I can't think of myself as living here with a dozen old fogies about the place all doing nothing, touching their hats, my-lording me at every turn, looking respectable, but as idle as pickpockets." "You'll have to do it." "Perhaps I shall, but I don't think it." Then there was again silence for a time.

"The less said about it the better, but I know that I've got a very difficult job before me in Ireland." "I don't envy you, Fred;--not that." "It is no use talking about it.

It has got to be done, and the sooner done the better.

What I shall do when it is done, I have not the most remote idea.

Where I shall be living this day month I cannot guess.