar literature perfectly,” said Massingbred, as he pored over the papers she had just penned. “Dear me!” cried she, in a weary tone, “my great difficulty will be to discard its evil influence, and even write a common note like a reasonable being again.” “But come, confess frankly: you think that a political career is the only one worth embracing, and that any other life offers no reward worthy the name?” “I think you mistake me,” said she. “It is the social position consequent upon success in a political life that I value,--the eminence it confers in the very highest and greatest circles. If I regarded the matter otherwise, I'd not be indifferent as to the line to follow--I 'd have great convictions, and hold them,--I mean, if I were _you_.” “Then of course you consider me as one who has none such?”