"McShane, she is a jewel, not because she has given me money, but because her heart's in the right place, and always will be. But I really do not like taking you away with me." "Perhaps you don't think I'd be of any use?" "Yes; I do not doubt but that you will be, although at present I do not know how." "But I do, for I've thought upon it, and I shall take it very unkind if you don't let me go with you. I want a little divarsion; for you see, O'Donahue, one must settle down to domestic happiness by degrees." "Be it so, then; all I fear is, I shall occasion pain to your excellent wife." "She has plenty to do, and that drives care away; besides, only consider the pleasure you'll occasion to her when I come back." "I forgot that. Now, if you please, I'll call and pay my respects, and also return my grateful thanks." "Then, come along." Captain O'Donahue found Mrs McShane very busily employed supplying her customers. She was, as McShane had said, a very good-looking woman, although somewhat corpulent: and there was an amiability, frankness, and kindness of disposition so expressed in her countenance, that it was impossible not to feel interested with her. They dined together. O'Donahue completely established himself in her good graces, and it was agreed that on that day week the gentlemen should embark for Hamburg, and proceed on to Petersburg, Joey to go with them as their little valet. CHAPTER TWELVE. AN EXPEDITION, AS OF YORE, ACROSS THE WATERS FOR A WIFE. The first step taken by O'Donahue was to obtain a passport for himself and suit; and here there was a controversy, McShane having made up his mind that he would sink the officer, and travel as O'Donahue's servant, in which capacity he declared that he would not only be more useful, but also swell his friend's dignity. After a long combat on the part of O'Donahue, this was consented to, and the passport was filled up accordingly. "But, by Saint Patrick! I ought to get some letters of introduction," said O'Donahue; "and how is that to be managed--at all events to the English ambassador? Let me see--I'll go to the Horse Guards."