Without adverting to the awkward and ridiculous situation in which he had found poor Heathcock, he apologised in general for his troublesome favourites.  ‘For one of them,’ said he, patting the head of the dog, which lay quiet at Lady Dashfort’s feet, ’I see I have no need to apologise; he is where he ought to be.  Poor fellow! he has never lost his taste for the good company to which he was early accustomed.  As to the rest,’ said he, turning to Lady Dashfort, ’a mouse, a bird, and a fish, are, you know, tribute from earth, air, and water, for my conqueror—­’

‘But from no barbarous Scythian!’ said Lord Colambre, smiling.  The count looked at Lord Colambre, as at a person worthy his attention; but his first care was to keep the peace between his loving subjects and his foreign visitors.  It was difficult to dislodge the old settlers, to make room for the newcomers; but he adjusted these things with admirable facility; and, with a master’s hand and master’s eye, compelled each favourite to retreat into the back settlements.  With becoming attention, he stroked and kept quiet old Victory, his eagle, who eyed Colonel Heathcock still, as if he did not like him; and whom the colonel eyed, as if he wished his neck fairly wrung off.  The little goat had nestled himself close up to his liberator, Lord Colambre, and lay perfectly quiet, with his eyes closed, going very wisely to sleep, and submitting philosophically to the loss of one half of his beard.  Conversation now commenced, and was carried on by Count O’Halloran with much ability and spirit, and with such quickness of discrimination and delicacy of taste, as quite surprised and delighted our hero.  To the lady, the count’s attention was first directed:  he listened to her as she spoke, bending with an air of deference and devotion.  She made her request for permission for Major Benson and Captain Williamson to hunt and shoot in his grounds; this was instantly granted.

‘Her ladyship’s requests were to him commands,’ the count said.  ’His gamekeeper should be instructed to give the gentlemen, her friends, every liberty, and all possible assistance.’

Then turning to the officers, he said he had just heard that several regiments of English militia had lately landed in Ireland; that one regiment was arrived at Killpatrickstown.  He rejoiced in the advantages Ireland, and he hoped he might be permitted to add, England, would probably derive from the exchange of the militia of both countries; habits would be improved, ideas enlarged.  The two countries have the same interest; and, from the inhabitants discovering more of each other’s good qualities, and interchanging little good offices in common life, their esteem and affection for each other would increase, and rest upon the firm basis of mutual utility.’

To all this Major Benson and Captain Williamson made no reply.

‘The major looks so like a stuffed man of straw,’ whispered Lady Dashfort to Lord Colambre; ’and the captain so like the knave of clubs, putting forth one manly leg.’