Parson Kelly

ight,

ns, Green

ghts r

ion, Septe

ed Octo

rsity

And Son, Cam

T

ANNEGUY

f a House illustriou

lendid: in Exile

t: of Loyal

edic

ounded on the dee

ier Nichol

E.

.

EF

y Oxford are unhistorical. Swift mentions a rumour

NT

ap

Irreproachable Sentiment

owledge an Undesirable Acquai

ts the Ignorant Parson

xtreme Danger o

a Critic, not for the first time

minds the Parson of a Nig

y Montagu has a word

s an Adventure at

rous Mr. Kelly behaves

. Kelly's Winnings

m Smilinda and learns a nu

pe for the Third Time, and

e and the Rose-G

usion produced by a Ba

Deanery of

s Lightning Conductor

xford's 'Cou

discourses on the innoc

e and Coun

thes by Moonlight

Mr. Kelly surp

strates the Pastoral Simplic

red the wrong Gentleman; and of

Oxford's Livery, but does

ure of Lady Oxford

es his Friend, with th

ping Parole, Mr. K

ngland, meets the elect Lady, and

ON K

PTE

RREPROACHABLE SENTIMEN

rrels rise from

etired colonel of Dillon's Irish Brigade in French Service) is about to tell. The beginnings of our whole mischancy business were trivial in themselves, and in all appearance unrelated to the future. They

n plotting for King James's cause, rode into Paris from St. Omer at ten o'clock of the forenoon,

ironmonger's shop, and ran in after him. Kelly was standing by the counter with a lady on either side of him, as was the

l of his friend's back, whom he had not seen for a twelvemonth and more. Kelly stumbled a trifle, maybe,

ith one indignant eye upon Nicholas Wogan, a

purse and restoring it with his most

er hear of the bear that smashed his master's skull in the endeavour to st

e shopman was setting out a number of smal

ick, 'for the mere sight of you brings the smell of

ys they had raced bare-legged over the heather, and spent many an afternoon in fighting over again that siege of Rathcoffey Castle which an earlier Nicholas Wogan had held so stoutly for King Charles. The recollection of those days

' said he and stretched out his h

han a nigh

he same

h his boxes in something of a hurry, as though he woul

business, eh?' he asked

uickly, and he glanced about the

heme get ripe for completion, and sure they imagined it completed already, and at once there would be letters left about here, for all the world to read, and a wink and a sly word there, so that it was little short of a miracle when a plot was launched before it had been discovered by those it was launched against. Not that you are to a

meaning that he collected money for the C

e contraried by his friend's reserve. 'Then I'll ask you to ex

ly readily enough; and then, as if to put Woga

ance; 'I am going to visit my Aunt Anne at Cad

the Duke of Ormond, being then in Spain, figured in the correspondence as my Aunt

ly prospect of broken heads at all events, and to th

nd he shrugged his shoulder as though he had a far greater business on hand. Kelly's curiosity rose to the bait, and he put a question or two which Wogan waived aside. The Pars

despatch-boxes. He would buy one, to convince Kelly that he, too, was trusted with secret papers. T

and by chance discovered a piece of string. This string he drew out and carefully measured the despatch-box, depth and width and length. Then he put the tip of his thumb between his teeth and bit it in deep thought. 'Well, and it must serve, since there's n

led a name and an address on a sheet of paper, a

nd all, by nine o'clo

the box merely to gull Kelly into the belief that he, also, was a Royal messenger. Then he paid for the box, a

was empty, 'and it appears you have too. Shall we mee

open house for those who favoured the White Rose, was but a rare visitor to the Mazarin Pa

the snow. A little crowd shivered and gaped beneath them, making, poor devils! a vicarious supper off the noise of Mr. Law's entertainment. And it was a noisy party that Mr. Law entertained. Before he was half-way down the street Wogan c

ammon in a corner with Mr. Law. Madame de Mezières, who was seldom absent when politics were towards, graced the table and conversed with Lady Cecilia Law. And right in front of Mr. Wogan stood that madcap her sister, Fanny Oglethorpe, with her sleeves tucked back to her elbows, looking gloriously jolly and handsome. She was engaged in mincing chickens in a china bowl which was stew

o it. 'M. de Bellegarde, you must know Mr. Wogan. He has the broadest back of any man that ever I was ac

o Wogan with an affectation of ceremony. Mr. Law came forward with an affable word. Oli

ound! It's no longer a soldier of fortune that you see before you, but a diplomatist, an ambassador: His Excellency, the Chevalier Wogan;' and with that he ducked and bowed, shaking his head and gesticulating with his hands

nd?' said she, lo

es?' said Miss Olive Trant, u

'It's at Bristol you are to land?' 'The Earl Marischal is for Scotland?' 'You carry 5,000 barrels, Mr. Wogan?' meaning thereby stands of arms. And, 'You may speak with all confidence,' Miss Oglethorpe

ogan

e of the prospects of the expedition from your questions than ever I knew before. I was told for

their resentment; and Mr. Wogan, for the first and last time in his life, wore the reput

, 'you have grumblings enough in England to fill a folio, and so you think the whole country will hurry to the waterside to welcome you, bef

of such forebodings; and Olive Trant, ca

k flourish!

he White Rose bloom!' she answered, giving th

he Parson. 'Drink, Nick! God save

ke, and tossed it over his shoulder. There was a tinkling sound, and a flash of sparks, as it were, when the glass splintered against the wall. George Kelly stood for a moment, arrested in his attitude, his

days that's

June's to m

hite Roses

e Jamie t

may ha

eat James

le Princ

and hands in

come him

was ever a sort of mortal duello between his voice and the tune--very distressing to an audience. But now he sang his song from beginning to end, and no one interrupted him, or so much as clapped a hand over an ear; and this not out of politeness. But his words so rang with a startlin

n the Cause and me, except it

rapping on the door. Kelly looked towards it with a start, as though there was his answer; but the knocking was repeated before anyone moved; it seemed as if suspense had

but this instant br

seal, and unfo

you pardon me? Mr. Law, I have your permission? I have but this one night in

ot him from the room. Fanny Ogle

the bowl, and with such indiscriminate vigour that more than once their fingers got entangled. This Mr. Wogan

s of butter, and a flagon of water; and I shall be greatly obliged if Mr. Wogan will procure me them.' And what with

chair, very full of his intelligence. A glass or two of Mr. Law's burgundy serv

need the advantage of your advice and knowledge. General Dillon believes th

Oxford had lain quiet since he nearly lost his head five y

that he will, if pr

top of the table

efinite step for so prudent

ied George. 'There's the reason for it. He has a hope of p

nd that's not an inch from the end of my nose. He will swear through a two-i

d then she came to a stop, and flushed a little. 'Lord Oxford,' she continued, 'was my good friend when I was in England.' Then she stopped again. Finally she looke

t,' said M. de Bellegarde, and gravely l

may know,' she went on, 'that I speak with some authority concerning my Lord

n, with a shrug of his shoulders. 'If a lady

ogan?' Madame de Meziè

r. Wogan had the whole nest swarming about his ears, with the exception of Fanny Oglethorpe. It was int

not comprise the whole virtues of mankind. And if it came to the test of dealing blows, why there was Joan of Arc, an

gular after all, since I see four here who I believe

apparent for all that he bowed and laid his hand on his heart, and per

eness, 'Mr. Wogan should know that the cause he serve

ead and had the discretion to hold his tongue. Meanwhile Fanny Ogletho

Whig, of a Whig family. She is even related to Mr. Walpole, the Minister. I think

hevalier de St. George would do better to follo

is that?'

he can lay hands on and place

iend's speculation, and, when they left the hous

ve you place

Law lent me a trifle in addition to make up a round sum. It is a very kindly man, and well

yours? Oh, I know. He is a monstrous clever man, not a doubt of it. The computation

have befallen Kelly than that Wogan's forebodings should have come true. But the venture succeeded. Fanny Oglethorpe made a fortune and married M. de Bellegarde. Olive Trant, the richer by 100,000 pistoles, became Princess of Auvergne. Do they ever remember that night at the Hotel

PTE

LEDGE AN UNDESIRABLE ACQUAI

of Scotland. Consequently, he figured with better men, as Field-Marshal Keith, and his brother the Ambassador, and my Lord George Murray, in that little skirmish at Glenshiel, and very thankful he was when the night shut black upon the valleys and put its limit to the attack of General Wightman's soldiers from Inverness. A council of war was held in the dark upon a hill-side, whence the fires of General

for the Western Islands and wait

od up and shook the dew off his cloak. 'I have friends i

You will never reach London except it be w

homas Wogan, that rode with twenty-eight Cavaliers through the heart of Cromwell's England, and came safe into the Highland

Ardnamurchan, to a hamlet they call Oban. There he changed his dress for the Campbell black and green, and, joining company with a drove of Rob Roy's cattle from the Lennox, travelled to Glasgow. His Irish brogue no doubt sounded a trifle strange in a Hi

n he stopped for an hour at a wayside inn that here, too, perhaps Thomas Wogan had reined in his horse, and maybe had taken a draught from that very pint-pot which Nicholas now held to his lips. Thus the late burst up the hill-side above the Shiel was quickly robbed of its sting, and by the time that he had reached London he was so come to a pitch of confidence in the high destinies o

face the Captain. Would the Captain know him again? Wogan debated the question, and finding no answer, asked himself another. What would Thomas Wogan have done under the like contingency? The answer to that was evident enough. Wogan turned about on the instant, cocked his hat on the back of his head, took his chin out of his cravat, twirled his cane, whistled a tune and sauntered past the Captain, looking him over as if he were so much dirt. The Captain stopped: Wogan felt his heart jump into his throat, whistled a bit louder, and twirled his cane a trifle ferociously. Over his shoulder he saw the Captain draw his brows together and rub a check with the palm of his hand like a man perplexed. The Captain took a step towards Wogan, and stopped again. Wogan sauntered on, expecting every moment to hear his name called, and a clattering run, and then to feel a heavy hand close upon his shoulder. But

ys Wogan. 'Say that he is, Mr

Mr. Wogan!'

ough the doorway. 'It's Mr. Hilton. There's no Wogan

lammed the do

ble again,' said she,

y's sitting-room. He saw the figure of a man bending over the table. As the door was thrown open, the figure straightened itself hurriedly. There was a sound of

nd's hand. The next moment he let it g

dropping into a chair. ''

eorge, 'if there's a Bedlam beyond

with his hat a step towards the door. Kelly, on the other hand, shut the door, locked it, put the key in his pocket and leaned his

er to Scotland through the thick of his bloodthirsty foes to carry the succour of his presence to the friends of his blessed Majesty of sacred memory King Charles the Second, it was not, I'd have you know, Mr. Kelly, in order that his na

gown because he preached a very fine homily on the text of 'Render unto C?sar the things that are C?sar's,' wherein he mingled many timely and ingenious allusions to the C

, 'and if you please wha

Wogan, he began o

he said wi

in a high disdain, falling upon long words, as was his fashio

ture of Christian meekness,' and then, breaking into a laugh, 'Will you sit down, you noisy firebr

en he laughed his blue eyes would lighten at you like the sun from a bank of clouds, and the whole face of him wrinkled and creased into smiles, and his mouth shook a great rumbling laugh out

one of the remnant at Glenshiel. Oh, the rumour of your whereabouts has marched before you, and t

uo non aliud v

ke a sapling before the wind. H

village and send me news of you? Did you meet any of your acquaintance by chance when you came visiting your friend Mr. Kelly? Perhaps you passed the time of day with Mr. Walpole--' and as he s

e cried. 'Tell me that, if you pl

at I will be troubling for my

It is dribbling baby's talk,' and then he repeated a question earnestly. '

ows me or not, but to be sure I ran into the arms of Captain Mo

claimed Kelly.

ght against you

e s

so much pains to save h

out and dragging him in! But it is ever the way. Once do a thoroughly good-natured action and you will find it's the thorn in your side that will turn and sting you. But I am not sure

ttle heed to the features of his preserver. Moreover, you have changed, Nick, in these years. You were a stripling then,

nally brought his fist with a bang upon the table. 'I'll hazard it,' said he. 'I am not su

f his. Well, I go down to Lord Oxford's in two days. It is a remote village in the north of Herefordshire. You shall

lie snug here for the two days. Mrs. Barnes is to be trusted, devil a doubt. You can travel down with me in safety. I am plain Mr. Johnson here, engaged in smuggl

and Kelly, looking

h my Lord of Rochester half-an-hour since. The

p his cane, and marched to the door. H

. 'Twas sent to my lodging in Paris by mistake. I brough

u expected me, for all yo

said Kelly, with a laugh, 'I have b

brought out the strong-box whi

aid Wogan. 'I sent it to you a

wasted your money, for

has a very good lock, and will s

the months that followed Wogan saw it there, and the sight of it would waken him to a laugh, for he did

PTE

THE IGNORANT PARSON

translation of Tully's Letters. He did, indeed, read a complete page, and then being seized with a sudden vertigo, such as from his extreme youth had prevented him from a course of study, was forced to discontinue his labours. At this juncture Mrs. Barnes comforted him with a greasy pack of cards, and for the rest of that day he played games of chance for extraordinary stakes, one hand against t'other,

o build the town of Florence. 'Ugus,' wrote Mr. Wogan in big round painful letters with a flourish to each, and, coming to a stop, woke up George Kelly to ask him in what year of Our Lord Octavius C?sar was born into this weary world. 'In no year of Our Lord,' grumbled George, a little churlishly to Wogan's thinking, who went back to his desk, and taking up a new pen again wrote 'Ugus.' Thereupon he fell into a great profundity of thought; so many philosophic reflections crowded into his head while he nibbled his pen,

us deeds are the consequence of swords,' here he paused to snuff the candle with his fingers, 'so great philosophic thoughts are the consequence of pens. Put a sword in a man's hand! What does he wan

ame, why don't you d

u, I shall always, always communicate my thoughts first of all to you.' H

lorence to the glory of God in the reign of the Emperor Octavius. How many of the English have loitered in the colonnades, and feasted their eyes upon the cathedral, and sauntered on the bridges of the Arno? How many of them, I say, have drawn profitable thoughts and pleasurable

ght him to a pause. He leaned forward and held the candle so

my little friend's jealous of my reflective powers,' and going back to his chair wrote 'Ugus' a third time wi

mber. She took the paper, whereon the great name was thrice inscribed, very daintily between her forefinger and thumb, as though she touched pitch; folded it once, twice, thrice, and set it on th

' said Wogan,

y twelve of them in all--but is writ with scrupulous correctness. Such flourishes, too, are seldom seen. I cannot cal

my work,' explained Woga

d the Parson in a v

of the name Ugus gives an e

a history in full,

ompri

it con

be known of the

. Wogan was sensibly flattered, and took his friend's words as an apology for that disrespect which he had sho

it of grey cloth for you, Nick, since you cannot squeeze into my coats, and

to their secrets. Nor did she always hold her tongue outside her own doors, as Mr. Kelly had bitter reason afterwards to know. In a word, she had all the inquisitiveness of her class, and sufficient wiles to make that inquisitiveness difficult to parry. Not that Nicholas Wogan was at all troubled upon this score, f

r with the thrice iterated Ugus which the Parson had replaced upon the mantelshelf, and, with

that?' as

flung out at

hat,' and she struck her arms akimbo. 'What's Ugus but one of your cypher word

d at all,' replied

it then?'

the merest mare'

s fears; but, good lack, it was a bad day when Mr. Kelly first found a lodging here. What with his plotti

re are no plots at all, any more

loquence was not

why is Mr. Wogan "Mr. Hilton"; and why, oh why, am I in dan

ceased to minister to souls he has adopted the more lucrative profession of a lace merchant. There's some secrec

the poor gentleman travels in, and never was a man so eager to fit them to his own neck.' And, at the affecting prospect which her words called up, the good woman lifted her apron to her eyes and forthwith dissolved into tears. Sobs tore her ample bosom, her soft frame quivered like a jelly. Never did Mr. Wogan find his intimate knowledge of the sex of more inestimable value. He crossed the room; he took one plum

pair of Venice ruffles to hide his gouty fingers, or a new mantilla for

, or to smile at their prospects of security, and compromised between her emotions by indulging them alternately; and finally the two friends in burgess dress entered the chaise and drove off. Mr. W

under an oil-lamp above the porch of a door he saw Captain Montague. The Captain was standing in a

'I have ever heard he was th

gging is a nasty insupportable trade, and infects a man like a poison. A Whig is

it was at this very spot that he had come upon the captain before, and mighty glad he was when the lights of Knightsbridge

endril and says, "Smell that, you devil, and good luck to you." Or, maybe it's the stars that wink at me and say, "Here's a world for you, Nick, my little friend. Only wait a moment, and we'll show you a bit of a moon that'll make a poet of you." Then up comes the moon, perhaps, in a crescent

he remained closeted with his trouble, and it was not until they had got to Worcester that he discov

o twelve,' said Wogan

h, 'the face is very plain t

e, 'it might be half-past four and we st

here you are

e, Nick, is a half-hearted sort of trembler--that

d comfortably. Here was matter wi

t of her?'

e's. How shall we be sure of her at all? A woman, Nick, is a creature w

k a pinch

d of just as small account as the road a girl dances down when she goes to meet her lover. Look at Fanny Oglethorpe, Olive Trant, and the rest of them in Paris! D'you think it's the Cause they ever give a thought to? If you do you're sadly out, my friend. No; what troubles their heads is simply that the Chevalier is a

startled face tow

me pay court t

eady for my lady. Pen her a delicate ode in Latin. To be sure the addresses of an erudite man

d Kelly, beginning to

. 'Isn't there an infinity of images you could us

nce!' said Kelly

ed Wogan, 'you can spe

it is a very proper thing for a wom

e staircase pretty quick! No. Tell her there is never a poet laureate in the world w

,' and he repeated it three times to commit it to memory. 'But on

Wogan. 'You can spea

s appe

a simil

one,' s

is like a rosy shel

egan to lau

ht as well tell her at

rds so nicely. She will just perc

or a very impe

mark Wogan did his friend no more than the merest justice. For he had nothing in common wi

was in a different case. The Bishop of Rochester himself gave him the character of being prudent and reserved beyond his years. And perhaps it was

greet them. She was for her sex uncommonly tall, and altogether of a conquering beauty, which a simple country dress did but the more plainly set forth. For, seeing her, one thought what a royal woman she would look if royally attired, and so cam

hnson? 'said she, with a s

ping forward, 'and your L

elly clicked his heels together, bent ov

ittle sigh (of pleasure)

id Kelly, 'to bring my secretary, Mr. Hilton,

e bowed very graciously, but she did not give her hand to Mr. Wogan. 'Gentlemen,' she continued, 'm

Kelley, 'if we come at

ubled with the gout, but the fit is passing. And if for

ng, here was as timely an occasion for a compliment as a man could wish. And since Mr.

ith his hand on his heart, and bowed. As he bowed he heard some stifled sounds, and he

ircase ran round the three sides of the hall up to a landing on the fourth, and as Wogan came to the first turn he saw Lady Oxford cross to the great wood fire which was burning on the hearth; when he came to the s

st it out to warm it. The firelight coloured her face to a pretty rose hue, sparkled in her dark eyes, and searched out the gold threads in her brown hair. Mr. Wogan was much

PTE

REME DANGER O

y himself, sensible that he was something too apt to say in all companies just what came into his head, was careful to keep his tongue in a strict leash, lest an inconvenient word should slip from him. His deficiency, however, was not remarked. Lady Oxford was young, and for all that

toast among the wits and a wit among the toasts, was glanced at by some tongues as if, being sister to the Duchess of

deliciously cruel for loud speaking. Lady Mary's witticisms, I think, should always be spoken in a low voice, with a suggestive nod and a tap of the forefinger on the table, so that one may not mistake

ford wasted no love on Lady

no claims to be considered clever, I have

oubt you have brought her some of your laces and brocades

ould hardly have asked him for the fashionable gossip at all had she taken him for just what he represented himself to be. Wogan put his foot on his f

says he, and bids the serva

and her eyes full of tears, 'but your secre

t miserable accident, believe me. A spasm in the leg, madam, the consequen

ohnson's secretary wounded?' she

a wry face, for Mr. Johnson was warning him and with no less vigour. Before he knew what he

nson must have been wounded too, in just tha

e is a hard one. No man engages in it but soone

t deal of disbelief; and when her ladyship left her guests

pole's interest we have not made the best beginning in the worl

Kelly certainly did not remark her entrance. For one thing, he was absorbed in his book; for another, the carpet was thick and the lady's step of the lightest. She went first to the bookcase, then she crossed the room and s

' began M

a broken laugh, 'I was foolish enough to be frightened. I fancied you had gone with your friend to the stables,' which was a

iding. But in a house so lonely and silent they grow on one insensibly. Indeed,

tress, but shivered a little to prove the distress genuine,

at the Spring Gardens, in the lighted theatres, when even your

acceptance of the burden laid upon her fair shoulders. 'But I am not come to disturb you,' she continued briskly; 'I came to fetch a book to read aloud to my lord.' At

h. 'And nothing too contentious, I implore you, lest it throw him into a heat,' she prayed, 'for my lord has a great gift of logic, and will argue with you by the hour over the merest trifle.' This with another half-uttered sigh, and so the martyr sought her lord's bedside. It

r a great stak

Kelly, 'and a little mor

if a friend's good wishes can at all avail

ternoon. Meanwhile Lady Oxford, after breakfast carried off the two gentlemen to visit a new orchard she was having planted.

in the late spring are at times covered deep in snow. However, I should be pleased to h

n a seat under a great yew-tree, in a little square of grass fenced off with a hedge. She listened with an extraordinary complaisance, and now and then a compliment upon the Parson's f

proached? Indeed he had, by Wogan's brother Charles. And what office would my Lord Oxford hold when James III. was crowned? Each day saw these questions reiterated and no conclusion come to. Lady Oxford was never present at these discussions; the face of her conduct was a sedulous discretion. It is true that after a little she dropped the pretence of laces, and, when the servants were not present, styled the Parson 'Mr. Kelly.' But that was all. 'These are not women's matters,' she

