This method introduces the last element of confusion into the household arrangements, and on two occasions we have had our custard pudding or stewed fruit served in our bedrooms a full hour after we had finished dinner.

We have reasons for wishing to be first to enter the dining-room, and we walk in with eyes fixed on the ceiling, by far the cleanest part of the place.

Having wended our way through an underbrush of corks with an empty bottle here and there, and stumbled over the holes in the carpet, we arrive at our table in the window.
It is as beautiful as heaven outside, and the table-cloth is at least cleaner than it will be later, for Mrs.Waterford of Mullinavat has an unsteady hand.
When Oonah brings in the toast rack now she balances it carefully, remembering the morning when she dropped it on the floor, but picked up the slices and offered them to Salemina.

Never shall I forget that dear martyr's expression, which was as if she had made up her mind to renounce Ireland and leave her to her fate.

I know she often must wonder if Dr.La Touche's servants, like Mrs.Mullarkey's, feel of the potatoes to see whether they are warm or cold! At ten thirty there is great confusion and laughter and excitement, for the sportsmen are setting out for the day and the car has been waiting at the door for an hour.