CHAPTER VII.
Erin my country! though sad and forsaken,
In dreams I revisit thy sea-beaten shore;
But, alas! in a far, foreign land I waken,
And sigh for the friends who can meet me no more!
Campbell.
The apartments at the hotel Du Flanders were not only roomy and commodious, but were likewise fitted up with a considerable degree of elegance. However, depressed by fatigue of body, as likewise overpowered by anxiety of mind, the duchess and her fair and lovely daughter retired at an early hour to repose, which example was as immediately followed by the retiring of Ladies Letitia and Lucy, and Sir Patricius Placebo, to their respective dormitories.
The duchess and Lady Adelaide had two beds stationed in the same chamber, which always, during the absence of the duke, was invariably the custom; and in the adjoining bed-chamber reposed the Ladies Letitia and Lucy.
Sir Patricius was not neglectful of his personal comforts upon any occasion, at least that has been recorded, and happy to find himself once more stationary for a determinate time at Brussels, he emphatically ejaculated his favourite sentence—