, with a leg swathed in a mountain of flannel. So that, altogether, Mr. Kelly had a deal of time upon his hands, and doubtless would have found it hang as heavy

and the eye travels with delight over the green expanse of fields. One makes friend

l the goodwill in the world I cannot make friends with a gatepost, and I'm not denying I shall

of planting and grafting as though he had been Adam, and she Flora, or, rather, our mother Eve, before the apple was shared between them. For apples the store, the hayloe-crab, the brandy-apple, the red-streak, the moyle, the foxwhelp, the dymock-red; for pears the squash pear, the Oldfield, the sack-pear, never a meal passed but one of these names cropped up at the table

at the end of them, but, thereafter, listened to the Eclogues; and, all at once, their conversation was sprinkled with Melib?us and M?ris, and Lycidas and Mopsus, and Heaven knows what other names. Mr. Wogan remembers very well coming upon th

er petticoat with a great contempt for its finery. Lady Mary Wortley, to whom Wogan related this saying afterwards, explained that doubtless her ladyship had laced her stays too tight that morning; but the two men put no such construction on

t herself must be a sheer delight to her. So, at all events, he reasoned, not knowing that Lady Oxford had already enjoyed occasion to listen to poetry about h

ions to her beauty. Who knows but what she may be so flattered as to carry the verses against her heart; and so, when some fine day sh

conscious of her duties. Besides, she knows none. Have you not see

to provide her with secrets when they are alone to wh

ood with a foot upon the fender, tu

hatsoever,' he said slowl

by your poetry, and that's a rare merit. She will find it as soothi

rld,' says Kelly with just the same gen

spot where her ladyship's eyes could not fail to light on it. Wogan heaved a deep breath, took a turn across the room, and resolved on the heroical feat. He would turn poet to help his friend. For two nights he fortified himself

top, and was very well pleased with the title. By noonday he had produced a verse, and was very

Smilinda, d

t wantons wi

ll all his p

y snowy fee

n, the ena

ings of thy l

tars are mirro

least that is

s of tobacco over his unwonted exercis

venue, noted the border of spring flowers, and a flash of a big window at the extreme end; and in all the branches the birds sang. The world seemed all together very good, and his poem quite apiece with the world. Wogan stretched his arms and kicked out his feet. His feet struck against something hard in a tuft of grass. He stooped down and picked it up

that moment the opening of his verse occurred to him; Strephon offered to Smilinda his he

pped his paper between the leaves of the book; just as he did so, Strephon, i

in, coming up to the be

hat interruption is the t

asked Kelly, looki

the book, 'that if I lived by my poetry, I wou

, had no ears

me, if you please? I have a letter

explains why the best poets are ever tho

the grass. The book opened as it fell. It opened at the soiled pag

st news, and you must babble about poets and creditors. Nick, there'll

fect that, during April, an edict had been published in France, transferring to Mr. Law's

and we are as yet at the budding of May. Why, man, as it is we are well to do. Ju

tember!' cries Nick, leaping up in the

n November,' adds Kelly, droppin

rite my poetry on beaten gold,

'and your ink shall be dis

ot write on gold with ink

ry, are what the lucky h

solid gold, and tied up in sacks,' said he earnestly. 'None of their bills of exchange, bu

do with it?'

and then grew silent. He looked at Kell

zard coming out of the bricks to warm himself,' and he made a step a

are forgetting something. Not a

emark,' replied George. 'Haven't I borrow

down fro

ur from poverty, George,

he bench, crossed his knees

e money,' said h

ether an encumbrance,' said W

gan, and stared at the gard

hand down on Wogan's thigh. 'We'll give it t

o less.' But they did n

and as he looked down the avenue, he saw the grea

her Latin lesson,' said Woga

nd of the avenue. Lady Oxford stopped on the first step, with a hand resting on the stone ba

ed, 'have risen to d

t, and the hand which was resting idly on the balustrade crooked like the claws

id the next instant, with a gracious smile, and coming do

he asked. It was her first questi

s to how he should put the answer, 'we had a thou

kly looked away. She took a step to

, her cheeks afire, her eyes most tender. 'Indeed,' she exclaimed, 'the noblest, properest disposition of it! Heaven dispense me more such friends who, in a world so niggardly, retain so ancient a spirit of generosity,' and she stood for a little, with her lips mov

urry to sell the shares. Though they have risen high, they will doubtless rise higher. And yo

is very prudent advice. I w

e? Kelly did not notice; Wogan could not tell; and a second af

face obliquely over her shoulders. Now, however, she turned and sat down, giving thus her whole face to the two men; and both saw it suddenly blanch, suddenly flush as though all the blood ha

broke off his sentence, and turned him about. As he moved, Lady Oxford, e

to George,' thought Woga

rows. Without any pretension to good looks, the stranger had a certain sinister distinction--stranger, for that he was to the two men at this time, whatever he may have been to Lady Oxford. Yet George thought he had seen the man's eyes before, at Avignon, when the King wa

wards him, he took off his hat, made

most humble and o

Lady Oxford returned his bow, but instinctively shifted her position on the benc

There was no change in his expression, bu

'The Reverend Mr. George Kelly, I think,' and he bow

pronounced the name. Instant

a tuft of grass, and he stumbled forward; he fell plump upon his knees. For a gentleman of so

' said he, 'I think somet

nd, as he stood up, he pick

d he, 'a cop

PTE

CRITIC, NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME,

her colour still came fitfully and went. The only person entirely at ease in that company was the disconcerting stranger, and even behind his smiling m

nd a poet.' He tapped the Virgil as he spoke, and it fell open between his hands. His speech had been uttered with a provocative politeness, and since no on

the dew since yesterd

ll true as the poet relates it. For Dido had a gout-ridden husband hidden discreetly away in a dark corn

s, and took half a step t

e was tired of the lady, and so sail away with a clear conscience? A very parsonical fellow, Mr. Kelly. O

uck would have it, Mr. Wogan's poem peeped out

her poet,' and he rea

linda running barefo

ips. Wogan felt his cheeks grow red, but constrained himself to a like silence with his companio

tter, 'though consumption in its e

e added, 'most appropriately just when the gentleman claims the lady's obedience. There is generally a break at that point. "At least, that is what I expect,"' he quoted. Then he looked at each of his two adversaries. For a

ace flush

ok a little, 'would be happy to be reminded of the occa

y a sermon which you preached in Dublin upon the text

all he knew the stranger might well have been among his audience.

no whit inferior to his questioner's, 'would be glad to know wh

olas Wogan never in his life saw the faces of those w

ield of which he thought it imprudent to speak

lly had been waiting for it, had restrained themselves to silence in the expectation of it. For only let the outburst come, and the man's design would of a surety tumble out on the top. Lady Oxford, however, suddenly interposed and prevented

ce either in particular or in general. It was a slight thing at its warmest, and I

which the 'fighting captain' very well understood, offered his arm to Lady Oxford, and befo

arson is very much like a cat. Whether he throws his cassock over the wall, or no, it is still the same sly, soft-footed, velvety creature, with a keen eye for a soft lap to make his bed in,' and with

my friend!'

se,' said Mr. Scrope, m

t have a littl

isagreeable to you,' said Mr. Scrope

ughed gl

aid he. Mr. Scrope stopped, looked over Wogan from h

, Mr. Wogan,' he said polit

I'm thinking, on the contrary, tha

ot guess that,' he replied. 'But the g

cried Wogan, and he stamped his foot an

ed up the avenue

!' sa

prang he hit against Wogan's shoulder, and so swung him round the quicker. Wogan just caught the man's elbow, jerked him back, got both his arms coiled about his body, lifted him off his feet, and flattened him up against his chest. Mr. Scrope struggled against the pressure; he was lithe

ou? But you may take my word for it, whatever you think of my love-poem

taggered backwards towards the house for a yard or two, leaned against one of the trees, and then, taking out his handkerchief, wiped hi

' crie

ugh he had not heard the command. Indeed, he seeme

nd. It seems you write love-poems to her ladys

o be drawn into

out of the question. There's the v

opening in the hedge. A path led through the trees, and they followed it unti

he argument, I think,' he s

y. 'Within view of Smilinda's windows? Surely th

answered Wogan. 'It woul

y. At least, I think so,' and he turned off at an angle, passed through a

grounds well

with a trace of bitterness, 'but I have

utside in the road stood a travelling cha

ad ran to right and left empty as far as the eye

Scrope, and he lo

k at the sunlight as at anything else,

the grapple on the steps, and now this duel--without disputation. Moreover Wogan was wondering whether or no the man had some real grievance against her ladyship

t have been very good frien

ead and smiled. 'Your poetry would always have come b

he spoke, and then made an almost

not his sword; Wogan now thinks it was his pistols. Wogan felt his liking increase and was inclined to put the encounter off for a little. It was for this reason th

h the poem?' asked Wo

plied Scrope with a sudden irritation f

d he, 'it was not inte

and turned to Wogan as though a ne

n and have the leisure. Then if you kill me afterwards, why I shall have done you some slight service and perhaps the

ied or no, a hot resentment against the Parson. He might, since he knew so much, know also more, as, for instance, the names under which the Parson and Wogan were hiding themselves. It would not in any case need a very shrewd guess to hit upon their business, and if Mr. Scrop

dingly. 'I shall be delighte

emed as though his face

ld stand in the road,' he said,

e,' answe

els. They sat down side by side, and Scrope pulled out the

nning barefoot over the

certain to put on her shoes and stockings. And that error vitiates the whole poem. For the wind is severe, you

d stockings at all in the poe

Scrope. 'For in that case her feet might be

d drew from under the seat a b

us to consider the poem i

ooping once more fetched out a couple of

e said. Wogan poured out th

. 'It seems you came prepa

ly to Wogan's face, and drop

y have been brok

the chaise, each wit

te, I hope,' said

d his lips i

as no better i

vintage, which I was at some pains to procure.' He laughed with a

orded by your gale of wind. A true poet would sure

replied Wogan in triumph,

l you wrote a poem about her instead of painting her portrait,' and he filled Woga

exclaimed Wogan, 'that Smilinda's

he's a

but a sort of linsey-wolsey ga

ill all its prickles hide." Thistles have prickles, Mr. Wogan, but the grass has blad

hat's very wittily said,'

h,' replied Scrope. 'Let us

nto Wogan's glass and t

he wind, you observe, makes l

in that image, I fancy,' said Wogan, lif

eplied Scrope. 'It is as muc

he criticism. He sat up

len, and he looked to his glass for consolation. The glass was empty

from the same place. The second bottle brought them to the end of the verse. There was, h

I expect." It is a ver

others,' Wogan admitted. 'But you mu

e, Mr. Wogan, you sacrifice a great deal here to get an accurate rhyme, but in the rem

t a hand for the paper. He had clean forgotte

rope, politely handing him the v

ance,' repeated Wogan as clearly as he co

. 'If you tell me the verses are conceived in th

t he had the better part of three bottles of admirable Florence wine under his belt and was s

died him by the elbow. 'Faith, Mr. Scrope, but you and I must have another crack one of these days.' He put a foot out on the step of the chaise. 'I love a man that has some warmth in his merriment--and some warmth in his bottle too.' He stepped

oach chaise was some thirty yards away, however, his laughter stopped

o the driver. The horses slackened their pace until Wogan got within twenty yards of it. T

n something, my fr

crope pleasantly, leaning

forgotten

ith a grimace. 'It is

ual to myself--you chalky cheese-curd!' He quickened his pace; Scrope called to the coachman; the c

e could lay his tongue to in the heat of the moment. His hat and

n, the ena

ings of thy l

ed and raved, the more the little boys shouted and yelled. Scrope in the chaise shook with laughter, clapped his hands as if in commendation of Wogan's powers, and encouraged him to greater efforts. They passed out of the village; the children gave up the pursuit, and sent a few parting stones after Wogan's back; in front stretched the open road. Wogan ran half a mile further, but he was too heavily handicapped wi

ill all its

y snowy fee

ight in a cloud of dust; and the disconsolate Wogan ho

low it. Mr. Wogan seemed to see his chaise flashing through the turnpikes, and

new enough, therefore, to throw some disorder on the Chevalier's affairs were he disposed to

PTE

NDS THE PARSON OF A NIG

s return, her ladyship in a great discomposure and impatience, and the Parson more silent than or

a woman so cursed. But indeed I was born under a frowning star, Mr. Kelly, and so

replied Kelly, 'for Nick will ensure the fellow's

f anxiety, 'Mr. Wogan is with him and

without any over

listen to any indiscreet explanation. Words have very li

liness in Kelly's tone and was in a hu

. Wogan--kills this man,' and her eyes flashed as though she did

eassuringly, 'he will omit no

here are Mr. George Kelly and Mr. Nicholas Wogan to explain their prese

e, Mr. George Kelly and Mr. Nicholas Wogan are still Mr. James Johnson and his

e dignity to the door. Lady Oxford was gazing ruefully down the avenue from the windo

melted in a most touching sadness. 'Have I no friends whose safety troubles me?' she added. At that out came her handkerchief and fluttered at her eyes. 'Nay, but I thought I had--two of the noblest.' It was a mere s

ve caused them. Faith, I should be hanged for that. Yet t

f his apologies. She step

he dryest of eyes; 'you have asked me for an explanatio

ul, on the contrary, to ask for no explan

ladyship with asperity; and the

adles, and to distrust them is the prerogative of manhood.' Here she tore away her handkerchief and lifted her hands in an ardent prayer. 'Oh that some day I might

rse, but brought to see that he had missed the one solitary p

plored, 'mistakes my s

received no explanation whatever. She dropped her stateliness, however, when the door was closed behind her, and, hurrying across the hall, lay in wait behind a shrubbery for Wogan's return. Wogan, on the other hand, had admirable reasons for avoiding all paths, and so slipped i

Wogan over from head to foot in search of a sp

in the world,

he

not own to the humiliating truth, why, the necessary lie might just as well redound to his credit. 'I swore him to s

oment announced tha

' asked Lady Oxford, and detaining him

ess a reason for hi

who was not for admitting a

ason?' asked

the ground and got a

y friend George Kelly,' in which answer Wogan hit the literal truth, although h

alpole, although since her marriage, as Mr. Kelly and his friend were requested to note, that intimacy had entirely ceased. Hence it came about that the rash Scrope cast longing eyes upon the humble relation of his patron, and was indeed so carried away by passion that Margaret was forced now and again to chide him for the forwardness of his demeanour. Also, alas! he transgressed in a more serious way. For Mr. Walpole's accounts fell into the saddest diso

ppearances of prosper

there were large sums miss

Mr. Kelly, 'but you avoided the imp

altogether appeased by Lady Oxford's explanation, which to his friend seemed to explain nothing, bu

tically about my neck. My presence does not help you; indeed, it is another danger; and since we are but a

ith his forefinger on the

'I will use what despatch I may; but I w

at same promise before had used the same despatch. But Lord Oxford's foible was to hold long discourses, and Mr. Pope truly said that he had an epical habit of beginning everything at the middle. However it may

ner of Herefordshire, with no companions but d

adyship's own doin

distrusted her, Nick.' He beat a clenched fist into the palm of his other hand

psed into silence

me, Nick, but she strikes at those who offend her least. Faith, but I am bewildered. Here is a woman indisputably born

d she?' said Wogan. 'Sure

ercely. 'She would not--she could not.

d his thoughts changed and t

e risk of my neck, I might sit of an evening by the peat fire of an inn kitchen and give the law to my neighbour. I might have a little country parsonage all trailed over with roses, and leisure to ensu

redit to my Lady Oxford; and Wogan, seeing his friend in

and a mighty big tumbler to measure your discourse by. Indeed there would have been but one point of resemblance between you

ires. And since he dreamed of one impossibility, no doubt he went a step further and dreamed of another besides. No doubt his p

for setting Kelly's thoughts towards her ladyship. He had not thought that his friend had taken the woman so much to heart. But wh

saw you stand up before a certain company in Paris and cry out with an ho

recalled to him and turned his h

e between the Cause and you?' And he had to repeat the

uttered to himself once or twice. After all, Nick,' he said, 'we have got the old man's assurance. My Lord Oxford will lend a hand. We hav

nothing to say

the chaise at the post-house and was shaking his friend's hand. Then

h--very pretty and pink and transparent to look

PTE

ONTAGU HAS A WORD T

by the Duke of Mar, saw a familiar swarthy face nodding cheerily at him across the table. The lady was embrowned with the Eastern sun, and, having lost her eye-lashes by that disease which she fought so manfully to conquer, her eyes were fierce and martial. It was indeed the face of the redoubtable Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, sister

ad more than one question to put concerning 'Kelly as th

has a new frie

on of uneasiness in Wogan's tone

wom

es

ho

ady O

f her lips, drew in a brea

the lawn

a seat by

hy

hrugged her

eld?' continued Wogan, '

est was merely pursed lips and screwed-up eyes, which it would be the unfairest thing in the world to translate in her disfavour. Her charact

er journey and the great things she had seen at Constantinople. Wogan wai

Oxford po

k of nothing else. Political?' and she laughed maliciously. 'That she is, and on both sides. She changes her party

with a recollection of Mr.

y man's mouse,' returned

re are m

ions. Lady Mary played with her fan, pulled savagely at the feathers, opened it, shut it up, while Wogan discoursed serenely on item--a dark eye, big, with a glint of light in it like sunshine through a thundercloud. Lady Mary

retty in the stocks,'

is head with

ld sli

exclaimed with a vicious stamp of the foo

it,' said Wogan thoughtfully. Lady Mary was

nmeasured terms, and while praising your ladyship's wit would not have it that one single spark

again. The stroke

d, 'and when did Lady Oxford show su

ryan, where she was nursing her hu

votion before, when her losses at

ogan. 'Altogether, then, a d

Mary

ws nothing of what the word means. She is tender at times, but only through caprice; she is never faithful except for profit or lack of occasion to be anything else. Coquetry is the abiding principle of her nature, and her virtue merely a habit o

ttributed to her. The ballad-makers called her gallant, and they did her no wrong--the ballad-makers of the ruelles, be it understood, not they of the streets, but such poets as Lady Mary Wortley Montagu herself and his Grace Sophia of Wharton.[1] The street-singers knew not Lady Oxford, who, indeed, was on the top of the fashion, and could hold her own in the war of written verses. It was in truth to her

nts,' said Wogan. 'Since you have told me so much, will you t

r the story of Mr. Scrope's appearance at Brampton Bryan, and the explanatio

'And how, then, did he come to hear th

ere does he come from? What brought him to Brampton Bryan? What took him away in such

agone. It was understood that he was a country gentleman with a comfortable estate in Leicestershire. He had laid his estate at Lady Oxford's feet, before she was as yet her ladyship. Lady Oxford would have it, and then would have none of it, and married the Earl.

w yet more concerned that he had let

s father died for Monmouth's affair. He has ever hated the

d at Wogan and

e road after Mr. Scrope's chaise,' and she added seriously

off the coasts of France, Spain, and Sweden. It was given out that they carried snuff, or were engaged in the Madagascar trade. But they took no cargoes aboard but barrels of powder and stands of arms, and waited on the Rising, which never came. There were weeks idled away at Morlaix, at Roscoff in Brittany, at Lisbon in Portugal, at Alicant Bay in Spain, until Wogan's heart grew sick with impatience. At rare times, when the venture wore a face of promise, the little fleet would run the hazard of the Channel and creep along the English coast, from Dartmouth,

TER

N ADVENTURE AT

mismanaged the Chevalier's affairs in England, Lord Arran, Lord Strafford, Lord North and Grey, Lord Orrery, and last, though not least, the Earl of Oxford. Thus business brought him more than once knocking again at the doors of Brampton Bryan Manor, though he did

ocks were falling by hundreds every week. Mr. Kelly might well laugh at the sallies on the stage and the wry faces with which the pit and boxes received them. For he had recently sold out his actions in the Mississippi scheme at a profit of 1,200 per cent., and had his money safe locked up at Mr. Child's, the goldsmith. Kelly's, however, was not a mere wanton pleasure. For the floating of the bubble out of reach meant a very solid change in the Jacobite prospects. So long as the South-S

to the Groom Porters, in White Hall, where his spirits were mightily increased. For taking a hand there at Bassette, in three deals he won nine rich septleva

the night. Kelly heard the dice rattle within and the gold clink on the green cloth; lovers were whispering on the balconies; the world seemed to be going very well for those who had not their money in the Bubble, and for no one better than for Mr. Kelly. He looked about him, if by chance he might catch a glimpse of hi

t of the masquerades; all the world would be gathered in the theatre, and why not Lady Oxford, who was herself the better half of it? Kelly had a ticket in his pocket, pushed through the loiterers, and stood on the inner rim of the crowd watching the masqueraders arrive. Every carriage that drew up surely concealed her ladyship, every domino that passed up the

eep wrinkles impr

a great many r

; as it delivered its occupants he turned discontentedly away. It is perhaps doubtful whether Mr. Kelly would have paid him any great attention but for his dress, which arrested all eyes and caused the more tender of the ladies who passed him to draw their cloaks closer about them wi

asquerade seemed to him a piece of the most delicate drollery. Moreover, the executioner was waiting like Mr. Kelly, and with a lik

s waiting for your aunt,'

rally startled, as Mr. Kelly might have perceived had he possessed his five wits. For the man leaped rather than

he accent one of menace. Kelly noticed neither t

bt. You are M.

ghed abruptly li

Kelly's politeness of manner, 'will

w nudged Heidegger in the ribs. Heidegger was at that moment bent to the ground before the Duchess of Wha

Kelly however was engaged in contemplating the exec

elly blunt

the other. 'For your worship

says Kelly, stepping c

latter, stepping back, 'Monsi

alked to the entrance and stood upon the steps. The executioner knew him, knew something of his trade. Who, then, was M. de Strasbourg? Kelly recalled the tones of

d so took unconsciously an impression of it upon his mind, while pondering how he should act with regard to M. de Strasbourg. Consequently he did not notice that a woman stepped out of the carriage and, without

