through their doors, which were purposely left open that they might enjoy
each other's conversation; number seven replied to number three, and
claimed respect to his arguments on the score of seniority; the blue room
was completely controverted by the yellow; and the double-bedded room
would, of course, have had superior weight in the argument, only that
everything it said was lost by the two honourable members speaking
together. The French king used to hold a council called a "bed of
justice," in which neither justice nor a bed had anything to do, so that
this Irish conference better deserved the title than any council the
Bourbon ever assembled. The debate having concluded, and the question
being put and carried, the usher of the black counterpane was desired to
get out of bed, and, wrapped in the robe of office whence he derived his
title, to go down-stairs and call the "Honourable's" messenger to the "bar
of the house," and there order him a pint of porter, for refreshment after
his ride; and forthwith to send him back again to the town for a supply of
shoes.

The house was unanimous in voting the supplies. The usher reached the
kitchen and found Andy in his shirt sleeves, scraping the dripping from
his livery with an old knife, whose hackled edge considerably assisted
Andy's own ingenuity in the tearing of his coat in many places, while the
little man made no effort towards the repair of his garment, but held it
up before him, and regarded it with a piteous look.

To the usher of the black counterpane's question, whether Andy was the
"Honourable's messenger," Andy replied in the affirmative; but to the
desire expressed, that he would ride back to the town, Andy returned a
decided negative.

"My ordhers is not to go back without you," said Andy.