gorgeous! I always forget how entirely stunning Ireland is, till I
come back to it!"

He could say no more, as both dogs had sprung from Christian's arms,
and were feverishly licking his face.

"Your own fault!" said Christian, answering his expostulations. "Kind
little things, they thought you asked for it."

"I repeat," said Larry, lying on his back, and holding off his
assailants with difficulty, "eliminating badly brought-up dogs, that
Ireland is the finest country in the world, and--listen to this,
Christian!--the Irish are the finest people, _and_ the worst
governed!"

"'The foinest pisanthry in Europe'!" said Christian, in gibing
exaggeration. "Larry, you've got awfully English!" Larry rolled over
and came into play again, sitting bolt upright; "I'm a Home Ruler!"

"Don't be absurd," said Christian, tranquilly.

"I'm not the least absurd," returned Larry. "I _mean_ it. If not
a Republican!" he added, ostentatiously, and began to chant:

"And Ireland shall be free,
From the centre to the sea,
And huzza for Libertee,
Says the Shan Van Voght!"

"I say, you remember the old companions of Finn? Well they're rolling