M. de Strasbourg was drawn close behind a pillar, as though he wished to avoid the lady. As soon, however, as she had vanished he came boldly out of his concealment and followed her into th

feet high dressed like a child in a white frock and leading strings and attended by another of very low stature, who fed him from time to time with a papspoon; there was a soldier prancing a minuet upon a

you please, in a blue satin petticoat. To be sure her bosom was bared for the sacrifice, but then all the ladies in that assembly were in the like case. She had joined a party of friends, of whom M. de Strasbourg was not one. For though he kept her ever within his sight, following her hither and thither, it was always at a distance; and, so far as Kelly could s

ue satin petticoat took her departure from the parterre. M. d

ok his whip from its rest. The movement chanced to attract Kelly's eyes. He looked at the coachman, at the first glance indifferently, at the second with all his attention. For this was not the same man who had driven

s dress. The mystery seemed clear to Kelly; the lady was to be forcibly abducted unless someone, say Mr. James Johnson, had a word to say upon the matter. The carriage turned and drove slowly through the press of chairs and shouting link-boys; M.

nd walked in the mud hard by the hind wheels of the carriage. It was now close upon four of the morning,

till. Instantly M. de Strasbourg ran across the road to the carriage, the coachman bent over on that side to watch, and Mr. Kelly, on the other side, ran forward to the box. M. de Strasbourg wrenched open the door and jumped

will break your ugly face in wi

M. de Strasbourg thrust

e. At a gallop! Kill the horses, they are not mi

t,' said Kel

ses. They started at a gal

t,' again wh

rocking on its wheels. M. de Strasbourg

re you drunk, man?--ar

perturbably, and fingered the

swung into

' said

his horses; the carri

ve you taken us?' cried M. de

ound, ran round the ca

said he with a bow. 'I have some most elegant pi

panels of the carriage; his mouth opened and shut; it seemed there was

t fellow,' he gasped out

elly. 'Shall we

ner--an odd heap of laces, silks, and furbelows, but with ne

sbourg turned on the

he fellow's pay. Get down! Not a farthing will you get from me, but

teously, 'it was not my fault. He offe

Kelly. He clapped a hand on his shoulde

said. 'Perhaps you will make a like offe

attle began which was whimsical enough. A quiet narrow street, misty with the grey morning, the carriage lamps throwing here a doubtful shadow, a masked headsman leaping, swearing, thrusting in an extreme passion, and, to crown the business, the coachman lamenting on the box that whichever honourable gentleman was killed he would most surely go wanting his hire, he tha

ried. 'Scullio

ung his periwig full in Kelly's face, accompanying the pr

innings. For the periwig tumbled in the mud, and the coachman, assured that he would get no stiver of his hire,

red a cry and leaped

is shaven crown and looked at the carriage. It was quite impossible to abduct a lady without a periwig to his

at M. de Strasbourg pressed after him, quickened his pace; behind him rushed a baldheaded executioner hurling imprecations. The pair fled, one after th

eeped from the windows; an indignant burgher in a dressing-gown even threatened Mr. Kelly with a blunderbuss; and, as he turned to

nce,' cried the lady from out the confusion of

odging is at your disposal. Only the street is fairly awake, and s

that Kelly could see nothing of her face, and she hesitat

you are in perfect safety. Our worthy friend had to choose between your ladyship and his periwig, of w

ntly. 'I owe you great thank

n,' sai

nd I shall owe you yet more if

ook up the reins, and drove off. He looked up, as he turned the carriage in the narrow street,

d tell Mr. Wogan,

thin the carriage he heard a stifled peal of laughter. 'Poor woman,' thought he,

PTE

US MR. KELLY BEHAVES

reets entirely to himself, and he certainly hit upon Queen's Square. The ho

in their sashes when they saw the Parson driving Madam home at five o'clock of the morning from a masquerade ball. A sleepy footman opened the door; a no less sleepy maid yawned in the hall. However, they both waked up to some purpose when Mr. Kelly jumped down from the box, bade the footman take the carriage round

maid, hurrying forward. So

posed, no doubt,

her maid, and in the natural voice before Mr. Kelly. She took his arm, and, leaning on it somewh

nd they both stood in front of the fire, and no doubt found the warmth comfortable enough after the chill of the morning. Her ladyship, indeed, went so far as to untie the strings of h

erade, Mr. Johnson?' s

. Now, coquetry to Kelly at that time was a challenge, and it was contrary to his prin

y eternal happiness. I shall dream

uriosity, put him into something of a quandary. Was it but another piece of coquetry, he asked himself, or did she indeed wish to hinder him from discovering who she was? He could

so I understand from your maid I may address you,' he added, 'it grows late, t

tep backwar

put out a hand to detain him. Then she sto

away, leaving matters to take their own course and shift for themselves. She fainted, of course, towards Mr. Kelly, who caught her in his arms and set her in an arm-chair. The maid, who all this while had been standing in the doorway, smiled. 'I will run to her ladyship's dressing-room for the salts,' she said, and so went out of the room, carefully

e slight service, and straightway a great rush of tenderness came upon him, which went some way to sober him. In a minute, however, he dropped into despondency; for Lord Oxford's house was in the northern part of the town, as he knew, though he had never as yet been there, and neither th

uickly, and held it close beneath her ladyship's nose. The effect of the snuff was purely magical, for before she could have inhale

oon was c

t is your face I would see, but I did not dream of removing y

m his hand, but not

ot unmask. 'Tis like that I am a fright, and did y

for one of those same airy appearances. A ghost! No,' he cried, surveying her

the laugh, aware that a laugh

eek.' She was still holding Mr. Kelly's snuff-box. It was open and within the lid a little looking-glass wa

rn your face to me and consult a truer mirror, your servant's eyes.' He spoke, perhaps, with a trifle more of agitation than the occasion seemed to warrant. Madam did indeed turn her fac

as brave,' she said, 'unless som

, madam? Yo

it away quickly. 'Ah,' she continued, 'I am right. There was a r

tortoiseshell, with brilliants on the hinges, and had been given to Mr. Kelly on a certain occasion when he had been presented to his king at Avig

' she said. 'It has per

t your mask?'

ystery behind

it's mystery

ing of the mirror, touching a stone here and there. To be sure she wore gloves, and was the less likely therefore to touch the spring. Bu

ked. 'You have been the deu

d stare

ship fainted,

asn't that why you

he. ''Twas an order

ttention to the box, but she looked at my lady's mask; from the mask she looked t

houghts to spa

s your maid, to whose att

ook up his hat, held out h

r the spring. Kelly noticed, too, with some anxiety, that while he had gone to the door she had made use of the occasion t

taking a step nearer, 'there is no need

rs travelled faster

our life!' said s

e with a touch of disdain; 'and,

pressed on a diamond which loosed a hidden spring; the glass in the s

d to the maid and bade her bring some wine and glasses. She spoke quickly, now forgetting for the mo

, and seeing that she was seemingly engrossed in the co

e called i

asked, comi

is pocket, spun it in

btless be more difficult to disco

sary to go down to the ce

time,' said Kelly,

crown's worth,' said the

ed back int

by any means to him but in a sort of ecstasy, 'Le Roi!' Then she hid the snuff-box suddenly and glanced with a shudder round the room. The panic was altogether misplaced,

ed from out of her mask, as though in the extremity of her alarm she had forgotten who

have escaped one danger by your help I have fallen into

adam, since you discover my secrets and sh

earing the wine and glasses on a salver. There was a distance of three yards between Kelly and her ladyship. The maid measured the distance with her eyes, and her face showed som

knowing your secret, Mr.

her fragrant hair over it. Mr. Kelly, speeded by the wine, was this time too quick for her ladyship. Before she could raise

for now some time. 'Forgive me, madam, if my hasty loyalty to my Sovereign prevent

u--'and then she came suddenly to a stop, as she untied the strings of her domino and threw it back from her shoulders. 'You blame me,' she said pitifully. Her ladyship was a ready woman, and even went more than half-way to meet an attack. At Brampton Bryan the talk had been of duty and the charms

yan!' exclaimed

g! M. de Strasbo

dyship

cked you--would ha

yship s

go even as Nick did. But the third ti

r head with the most

too late for me. I have no husband who can protect me

n of great beauty and virtue who has ever been left desolate to face a wintry world. 'Believe me, you have one friend whose only aspiration is to serve you with his life-blood. 'Faith, madam, h

e adventure would doubtless have surprised him more than it did. He might have questioned the nature of the service which took her ladyship to

had borrowed, with the servants, from a friend who had gone to the Bath, seemed to make her intention possible. But Heaven had been against her. Mr. Kelly was readily beguiled into the sincere opinion that she had fought against her passion, but that her weakness and his transcendent bravery, of whi

vered the next morning drunk with drugged wine at a tavern near the Haymarket, whither one of Scrope's hirelings had lured him. Mr. Kelly was prosperous in the three great games of life, love, and politics. For he was wholly trusted by the Bishop, by Lord Oxford and the rest; he took his place in the world and went and came from France with hanging matter in his valise. The valise weighed all the lighter for the thought that he was

s got altogether out of her ladyship's debt, in spite of what happened afterwards. For when the real morning broke and the true love came to him, tr

PTE

KELLY'S WINNINGS

ous long letter concerning the Parson's moral iniquities. The letter reached Mr. Wogan in October, who was then cleaning his ship at Morlaix in Brittany, and what with his fifteen months of purposeless cruises, felt himself as encrusted with idleness as his ship's bottom wit

lbot was commonly called from the blackness of his

e you sleep. But he could not hear that anything immediate was intended; and it would be, therefore, the most convenient occasion to refit his ketch Fortune. He gave orders to that effect, travelled to Paris, obtained from General Dillon a month's leave to dispose of hi

hat he was there--and as for the Fifteen, why Mr. Wogan had his pardon like the rest. That he got for his behaviour to Captain Montagu at Preston; moreover, who could know the boy Wo

and he set off almost on the instant in an agitation so great th

ere

niff of the nose and a toss of the head, 'and

'But, Mrs. Barnes, who signed th

yself by reading the letters of a nasty trull? For she's n

see you don't know wh

I saw the superscription. As for

owing the signature. Who ca

yed in St. James's Street and Piccadilly and lo

when he was come asked him whi

ed, where he had found a horse ready saddled at th

at Kelly had undoubtedly taken the Aberystwith road, since he had left the horse he borrowed at Beaconsfield, and thither had Mr. Gunning sent to fetch it. Kelly's destination was conseque

Mr. Kelly's big Bible, where Wogan had left it eighteen months before. It was the brother to Mr. Kelly's strong-box, in every particular but one, and that one a stouter lock. Wogan remembered that when he had placed the box on the scrutoire the key was attached to it by a string. Now, however, he noticed that the key was gone. He was sufficiently curious to cross the room and try the lock. But the box would not open; it was securely locked.

proof of his sagacity. The letter, he later learned, lay in box with not a few others in the same handwriting, and they all ended in the same manner with a request: 'Burn this.' Mr. Kelly would have been honester had he obeyed it, but, like many a man when passion gets hold of him, he could no

d them out, and in the end love got the upper hand and wrote them in again. At least that was a small portion of all the great meanings which Kelly read in the hesitation of her ladyship's address. Between the Strephon and the Smilinda there was but one line--'Come; there is a secret. I have great need of you.' But this had been quite enough to send Mr. Kelly spurring out into the November night with such speed that he came to Oxford the next day, where he found the snow lying very deep.

trees whispered the words with a tender secrecy to the wind, much as the reeds whispered that other saying, ages ago, which the Queen in the fable had entrusted to them. And, 'faith, when you come to think of it, there was little difference in meanin

rt gave a great jump of pride when he saw her statel

e world as if her emotion choked her. Then she raised her voice for the servants to hear: 'My lord is from home,

y plied him with her best wine, vowing that it was ill weather for travellers, and that if he kept his glass full beside his elbow it was a sure sign he hated her. This, of course, after t

rink it,' and, coming behind him, she laid her cool hand upon his eyes and fore

oir, she sat herself down before the fire, and, claspin

on that witchery could devise. Mr. Kelly was on his knees at her side in a

s she, 'why I

laugh of pride. Her hand caressed his shoulder. Sh

ed Kelly. 'Is it to lift the world? Give m

er hands with deli

is not in truth any service you can do for

t service--that was to be the bridge of Cupid's building whereby they were to stand firm-footed on equal ground. And now it was some service Lady Oxford was to do for him. Lady Oxford noticed the change; it may hav

epugnance for herself. Indeed, she barely finished the question, and then, with an abrupt laugh, cro

ot were stained--a world of generous impulses and unselfish devotions. Into this world Lady Oxford was peering with an uneasy curiosity. Perhaps for a moment she compared it with her own; perhaps she was caught by it and admired it; but, if so, it was with a great deal of discomfort. For she dro

that the Parson should observe the superscription. He recognised the handwriting of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. Lady Oxford recognised it too, for she flushed as she picked the letter up. But she flushed deeper as she read

diction. She offers you a kindness with one hand and slaps you in the face with the other. For instance, this letter here. 'Twas written out of pure kin

ake? 'ask

me send for you, and she writes now expressly to confirm it. But, let my Strephon answer me,' and sh

but afterwards he had come to see that they would not go so very far. Besides, he had now obvious reasons for desiring to cut as agreeable a

' which was true enough; indeed, on the other hand, she had Mr. Kelly's royal snuff-box and a few of his jewels. 'But now I can make

with other compliments proper to the occasi

will certainly rise in a week; the Elector is buying secretly. Lady Mary has it from Mr. Pope, and he at the first and best hands from Mr. Craggs, the secretary.

ion, but the evident joy with which Lady Oxford antic

a's coffers the morning that

g if you will favour me with your company'; and so a new flow of compliments carried the South Sea out of

forget to tha

burnt, but the other half only curled up and scorched. She shivered as though she was cold, and the better to warm herself

ry,' she said. 'Y

,' said Kelly

milinda made it plain that she was jealous. Kelly laughed hea

'that I should attrac

plied Smilinda, with a sig

on other grounds. Smilin

ly of the friendship you had for her, and ever since--' here she broke off shyly. 'A weak woman's empty

re that for the future on earth and in Heaven he would avoid Lady Mary's company as though she was the devil in person. It was a confused sort o

t from the King's Head to the goldsmith and his money was carried to Queen's Square that same afternoon. It would seem, however, that Mr. Pope had been choused, for t

ed. She had covered her face with her hands

'It is only Smilinda's tears that hurt. Each one of the

hapless hand hath dealt the blow. The arrow came from her q

t shaft. It seems that kind of love-making has now gone out of date. But that was the humour of it when Kelly and Wogan were young. Men and women,

s born to be my bane and curse. 'Twas her counsel th

ave kept it if he had done so. He paid a visit to Lady Mary soon after Kelly's return

has sold her diam

that came about,

y diamonds," she said, and vowing she would punt no more, went home in her chair. I could not see her or hear of her for a little. I guessed that she had run away into the country until she could wheedle enough money to p

short and he must return to Morlaix. But, as has been said, he left Brittany in a hurry with very little mone

all. For here am I with a couple of crowns,' he took the

you have two crown

looked out into the street, bethinki

and sunk it in the South Sea. It's all gone. I have not two penny pieces to rub together until this day week, when my pension is

Kelly in his fluster attributed to

again, are you?' he said with a smile. 'Well,

n took it up and turned it over blinking his eyes. For a moment there w

'that Lady Oxford ha

ed up in p

said he. 'Why, she

rumour was untr

aid about the matter between them, though perhaps they clasped h

t no pains to discover the explanation. Lady Oxford had paid Lady Mary

he money I won back to M

arked, 'Certainly,' so she put the money aside, thinking that some day she might employ it on Mr. Kelly's behalf. That night Wogan bor

PTE

SMILINDA AND LEARNS A NU

Patrick Campbell) at anchor in the harbour, he set sail for the Downs. There they picked up four thousand small arms and a couple of hundred kintals of cannon powder, for traffic, it was alleged, on the coasts of Brazil and Madagascar. But the arms and ammunition travelled no further t

most ingeniously imagined. With the scheme he carried some silk stockings as a present for the Chevalier and his spouse. This was none of the Bishop of Rochester's work, who knew nothing of Mr. Layer, and of what was later plotted by bold and impatient spirits. The Parson

s of the windows. 'Mr. Johnson' was announced, but for some little while could not get a private word with her ladyship, and so stood of one side, taking his fill of that perfumed world of fans and hoops, of sparkling eyes and patches and false hearts wherein Lady Oxford so fitly moved. Many of the faces which flitted before his eyes were strange to him, but one he re

h her ladyship, and losing his money to her with all the grace

rmured, 'my St

turned in a whisper. At that her hand went

rds. As the guests were departing some tw

great kindness to carry over some of my brocades, which ind

nel did not say a word, but just looked him over. Mr. Kelly was tickled by the man's impudence, and turned slowly round on his heels to give him an opportunity of admiring his back. Then he faced him again

ilinda and Streph

cards, would that I had lost this dross!' cries she, with her eyes on the glittering heap of guineas and doubl

Kelly to th

ith the King, and he makes me a Bishop, with a

on 'Strephon, or the Faithful Bishop.' Then she fell into a story of lovely Mrs. Tusher, the Bishop of Ealing's wife,

with it--never--n

s beautifully s

at he would not part with her portrait. Mr. Kelly wondered a little at her insistence, but set it down to the strength of her affection. So he departed from

onths since the Parson had left England, and Wogan thought it altogether a very suitable occasion for what he had to say. He took the Parson down into his cabin, and there, while the lamp flecked the mahogany panels with light and shade, and

ord, and that word I would have made him eat. But I take it ill even from you. Why do you tell me this now?

hatever, and her soft arms about your neck, and you'd have been convinced. But now, when you have not seen her for

wonder since

rope's history you are going to hear. Bah, leave that bodkin of a sword alone. If you draw it, upon my so

emselves a Paradise on the Rhine. It appears that he talked all the old nonsense--they were man and wife in the sight of God, and the rest of it. Her ladyship was put to it for shifts and excuses, and at the last, what with his money being almost spent, and his suit more pressing, she fled into the country where we met her. Scrope was no better than a kitten before its eyes are opened, and, getting toget

gan's account fitted in with and explained Scrope's attempt afte

than truth, Nick. The pair of them have been at loggerheads this long while. Lady Mary never could suffer a woma

lf of every penny in order to pay Lady Oxford's losses at card

visit to Lady Mary, and the story was so circumstantial, the dates of the loss at cards and the payment so fitted with

ld find to say, and 'I'll not be

one from a cupboard and filled it. The two men smoked f

rambling cure of half a dozen parishes, and the quiet library, and evenings by the inn-fire, where he would tell his little trivial stories of the day's doings. It was always that dream

on deck?' W

ghts struck it; outside the harbour the Mediterranean stretched away smooth as a slab of marble. Kelly stood in the chains while Wogan paced up and down the deck. The Parson was in for his black hour, and silent c

e continued, 'she came into my life like a glint of the sun into a musty dark room,' and then he suddenly put his hand into his bosom and drew out something a

, 'I saw a spar

s hand and show

bitterly, 'which she did not sell, but

' said Wogan. 'Diamonds, aft

th them,' he sneered. He put the miniature back in h

I will see you to-mo

cience for the hand he had taken in bringing about the Parson's misfortunes (he had just now, by hinder

schal, Morgan, and Halstead, commanding some ragged regiments of Mr. Wogan's countrymen. The Duke was to land in the west, the King was to be at Antwerp ready to come over, and the young Prince Charles of Wales, who would then be not quite two years old, was to be carried to the Highlands. A mob was to be in readiness in town, with arms secretly buried; the soldiers were exp

himself for misdoubting her. However, he got a complete answer to that question before the year was out. It was his habit now, whenever he was in London, to skulk out of sight and knowledge of Lady Oxford, to avoid theatres, routs, drums, and all places where she might be met, and Mr. Carte the historian took his place when it was necessary to visit Lord Oxford in the country. Mr. Carte had a ready

opened and Lady Oxford, all smiles and hooped petticoats, would trip gaily out to her chair. But very likely habit--the habit of her conversation and appearance--had as much to do with this particular folly as any despairing passion. How many lovers the wide world over fa

ased suspense--all these tokens were familiar to Mr. Kelly as his daily bread, and he went home eating his own heart, and nursing a quite unjustifiable resentment against Nicholas Wogan for that he ever saved the Colonel's life. It did not take Kelly long to discover that his suspicions were correct. A few questions to his friends,

PTE

FOR THE THIRD TIME, AND

He brought with him a sum of 5,000l. collected in England, and this sum he was to hand over to a messenger from the Duke of Ormond, who was th

senger might be, was to wait every morning between the hours of nine and ten on the first bench to the left of the Porte du Rhone in the boulevard outside the city walls, until a man should ask h

who walked along the boulevard every morning at the time that he was waiting. They were accompanied by a French poodle dog, and indeed it was the poodle dog which first attracted Mr. Kelly's attention to the couple. It has already been said that Mr. Kelly had a trick of catching a woma

, says plain as print, 'Here, wait a bit! There's something on this bench very well worth looking into.' However, his master and mistress were in a close conversation and so the poodle puts his foot on the gro

