“‘Would I be the better of a wig?’
“‘Leave your hair alone,’ said he. ‘It’s painting the lily to alter it.’
“‘Well, God’s will be done,’ says I, ‘so come now.’
“Well, just as the clock struck six I saw the colonel coming out of his room, in a suit of most accurate sable, stockings, and pumps. Down-stairs he went, and I heard the waiter announce him.
“‘Now’s my time,’ thought I, as I followed slowly after.
“When I reached the door I heard several voices within, among which I recognized some ladies. Darby had not told me about them. ‘But no matter,’ said I; ‘it’s all as well;’ so I gave a gentle tap at the door with my knuckles.
“‘Come in,’ said Darby.
“I opened the door slowly, and putting in only my head and shoulders took a cautious look round the room.
“‘I beg pardon, gentlemen,’ said I, ‘but I was only looking for one Colonel M’Manus, and as he is not here—’
“‘Pray walk in, sir,’ said O’Grady, with a polite bow. ‘Colonel M’Manus is here. There’s no intrusion whatever. I say, Colonel,’ said he turning round, ‘a gentleman here desires to—’