The duke and duchess, although they did not encourage, much less approve of the match, yet they did not prevent the solemnization of the marriage. Lady Letitia had indeed arrived at the due years of discretion, that is to say, if ever they were to arrive; and Sir Patricius Placebo, with all his peculiarities and eccentricities, was, in the main point, a man of worth and respectability.
Upon the event of the marriage the duke presented Sir Patricius and his sister with the gift of Lætely Lodge, where the happy, happy pair, soon departed for, intending there, without a dissentient "perhaps," to pass the honey-moon.
In little more than the space of nine months Lady Letitia presented the doctor with a chubby male Placebo. This proved very agreeable to Sir Patricius, who really had, or affected to have, a rooted dislike to all children of the feminine gender.
And here it must be incontinently confessed, that this event took place to the no small astonishment and disappointment of all the surrounding gossips in the adjoining parishes and baronies, as these sapient folks had somewhat too hastily assumed the fact that Lady Letitia Placebo had passed by the time and season when ladies wish, and may expect to be in that state, "who love their lords!" They, in sooth, considered her ladyship too ancient to prove enceinte.
Sir Patricius, upon this most desired and happy event, raised his stately head somewhat higher than he was wont to do; and with all due discretion, gravity, emphasis, and mellow intonation of voice, addressed his auditory—his countenance, meanwhile, as he spoke, being lighted up by the important smile of self-applause, and having consequentially put his Carolus snuff-box in requisition—"I did," said he, "it must be confessed, form some hopes and expectations upon this much wished for occasion, which have been now so happily realized; as verily, my Lady Letitia Placebo hath not disappointed me. For as the learned and justly celebrated Archimedes was accustomed to observe—
"ΔΟΣ ΜΟΙ ΤΕΝ ΣΤΙΤΜΗΝ," &c. &c.
It now becomes our melancholy duty to record that the noble and highly gifted Duchess of Tyrconnel did not many years survive the deplored death of her deeply beloved daughter—her adored Adelaide; and ere long was followed to the grave by her brave and illustrious duke, who directed that the following inscription should be placed upon his tomb:—
patriæ infelici, fidelis.