' says the Pa

Mr. Kelly's knee as a purchase for his paws. He was still engaged upon this exercise when his you

you com

presented,' rep

the girl t

uin!' said Mr. Kelly to himself with a start, as he looked towards the girl. Harlequin trotted off to his mistress, and got prettily chided for his forwardness, of which chiding he made little or no account, and very properl

tell you pl

ess is a

pirit for

o legs, two

is Harleq

a name in

*

s were ext

secret wise

plain as he

s fore-foot

k's concerning this very poo

he had made mention of their poodle Harlequin, of which poodle the present or reigning dog, Harlequin II., was the son and heir. So that, hearing the name called out by Rose, Kelly was aware who the two people were. Dr. Townley had been suspected in the Rising, and therefore had settled at Avignon as physician

ther, plainly telling him of Harlequin's new friendship, for the Doctor looked up towards Mr. Kelly and the girl looked away. In consequence there sprang up a queer sort of acquainta

er sayings not a few were aimed at girls. Smilinda was a woman, and saw a rival in each youthful beauty. 'Girls of our time,' she would say with a sneer, 'were very kind, at all events, whatever one might think of their looks. And to hear them speak of marriage, why one would fancy oneself in the company of rakes dressed up like the other sex for a masquerade.' S

it. It enclosed a second letter superscribed to Mr. George Kelly, and prayed the banker to add to the superscription Mr. Kelly's address. This Mr. Philabe would not do, but sent out word that he would take care the letter came into Kelly's hands. The man, however, who had

follow him, and as easily discover the address as if Philabe had written it on the note. He replied consequently

renuously he insisted, the stronger became Mr. Philabe's suspicions, until he determi

letter to Mr. Kelly, who broke open the seal,

wanted his letter back. It is a pure tric

dress,' said Mr. Phila

s,' added Kelly. 'But this tell

t the man had a nose, two eyes, a mouth, two legs, and a pai

lly chanced to walk up the narrow Rue St. Agricole, and had just come abreast of the broad

said the Parson pol

ther, and, turning on his heel,

the voice, reco

r that there was no longer any amorous reason for his enmity. He almost forgot, too, what he had heard from Wogan about Mr

nodded

. 'There is a little square terrace at the top of these steps, with blank walls upon the t

ke and set a foot u

ollowed Scrope in her ladyship's caprices, Montague had followed him, 'as Amurath to Amurath succeeds.' His enmity quite died away, and gave place

said. Scrope stop

ontinued, 'I shall be happy to oblige you in wh

ones are in danger. The pious ?neas knew that very well, Mr. Kelly; but then the wort

o have followed me.' More than once h

stretch of Europ

came to Philab

en at some pains to come up with

are so urgent that I am in two m

have been proof enough that there was all the necessity in the worl

ised to hear that,' he

e sneer, but kept a tigh

hould most certainly follow you afterwards, as you have f

ng I came to Brampton Bryan, I came at Lady Oxford's bidding. We were to have done with pretences for good and all. Oh, she had forgotten, if you will, but if she had forgotten, who made her forget? You, Mr. Kelly, the sneaking cuckoo! I would have worn her proudly, for all the world to see--the star upon my coat, the scarf across my breast. I would have faced my fellows with one arm for her waist, and the

w not a whit less than Scrope's, for there was a certain sting of

ough,' said Scrope qu

r heroics may be candid enough, but it is less Mr. Scrope the lover and

said Scrope, with

high above the pathway that a passer-by would see nothing of what was doing. On the other hand, however, the light was failing. Scrope was for bringing the encounter

for a hilding who had equally jilted and cheated the pair? That had been George's first thought; but now his rapier was drawn for th

his distance, struck his heel against a cobble, and the next moment he felt Scrope's blade burn into his side. Kelly clasped his hand over the wound, and sank on to the ground. The blood came through between his fingers; he snatche

saving his breath. Scrope was quietly

epeated Kelly.

lled on his coat, and came close to Kel

message to her ladyship?' He picked up his hat. 'Or shall I ask Mr. Nicholas Wogan to write a ballad--"Strephon's Farewell to his Smilinda"?

ked, whistling to the steps. He stopped when he had descended a c

il,' he said, and so disappeared

forward over the flags for miles, it seemed; then the knot of the bandage got loose, and a great faintness came over him. With fumbling fingers he re-tied the knot; the flags began to heave before his eyes like waves of the sea, the silence roared in his ears. He lo

himself down to his full length, with great care drew a scrap from one pocket, a pencil from the other, and laboriously wrot

loody thumb, and written on it these words, 'Help Harlequin's friend'; and at her feet a bright-eyed poodl

TER

D THE ROSE-GAR

e-tender. Lady Oxford had caused his duel with Scrope, to be sure, but she had thereby, as it were, cast him straight into the girl's arms, and in that very condition which was likely to make her most tender to him. Carry the conceit a little farther, and you'll see that here was Mr. Kelly, through her ladyship's behaviours, imprisoned in the hands of one of thos

king a service of you beyond those you have already done me;' and he began to tell

ctor inter

hospitality as we can show you you may count upon; but--well, I had my surfeit of politics at Preston. I have no longer any faith in your cause, in your King. I do not think that he will come before th

ht with a start, as a man will who has something on his mind. In a minute or two Mr. Kelly remembered what that something was. He got out of his bed, and, holding the door open, listened. There was no sound audible at all except the ticking of a clock in the parlour below. Mr. Kelly drew on his clothes carefully, so as not to disarrange the bandages of his wound, and, taking his shoes in his hand, crept d

nd found it empty. He scratched his head to ease his pe

very urgent last night that I should see to it. But I cut him sh

e clock in the pa

e Porte du Rhone, where they discovered Mr. Kelly sitting bolt upright on his bench, wit

heels on the boulevard until Mr. Kelly recovered his senses and summoned Mr. Philabe to his aid. Mr. Philabe the next morning took Kelly's place on the bench, and that day the money changed hands and the messenger start

land in the West, was supposed a great favourite with the English troops, but it was none the less necessary that their favour should be properly directed. To that end Mr. Talbot, Tyrell, and Nicholas Wogan, amongst others, were deputed to travel into England, ready for the moment of striking. Nick was to have the rank

ever does more than touch lightly upon the fringe of what he holds most sacred. He said that he was recovered of two fevers at one and the same time, and by the same ministering hands, and so was come forth into a sweet, cool life and a quiet air. His affairs, whether of stocks in the Mississippi scheme or of the Great

sleepless nights. When he could get up from his bed and come into the parlour, the dog Harlequin, and Rose, and he became children and playfellows together, for the brute had been taught a hu

and that was many years afterwards, and then he was not speaking of th

other. 'In a man,' said she, 'desire beget

at she is fair, as King David saw Bathsheba, and so covets her, his appetite may in the end turn to love or may not. But if his eyes are first opened to an innocent woman's love, he being at best a sinful creature, he is then stirred with a wonderful amazement of grateful tenderness which never can pass

wall. The top of the wall was laid out as a walk with a chair or two, and there Wogan found the Parson and Rose Townley. It was five years and more since Wogan had seen Rose Townley, and

it was my fault. For, d'ye see, if I had not been so fond of my poetry I should have made my account with

?" asked Rose.

hat he was trespassing and that he would have done better to have journeyed straight to Paris. Rose, however, came to the rescue and made him tell over again, as he had told her often before, his stories of the march to Prest

et she must know to the very last word all that was to be described of them. So, until the sun sank behind the low green hills of the Cevennes, and the Rhone at their feet, in that land of olives, took

he lawn. There was an old moss-grown stone sundial close to the house; she paused for a moment beside it to pick up a scarf which wa

k,' he said slowl

xclaimed Wogan. 'A

interpretation of his fears, and then following out his ow

yea

her six years ago,' said the

nged in thos

ow

wn a foot, and gr

shyness was the outcome of her pride. She was shy just because she knew that she loved a ma

so went down into the house leaving Nick

breakfast. Mr. Wogan was smoking a pipe upon the wal

d too. Rose Townley had just come from the window and was walking across the lawn more or less toward

ing. 'She is lost in thought. No doubt she would not be disturbed,' and he glanced around him for means of escape. There was, ho

y slowly,' said he. 'No doubt

plied the Parson, 'for, as yo

D'ye think if she saw you she would run at y

. But--well, if she saw us here she

ou'll observe, but how carelessly, as though her pretty feet knew nothing of the path they take. See, she stops at the dial. Mark how earnestly she bends over it. There's a great deal to observe in a dial. One might think it was a clock and, like herself, had stopped. There's a peach tree she's coming to. A peach tree in blossom. I'll wager you she'll find something very strange in those blossoms to delay her. There, she lifts them, smells them--there'

, mounted them, her face ros

in an extremity of astonishmen

it?' as

d he strolled to the end of the walk, turned, w

d. The Parson left the question unanswered. He balanced himself on one foot for

nd to be sure myself has battered about the world

ed a little, and she looked out over the river and the

ndered on in a voice of intense commis

nd she turned towards the Parson with a look of pr

e begun with that,' s

as aware of it.' Then he stood for a second silent. 'Rose,' said he, savouring the

egan t

murely, 'that you find t

ame in the world,' cri

lden to my pare

e continued, 'you

last!' but Mr. Kelly was in that perturb

said earnestly. 'No, it's for your self; it's for the shining perfect

' she said, tapping with

eyes, it's as though a smiling heart leaned out of them as from a window and said, "How d'ye do?" Sure, my dear, I should love you no less if

veness. He was standing like a wooden post and the

something taking in perversity when it is altogether natural, but, to be sure, most women practise it as though it were one of the fine arts, and then it's nothing short of damnable--I beg your pa

ning in a roundabout fashion enough, as he a

t I made a blundering a

ll me of your intention and I would have written you out

irl has sunk me to such a depth of humility and diffidence that I find it wonderful I said anything at all.' Then he grew silent for a minute or

us,' replied Wogan with decisio

very betrothal is another consequence. It is as though her ladyship had presented me to Rose. Well, how are we to know it's done with now? If it ends here it is very well. But, d'ye see, Nick, it was after all not the mos

ish thing,' said he. 'Look!' and

at for?' a

gan to laugh, perhaps something awkwardly. 'For, you see, since she prizes me, why I am grown altogether valuable.' He put back the pistol in hi

d Wogan gravely. 'I

t's it,'

shadow, yet unfriendly. It is Mr. Wogan's firm belief, based on experience, that a woman always finds everything out. The only questions are, when, and how will she take it? Sometimes it is a letter in the pocket of an old coat which the dear charitable

hero, a clerical Montrose, or a Dundee of singular piety. Wogan has known women more zealous for the Cause, such as her Grace of Buckingham, or Madame de Mézières, who had ever a private plot of her own runni

y, in fact, did the Parson come to be lying on the flags, in receipt of a sword-thrust of the first quality? George was the last man to brag of his services, but he was merely obliged to put t

deadly 'scapes, and of everything that it terrified her to hear. Mr. Kelly, in fact, had never drawn sword in anger before; he was, by profession, a man of peace and of the pen. If ever he indulged

is inveterate modesty, remarked

of the garden. 'You have done something very brave and very great, beyond o

he world? Why, it was Nicholas's brother Charles, with other Irish gentlemen, Gaydon, Mis

, that is a secret for State reasons, or else,

d as the flower after w

the devil, did she hear of the box the K

f a handsomer man than either his Majesty, or Mr. Kelly, or Colonel Montague. Kelly knew not

re hiding something, now.' (And here she added to his pleasure without tak

answered Mr. Kelly, putting on a great deal of the brogue, to make h

not trust you to show

n by the King, and if Rose wished to see, or to know what had become of it, Kelly

or shame that the King has to borro

, for he could not have borrowed for a better

What in the wide world had she

re the King never gave me any

give diamonds? Ah, you are caught! You ha

ted as well as perplexed. 'Twas plain that Rose knew nothing of

Queen's should it be that lies on your ta

ad hit. She had seen, in his possession, the miniature of Smilinda, and had guessed that it was a

eat on the boulevard, when we thought'(here Miss Rose hid her face o

se pretty petals, what (Mr. Wogan puts it to the casuists) was the dear man to say? What he thought

It satisfied Miss Townley's curiosity (as, indeed, it was very apt to do) and George gave her the strictest orders never to breathe a word of the circumstance, which must be reckoned a sacred mystery of the royal family. He also remarked that the portrait flattered her Majesty (as painters will do), and that, though extremely pretty

iss Townley had not yet seen the Queen's portrait (her father havi

of himself in particular, as many an honest fellow has done. In Mr. Wogan's opinion, bygones ought to be bygones, but it takes two to that bargain. Meanwhile Miss Rose might make as much or as little of h

lly, but a very great distaste for Mr. Kelly's Cause. Rose might coax, the Parson might argue, Wogan might use all his blandishments--the good man was iron. In brief, Kelly must ce

and once again, on the last chance. The blow was to be struck in this spring of the year 1722. If it failed, or could not be str

to England. Mr. Kelly and Rose had no great difficulty in persuading the surgeon that he would find it more convenient to live in London than in the country, of the miseries of which

e in and where, whether in Paris or in Engl

id the Parson, 'so that he can come

ch the Parson's marriage meant for him. But these words, and the girl's assent, and above all a c

but a certain pleasurable tenderness came over him. His friendship with the Parson had been, as it were, the heart of his boyhood. And in after years it had waxed rather than diminished. The pair of them could sit one on each side of a fire in perfect silence for an hour together, and yet converse intelligibly to each other all the while. Well, here was Mr. Wogan alone in the darkness of the little garden at Avignon now. The Rhone looked very

To part from Rose you may well believe was a totally different matter from his adieus to Smilinda. Nothing would serve the poor g

laugh, 'but you shall take Harlequin, who made us a

oroughly approved of the proposal, and Mr. Kelly, to whom the poodle c

r's loyalty and courage, the Portrait of the Queen! There was no way of escape, and thus, as a memorial of Mr. Kelly's singular attachment to the best of Causes and of Queens, Miss Townley was treasuring the

e Duke of Mar, who most unfortunately took notice of

dy is ill, and, alas, near to her death; the Bishop is fretting under the gout, and his wife's sickness, and the jealousies among the King's friends. Moreover

ed to the Duke of Mar by putting him through his tricks. The Duke laughed heartily, and commended the Parson's

PTE

ON PRODUCED BY A BAL

orward, so far as a man could see; and within a month the country was to rise. Mr. Wogan from Paris travelled to Havre-de-Grace, whence James Roche, an Irishman, settled in that port, and a noted smuggler upon the English coast, set him across the Channel, and put him ashore at the Three Sheds and Torbay near Elephant Stairs in Rotherhithe. Mr. Wogan took his old name of Hilton, and went about his business, paying a visit now and again to

ow,' said he. 'I could tell you a very pret

as in a shining garment, and you may be sure he did not spare Lady Oxford in the comparison. On the contrary, he came very near to hinting that it was the Parson jilted Lady Oxford, who therefore fell back upon Colonel Monta

Mar, and General Dillon, and put them in the common post. They did but carry common news, and excuses for delay. The Bishop's lady died on the 26th of April, and on that very day Harlequin's hurt broke out again, and the poor creature went whining lugubriously about the gloomy house, as though it was mourning for its mistress. This fact should be mentioned, because the Duke of Mar had made an inquiry in a letter as to how Harlequin fared, and whether Mr. Illington, a

e Bishop's gout, was much occupied at Bromley. It was not until that calamitous day, the 19th of May, that the two friends met again. Events moved very quickly upon that same day. It seemed they had been hatching this long while out of sight, like thunderclo

self far enough from London, at the seat of Sir Harry Goring

r. Wogan alighted, thinking to seek his letters at Burton's, and the baronet's carriage rolled off to his town house. Wogan entered the coffee-house; the great room was extraordinary full, an

nged, was admitted. The room was thick with tobacco smoke, and half-a dozen empty bottles made mantraps on the floor. Through the Virginia haze Wogan saw two men; one was Tyrell, a friend of the Cause, the other was a t

yield them

in Sing

and Ladie

is change

ved a Par

she'd stil

word goes o

rd of M

w hastily embraced him in the French manner, holding the

Here is the newest ballad, all the story of his l

f from Mr. Talbot's embrace, who exhal

aid Wogan; 'this is miching m

tagu, from the Latin tags; it

he credit of the mischievous nonsense, as was inte

lad into his hands by this tim

asked, 'are you

d Tyrell, who, to do him justic

f it were, and if you don'

he Parson!' c

ht of the reputati

Chevalier, and Tyrell scratched his head, wondering what on earth the

inking, Nick. What has the ballad of poor George's misfortune to do with Mr. Farmer, a gentleman of

d trips you up, and

e!' cried the Crow, putting out his ha

stopped

nse. We may all hang for it,' he said in a certai

th anger can do, and blessed his stars that for so many months her Ladyship had not met Kelly, and could know nothing of the inner plot for

haunting the fine ladies who pass these wares about? Where did you get

nd Mr. Pope,' answer

Pope! You! Where di

under the Hill, d

g-place of the party, where the smugglers c

the Hill! Crow, you are raving! What

n't know the gentle

n who gave yo

, my friend Mr. Scrotton. Met him often. Exshlent judge of wine, Mr.

tell him of? Not of the rising? Not of thi

on told me about plot. Often talked it over a bottle. I'm a most cautious ma

e his name i

y. Soshiation of ideas. Mr. Pope's poet. You

otton, he fell back on his moral character as 'a very honest man.' He might be, or, again, he might

ter-rack, picked up an epistle for Mr. Hilton. The handwriting of the superscription made him look so blank t

n the whole, only insisting that his fortune would be made if Wogan would

d dropped a tear. 'Oh, Wilton--Hogan,

not leave the debased Crow till he slept in the sheets, which on

and Tyrell stepped out, turning the key of his chamb

nobody. He must on no account see anyone except Mr. Tyre

by the woman of the house, who expressed anxiety for th

her about?' Tyrell asked when

you. I need quiet for thought, and sylvan

row play the fo

ave no

seen n

n silence, Wogan frowning, and Tyrell m

true ballad,' said

bt of it; bu

e truth, the gr

ap

led. This ballad must have run through al

ke you. Where does th

libelled knew G

nodded

verything,' co

and caught Woga

eorge knew th

It is a year and more since George and she have spoken. She knows

s staunch,'

uoted L

more to her than pawns

a moment. The matter was too serious for t

ly for blabbing? She will give the ballad to Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, and isn't Kelly of Lady Mary's friends? No, he did not blab, but never mind. She will

often are--in the fire,' answer

up was from her; I know

say that Lady Oxford had heard that Mr. Hilton was in town,

as they walked under the trees. Since he left Brampton Bryan, Mr. Wogan had not been

rring,' he

hey were got w

g the burdens of planks, tents, picks, and spades. Beside the Walnut Walk soldiers in their shirt slee

r. Tyrell, Mr. Tyrell

Tyrell in dismay. 'And what i

rlero." He was disposed on the whole to agree with Tyrell. Somehow Lady Oxfor

n went to the Cake House, sat down, and called for glasses of ratafia. Studying the face of Mr. Tyrell

ing on private men, could get no other reply. It might be only for practice. It might be that the French were expected. Mr. Wogan heartily wished that they were, but nobody was expected, so far as he knew, save these same ragged regiments of his countrymen with the Duke. And

aterside would be wholeso

' said Mr. Wogan, and th

uld not but smile to think of the Crow winging an unsteady flight across the Channel. He managed to steer ac

he door was opene

hnson a

id not give satisfaction,' said Mrs. B

satisf

uch as shall be nameless, and the coals disappearing, and his letters pry

ps of lamentation escaped aloud, though her emotion was

e circumstance that Kelly had left her rooms two days before without giving in any sound justifying plea for this treason. Mr. Wogan, who was well aware of Mrs. Barnes's curiosi

ed her. 'What!--you know Mr. Joh

not give satisfaction. And here's all his letters to all manner of names. Look at them! Look at them! And how many

o much as a scrap of paper about to show that ever he had lodged there. Wogan looked at the scrutoire on which the strong-box he had given to his friend at Paris was used to rest. It had held Lady Oxford's letters in the old days, but of late i

eps. He marched some twenty yards down the street and then came to a stop. He looked round. Mrs

re will I carry them to?

woman, and, if you please, we'll not take so much trouble as to say good-bye to her, and the next it's Mrs. Ba

y, she's your bosom

Barnes because of her curiosity and take a lodging with Mrs. Barn

ng of, who would rob him and starve him of his last crust of bread. No, for all that he s

, it is a very Irish proceeding. I'll

as Wogan turned away, 'but as to findi

at do yo

Lady, brought a note yesterday and he that had been hiding from her,

sked Wogan, pulling from his pocket hi

Mrs. Barnes. 'I sent the fel

the pleasure of winning his money at cards. Wogan's anxiety concerning Lady Oxford's attitude was much increased. There was the ballad, the camp in Hyde Park, there were the letters

ndlady opened. She knew Wogan, who, indeed, had occupied he

er than ever, and

l the Monument, but I can still get under yo

n lives. Out all night, home in the morning with mud

it, were he one of the seven sleepers. Geo

s were that noisy, Mr. Hilton!' She walked down the passage as she spoke and threw open a door upon the right. 'Mr

friend's decease?' asked W

ld not be laughing

y's scrutoire. It was the first thing indeed on which his eyes fell. He stepped across the room and threw open the lid.

