practicable, small would be the amount of heroic proportions which
the most astute operator would detect. I may confess the truth, and
say, that in "lang syne," any transient ebullition of military ardor
vanished at a glance from Constance's black eye. The stream of time
swept on, and those that were, united their dust with those that had
been. In a short time my letter of readiness may be expected; and I
shall, in nature's course, after the last march, as Byron says, ere
long

"Take my rest."

And will the succession end with me? Tell it not to Malthes, nor
whisper it to Harriet Martineau. There is no prospect of advertising
for the next of kin, i.e. if five strapping boys and a couple of the
fair sex may be considered a sufficient security.

[Footnote 2: An Irish term for wearing jockey-boots.]

[Footnote 3: An Irish gentleman shot in a duel in lang syne, was
poetically described as having been left "quivering on a daisy."]

[Footnote 4: In Ireland this functionary's operations are not confined
to the dead, but extend very disagreeably to the living.]

* * * * *

No money is better spent than what is laid out for domestic
satisfaction. A man is pleased that his wife is dressed as well
as other people, and the wife is pleased that she is so well
dressed.--_Dr. Johnson._