“I wish his own had been equally prudent and pacific,” said Hickman O'Reilly, reddening at the taunt conveyed in the Knight's speech.
“Daly is unquestionably the best friend on the ground—”
“On or off the ground, my Lord Loughdooner,” interrupted the Knight, warmly; “he may be, now and then, somewhat hasty or rash; but rich as our country is in men of generous natures, Bagenal Daly is second to none.”
“I protest, gentlemen,” said the bishop, gravely; “I wish I could hear a better reason for the panegyric than his skill as a duellist.”
“True for you, my Lord,” muttered old Hickman, in a whisper; “he's readier with a pistol-bullet than with the interest on his bond.”
“He 'd favor you with a discharge in full, sir, if he heard the observation,” said Hamilton, laughing.
“A letter, my Lord,” said a servant, presenting a sealed epistle to the Secretary.
“Heffernan's writing, gentlemen, so I shall, with your permission, read it.” He broke the seal, and read aloud: “'My dear Lord,—An adventure, which would be laughable if it were not so provoking, prevents my coming to dinner, so I must leave the menagerie—'” Here he dropped his voice, and, crumpling up the letter, laughingly remarked, “Oh, we shall hear it all later on, I 've no doubt.”
“By the by, my Lord, there's a House to-night, is there not?”
“No, bishop; we moved an adjournment for to-morrow evening. You 'll come down for the debate, won't you?”