That box he saw further back in the scrutoire, half hidden in news-sheets. But that too he found to be locked, and shaking it in his hand, was aware that, like the other, it held papers. The lid of the box was covered with dust, as though it had not been touched for mont

ried. 'George!' and he rappe

r than common, with his silver-hilted sword, Alen?on ruffles, black coat and satin lining, silver shoulder-knots,

desires to see him in his best before he goes to bed?' Wogan pulled the letters

ray, sir, be very quiet. My first floor

I have a great tenderness, Mrs. Kilbu

grinned in a s

ble. He picked up the rest, but as he put them back into his pocket, one fell on to the floor. Wogan caught sight of the handwriting as it fell. Then it stared up at him from the floor. The letter was written in a woman's hand, which Mr. Wogan was well enough acquainted with, although it was neither Lady Oxford's nor the hand of Rose. It was in the handwriting of Lady Ma

m of skirmishing doubts,

Oxford mean by w

out. As to her motive for that act of unexpected hospitality, Wogan had his own thoughts, which he afterwards confided t

t be merely to do honour to a mourning prelate who would

y Oxford had bidden Kelly to her rout, and that, by the tok

ng, and, in Wogan's opinion, the ballad was the cause of the military stir. Lady Oxford, inflamed with anger, blaming Lady Mary for the ballad, and blaming Kelly for blabbing her fault t

place in London for him, that night, and perhaps for Mr. Kelly, than Queen's Square in Westminster which Lady Oxford had taken for a permanence. For if Lady Oxford had blabbed, the last place in London where the Messengers would be like to look for the Parson was her ladyship's withdrawing-room. Unless of course she was laying a trap, which did not seem likely. In the face of this new ballad, Lady Oxford would not dare to have the Parson arrested within, or even near her house. It would provoke too great a scandal. He d

Who was the first person he was likely to encounter at Lady Oxford's? Why, the very last person whom at this juncture it was convenient for him to meet--namely, Colonel Montague. Wogan heartily wished he had left the Colonel between two fi

said, 'to be a li

PTE

ANERY OF

. He thought that he would walk from his rooms to the Dean's by way of St. James's Park, and consequently he passed through Ryder St. and in front of Mr. Kelly's new lodgings. Just

command with an inexpressible confusion of dismay. He had hardened his heart to encounter the enemy whose life, in

e. Was he Was he carrying a cartel to his predecessor in Lady Oxford's heart? In that case it was all the more necessary to meet him and play the part of Dr. Franklin's kite, which had not at that time been flown, but is now making talk en

's house in Westminster, where the Bishop of Rochester lay. He knew the road very well, being himself an old Westminster boy. It was but seven years since he had run away to join his brother Charles and raise t

ones. There were lights in the windows that suddenly went out: the lads were abed. Wogan looked up at the blank windows, and thought of seven years agone, and of his life since then, an unprofitable contemplation, which his mind gladly deser

ment of yellow light, and then a voice that M

y father

judas. The voice was that of Sam Wesley, a young usher i

ved away, an

ud for a whisper, through the judas

ps were

mber Nick, who kicked the bully for

uffled back

ssword,' said the vo

want George Kelly. I must see him in the

all rules,' came th

ax I once put on your chair, or I'll

ock, Mr. Wogan smuggled himself within, a

ace. The wind blew on the light that flickered in the absolute darkn

would have battered down

the black stairs to a den of his own, where he was within call of

of the boys' exercises, the usher said, 'It is a

fe deserves one,' said Mr. Wogan. '

knock,' said Sam in a voice of awe. 'It is Old

it a cant name fo

father's house at Epworth, in the year 1716, had been troubled, it seems, by an honest goblin that always thumped and routed with a particular malevolence when the Elector was prayed f

ics in the next wor

have special business with Mr. Johnson?' he asked. 'He is with my Lord, hard by. The Bishop's voice

ad learned from Goring that the reverend Father in

ewhere, but he has been much troubled about Mr. Johnson's dog, Harlequin. The poodle has been conveyed out of to

. He was the Bishop's man, and as honest as the d

im coddled by Mrs. Barnes. He was cudgelling his brains for Harlequin's

e and hands were somewhat stained and blackened as with smoke, but the careful man had tucked up his Alen?on ruffles beneath his sleeves. On seeing Wogan George

of the Dean's gard

herefore?'

ou to have the kindness to

he bundle,' said Mr. Wes

aid George. 'But can you let

Sam, as Kelly put h

. Hilton,' George said, a

playing the sexton, to permit me and Mr. Hilton the c

is bookcase, whence he lugged out glasses and a bottle of Florence. Then he p

said not one word to Ke

to sample the bottle, a

your way in here?'

irily. 'I drink Old Jeffrey

mortal but Mr. Wesley and me. The Bishop does not know it. His se

y tapped 1--2, 3, 4,

he said. 'But, Georg

Nick, and down to the waters

Mr. Wogan with an air of fas

are

in your chair, you knew nothing. George, what did the Bishop tell

me! Nick, you know too

ey's bedchamber and wash these hands, which go very ill with silver shoulder-knots; and pour the blac

ons. When he entered the room again the conspi

r worldly design of pleasure, and I shall not be

t, Nick, how did you know my mind? 'Twas th

g himself hugely. Perhaps it was the Florence, coming a-top of the Burgundy. He was qu

low fire in a brazier, that shone red on his Lordship's polished poll, for he wore no perruque. His eyes bla

he apostolic,'

first words

, come here!" q

little old man sprang out at me, seized me by the collar, and then fell back on his couch with a groan that was a curse. I p

t for ever. Did you despatch my letters

episcopal laying on of hands, and with that expres

aned, a

ly true), "and grief, and treachery. I beg your par

acket addressed to Mr. Gordon, the banker in Boulogne, and I sent them by

sick old Christian. "Did I not bid you write to Dill

e letters of importance, for you did not discha

and there was a whole Commination Service

nodded and

d us,' said Kelly; 'Harle

lad to hear it,'

of the discovery of the Great Affair, and the probable ruin of the Cause,

new of the discovery before you told me, but

wly sat himself dow

why?' he asked, wit

en I'll tell mine. This i

doubt as to who Illington is. There was no need such a letter of pure compliment should be written at all, except for the purpose of being opened in the post, and fixing the Bishop as Illington. Then,' Kelly went on, 'I remembered a letter of Mar to myself, of last week, in which he spoke of the dog Harlequin as Mrs. Illington's. If these letters were opened in the post,--and the Bishop knows for certain that they were o

d out another g

rge? Was there anything to put fear on the Elector's Ministers? Did they

, for the Cause, for us, if the Blow be struck quickly. We must strike quickly. So may we retrieve Mar's treachery. The Bishop in his letter made excuses to the King for the delay of an

wever, only s

'm sorry to hea

lly, sourly. 'First you are pleased that Mar sold us, and t

ws on the table, and bent

sold it. Therefore somebody else sold it; therefore I am at the pain of b

lly bl

now that the last

we thought Layer had bought is there with the rest under canvas. Ministers would not make an encampment in the Park be

my Lady Oxford

rgyman, for whose sake she is the burden

d? Of wh

d, by the Lord, it is laid on unsparingly. Perhaps you would like to hear it,' and Mr.

py to my

for all

flies to fo

--beneath

o a stop in front of Sam's bookcase. 'Rose,' said he, in a voice o

elief that the discarded Parson wastes in despair. Now she knows that the Parson is consoled. There was spark to powder. The Parson may be putting on

e would, for her Lord's neck is not in

d only with the actual plan of attack, and suffic

m, 'twas pure folly to trust him. Do you remember what Law said that night in

ughtfully drawing a finger to and

n what I said? "May nothing come between the Cause and me!" Why, it seems the Cause

tever excuses rose to his tongue

om the shelf and turning over the leaves read a line here and there. Wogan knew very well what was passing through his mind. His thoughts had

not heed. Read that!' and with a bitter sort of laugh he handed the open

man drop as a honey-comb and her mouth is smoother than oil. But her end is bitter as wor

read the t

nge woman,' and then in a fierce outburst, 'If I

e it to L

, who wrote the ballad? H

singing it to Tyrell, at Burton'

d the Crow ge

omfortable circumsta

reston or in Spain, but a sponge for dri

whom he had been drinking at the Little Fox

name his

gh to begin by cal

pe, the

man's real name, he remembered, was Scrotton. I can't guess who he was

for that!'

l for very small mercies,' said Mr. Wogan, who found it

--Scrotton--the ballad! Who wrote the ballad? Who of our enemies knew a word about Rose? Are you blind? Who was at Avignon, spying on me, wh

rope it must have been, and the Crow swore that the m

e Cause, that lost us Edinburgh Castle in the Fifteen, when the Scots

Wogan thought,

the writer knew. Lady Mary is a friend. Lady Oxford is innocent, thank

man reprieved. Wogan shook his fri

id. 'Scrope has hit everyone he

said Kelly; 'but I h

ping lightly, e

said, 'the out

ty was plainly to

is hospitality. He accompanied them to the door, and they h

hey go?' both men

wn Burgundy at supper. He was also elated by George's elation, for to find innocence in one whom he had suspected elevated Mr. Kelly's disposition

s mind in spite of all. Why had Lady O

answer by a ro

ly, as soon as they were out in the cloister, wi

ad other notions

o her rout to-night? What did she say, George? W

nd on his brow. 'My wi

s hedges,'

cked the

he lady's letters i

are the devil. How

ned your amorous

as reading the letter. Mrs. Kilburne knocked at the door. I did not know who it might be. I slippe

ote is in the better company. But what did she

nt news, that might not be written, to give me about Mr. Farmer's affairs. P

se curiosity was on edge from the

s--I must bur

Therefore, either you have the whole night safe or, going home now, you go into a mousetrap, as the French say, and your papers are the cheese to lure you there. Now, the

ting. 'Nicholas, I knew not that you had so

'Perhaps nothing is laid against you at all. Did Scro

oper spy would have stopped the Duke's gold,

id for you at Avignon, while he let the Duke's business alone, quite content. Now you are alive and he wants a meeting, 'tis clear he did not inform on you, otherwise the messengers would have been with you

reasonest well,'

d the pair moved out of the dark,

PTE

IGHTNING-CONDUCTOR

, a night of moonlight and young spring, a night for poets to praise and lovers t

w Montague come out of your new lodgings this ev

now where to look for me?

ell pleased with the ballad,

ly, with a touch of temper;

ight. So there's balm for your grief, and anoth

fter that, and Wogan could not refrai

rospect of a quarrel with another man whom he has never spoken to, on account of a woman he has a great contempt for, will make all his blood flow quicke

out into the night a great blaze of light, and a noise of many voices. As

l you resolve me a theological quandary? Do the doctors of your sect

cried Kelly. 'Dr. Hoo

ker's bond. Next, does your Reverence recko

proceed against dicers by way of the greater excommunication. We read that th

u say it is binding, to wait here in obedience to your commanding officer. A wise leader will ever send out scouts to inspect a dangerous pass. I shall reconnoitre at Lady Oxfo

hey take you? Sure we

ng's mere servant, to give knocks and to take them. I write no letters, and none write them to me. It is Mr. Johnson they will be stalking, i

h to pay my

ned his pocke

ng in the cavern of a dice-box. Lose or win, if you hear nothing of me, you march forwards and occupy Queen's Square in forty

luctantly into the house of Le Queux. Mr. Wogan waited until the do

hed forward. The Parson might desire an occasion with the Colonel, but Wogan, for Miss Townley's sake, meant t

a genuine hostility. So here was one of the reasons, besides the wish to reconnoitre, why Wogan left his friend behind him in Le Queux's gaming-room

ssed towards the door. Gentlemen with stars upon their velvet coats, and ladies altogether swaddled in lace and hoops thronged up the steps. But of the possible messengers for whom Mr. Wogan looked, not one was to be seen in any

ective, the less he enjoyed it. Under her roof, however, for the sake of her own credit, Kelly and he must be safe from arrest. Besides it might be that her Ladyship was ignorant of the ballad. Reflecting on these doubts, and thankful for this tender mercy, Wogan's heart was ill at ease, though he put on a face of brass. The chatter which buzzed at his inattentive ears seemed the most impertinent thing in the world. At each step a flowered petticoat swung against his legs, or a fan, held by a hand in a perfumed glove, knocked against his elbow, and somehow the fine gentlemen and ladies in their fine clothes seemed to him at that moment as incongruous as a nightmare. Scraps of gossip of which he took no note at the

when the shrill voice changed its tune

ry Wortley Montagu, that I will wager. 'Tis the most ingenious thing; and most ingeniously given to the town just at the time when it will sting most. Poor Smilinda.' The voice went off into a giggle, in the midst of which Mr. Wogan distinguished a name--Lord Sidney Beauclerk's. Mr. Wogan would hardly have heeded the name had he not heard it again twice before he reached the stairhead,

flames of candles; of a floor polished like a mirror, of a throng of misty faces, a hubbub of voices, and a gorgeous motley of colours like the Turkish bazaars Lady Mary was used to describe. Then the faces g

ss she would be seated at one of them. He glanced down the line of tables to his left. He did not see Lady Oxford, but his attention was seized by one particular tab

of fancy crept into his head, and, to be frank, struck something of a chill into his veins. It came upon him slowly that the table was not in truth empty at

oused by a touc

Hil

s side who looked like nothing so much as a ta

ure,' sa

ship sits

his sight by the young gentleman now at his elbow. As Wogan looked, Lady Oxford turned with an anxious smile and a glance beyond his s

self ridiculously placed, and yet has not the courage to move. Mr. Wogan was encouraged; he could have wished the Colonel in no other mood. Mr. Wogan

ch beauty in the making of one man. But even more remarkable than his beauty was his extraordinary likeness to Wogan's King. At the first glance Wogan would have sworn that this youth was the King, grown younger, but that he knew his Majesty was at Antwerp waiting for the Blow to fall. At the second, however, he remarked a difference. The youth

t him, drooped towards him. The Colonel shi

hand upon his

u please, the name of he

ntleman star

ct an ignorance of our new conqueror, for whom women pine with love and men grow sour with envy

rance,' interrup

ft's Yahoos. 'Slit my weazand if I can. Sir, he is the gold leaf upon the pill of the world. For his sake dowag

ce for these times,' a

Nell Gwynn of pious memory gave his father birth. Our last Charles was

is a very intimate fr

very grossier,' remarked

ommon talk. Her ladyship was taking a new lover. Colonel Montague was the crumpled ribbon that has done good service but is tossed into the cupboard to make way for fresher colours. The ballad was

gan had found so distasteful one evening in St. James's Street three years before; but he said not

lton,' she said; 'and you h

thy towards the Colonel, and in his softest brogue,

exasperation and injury as the Parson had been in the like circumstances! The supposition seemed probable. Mr. Wogan could have ru

her way, she being a bad loser. She was watching for someone, and that someone without a doubt was Mr. Kelly. Wogan could not but ask himself with what intention she watched. Her ladyship was taking a new lover, and for that reason the ballad struck her hard--if she knew of it. Smilinda was not the woman to forgive the blow. She would assuredly blame Kelly for the ballad--if she knew of it. Had she lured him here to strike back? She turned once more

en Lord Sidney noisily thrust back his chair, and, stepping past Lady Oxford, stood in the open space be

was followed by a quick movement which ran through the room like a ripple across a pool, as each head was

a bidder. No? Ah!' and she took a step forwards to where her champion was standing apart, his hand on his hip, his face raised, ready to encounter even so dangerous an antagonist as Lady Mary, 'my Lord Sidney Beauclerk, you are not afraid?' He looked at

quite took aback the most part of her guests. Mr. Wogan, however, was better acquainted with he

e was disconcerted, or that anger got the upper hand with her. At all events, for an instant she dropped the mask. She gave Wogan one look; he never remembers, in all the strange incidents of his life, to have seen eyes so

the worst of ill-breeding had I not knowledge enough to cong

. Wogan, while he recognised her bravery, had her look of a second ago very dist

e said, 'wherein the arm of flesh is

red behind their fans, and here and there a man checked a laugh.

g her friends who would not let her wit go naked when a scrap of Latin could cover it decently--indeed, too decently at times, for, though we always see the Latin, one is hard put to it now and then to discover the wit. Do you not think so, Mr.--Hilton?' She paused ever so slightly before the name, and ever

leave the encounter to her worthier hands. Lady Mary sailed into the room; Lady Oxfor

eared you would baulk us of your company. Fr

dam?' asked

e, who said you had withdrawn thi

my door two days ago, and his vanity c

placed money in the sinking South Sea; the Frenchman arriving in London in a hurry; Lady Mary in a hurry arriving in France; a kind of country dance figure of partners

with chagrin. However, he took some comfort from Lady Mary's face, which was grown dangerously

my sufficient defence. My Lord Oxford is he

n,' sighed Lady Oxford, 'with a monstrous big toe all swathed in f

parkle of triumph

in the world;' and she swept a courtesy to Colon

irted her fan

lause ran from group t

the game of tennis, m

d his hand. He moved a few yards from the table at which Lord Sidney Beauclerk, with his eyes upon Lady Oxford, was dealing the cards, an

ed your lady

as she was gliding back to her table, 'shared my bank, and played with the worst of luc

y turned to Mr. Wogan, and in a voice loud

by Colonel Montague? I did not think the

' said Mr. Wogan

Mary

me and scoring points to

ough even Lady Oxford was touched, for her face was half turned towards Mr. Wogan, and he saw it soften with something like pity and her eyes swam for an instant in tears. It was new, no doubt, for the spider to feel compassion for the fly, but Mr. Wogan was n

holding the pack o

nd to play? 'a

minutes for his business as lightning conduct

er I have a mind to play with,' sai

eart,' said sh

el Mon

Lady Mary over the supposed authorship of the ballad, made as though he had not seen her summons. Lady Mary repeated

a friend,' she said, as Co

the Colonel coldly, 'I have no taste for

d gleefully as he caught the insult. Here wa

ound the card-table. But before the Colonel could answer,

d Miss

a leap. He swore

d her ladyship, who

he Rose,' r

on the other hand, was no longer perplexed at all. His doubt was now a certainty. Lady Oxford had prepared a scenic reve

it, and grew white as marble. Miss Townley saw Lady Oxford, knew the face of the miniature that she had thought was the Queen's, and blushed like the dawn. Her hand flew to her neck as she courtesied deep to Lady Oxford's courtesy; when she rose, by some mira

pause. Lady Mary had moved towards the door. Colonel Montague was gliding back to

d that I caught a little word of yours tha

olitely, 'your speech bewrayeth you, but the h

ng for an Irishman. Doubtless you are as ready to take a quiet little walk, in which case I shall be most happy to show you where my honour inhabits.

leasantry in an agreeable way wh

he, 'I will take that walk with you to-mo

an in some disappointme

For instance, I was not fortun

cried Wogan, in a heat, quite forgett

doubt,' interrupted Montague

answered Wogan with indi

and he bowed to the ground, 'I reck

t of his ill-humour, and

ew aside the curtain. 'Look,' said he, peering out, 'it is the sweetest moonlight that ever kissed a sword-blade! Oh, to-night, Colonel!' Then he dropped the curtain somet

Montag

, was an Irish adventurer.'

will send your friend to my lodgings

rne's!' exc

e had seen Montague on the night they had driven out on the first journey to Brampton Bryan. It was at Mrs. Kilburne's door that Wogan had seen Montague that afternoon. The Colonel was her fine gentleman upon the first floor. Sure,

the clock. It was half an hour past t

e by his elbow. She made an effort to detain him; he breathed a word of apology. It did not occur to him then that she might have overheard

which the Parson should have knowledge before he reached the house. It was that face which had made him drop the curtain so quickly and fall in so quickly with the

ld reach it a firm hand closed upon his arm. He looked round. Lord S

th you, Mr

he house. But he was too late. In the doorway of the house he met Mr. Kelly, whose face wore a singular air of content. And

to the shady side of the street, out of

'who condemn the occasional casti

ound our lu

said Mr. Kelly, tender

ar, and we are l

coast is n

ery sign of thunder, wind, and ea

s Capulet!' sai

aving secured his d

orge, she was wearing my lady's min

ed, and his utteran

ome,' he said. Despai

gan's plans

no more to lose,

.' Mr. Kelly's hand went to his sword, but Wogan checked him. 'Don't let him think you know. We

, later, Wogan could engage Mr. Scrope's attentions while the Parson went safely on to Ryder Street. The t

TER

D'S 'COUP

and Lady Oxford's table, with a smile on his face. He did not see Rose, who was a little apart, hidden

are

e was La

alfway to the coast by now. What brings h

et. It had been thrust clean out of his mind at the Deanery by those more pressing questions as to how the Blow had

opened it?

ladyship's discomposure that the letter held news of an urgent i

no scrap of writing in the letter, but a

' said Wogan. He could

ses hi

e must do in London if by any means he can. He must burn the

had written Mr. Johnson's name into fragments to

ll,' said he, 'shall not ri

Lady Mary. 'Wh

n la

little business of my o

e, 'your frien

, and turned his eyes from her face. He saw that Rose still stood alon

aid, 'you have th

you will destroy my reputation. Wha

ladyship? And you know Lady Oxford. It is Miss Rose Townley's first visit to this h

e Lady Oxford'

in her mind. The girl entered the room wearing our hostess's portr

looked h

t, but you will n

ded, her lips

om for her at her side, and Wogan only hear

ge, and her's was the friendship of a man. Never did woman need it more than Miss Townley, and never, sure, was counsel an

ould do more than guess, must be defeated at any cost--at all costs. Lady Mary glanced at the guilt and guilelessness of our sex. Kelly, too, had been entrapped, before he knew Rose, but that was ended. Lady Mary certainly knew it was ended, however things appeared. According to men's notions, he was compelled to lie to Rose about the miniature. Now Miss Townley might, if she chose, give Ke

eeting Kelly with a conspicuous kind

on the very finest Alen?on. Sure you bring me those laces for which I

e hoped her ladyship would be satisfied. But his eyes sear

ays lucky before he went abroad.' She spoke with a provoking smile at Colonel Montague, and then shot a qu

as he noticed and read the look, for it was just that tender appeal to her lover's faith which always brought about the

s not starve. She is leaving her party with the air of a loser, and needs the comforts of chicken and champagne. But first let me make you better acquainted with the gentleman who super

led the Colonel to himself, and added gru

, a mature matron, dressed to kill, in virginal white. Wogan watched them out of the door, and was a

Mr. Hilton,' said

id Wogan, looking at his watch. 'There ar

d the lad with great dignity; which

let him go. She had eyes only for him, eyes to caress. Many curious people watched the scene as at a play. All the town knew the ballad, and here was Lady Oxford's reply. M

threw in now and again a short reply. But she spoke with an occupied air, and her eyes were drawn ever towards the card-table at which Lady Oxford was pr

t Lady Oxford

ng me no better luck than did the Colonel. I must console myself with private talk, and news of lace and lutestring.

r. Then he had given her his arm with the proudest gallantry. Now her ladyship went out of her way to lead him past Rose, where s

atched them, her face grown very hard and white, but she said no word until they had gone. Sh

p good-night,' she said;

er words steady, but it could

nd fixed them on the floor to hide the humiliation they expressed, but she could not smile. She tried, but no more came

y Mary. 'It is for honour, it is for life, his

I will stay,' said the girl. Her face fl

with whom Rose bore herself bravely. Wogan saw t

one with her? What blow had she to strike? Mr. Wogan was not surprised that Kelly had turned pale, and though he held his head erect, had none the less the air of one led to the sacrifice. To make the matter y

ch as 'Miss Townley--the poor girl knows no one.' Kelly started a little; the Colonel sullenly bowed. Lady Oxford, leaning upon Mr. Kelly's arm in order t

se a door gave on to that little room into which Kelly had led Lady Oxford

keness in the lid of the snuff-box, and had deceived George into the belief that she was, heart and soul, as deep in the

ight in her eyes. Neither the smile nor the look had power to beguile the two men any longer. Kelly stepped forwards to her like a man that is tired. Wogan had again the queer sense of incongruity.

