MacCarthy more, or, The fortunes of an Irish chief in the reign of ...

Tnn FoRTUNBs OF AN Irisii Chikf. 151
called), conversing with any chance visitor whora. he
liappened to meet, there was full little of gravity in
his speech. Then, indeed, liis conversation was al-
most as gay and frivolous as his showy costume.
But it so happened that when MasterWandesford
was alone with Florence and his wife, his manner and
his discourse were in singular contrast with his fino
dress. Grave, earnest, and at times commanding, he
spoke with the air of one in authority, and was always
treated, both by husband and wife, with respect
that amounted to reverence. There were times when
he and Florence talked long and earnestly in Spanish,
so that even Lady Ellen could not understand what
they said, nor did that give the young lady much con-
cern, when assured by her husband that their dis-
course v/as on dry and tedious subjects, that could
have no interest for her. These subjects, whatever
they might be, were always discussed in the lowest
possible tone of voice, which gave Lady Ellen no
surprise, for she knew, and every one knew, that the
sound of the noble Spanish tongue might not bo
heard in that day so near the court of Elizabeth
Tudor.
There were other times, however, when wife or
husband was left alone with this very singular gen-
tleman, a watch being kept, meanwhile, on the outer
door, and also on that of the small apartment where
these mysterious interviews were held. Even tho
good woman of the house, a grave and sober widow,
of some three-score years, was seen in such secret