“Down, dogs, there—­down,” continued he, and in a moment after entered the conservatory flushed and heated with the chace.

“Mouche is the winner—­two to one—­and so, Master Shallow, I owe you a thousand pounds.”

Would to heaven that I had lost the wager, had it only taken a little longer to decide it!  I of course appeared overjoyed at my dog’s success, and listened with great pretence of interest to the narrative of the “run;” the more so, because that though perhaps more my friend than the older members of the family, Lord Kilkee evidently liked less than them, my growing intimacy with his sister; and I was anxious to blind him on the present occasion, when, but for his recent excitement, very little penetration would have enabled him to detect that something unusual had taken place.

It was now so nearly dark, that her ladyship’s further search for the alpine treasure became impossible, and so we turned our steps towards the garden, where we continued to walk till joined by Lord Callonby.  And now began a most active discussion upon agriculture, rents, tithes, and toryism, in which the ladies took but little part; and I had the mortification to perceive that Lady Jane was excessively ‘ennuyee’, and seized the first opportunity to leave the party and return to the house; while her sister gave me from time to time certain knowing glances, as if intimating that my knowledge of farming and political economy was pretty much on a par with my proficiency in botany.

One has discovered me at least, thought I; but the bell had rung to dress for dinner, and I hastened to my room to think over future plans, and once more wonder at the singular position into which fate and the “rules of the service” had thrown me.

CHAPTER V.

PUZZLED—­EXPLANATION—­MAKES BAD WORSE—­THE DEED

“Any letters?” said her ladyship to a servant, as she crossed the hall,”

“Only one, my lady—­for Mr. Lorrequer, I believe.”

“For me!” thought I; “how is this?” My letters had been hitherto always left in Kilrush.  Why was this forwarded here?  I hurried to the drawing-room, where I found a double letter awaiting me.  The writing was Curzon’s and contained the words “to be forwarded with haste” on the direction.  I opened and read as follows:—­

“Dear Lorrequer,—­Have you any recollection, among your numerous ‘escapades’ at Cork, of having grievously insulted a certain Mr. Giles Beamish, in thought, word, or deed?  If you have, I say, let me know with all convenient despatch, whether the offence be one admitting of apology —­for if not, the Lord have mercy on your soul—­a more wrothy gentleman than the aforesaid, it having rarely been my evil fortune to foregather with.  He called here yesterday to inquire your address, and at my suggestion wrote a note, which I now enclose.  I write in great haste, and am ever yours faithfully, C. Curzon.