ut behind them. The click of the latch is

TER

COURSES ON THE INNOCE

rail of the balustrade when a w

e, Mr. Hilton,' said

he closed door. 'Half an hour, my lord,' he mused, 'a small trifle of minutes. You may me

sentiments t

ons. The lad's face was hard; his eyes gloomy and fierce. Wogan remembered that,

in the doorway.' He led the way back into the inner with

ll be privat

lesh was preferred to a spiritual Blade. That may have been wit, of which I do not profess to b

ly, 'you do not know the woman

h brought the blood into Wogan's face. It w

ion of a sudden got the upper hand, and in a low quick voice--there was as much pain as anger in it--'It hurts me,' he said, clenching his hands, 'it positively hurts me. Here is a woman'--he stopped in full flight, and blushed with a youthful sort of shame at his eloquence--'a woman, sir, in a word, and you

e not many more than his, but he had seen mankind, and marvelled how they will trust a woman who, they know, has fooled one

veut,' he said; 'but sure you may try if you

nd you will oblige me by using another word. I may be y

which to Mr. Wogan's ears robbed the speech o

riend to Burton's Coffee

n's Coffe

a hired spy. Very like, he had once been just such another honest lad, with just the same chivalry, before my lady cast her covetous eyes on him. Downstairs in the little room the Parson was

urtain aside; he had some vague thought of relating Scrope's history, but his first glance at Lord Sidney'

your lordshi

ed, as well he might, and

with considerable emphasis on the months

enty-two and some more months. You are astonished,

l me this you

r service than by taking care that you meet no one afterwards. It was that I had to tell you,

iteness. He eyed Mr. Wogan as though for a moment he do

Hilton, there ar

s had passed since that latch had clicked. He strolled out of the room to the stairs. The door was still shut. He came back into the room and stood by Lady Mary, who was d

the bundle of bones in parchment. 'Colonel Montague--well, my dear, he is a gallant officer in the King's guard

ddenly looke

nel Montague you

ishing the Colonel should discover nothing upon that h

ue led Lady Ri

erted you that you look s

deed, your ladyship, to-nig

ladyship maliciously, 'you may take

oloured ribbons, a girlish

ly ignorant,' said she. 'I daresay I ask a

en years is the properest age for a woman

Mr. Wogan stifled a laugh. Lady

a minauderie. 'I shall dote on prover

lifted up

d; 'considérez ce néant. There'

cruel,' said Ros

ike a top that hums senselessly. You must whip it hard enough and then

r against the keyhole without any shame at the eavesdropping. He stood at the stair-foot gazing at the door as though his eyes would melt the oak by the ardour of their look. Above the voices laughed, the smooth music murmured of all soft pleasures. Here, in the quiet of the hall, Wogan began to think the door would never open; he had a foolish fancy that he was staring at the lid of a coffin sealed down until the Judgment Day, and indeed the room might prove a coffin. He looked at his watch; only a poor quarter of an hour had passed since the door had clos

h Plot! A Plo

oor. He took his hand from the balustrade, but before he had advanced a step, the door was opened from within. Her ladyship sailed forth

PTE

ND COUNT

on his thoughts. A cheerful fire burnt upon the hearth now as then. There was the settee on which her ladyship had lain in her pretended swoon. The text which he had read in the Dean

lips; a cruel light glittered in her eyes. She looked him over with triumph, as though he were her captive bound hand and foot. The look braced Mr. Kelly. He started from his memories as a man starts up fro

and with her fan bec

e to make you my congratulations, and to pay you

ined standing

es does your lad

vern-jest. I have to t

e point. His pressing business was

e event does your lad

an Irish runagate and traitor? On your happy marr

laughed

my honour, I know no such woman,' he said, think

story of the girl was the idle talk of the Cocoa Tree. And Lady Mary thought to stab me wit

kiss him. But she refrained from such a caress. Her arms were clasped tighter and yet mo

en, no starvin

You have bee

could not have thought that a wo

betrothal? Liar!' she whispered in a strange voice, 'I see your miss's ring upon your finger. I sa

apothecary's daughter. I did not deny that there was a man named Townley, who, b

Go, traitor to your King and to your word! And when you are hanged, but not till you are dead,

earing her laced handkerchief into shreds. Kelly

hough in less painful moments I shall ever do so with honour and gratitude. As for what you say of my babbling, I protest my

nd sat forward staring doubtfully at K

w to be treachery in me, seemed more akin to loyalty. But though the sentiments of your ladyship have suffered a change since then, those of Mr. Scrope h

had gained, for it was not in Lady Oxford's nature to believe them. She made her profit out of her lovers' sincerity, yet could not compreh

nd no doubt the apothecary's daughter would be

owed in

lly had a certain question to ask before he ret

x of lace which had been

the last time. You are going, sir, to your d

Oxford his hand, a

as no fear that

e whatever, as her s

will inform me how much libe

gave a great leap within him. 'So much reprieve you have. But you must not go

saved. If all else went down, the papers would be saved. So it c

ger rose clear and audible. But as they entered the room, it was plain something was stirring. The windows stood open, gentlemen leaned out, ladies asked questions; about each window there was a restless, noisy group. The candles guttered in the

cries again rang

Plot.' 'A Plo

ot?' said Mr. Wogan s

he is the most active of our guardians, 'sa

asantly, and calling her black boy: 'Run, Sambo

upon his errand. Lady Oxford c

ng the box of lace with the ai

of the Fairy Queen. All point d'Alen?on of the finest. Y

o be, in the centre of a perfumed world of fans and hoops, of sparkling eyes and patched faces. Kelly, however, had other business on hand, and, slipping thr

ay yet outwit my lady. Besides, the papers once burned, there's little proof to condemn me. Speak to Rose, Nick! She will beli

Nick caught

st not

hy

ogan turned

f the curtain. Across the s

to shut out the light of the roo

a man. W

e. You have to-night free. An hour or so more will make little difference to you

so,' sai

sheet of the Flying Post, and the laces were fo

, 'I dare not tou

ere he left his friend, and took t

us all by reading out the news? Th

Lady Oxford, with

is eyes ove

ense out of Grub Street. The wretch should be whipped from Temple

guess what the sheet contained, and she kn

dly, 'or must I imperil my ow

did not take the sheet; she looked into Wogan's face as though she would read the news-shee

ladyship?' asked Mr.

Oxford, but in a less certain

t from Wogan's hand, unfo

our ladyship's ears,' he said;

ispers increased. Lady Oxfor

e sheet from Mr. Methuen, and at once read it aloud. He began defiantly, but towards the

f great Beauty who has a Tory Lord of advanced years and gouty Habit to her Husband, and a young Whig Officer of great Promise for her Friend, hath given the Intelligence to

eet, and retiring from the cir

murmured Lady Mary, and no one else

ford wa

company who were gat

s I and my kind lace-dealer who are aimed at. Now Mr. J

rom the window and c

h I am concerned,' said Kelly, bowing to the lady, and letting his jolly laugh out of hi

the appearances of a hasty flight, and who knew but what some of Mr. Walpole's spies might be within

this,' he went on, 'but we had

e false alarm I am ready to risk all, and brave everything. I must win enoug

s the card-table, and as he went, a light hand was laid up

, to-night. There may yet be t

tempted to fly; his papers unburned, the Cause deserted. The hand upon his sleeve had its fingers on his heart-strings, and was twanging the

ed, seeing how her voice

oke no word at all. He started, his mouth dropped, his blue eyes stared, the blood was drained from his cheeks. He stood amazed, like one that s

is lips. 'You will go! You will go!' But even as she spoke she knew that he would not go. Hi

ot go,'

hy

urned with a casket curiously enamelled. 'Mr. Johnson,' sa

Kelly, bringing out the sp

white and hard. She had done her best to make Kell

an, his face very pale, but with a

young, happy. The shadow of the hundred years of

twerp, George. You

as taken form to hearten us,' K

s appearance, only the King's cousin, Lord Sidney. But now he could not forget any longer that the King's papers were in his lodgings; that

ord. 'Colonel Montague, will you

was high. The luck had not deserted Kelly, while Lady Oxford paid him a hundred flattering co

e proverb Lady Mary had already quoted that evening

s back if she loses,' answered the Colonel, looking at Mr. Kell

stakes. The company stood round; they had left their tables to see this great battle of Quadrille. At times Wogan caught a glimpse of Rose Townley through a gap in the circle. She could not know why her lover had not fled. She only knew that, in her despite, he stayed in the house of the woman of whom he had told her at Avignon, though his

r, who rose at once with a word of thanks to Lady Mary. Mr. Kelly remarked her m

t accounts make long friends. I think when you reckon up the n

on her flushed face and glittering serpent's

Colonel, whenever you are pleased

upon Kelly's foot. There was no mistaking the deliberate movement. Lady Oxford made as though she

to play, you remember. Le Queux's is still open and

Wogan with a good-nature which

some words to s

trod upon my foot. I shall be happy to

instantly. 'I may inquire after it before then,

offering his arm to Miss Townley, and Kelly must not leave the house without Wogan at his side. For, in the first place, Colonel Montague was for a sure thing standing sentinel within ten paces of the door, and after he had run the gauntlet of the Colonel, there was Scrope for him to make his acc

that was to come, and hurried after the Parson, who was by this time

in a lazy voice. 'Take care of yourself, fo

ley's arm and turned ba

'tonight the streets are safe. Your ladys

an indolent smile. A word of Lady Mary's came back to Wogan's mind--a wor

broken attitude and so stared at the clock again. Lady Oxford had struck her last blow, and the last was the heaviest. Kelly had the night free, but the night was gone--and the streets were not safe. Nothing could be saved now--not even the King's papers. Then Wogan saw a change come o

ime ago to entrust me with your own brocades. Tho

o. Her ingenious stratagems of the evening to discredit the ballad and save her fair fame would be of little avail if the world once got wind of those pretty outpourings of Smilinda's heart. Her face grew very white. She dropped her fan and stooped to recover it. It was noticeable, though unnoticed, that no one of those who were stil

d rose her colo

I had purely forgotten them. You

so unsafe as your ladyship supposes; but I should be sorry for them to fall

y at a loss what to make of the scene. He had crossed half the distance before L

son, you are surely the most attentive of men. You must tell me how they have

found his occasion now. A minute before, Lady Oxford's eyes glittered with men

said Kelly, 'I will return when I h

be staunch! It is for life and honour!' She knew no more, but she was loyal. Wogan had seen men go, for the Cause, to a shameful death by torture. But he never saw courage so unfaltering, or loyalty so true, as this girl's. She was not herself in that hour; she had taken up a pa

quizzing glances, she paid no heed. She sa

ts for me,' and she held out her hand to Kelly. She had her reward. Kelly's face put on a look of pr

whispers were stilled; the couple went down the stairs in a great silence. Rose bore hers

from France,' she whi

t in the darkness of her chair they were flowing now. She would hear of him from France! Well, he had his one weapon--Lady Oxford's letters. If he used that weapon ar

h the fingers of one hand he played with the cards, cutting them unwittingly as though for a deal. It was, after all, he and not Wogan who had to play the hand with the shrouded figure. Wogan had already made hi

PTE

S BY MOONLIGHT A

ad filled him with apprehensions; one had been flung to with an angry violence, and the sound soothed him like the crooning

nd of a scabbard shining beneath the cloak, while across the road his eyes made out a hunched form blotted against the wall. The figure in the cloak was Colonel Montague; the skulker would no less certainly be Mr. Scrope. If the Parson would only tak

to the Col

promised me a few moments of your leisure. You may hear

his yesterday--till after breakfast. At prese

ound metaphysic, of which I am the ardent advocate. You will understand, sir, th

and to Wogan's chagrin

will permit me to say that I can never forget. All our differences are sunk for ever in t

tunate rescue at Preston. Wogan,

speak of a boy, who died long ago; if he made a mistake in

oes not remove

ation in the matter. Come, take a stroll in the Park, and I'll tell t

h already, to-night,

by his elbow when he had picked his quarrel with Montague. Sure she had overheard and had interfered to prevent it. 'The young lady!' he cried. 'All women are spoil-sports. But,

el shook

ircumstantial, how you le

but two f

e of bullets, crossed the

a rusty pistol. Both sides stopped firing the moment I jumped over--the politest thing. I

our wo

y shin on the sharp

uld not have escaped my lips. But now I can make amends for them to the gallant gentleman who brought a wounded enemy out of a cross-fire. I apologi

the real truth, I only saved such a fine ma

onel broke i

tood up before you without making a

iversion in that game,' said Wogan,

get from me, I am much pressed fo

he other and myself are just one man for these purposes. George is my alter ego. We are the greatest friends, and have been taken for

before Wogan could hit upon a likelier

n Lady Oxford's doorst

s Mr. Kelly's--waved his hand, and marched, like th

. Was there a fourth behind them stealthily creeping in the shadow of the wall? As they turned a corner out of the square Wogan fell a little further to the rear. He kept his head screwed upo

trees, the smoothest sward, moonlight on the grass, dark shadow all around. There he stopped, turned, and dropp

y, 'you should be on y

olonel Montague, d

aid Kelly; 'I must

air and run for the surgeon while the other gentleman mak

s friend a li

do which cannot be d

speech. He noticed that Kelly looked white an

itness is mere ruin, when I pray you by our old frien

are crazed,

no time for an explanation, the hour presses, and, Nick, my honour hangs on it. You mus

was named. Wogan had only once seen him thus moved. Had he play

-night. I will take care you a

suddenly, and the

ve the Parson his bellyful. Wogan twitched his cloak about him, and took his road down a path, bordered by bushes. It wa

d heard a twig snap, and in a thick bush he saw what at a first glance certainly resembled a very large brown bird's-nest. Lo

of difficult access because of the tangled boughs. Wogan reckoned it good to show a

oud. 'I wonder what is the exact sp

a tipsy manner, and so lu

ard a

in a

n his

bowl o

a-lo

at the fowl, thinking the hunter gone, would save him trouble by b

he branches, and peered in. His mind, in fact, was quit

ce, of a bird called "the cuckoo Kelly,"' he s

he was near blinded by the flame and smoke of a pistol discharged almost à bout portant. A figure ha

top of his own pace in pursuit. He was swift of f

e to a mathematical nicety, Mr. Wogan applied his toe to that part of the flying gentleman's figure which he judged most accessible and most appropriate to his purpose. The flying gentleman soared

unfortunate as to hurt you. Why, 'tis Mr. Scrope, the celebrated

ace were bleeding, for he had the mischance to slip on a grave

as Mr. Scrope who lay in a bush to watch an explanation between gentlemen? This time, sir, of your flight, you have not two horses to ca

pass at Wogan, who broke ground and drew his own weapo

aid Wogan. 'Now it is you who make error

parade in con

ast full like a fencing master with his pupil. 'But you did not really extend yourself. Now, sir, un, deux, doublez, dégagez, vite!' and Mr. Wogan passed his sword through the lappet of Scrope's coat, coming back on guar

ound, sweating,

d'armes!' he exclai

. Scrope, you must see that a coward who meant to kill you would have done so long ago, and left you here-

, and just grazed his o

Would you prefer to lay down your weapon and come frankly to my embrace? You remember our fond hugs at Brampton Bryan? By the way, Mr. Scrope,' asked Wogan,

his hand by a turn of the wrist in flanconade. The bla

have insulted two ladies of my acquaintance; you have censured my poetry; and you have spoiled my hat w

caught his enem

ol is deep. You have your choice; sa

pent. When Mr. Wogan had calmed him he carried

Scrope backward and forward, like childr

, flashed into the Canal, and did

s neck,' said Wogan with anxiety. 'It would

, the water reaching nearly to his middle. In his dripping pe

might study the marine deities whom you resemble. You are sure you have aga

ed before your eyes for this, you Popish

h, and I am not in Newgate yet. Moreover, I know a way out. But stop, I cannot possibly permit you to land, for Scrope was wading to

eginning to wade to the

He ran round the bank as Scrope waded across. He met his bedraggled victim at the water's edge. Mr. Wogan uttered a joyful whoop; there was a great splash and again Scrop

read his cloak upon the grass and sat down, contemplating the moonlight o

nessed. All the poet whom you tried to crush wakes in my bosom. I

ss, and, raising his hand towards the Moon, d

oon, refulgent

ar azure spreads

ath disturbs t

o'erspreads th

listening,

approaching. Presently, to his great amazement, he recognised the tones of Kelly and Montague, whose mere existence h

as they dre

of you?' h

lad to see us again, sir

George, what does this mean? Am I to hear,' he asked with honest

to the other much

tunity, Mr. Wogan,' said the Colonel

perruque, whose shadow was reflec

Protestant and an officer of his Majesty's for your pr

and murderer, and even, I suspect, a writer in the newspapers. He persists in staying out in the water there, where I ca

wed to Mr

has been lucky, contrary to t

dibly,' said Colonel Montague. 'May I ask

. After a gentleman has trod on another gentleman's foot, here you both are, well and smiling. I a

l shot we heard, Ni

r. Scrope f

oo that might have

ought up some ungentlemanly person who interrupted you in your explanation. You will begin it again? Mr. Scrope a

indly concerned, Mr. Wogan, are as int

ife, or you saved George's, some time in the dark ages,

ave important business together in the town, and we must bid you f

he would not follow me at all, but my friend Mr. Johnson. I am like my countryman who caught a Tartar in the Mus

olonel; 'your friend

ng?' asked Wogan. 'He is

determine,' said Colonel Montague. He turned t

lly, and Wogan thought he heard th

y seemed in no mind to translate th

and for ten minutes Mr. Scrope shall stand in the pond. You

quietly to bed?' asked Wogan, who was in truth hurt by the propos

I should be blaming you as it is for your delay, but I have no heart to it.' He had dropped into the Irish accent, a thing very rare with him. 'Fo

rass. If Mr. Scrope had had his wits about him, he might have chosen this

implest plan imaginable to put matters straight. What if you give me the key

cried

en, why, it's just Nick Wogan that's taken, and no one but Nick Wogan is a pen

s. But a man must pay for his own shortcomings, and the whole aspect of affairs had changed. And then he fell to thank

ith a tired sort of laugh, 'and you have

ittle parsonage in Ireland and your Latin books, and an acre or tw

ery quickly

es are almost up. I cannot watch Scrope after that,

an. 'Come out, my friend. I'll give hi

u will start

no more than politeness to inquire after Kelly's health before he went abroad. He kept silent upon this subject, and again summoned Scrope, who waded with his teeth chattering from the water. He drove Scro

,' and he marched Scrope at a round pace eastwards as far as Tem

the morals of his family, which was no doubt new to him. Some three hours later, when the moon had long since set, the pair came to the fields behind H

As he laid his head on the pillow it seemed to him to be a good year since he had driven off from Sir Harry Goring's house in the morning. And what of the Parson, whom he had

PTE

KELLY SURPR

ter the rout, while he conversed with Colonel Montague in the street. Again, while Wogan was busy with Mr. Scrope in St. James's Park, Kelly and the Colonel were exchanging their unknown explanations, of a kind not admired by Mr. Woga

d what were the considerations which induced George and the Colonel to

were answered later by Kelly, and the answer must be given before the later adventures and sorrows of G

es and scattered cards, Lady Oxford marched, like indignant royalty, to the end of th

Chevalier's papers could and should be saved too, and himself rescued from peril and Rose from much unhappiness. Rose was at the bottom of his thoughts that night; her face was mirrored there bright, it seemed, with divinity. The C

ed to burn my letters. Of all traitors y

emory supplied him with a

all men make an

truck her han

you had b

ady with his answer, but her

imonies of your esteem. It is as I have the honour to tell your ladyship; the brocades

in a voice of despair.

nery, and I do not think the streets

ng of my name. I shall become a byword, a thing

re was plainly no chance within the lady's knowledge, as he had hoped, of saving her letters

to

at the eager cry, but Lady Oxfo

use to-night, or must leave

s suddenly grown most tender of her

with Colonel Montague which nothing must prevent me from keeping. He is longing for an instant revenge--at the Hazard Table. A

Oxford paced to and fro about the room, wringing h

.' She reached out a hand toward

oreover, the Dolliad, the ballad on his sister, was credited to your pen. You know that Mr. Walpole loves a broad jest, and loves revenge. He will not protect you nor miss so fair an opportunity. Nay, I think I read in to-morrow's Flying Pos

ll complain she served him ill, but he wanted to repay her in some sort for her innuendo about his fate at the hang

e as the ivory of her broken fan, and then, quite suddenly, she burs

rms unworthy of a chairman. But some remarks of your ladyship's on a f

er she waived him aside with her hands, and, dropping on to a sofa, pressed he

There were, no doubt, all manner of pious and respectable arguments to be discovered in favour of the plan, if only he pried about for them. But a saying of Mr. Scrope's was suddenly scrawled out in his recollections: '?neas was an army chaplain who invoked his religion when

and entirely despicable in the man whom she, out of her great condescension, had stooped to love; how he became aware that he owed it to her, since she was a woman, that no woman's fame, whether a Smilinda's or no, should be smirched by any omission of his; how he suddenly felt in his very marrow that it would

to Lady Oxford,

ters. I swore that I had burned them. My honour

from the cushions and stared

ame cartes sur tabl

rge took the chair on the other side of the table, and spoke while Lady Oxford dried the tears upon her face.

ich I am as yet ignorant, has become aware of a certa

ied. She admitted the truth of Mr.

