with which she surveyed the sentinels pacing up and down, it was evident that her mind but little accorded with the scenes by which she was surrounded.  She slowly and fearfully entered the wide court-yard—­a flood of light was streaming from the windows of the vice-regal dwelling, and a crowd of idlers stood around about, viewing the entrance of the visitors, for it appeared as if there were a revel of some kind going on.  Ellen’s heart sank within her, as she heard the carriages rolling and dashing across the pavement, for she felt that amid the bustle of company and splendor her poor appeal might be entirely unnoticed.  As she waited, she saw several of the persons assembled thrust; rudely back by the soldiers that were on guard, and when she advanced a step or two for the purpose of entering, a brute in human shaped pushed her with a blow of the end of his musket back against the pillar.  He was about to repeat his violence, when the poor creature fell on her knees before him and screamed—­

“Sojer darlin’, don’t stop me!  I’m only goin’ in to plade fur my husband’s life, an shure you wont prevent me?  I’ve traveled many a wairy mile to get here in time; an’ oh! fur marcy’s sake let me pass.”

At this moment the carriage of the eccentric and beautiful Lady ------,
one of the wildest, strangest, and best-hearted females of the Irish
Court, set down its lovely burden.  She had seen the whole transaction
of the sentinel, and heard Ellen’s pathetic appeal, and her heart was
instantly moved in her favor, for the example of fashion had not yet
frozen up its finer feelings.  Partly through the workings of a softened
heart, and partly to make what was then all the rage, a scene or
sensation, she resolved instantly to get her admitted to the presence
of the Duke—­nay, to present her herself.  She was well known to be
a favorite, and whatever whim of hers took place, no matter how
extravagant, was sure to meet his hearty concurrence.  She desired Ellen
to rise and follow her; and the poor creature’s eyes streamed with tears
as she invoked a fervent blessing on the head of her lovely protectress. 
While passing up the grand staircase, amid the wondering gaze and
suppressed titter of many a pampered menial, she instructed her how to
proceed; and having received a hasty account of all, and desired her not
to be faint-hearted, she turned to the simpering master of ceremonies to
tell him of her “dear delightful freak;” there was a glad smile on
her lip, and a glowing crimson on her cheek, but still there was a
glistening moisture in her fine eyes, that told of soft and womanish
feeling.

The Duke was sitting on a chair of crimson velvet; a cushion of the same costly material supported his feet; and he was looking with an appearance of apathy and ennui on the splendid group around him.  The glitter of the lights, the lustre of the jewels, and the graceful waving of the many-colored plumes, gave every thing a courtly, sumptuous appearance, and the