interest,' as the candle-maker termed it; but indeed, Henry, I do think you would not have allowed your old playmate to be sacrificed to a brute; and between ourselves, my father and brother have been rather sulky since; but my mamma had too much pity or too much pride to join in the conspiracy, and, thanks to my aunt's twenty thousand pounds, I was enabled to assert my independence, and reject that upstart.”

Miss Moreen was perfectly right in her calculation; a long hour elapsed, and neither of the parties remembered the carriage. The coachman thought that the milliner's maid would be despatched again when he was wanted, and therefore, although attached to orangeism and aristocracy, in proof of his liberality, settled himself in the ale-house with a couple of pink footmen to talk politics, drink beer, and, if possible, convince them of the error of their opinions. The town clock at last startled the occupants of Miss Moreen's sofa. 66 Henry, give me your arm to the inr, and, as it would be treason, if my sire or his son met me without the badge of party, here I

shall affix my colours,"-and she pinned an orange rosette in her bonnet. "And as we

shall be frequently in town during the ensuing contest, whenever an hour hangs heavily, recollect Moreen's drawing-room; and believe me, Harry, that whatever alteration political discordancy may create between the name of Loftus and O'Hara, the feelings of our younger days (at least I shall answer for my own) will never be forgotten."

They had now reached the street, and the pink cavalier, with the fair Aristocrat hanging on his arm, left the Milliner of doubtful politics, but indubitable piety, to meet the carriage at the Loftus Arms.

On turning the corner of the street, the pink and orange pedestrians suddenly confronted Lord Loftus and his party, engaged in canvassing the citizens of Newbridge. Their unexpected appearance, and the evident amity of the younger branches of the rival houses, astonished the whole group. Lord Monteville coloured on seeing his sister and her escort; however, suppressing his feelings, he came forward and presented his hand, which was

ago.

readily accepted. "Constance, my dear, Ι really thought you had left Newbridge long Your mamma will think you are lost." "Oh! no, Monteville, I met O'Hara at Moreen's, and have been endeavouring to persuade him to give you his support," Henry smiled. "And the truth is, he seems the only idler in town, and therefore I have enlisted him; but I perceive you are wanting in the tin-shop. I'll tell you how to gain him. Look at the blowzy cross-looking orange-woman in the window, and the gawky girl, peering over her mother's shoulder, as if she was afraid you were going to rob the shop. Tell him, good man," (she continued with mock gravity)" that his spouse is amiable and comely-that he has

6

a daughter passing fair,' and that you hope. from the marked sensibility of his own countenance, that he will assist you with his grave advice as to the best method of putting down the Papists, or paying the debts of the nation." Go, go, Constance; you would lose me my election with your nonsense, if I don't keep you in Loftus-Hall."

"Then to do that, remove the wheels from

the carriage and lame the horses; for, by all that's curious, I must and will attend the elec, tion as regularly as the returning officer."

"O'Hara, do take her away.

"And then for the tinman," cried his lively sister, as she nodded to Lord Monteville, and proceeded through the canvassers who followed him. Among the number was M'Cullogh; he drew himself up, and attempted to look indifferent; but the haughty bow of Lady Constantia, as she scarcely acknowledged his humble salute, and the proud movement of O'Hara, as he slightly touched his hat, conveyed that cold contempt which wounds more deeply than the severest language. The orange party were still in the tin-shop, when the pinks appeared in full force at the upper end of the street.

"What will become of me now," said Lady Constantia ; 66 my retreat is cut off-are your friends quiet, Henry? or will my luckless rosette occasion my ruin; but as I see your father in the centre, I trust my life at least will be safe."

What astonished the ultras amused the pinks,

and O'Hara, stepping from the crowd, came forward with a smile-" Well, who has succeeded? Which is the proselyte? Or, like the priest and parson, have you become mutual converts ?"

66

Why I have shaken Henry undoubtedly, but truly I must strike at higher game; shall I try my influence on you?"

No, dear Constance, I am too old an offender; whatever chance a lovely girl has with kindred youth, she has little with gnarled, crabbed age."

"Come, you shall not give yourself a worse character than you deserve; I know you are not so bad as you would make me believe, and now to try it."

She plucked a lily from the hat of a passing boy, and shredding a leaf from the stalk, twined it in the bow of ribbon which was attached to the Major's breast. O'Hara smiled, as he pressed the hand of the playful girl. "There shall it remain, dear Constance, to prove that old affections are not to be disturbed by partythere shall your bright leaf rest, and though its livelier hue may mock its paler rival, yet the