Mary, with her poisonous pen,' and her fine featur

r to inform you. My Lady Mary may not love you, but she is innocent of this offence. If she wrote those

stood the strengt

thoughtfully. 'The a

had no doubt fallen into a habit of so terming the girl in her thoughts. None the less, however, it stung Mr. Kelly, who

urable as your ladyship's own, and you may have seen on what terms both ladies were this evening. More

who wr

I have the hon

icholas Wogan. They were to the last degree convincing. Lady Oxford was persuaded long before Mr. Kelly had come to an end. A look came into her face which Kelly could not understand, a look of bi

mooth Lady Oxford's path, 'in consequence of which you took a natural revenge. May I ask how you s

was not given at once. She still played with the car

ou,' she said wit

in his chair open-mout

om him praying that I would forgive his odious ingratitude, an

would prefer to do his dirty work without appearing as a spy. He has made use of your ladyship. He sends you the Plot and spurs you to disclose it with his ballad. He would have disclosed it himself, I doubt no

ust have been sufficiently galling for her to reflect that in exacting he

t he has ruined, not

to reckon with, and had killed qu

sked Kelly. 'Are

e eagerly, but she did n

she flashed out, 'and

of this tangle of misfort

been watching your ladyship's house to-night--and Mr. Wog

hen he is a dead man,' she said, s

save your letters,' said Kelly;

y forgotten how she herself had seized at the occasion of betra

e, no doubt, he would have done his worst. We two are still engaged in a common cause--your ladyship's. Your intentions in my regard I were much less than a man if I did not forgive, granting (what I now know) your ladyship's erron

ou

exity. The notion that Mr. Kelly was prepared to

again, but in a voice of gratitude and comprehension. And then, with a gesture of despa

y honour, which is now wrapped up in that of your ladyship's. My case is desperat

face of Kelly's generosity no doubt she hesitat

that you are in peril

earlier this evening of my arrest, and you spoke w

ook a turn ac

ng her hands to her head. 'I hear Lady Mary's

his own case was hopeless and abandoned, any thought of revenge or mockery had ceased to agitate him. His honour

w more,' he per

e in and came b

uld be waiting for

eached his doorstep. There would be no chance of saving the

thinking. Smilinda watched him; her

ur lodgings and claim wha

would be arrested by the Messengers. At all events your visit

ble except the faint ticking of the clock in the outer withdrawing-room. For Smilinda was holding her breath lest she should disturb the man whom she had betrayed, and who was now wholly occupi

y?' she whispered; a

t may serve.' He started t

ghtened ove

ill s

easure as if he had disco

da, with a smile to

el Mon

Why speak to m

face had cloud

ur only s

can

icion. He can act as he will without peril to his reputation. He can even rescue your papers, wh

t,' said her la

owards me, in his presence (for the nature of which you had, doubtless, your own particular reasons) can have left him in no doubt on certain heads; while it is equally pl

was in no wa

lready one example of how much a gentleman could forgive a woman when she sto

y n

as yourself. I sent a lackey with a note to you, yest

ack, he could hardl

ges--in the same house

She had lost heart altogether. Mr. Kelly, on the oth

abroad for the greater part of the time, and asleep the rest, and have had no knowledge of the other tenants,

and you are to be taken in Ryder Str

ded it. 'I shall see the Colonel, and if I can by any means do so, I will acquaint him, as far as is necessary, with the embarrassing posture of your affairs. I shall give him the key of the box containing the--brocades, and, if the Messengers be not already in possession of them, the

this night had enjoyed what i

e to try my powers of persua

se she moved towards him, l

he went again into a bitter fit of weeping, which Kelly could never bear to see in a woman. She may have remembered the snow upon the lawn, years ago, and a

said, and sitting down to a scrutoire, wrote rapidly an

p must seal it,' he said, whic

sses, madam. I must be gone. I trust that, if

ilinda, she gnawing her lips, as she watched him with her inscrutable eyes, moodily

forced smile on her dear lips and waving her kerchief in farewell. A light wind was stirring her soft hair at that time, and she crying 'Au revoir! Au

nowing too well where he went. Something seemed to stir, he lifted his eyes and before him he saw again the appearance of his Ki

nd himself gazing into a great empty mirror th

ouse with the other guests, and Kelly, remembering

TER

ATES THE PASTORAL SIMPLIC

lly, that must make friends with his enemy, if he was to save his honour, and the reputation, such as it was, of the woman whom he had once loved. It was a quandary. If Kelly began by showing a flag of truce, the Colonel, as like as not, would fire on it by way of a kick or cuff, and then a friendly turn to the conversation would be totally out of the possible. Had Kelly been six inches taller than he was and a per

Colonel also waited, and there the two gentlemen stood speechless, just out of

id, 'Reverend Mr. Lace-Merchant, I am somewha

nt, the case seems clear enough. You trod on my foot, and,' said George, as he let his cloak slip from h

trifle by a learned education and a clerical trai

cloth forbids me to draw sword on you, and rather prompts to a public battooning tomorrow in St. James's. I t

ery reason to believe that you may wait a lifetime. As to clo

onourably ready to support the honour of his gown, and he confess

uplifted cane, a trifle of tort

on his breast. His eyes, which are of an unc

rience could cure George of this delusion), 'and who does not value his life at a straw. Moreover, you began a parley for which I did n

withdrawn, and clasped his hands behind

ad seen fire, and knew a brave man when he met one. He threw down

never went to a feast with a better stomach, but fi

to escape by prom

t sufficient reason, before they lay hands on me I absolutely demand to speak to you on a matter closely touchin

know not how my honour can be concerned wi

you to take it, as you have been pleased to introduce battoons into a conversation between gentlemen. And if, when you have heard me, you remain dissatisfied, again I will

the sake of some advantage which I am unable to perc

nd I have in this town. Do you, perhaps, suspect that Mr.

hat gentleman too well f

now me, for my honesty. Moreover,' said George, working round by a risky way to his point, 'had I wished to escape I could, instead of socking you

f that among other provocations! I am not conc

cerned in the highest degree, and that is j

,' he said, shrugging his shou

ch you are bound to cherish, shall be the laughing-stock of the town. S

ith this message to

n. I have nothing to gain, nothing to look for from man. I make you freely acquainted with that position of my affairs, which are purely desperate. And the pers

the Colonel, taking the sealed

s you, if you would have me live,' he read; then, with a bitter laugh, he tore

em till you can burn them. Or--I have

nd put the fragments

aid, 'I am h

man to-morrow, or even to-night after this business is done, I shall have the honour of meeting you,

d now for your commands, which, it seems, I

ngs, which, by a miracle, are in the same house as your own. Enter my parlour, 'tis on the ground floor

des as you call them, which damn you for a Jacobite plotter! It is not badly contrived, sir, but yo

offer you may satisfy yourself of the hand of the writer, which cannot but be familiar to you. Moreover, the letters of the person for whom

ed you--S

as so

' groaned the Colon

cidas, perhaps, le plus heureux des trois. Oh, Colonel, be easy, we are bot

s for thi

sion, for a risk there may be, and I my life, for I could get a

ents of thought; 'but what if I find the Mess

gold will do much, nay, everything with such fellows, and your position, moreover, as a tr

to the cards, not a stiver in my

oor, Heaven knows, but there are my winnings, easily enough to corrupt four Messengers. Use the money; I have

onel said, 'you are a

n Irishman,'

ope, after all accounts are settled between us, to hav

our lodgings, whether the coast be clear or not. But let me atten

ness was by much the most powerful he could have used. He reflected again on the Devil's own luck of Smilinda that night, for if the cards had gone contrary to he

ly, turning about in his mind

pering with anything disaffected? You will take no advantage whatever that

, next to that in which we are equally con

ghed, as one not v

must risk a little; the worse the luck. Mr. Johnson, neither

ather earlier than you, sir,

Kelly. 'You mentioned these letters as I was leaving the room, and I noticed that her ladyship grew white. She kept you, she knew

ed no good for Lady Oxford. 'She had grounds

ions, and showed how the ballad was aimed at him no less than at

e, you are not disturbed. The Messengers, I conceive, will be lurking for me in Ryder Street outside our common door; they w

etermined

ve wearied of waiting, and think to take me abed to-morrow. When you have done what you know, you will leave my room, and I

ur room I am in no sense responsible for

in ear-shot of Wogan, who, at that moment, was declaiming

ioned how the Colonel went away, and how, after using pains to prevent Mr. Scrope from catc

here was in his favour but the one chance that the Messengers might choose to take him abed in the early morning, when the streets would be empty. At this moment St. James's Street was full of chairs and noises; night-rakers were abroad, and the Mes

inutes alone in his room, the Cause and the faithful of the Cause would be safe. The Colonel, Kelly hoped, could hardly fail to do his part of the work; h

nothing occurred

TER

HE WRONG GENTLEMAN; AND OF WH

es, where the informations of John Hutchins and Daniel Chandler, described as 'two of his Majesty's Messengers in Ordinary,' are printed. The

airs carried in the road, was a busy thoroughfare at this time of the night, and he remarked nothing extraordinary until he was close to his own doorstep. Then he distinguished, or rather seemed to distinguish--for in the doubtful light he could not be certain--at a little distance on the opposite side of

o-night. It seems it was Lady Oxford that set the reverend non-j

knocked. On the instant, three men ran across the road and collared him. The capture was observe

what they intended. At this moment the door was opened by Mrs. Kilburne's maid, and the Messengers, lifting the Colonel up, car

ion under Lord Townshend's seal,' he said

ople who thronged the entrance, he now saw very clearly the blue and silver livery of her ladyship. The lackey, however, pushed backwards out of range, and s

d he, turning again to Colonel Montague, and reading out from the warr

e. Mrs. Kilburne had now joined her maid in the passage, and she followed the Messengers up the stairs, wringing her hands over the disgrace which, through no fault of hers, had

on,' and he made a great flourish of his services and valorous acts, not being sure that the Messengers had reinforcements without, and hoping that Mr. Kelly might enter meanwhile and do wha

ho came and went, but he lodged with Mrs. Barnes in Bury St

onest poor wench, who would have risked herself for the Parson or for any gentleman in distress. But Mont

on Hutchins's zeal, which he would be sure to make known in the proper quarters. But still the Parson did not come, an

turned about

's.' And as he spoke he gave Chandler the warrant. Chandler slipped it into his pocket, and ran downstairs to join the others of his worshipful calling in

rs. Kilburne were

e.' For he saw that she was on the point of interrupting him. 'There is but one thing you can do for him. Send someone you can

part, had it in mind to try whether the like means might not over-persuade Hutchins's zeal. With that design he descended to Hutchins, whom he

letters, which he could not see. He saw the scrutoire, however, which stood in the window w

he Parson's strong-box would be in his hands. He had only then to break open the lock, and all Smilinda's dainty sentiments about the union of s

n his persuasions. For the name was scarce off his lips when a hubbub arose without.

, setting down the candle and flingi

nt of the house did indeed turn themselves about, but they were for the most part of the better class, and the night-rakers and such-like who might have attempted a rescue, only came up

, Hutchins had not opened Mr. Kelly's scrutoire. 'They have taken him,' and the Parson was already under the

threw up

. Kelly was hustled up the steps, shouting all the while. He was

ue!' th

drove them back. Randall sprang i

of affairs t

standing in Mr. Kelly's room close

ther, and the maid, were in the passage. Randall and Chandler were outside in the st

d his sword, carefully dusted the sleeves of his coat wh

,' he said. 'It seems a gentleman cannot walk home

thing had been disturbed. The scrutoire was shut, but were Smilinda's letters still hidden there or were they safe in Montague's pockets? His eyes rested on th

King's officers, gentlemen,' he said politely with a bow to Hutchins, 'I take it th

oire, and again looked at the Colonel.

rest of George Kelly, alias J

d manners. 'And why should George Kelly prefer to call himself James Johnson? I cannot think it i

perplexity as to what to make of Kelly's present

being appealed to

assistance,' he said, 'for he

at the rabble could see clearly all that happened in the room and were on that account the less inclined to

ediately tur

e your

taken his measures, took his sword by the hanger and handed it sheath and all to Hutc

ntlemen to the round-house in the middle of the night without a warrant, but we live in ill times.' All this he said with an admirable air of resignation, though his eyes kept glancing towards Montag

arrant from his pocket and handed it to

tly named, of which of course I have no assurance,' and folding the paper he handed it back to

the hat. But to search Kelly's pockets Hutchins must needs stoop. Here was the Colonel's chance. Over Hutchins' shoulder, Kelly's eyes again put their question. The Colonel now an

the papers in the hat, Kelly thrust Lyng aside, and, springing to the window, tore

et again. Hutchins and Lyng at once sprang upon Kelly, tore him

pulled down the sash. 'Knock him down

wo men approached him. His Irish blood bubbled in his veins at the prospect of so fine a tumble. He clenched his hands.

ring-ram and took the worthy Lyng on the tip of the chin. Mr. Lyng was clean lifted off both his feet and so sat dow

his day. 'Come, Mr. Hutchins, I have the other fist for you,' and he began to dance towards Hutchins, who ca

They had roared their applause when Lyng went down, and as Hutchins drew back before the Parson's fisticuffs, they hooted the Messenger for a coward and made a rush at the door. A stone or two shattered the window and a voice was yelling, 'Murder! murder!' in tones of unmistakable sincerity. Chandler then rushed in

Smilinda's letters might be secured, and her name kept wholly out of the business. Accordingly he ceased from his warlike posture and sat down in a chair. Hutchins took the occasion to draw the cu

were bleeding, 'that a peaceful, law-abiding citizen must put himself to so much d

Townshend's seal

seen it. I cannot really surrender unle

were taking and had not the wits to suspect it, replied with an oafish

t, Chandler has it saf

w dare the warrant be in the street when it is intended for a gentleman in the house? Upon my word it would t

ue has read it,

rant,' agreed the Colon

ns. But you might have stolen the scutcheon, as you have certainly forged the warrant.' He stopped in front of Hutchins and wagged his head at him. 'Mr. Hutchins, I begin to suspect you are one of a gang

and Mr. Hutchins and I will get to

street door: Hutchins ran out of the room after her to prevent her locking it. Kelly flung to th

hout a word: he had no right to refuse it to a free man. Kelly snatched the hil

elling in the passage over the door key, a

tion at the door. But he had not so much as glanced at the scrutoire; he had kept his eyes

g box! Take the candle and have done. Y

ey from his pocket, a

he said under his

,' repeat

nately it opened upwards towards the window and the scrutoire. Kelly stopped it with his foot when it was but half open, so that Montague was entirely hidden behind the panels from the eyes of any one on the threshold or in the passage. Hutchins was on t

let a poor man be

question. He was occupied with business of

tter?' he asked

jammed,' Montague whispered back. 'I have bro

y. 'Make sure you hav

big that held the shadow of a paper to its eyes. It is to be said in Mr. Kelly's defence that he dared not look about him. The door of the room was half open; the Messenger who ha

he blue-edged paper she affects of late. "My own Streph

this letter of her ladyship's, as he had told to Wogan, into the wrong box, the box holding the papers of the Bishop and the King. Then a little flame s

h to be sure must have glittered ominously in the dismal light of the solita

a voice from the street cried out that Chandler was gone for a file of soldiers. Kelly could

and died away. Montague

with jeers, and again the voice called to him mockingly that they were gone

blessed Mrs. Kilburne aloud, and burned

it seems,' he said

door. He could hear Hutchins bawling up the street for his partners, and his voice sounded as though he h

e, face downwards, and so burned them separately, knowing no doubt that, lighted in a single heap, only those on the outside and the edges of the letters in the middle, would catch fire. One by one he burnt them face downwards at the candle, the secret letters of the Cause. He

t now: his eyes stared greedily at the papers: a slow smile, of a knavish kind, that went very ill with his face, curved

the Plot. Kelly had but to hold his tongue, and in a few minutes he was safe. The Cause was saved so far as the papers went, and Lady Oxford, her letters unburned, was lost.

pest; the winds of temptation blew hard against the tides of his nature. On one side was safety and the King's interest, and Rose, who to be sure need never know

reep down from the edge, the writing turn brown, the paper curl over black

from the pile. The Parson turned away, and laid his ear to the pan

tening his dry lips with his tongue: 'Mak

?' asked

orced a

herself something e

,' growle

. Make sure those are her letters,

my fill of the la

ith a mind half made up. Here was the very occasion of which he had dreamed when he stayed behind in Lady Oxford's withdrawing room. He could use the weapon which her letters put into his hand to save the Chevalier's papers and himself and Rose. But he p

key, 'he whispered. 'Y

the pile of papers

med, and dropped them as thoug

outside the door, and was now in a fever lest the delay brought about by his incertitude might balk his intentions. A

le of the occurrences, the movements of the Messengers, the tidings cried to him from the street, the burning

ove-letters, unlocked it, tore out all the contents

r this woman,' he cried, striking the letters with his fist, 'Smilinda, Phyli

no mood to listen to M

lly made a furious pass, and Hutchins, leaping back, 'parried the thrust with the door,' as he truly said in his evidence before the Lords' Committee. Had he not used that novel parade Kelly would infallibly have run him through, and, as it was, George could scarcely

ly for Montague's sake the papers of the Plot must not be found lying open upon Kelly's scrutoire, and the box which held them broken among a litter of ashes. Mr. Kelly could not but remember with what care, earlier in the evening, he had burned an

more to do?'

which Smilinda's last letter had been laid on the top of those in the box that contained very different wares, adding apologies for his brief delay to

let me destroy your

gentleman, and a traitor to a more

ontague looked

t ever come between the Cause and me except it be death. Even while I made the prayer I was summoned to visit Lady Oxford, who was then

stant regular tramp of feet like soldiers.

the dark, you climbed a little winding stair, and above, in a mean crazy chamber which overhangs the Tiber, there was my King looking towards England. A man like me, with a man's longings and a man's despair, but, unlike me, robbed of a nation. Day by day delay shadow

careful to keep them to himself, and in the silence which followed upon Kelly's outburst the

too had heard the sound, and,

e seal up the brocades in a packet. Y

ring and slipped

dially, 'we must needs be public enemies, but I wish my

of musquets could now

nd carriage the reserve of the Englishman, but now he showed a decent warmth of blood, 'had you b

the butts of several fusils, a sergeant with a file of musqueteers entered; behind them came Chandler with th

ee the Colonel on one side of the fireplace and t

irable air of astonishment, 'it s

surrendered. But the Messenger had not done; he pick

et the prisoner

Hutchins with a strong amazement

rom his knees, he handed it to Hutchins. Hutchins then made haste to secure Mr. Kelly's effects. He went over to the scrutoire,

on his lips; the Colonel looked stonily at Hutchi

isoner meddled with any papers?' he asked

the gentl

s done w

burned, as you

ou, sir, to let

name, nor as to whether he is correctly described in a warrant which was not in the house while we were together. It appears to me that you are all very likely to lose your scutcheons for your dolti

red the key to it, with a great show of reluctance. It held the papers of the Bishop's Plot and a key to the Bishop's cypher, which was used to convict him at his trial. As for the burned papers, it came out at George's

ing in Westminster Market, there to be kept in safe custody. He wa

y the sergeant, who was mightily surprised that a man should

s inner pocket, felt a private glow of pleasure which put all conjectures of his fate and doom clean out of his head. Moreover, he says that Rose was neve

TER

ORD'S LIVERY, BUT DOES N

n; he sent a boy whom he could trust to Ryder Street to desire Colonel Montague's attendance.

most truth of the affair, because the secret is not mine to tell; but

m was se

reater part were seized,' and then he broke out with an oath. 'Damn t

en wondering how ever you demea

omething wholly unexpected must have happened during those few minutes when he and Smilinda were left alone. Something had happened, indeed, but it w

ed last night that you were unde

to make the pr

olonel. There's a littl

lonel broke in

h wh

laughed again. 'Therefore I would not put a slight on him by

s face clouded as

eason of t

to a few words I

lad? I heard

ng at Burton's Coffee-house this morning, and I doubt

rose from

will go to Burton's, on one condition, Mr. Wogan--that you do not stir from this house until I com

with some s

lied Wogan, taking his meaning. 'I have a ten

elly's arrest, and Colonel Montague saw many curious faces look up from their news-sheets and whisper together as he entered. I

s Montague approach

leman, whom, perhaps, we ne

rd Sidney, with a

ur lordship did not expec

k, I expect

then, hardly kno

ying Post of that morning. He handed the paper to Montague, and pointed t

o in London, hiding under the incognito of

there are certain difficulties which thre

hem,' said Lord Sidney,

ur lordship would favour me with a hearing in some pri

sented, and the two men wal

apologies, I trust

gue l

ave changed. If Mr. Wogan shows his face in London he will be taken. If he fights you, it matters not whether you pink him or no, for if

les

upon deferring the meeting unt

aid Lord Sidney, after a moment'

ve that your lordship does not kno

at difficulty to understand the jus

g back to Burton's coffee-house, he wrote a pol

dity of thought; then he hurried to the stable where he kept his horses, and gave a strict order to his groom. From the stable he set out for Qu

of musquets before his reverence's lodgings could be stormed. It is said that a loyal Colonel of the Guards who lodges in the same house in Ryder Street was discovered with Mr. Kelly when the soldiers forced their way in, and that by his interfe

rpretation of his conduct. Lady Oxford, he reflected, must be in a fine fl

dyship's letters, and smiled. Her anxieties wou

that the man who opened the door was the big lackey whom he had seen in Ryder Street the night be

almost before Colonel Montague had finished. She gave her hand to him with a pretty negligence, and the Colonel bent a wooden face over it, but did not touch the fingers with his lips. Then she led the way into the little parlour,

her heart was set upon, as though she had never brought Mr. Kelly into this ve

en enthusiasm, 'I think there is no po

uld make nothin

rhyme?' s

lonel. '"Will you walk into my par

ooked at him

burying her head in the sand and believing that no one spied her, as trav

frankly now, since

eliver to your ladysh

ried; and seeing that Montague made no answer whatever, but stood stiff as a ramrod, she beca

r ladyship has need of all your gratitude for a gentleman

o add, 'which was not worth saving,'

. She turned upon the Colonel eyes that s

words which malice might misconstrue. He should have burnt them, as he swore to do; but he broke his word, and so, alas! pays most dearly for his fault. Indeed, it grieves me to the heart, a

construe or to misconstrue the packet which I am to give you, nor am I a

the speech no doub

rely something of the suddenest. I did not even so late

ght there was a trivial cause for disagree

ushed and took

s not so much insulted as hurt. '

a melting mood, and so, 'Give me

his hand over his

from her chair wi

o keep it?

