shall have a brood of chicks if I can manage it."

"Trust the girleen for that," said the Squire, and then they rose
from table.

"Ellen," he continued, addressing his wife, "have you and Terence
done colloguing together? for I hear Black Bess coming to the front
door."

"Oh, hasten, mother; hasten!" said Nora. "The mare won't stand
waiting; she is so fresh she is just ready to fly."

The next few moments witnessed a scene of considerable bustle. Mrs.
O'Shanaghgan, with all her English nerves, had plenty of pluck, and
would scorn to show even a vestige of fear before the hangers-on, as
she called the numerous ragged urchins who appeared from every quarter
on each imaginable occasion. Although she was shaking from head to
foot with absolute terror at the thought of a drive behind Black Bess,
she stepped into her seat in the tall dog-cart without a remark. The
mare fidgeted and half reared.

"Whoa! whoa! Black Bess, my beauty!" said the Squire. The groom, a
bright-faced lad, with a wisp of yellow hair falling over his forehead,
held firmly to the reins. Nora jumped up beside her mother.

"Are you going to drive?" asked that lady.

"Yes, mummy; you know I can. Whoa, Black Bess! it's me," said the
girl. She took the reins in her capable little hands; the Squire
sprang up behind, and Black Bess flew down the avenue as if on the