ur ladyshi

him with eyes mournf

vour of admiration, 'Mr. Kelly would have given them back to me at once.' It seemed as though th

ladyship taken good care that a few locks and bars should hinder him. But I am not Mr. Kelly, and indeed it is well for your ladyship I am not. Had your ladyship betrayed me, why, when that

e spoken stung Lady Oxford into a passion. She

been an infam

say that it would ha

hip saw h

ve said. Mr. Kelly was my friend, as I have

think--a pretty notable livery even at night

as put out of

n the packet which is m

vant for a companion? If your ladyship would order your carriage to be at your door in an hour's time we might take the air for a while

make of the Colonel's proposal,

e went back to Wogan, whom he found sitting on the e

ou from Lord Sidney Be

d on no account fight with him in England; but would cut his th

gan, 'but I have to

in an hour's tim

And what of the ill wind and the so

ine coat to pro

en brought into the house. The parcel was carried upstairs into Mr. Wogan's roo

asteful garb

or the descendant of kings,' murmured Mo

Colonel,

rned, and ravished, just like kings. Besides, you have an example. For I s

is the finest story in the wor

nother time,' said Montague, an

what I am to do

o to a cert

and pulled on the

you will fin

arriage.' Wogan d

as though you were a

' repeated Wogan, and he p

won't know me. The carriage will drive off. You won't

you in English, Colonel,' said

will not try. We shall drive to the almshouses at Dulwich. Wh

t be alon

say that my watch is stopped, and I will send

toned his

g you the ex

chapel you will find a path, and the path will lead you out th

the road?' Wogan

ed. There will be pistols in the holsters, and then your patr

coat over his shoulders, 'and I am very grateful to you. But sure, Colonel, what if a constable

of that if you

ook up

to be your

ue hes

ion will b

ouse with the carriage

s Square,

ked at hi

d be hanged like a gentleman, but I take no favours at Lady Oxf

hind, I have to drive by her side; and upon my word I would sooner be in your place. Her ladyship's footman for an ho

n that her ladyship was not helping him, but that, on the contrary,

's Messengers will not look to find you is the fo

Mr. Wogan had used to persuade Mr. Kelly to go to Queen's Squar

d his peruke about his face, and dr

rtunate thing we are close

owed ten yards behind. As they turned into the square

an, lounging up to the Colonel and

e place you took

the manner of his escape which tickled him mightily. He noticed more than one of his acquaintances who would have been ready to lay him by the heels, and once Lady Oxford made a little jump in her seat and would have stopped the coachman had not Colonel Montague prevented her. For Lord Sidney Beauclerk stood on

olly occupied with the Colonel's indifference to herself. Her vanity put her to a great many shifts, which kept her restless and Mr. Wogan in a pucker lest she should turn round. Now it was her cloak that, with an ingenious jerk, she slipped off her shoulders, and the Colonel must hoist it on again; now it was her glove that was too small, and the Colonel

adore her, and she will be quiet as

but she could not endure that he should discard her of his own free will. This, however, Colonel Montague did not know; he had not Mr. Wogan's

ague cried to the

ard. At the same moment Colonel Montague bade the coachman turn, and since the lackey kept at the back of the carriage as it turned, Lady Oxford did not catch a glimpse of him. The lackey walked through the gates, crossed the grass to the chapel without troubling his head about the sundial,

was at that moment more concerned, and he unstrapped the holsters and looked to the priming to see whether the buds were ready to burst. Then he drove his heels into his horse's flanks and so rode

Mr. Kelly's ring. Lady Oxford clutched them tight to her bosom, and lay

sufficiently from her joy to have a thought for anything but

h! I have saved Mr. Kelly a

aken but an involuntary hand in it. But he merely shrugged his shoulders; he imagined he

t likely in the Tower. Your f

some little time. Then in a

d you should have

thoughtful, but with a certain simplicity in the thoughtfulness; compunc

manner of Mr. Wogan's escape became known, you might fa

d Queen's Square, but Colonel Montague was again very gentle as he handed her from the carriage and bade her good-bye.

he whispered un

ce hardened i

m, there is, in truth, some family likeness between the names,

the door was closed, and the strange woman out of sight and hearing. He walked away to his lodging in Ryder Street, very well content with his day's work, and opening the door of his parlour on the first floor was at once incommoded b

PTE

OF LADY OXFORD C

iftest horse I hav

reason I am back befo

e. He stood correct in the stiffest attitude of military depo

remark, I was at some pains and perhaps a little risk to get you safe out of London. You accepted m

hated ridicule worse than the devil. He was briskly reminded of the fact, an

st. A mouth of velvet, a leg tapered like a fine lady's finger, a coat--sir, I have seen the wonderful manufactures of Lyons. There never was silk so smooth or of so bright a gloss, as the noble creature's coat. He spurned the earth, at each moment he threatened to

tle more particularly about the velvet mouth of the English military gentleman if you contin

air wherein others are concerned. I should have remembered it before, but I did not. It only c

gue was silen

need to remind you that such a proceeding would not be fair to me. And if Mr. Kelly's concerns hav

ot yet stopped, I have no doubt. I did but take th

Wogan wrote a letter which he put into his pocket, and holding the ends

brought a letter. Lady Mary had no sooner glanced at the superscription than she sent her maid downstairs to bring the lackey immediately to her boudoir. Thither he cam

ed in a dark cor

d,' said she, carelessly holding ou

ladyship,' replied Wog

her maid and spoke i

gue told me yo

had no reason to think he had justly incurred

t is for your friends to take precautions for your safety,' and s

en how some while ago Lady Oxf

head from her mirro

innings from the So

gh then to say that you woul

emem

ot return it to George, until such ti

locking a cabinet in a corner of the room, showed Wogan a

using it has c

Lady Mary, who now ask

of use if your l

ow

ed herself with a number of little silver po

large sum that Lady Oxford lost at cards, and a large sum might perhaps bail George, if

said Lady Mary, who was now grown friendly. 'It was

life's in danger until I am dea

said Lady Mary. 'Where shall I have news of yo

t house he now bent his steps, and stayed there that night and the next day. It was already dark when the particular knock sounded on the door, and Mr. Wogan lifted a corner

ice. His hand clasped Wogan's

an's return to London and other matters of no importance, so that he now wasted a great deal of time in superfluous compliments. 'But you shall not lose your life on my account, Nick. Montague's horse, which it seems you have taken a liking to,' he said, with a smile, 'will

ised readi

that, while our friends have left us in the lurch, we should owe, I my escape, you your few weeks of liberty, to p

of his meeting with the Colonel in the Park, of the disturbance with the Messengers in his rooms, and of the saving of Smilinda, and

wich,' he said, 'so I have three hours

I am free, for Lady Ma

' said Wogan, p

cruelty, that would have left the girl in her anxieties a moment longer than was necessary. 'Had she not heard the news till

friend, you are very certain upon a very uncertain point

oked anxious

bout it at Avignon, and made out it

e the miniature, and wore it in Lady Oxford's withdrawin

Didn't I escort her to her chair? Didn't I

common spirit, and would hold her own against any woman, for all her modest ways. But, just because she has spirit, she will not meekly forgive you. If you expect her to droop humbly on to your bosom, you are entirely in the wrong of it. 'Oons! but it must have been a hard blow to her

rs, the angry Colonel, had only raised his blood; the fear

thinking you locked up in a dark prison and your head already loose upon your shoulders, why, you might have surprised her into a forgetfulness of her pri

whatever. She is a woman in a thousand.' He was, none the less, evidently relieved when Wogan c

e meeting, but would not allow that he was in the least degree afraid. 'A trivial woman would think of not

re no limits to a woman's leniencies. Black errors she will pardon; charity is her father and her mother; she has an infinity of forgiveness, wherefore with truth we place her among the angels.' Upon that text he preached most

ives. What am I to do at all? I am the most ignorant man, and a coward into

was very calm. It was just in these little difficulties, which require an intimate kno

me. You have told me so often of your great comprehension of wo

h a proper modesty. 'But here I thin

reet, a few feet above their heads. Looking upwards they could see the ceili

he will be sitting,'

r you,' added M

e,' repeated the P

ittle at the ceiling and

d only tell us something

her,' said Wogan. The street was quit

adied himself by the railing, while Wogan climbed up and knelt on to his shoulders. In that position he was able to lean forwa

re?' asked

and

l me she's in tears.' The Parson's legs became un

e's never a trace of a tear about her at all. For your sake, George, I could wish that ther

ed the Parson, who now wished for tears more tha

sive chin, and upon my word, George, it has the ugliest jilting look that ever I saw. She has just the sam

become as uneasy

doing nothing at al

is expecting you. Steady, for if I tumble off your

's limbs became pillars of marble, a

hat she is doing. She is staring a

Parson hopefully. 'To b

moment. Hold on to t

ow-sill very cautiously, stood up on his friend's shoulders. G

lf. 'I had it done for her by Mr. Zincke. I wa

the window-sill, and he looked downw

a likeness,

You are wrong, Nick. You know nothing at all about women, after all. Come down, you vain

suddenly, and hitc

he will

s occupie

t is

iature she is staring a

rew quite st

whispered, in an

my friend, but I had done better to have

oke from t

u, Nick? What

ship that you gave out to be Queen Clementina's. Di

'What in the world has

so, picking up the gossip of the town, expressed a great desire to visit the Caprara Palace. 'Twas there the lady lived who had consoled the Chevalier in his anxieties. No doubt he never expected the Princess to get out of the Emperor's prison. But Charles got her out, and here was she at Bologna. To be sure, th

, grasping at a straw of comfort. 'F

tle friend Rose, on the contrary, is white to the edge of her lips. Sure, red forgives, when white will not. George,' and Mr. Wo

ow? Would she see them? Both men quaked as they asked themselves the question, though they had come thither for no other purpose but to see h

ming to the window

e Parson, 'you made my h

level with the window a

ambled to the ground, where the pair of them stood looking at one another, and then to

thumped his chest, 'that a mere slip of a g

is chest too, but w

look for mys

xt moment. A man was approaching; they waited until he had passed, and then Mr

ispered in a

is she

he ground. She is stamping on it with he

amonds? Look if she p

likeness she thinks of. It was in pieces a mo

diamonds you may be sure she is in a mortal fluster.

om Wogan's should

ill I d

mb, then threw h

r humiliate her. I am not afraid of her at all--not the least in the world. I wi

end,' cried Kelly, who was most reason

ed men more than once? Do you wait here, George. If I hold my hand up at the window with my fingers open--so, you may come in. But if I hold up a clenched

d. 'Not the least bit in the world!' he stopped to say to

TER

IS FRIEND, WITH THE

ey without any formalities. Her eyes flashed as they remarked his livery, but she was not in any concern about Mr. Wogan, and asked him no questions. She rose with the utmos

nough courage to come himself,' said she,

g how easily one may be misled. Here have I been going up and down the world with him for years,

cuses and arguments on Mr. Kelly's behalf, which would but have confirmed her in

fully, 'he has lost

keep friends with a vile wretch whose thoughts writhe at

expressed any approval of Wogan's ele

e did not send you to m

h all the appearan

, and how you excelled all women in that and other womanly qualities. But I told him, on the contrary, that I knew your spirit, and that you were of too noble a pride to shu

n spite of herself, had lightened for a second; in spite of herself her eyes

I could forgive a slight--He would have

at he paid a visit on the way to Colonel Montague to disco

exclaimed Rose, her face

w nothing of them. It is a fine story--t

ards the window. Mr. Wogan took a quick step towards her. If she lo

's lips would surely make you aware of his devilish sophistries. For he declares that, but for you, Lady Oxford's

rds and drew in her breath. Sh

dy Oxford's love-letters, or with his danger?' and

ly's trade, betrayed him in revenge for a cer

Rose, 'Lady Mary to

xford that he had her brocades in his lodging, a

ed what the b

d's letters as a weapon by which he might save his papers and so himself; but a complete revolution took place in his thoughts. He suddenly understood that he owed it to you that no woman's name should be smirched by his fault, and that thus he was bound, at the peril of his life, to rescue Lady Oxford's letters,

ve listener, disclosed all that Mr. Kelly had

y touch to the pretence. For he went whistling to prison and he says

it were no pr

ugh the story had the stamp of truth

uld he have sent you Lady Oxford's min

n know that I was going to the rout. He gave me the miniature a long time a

ou it was Quee

essed at that, and h

was less indignant at it than his anger with t

told you what it was my pl

face pressed against the glass. The man had grown impatient and so had climbed

said Rose, t

n to the floor and began picking up the diamonds which Rose had scattered when she set her foot on

the sea long before Mr. Kelly came to Avignon, but for the diamonds about it. 'Twas I held his arm when, having done wi

t a moment earlier than was necessary to prevent Mr.

w come to importun

for you,' said Miss Townley thoughtfu

the door, and thought it would be as well

no heart for the man's company. Besides, I have stayed

, and held it open as he passed out, she did not notice that he was going, she had no word of farewell. She did not even notice that Mr. Wogan put the diamonds in his pocket. For Mr. Wogan had his wits about him. Diamonds were diamonds, and the carpet no place for them. Some day th

to her no more than a bald array of facts. He made no parade of the part which the thought of Rose had played in the revulsion of his feelings, bringing him to see that he was bound in honour to save Smilinda's ho

all that day in a hut within sound of the waves. It was a black, melancholy day for Nicholas Wogan, who was leaving his friends behind him to face their perils alone, and who felt very solitary; not even the memory of the noble

Rose Townley three weeks later at St. James's Church in Piccadilly, and wrote to Mr. Wogan a very warm, human sort of letter whic

e careless upon this point neither. Dr. Townley is old, and his health breaks. He will leave his daughter, when he dies, but little money, and that moment cannot be very far off. It is true that Rose has beauty, and no doubt she might make a rich marriage if she had only beauty. But she has frankness, truth, and constancy as well, q

e was sentenced to prison for life. The papers in his strong box were enough to help a foolish fellow, Counsellor Layer, on his way to Tyburn, enough to send Lord Orrery to the Tower, and Lord North and Grey into exile. The Plot was ru

and the other commanded the river, and the ships going up and down with the tide; he was allowed the use of his books, and to receive what visitors he would. His visitors were not few, and amongst them Colonel Montague was the most frequent. His gaolers, the officers who were stationed

o keep him busy at his work. For what he had foreseen came to pass. Two years after Mr. Kelly came to the Tower, Dr. Townley died, and left Rose but poorly circumstanced. She came to lodge close by the Tower Gates, and the Parson set his pen to his paper and wrote essays and translations till the whole Tower of London buzzed with his learning, and no doubt

e. He cannot write poetry. It is a trick, no doubt, a poor sort of trick; but George h

row, until a delirium took her, and the doctor, who had been charged by Rose to make light of her suffering, was now forced to tell Mr. Kelly the truth. She lay at death's

between them, but those few yards were built upon with stones. In the daytime messages were brought to him often enough, but at night, when the mists rose from the river and the gates were closed,

TER

PAROLE, MR. KE

te the blinds were drawn. But that message was not brought to him, and Colonel Montague, making a visit to the priso

waked only at midday. The fever has left

with his eyes upon the river and the boats swinging on the tide; and after a while Father M

to him with a great welcome. For his thoughts were now entirely bent upon an escape from his captivity. He dared not survey the po

ound no issue; and Rose brought her white face back to the Tower, and the Parson's spirits drooped, so that at last his health began to fail. He was therefore allowed to drive out in a coach to any place within ten miles

air set Father Myles Macdonnell upon a pretty

ding in a clump of trees who will take care of your warder--d'ye see? There will be a stout horse tethered to a

who was looking away, to strengthen him in his objection. 'I cannot break it, can I, Rose? I

an effort

as given his parole, a

and continued in a wheedling voice: 'It is a matter of religion, d'ye see? Just let me convert yo

well used to his kinsman's efforts to convert him. 'How shall a

ole. It's a great sin, to be sure, bu

he would not be persuaded. Another device had to be invented, and when at last a satisf

lock, when the light was just beginning to fall, Father Myles Macdonnell came into the Tower by the Sally Port Stairs opposite the Mint. He was told that the Parson was taking the air, and replied that he would go to th

answered

lustered. 'I am in a great hurry, and would you tell him, if you

chway of the Bloody Tower, and again

aitor's Gate; he had kept his parole. The porter gave him Father Myles's message; and the ward

entry at the Sally Port Stairs opposite the Mint, grumbling that he would wait no longer, and so came out upon Tower Hill. Just at that time to a moment another Father Myles Macdo

s Parson Kelly. He had met Father Myles in the dark corner by Beauchamp Tower, had slipped over his head a cassock

for the Parson close by the Sally Port Stairs. It did not wait long: and the Parson was hurried at a gallop out of London amidst

d the Sally Port Stairs, each vowed that he had let out Father Myles Macdonnell. This seemed so miraculous an occurrence that the warder ran to Mr. Kelly's chamber. It was

nd fell into a great fury and passion, saying that they had only received five pounds when they might have had three hundred. For

ge Kelly, you may say that h

Wogan's lodging at Paris. Rose had travelled into France the day before the Parson escaped, and so, after fourteen years, they were united. It was a

ery rich, I su

e Parson with a foolish eye o

ob and brought out a p

s!' crie

e floor of a room in Soho on an occasion which you may

ce over his shoulder to Rose, who had the discre

She gave the stones to you. Very

them to-morrow,' answered

Wogan at last understood why Lady Oxford, when she gave her miniature set with

TER

D, MEETS THE ELECT LADY, AND B

go, had now ended in Paris. But he was wrong, and it was not till ten years after Mr. Kelly's escape f

e Parson was a gêne on the amours of the aged Duke, who posted him off, in the year Forty-Five, to, escort the Prince of Wales to the Scottish islands. Wogan hi

came too late for that pretty onfall at Prestonpans, but he marched south with the Prince's forces, riding again the old roads from Carlisle to

ut besotted with a new religion, which then caused many popular tumults. To England it had been brought over from Ameri

whose devotees cried out (it seemed), laughed, fell

, in the pulpit or singing hymns! Charles sings like an angel, and to hear John exhort th

ed Wogan. 'Why, I have saved him from

t, sir? 'asked the cob

of honest Sam Wesley, that once let me into the Dean

is the finger of Providence,' he exclaimed. 'Dear sir, y

'But tell me, is Jack to preach and is Char

that famed disciple, Mr. Bunton, discourse, and the El

preach in yo

the story of their call, and to-ni

'Faith, the discourse may be impro

age, and there are some who say that she is little alter

of feminine persuasion,' said Wogan.

ly, sir, if you will take pity on your own poor soul and join our love-feast. We meet in the war

de,' Wogan said; 'and as to th

es at the Prince's mess in the 'Bull Tavern.' Lord Elcho, who had certainly drunk his

nce's religion?" a

d man, still to seek," I answer

inking philosophers had been at him

ee crowns for a mass, and there's the difficulty, there it is, as black as ever. I wish some one would invent a n

ottle had made rounds enough, and more;

it.' Then he repeated what his host, the cobbler, had chanted to him, 'T

ded and clung to men's faces; to the red rough beard of Lochgarry, the smart, clean-shaven Ker of Graden and Maxwell of Kirkconnell, the hardy gaze of brave Balmerino, the fated Duke of Perth. Wogan thought of the Highl

The Elector has his assassins everywhere; they are taken; your

look for me at a

eyebrows and upper lip; he tucked his brown hair under his wig, standing before the mirror on the chimn

ed out, for scarce a man o

d, with a laugh; and Wogan, with Ker of Graden, did what a

street. All three men buttoned themselves up in their cloaks. The Prince, still stooping and

ects incognito. Nick, you are Mesrour, the Chief of the--no, you're Giaffar. Graden is-

There was a mob around the door waving torches and shouting insults at a few decent tr

ow brushed against Wogan's shoulder in the least gentlemanly style. He reel

gh the grinning crowd that cried to Grad

host, the cobbler, who stood at the door, and kept

t of us, sir?' a

o other inquiring s

een set up at the top of the room; a table with seven candles made an illumination there; a big black Bible, and a jug of water with a glass flanked the Bible. The preacher sat on a

beauty?' whisp

sir,' murmured th

e has a very

ly covered the little arched instep. Tap, tap! went the Elect L

d of souls, gentlemen, with Mr. Wesley's friend

unton! Quelle chance!

st ordained of the Church of England. As for the congregation, they were small trading people, not rabble; indeed, the mob outside broke mos

the congregation with a history of his early life and adventures, which Wogan now tells in few words, that people may know what manner of men were certain of these saints, or had been. Mr. Bunton was r

in as he walked in Cheapside. At this many, and the cobbler among them, cried 'Hallelujah!' but some went

ture that Wogan let a laugh out of himself, while G

ts are generally taken in this way first. It is reckoned a very favourable s

eir cheeks in their dark corner. The sympathetic cobbler murmured texts of an appropriate character. Indeed, now he thinks of it all, and sees Mr. Bunton sawing the air while he tells the story of

f and mutton wer

oan from an in

flesh fleshy. My desire was to dwell alone

d all the wenches in the c

ings, my mind was set on a simple

ps!' hooted the Prince. 'Mon Dieu, quel souper,

like one of their self-righteous so-called saints, on crabs, acorns, and grass? Did I retire to a cave?

ieillard bien pensant?

Graden, who knew the doctri

ver-ruled for the best. Dear friends, I kept myself far from these temptation

enants! O c'est trop!' said the Prince, in a voice choked with emo

whom we call the Elect Lady. Then I awoke to light, and saw that it was laid upon me to preach, continually and unceasingly, making in every town confession of my offences. That dear lady, f

who were rolling on the floor in fits and foaming at the mouth. Mr

full height, and tossed back

d the Prince. 'C'est une femme

me past the natural roses and lilies had bloomed; but the voice and the little Andalusian foot that beat the time with the Elect Lady's periods were the voice and the foot of the once incomparable Smilinda! Nay, when she turned and looked at the converted land-surveyor beside her, Mr. Wogan knew in her gaze the gho

er youth! What dangers encountered! What plots prepared against her virtue, ay, by splendid soldiers, beautiful young lords, and even clergymen; above all, by one monster whom she had discov

cture of man's depravity, but Wogan, his sple

ielded her. She remembered how one of these evil ones, the clergyman, after kneeling

less devotional air, bending forward on his bench, and rubbing his hands for joy. In truth it had just come upon hi

d remained, till she heard Mr. Wesley preach,' and thereafter went through th

th and ease of familiarity which, in sacred things, are not to his liking. However, when she ceas

th I had the honour to be of the acquaintan

gave a strange, short cry, and the

that wicked minister say that some invisible power protected her Ladyship. If any testimony to the truth of her ladyship's moving tale were needed I could bear that evidence,

sat

he congregation bawled 'Miracle.' But the Elect Lady sat st

modestly out. A heavy shower of snow had swept the rabble out of the

was that story all true? W

sir,' said Wogan. Your R

me the tale over a bottle. How the cold strik

say that it is one of the morning, an

hat is the word, damm

an Rig

if our subjects had but one language and one religion!

aden, as the Prince entered his inn. 'A sobe

* *

hed France when all was over, is between him and a very beautiful young lady of Badenoch; she said she bore a king's name--Miss Helen Macwilliam. Of King Macwilliam Wogan hath never heard, but the you

th the Stewarts, broke through Barrel's regiment at Culloden. He writes this at Avignon, where George and his wife also dwell,

TNO

, a nickname of th