LIFE IN IRELAND 251 



True to her word^ Lady Demiquaver was announced 

 by herself; for she was too fond of freedom to stand 

 or wait for ceremony. 



Brian's eyes sparkled at her entrance, and he ven- 

 tured to kiss her hand with a respectful air. Psha, 

 said her Ladyship, Brian, we are old friends, so kiss 

 my old lips at once, for you are welcome. He did so, 

 and she began with her usual volubility to chatter. 



There is that in the chatter of a pretty woman which 

 is very agreeable ; two cherry lips pouting and uttering 

 agreeable sounds are enchanting ; 'tis no matter whether 

 it be nonsense or not — sweet sounds are always pleasing 

 to the listening ear. 



Lady Demiquaver proposed a party to Dandruini 

 and Chepeligod, to drink goat's whey and eat ripe 

 strawberries : this was agreed to, and in the tivo 

 carriages away they drove. Dandrum is of no great 

 eminence in point of beauty, but it is useful for the 

 sick and the laz\\ as a number of goats are kept to 

 make whey for the good of the public. 



Old NoRHAM, the umbrella-maker, received our 

 party at the ' Long House ' ; and having seen all the 

 beauties of his ' Ratterry,' and ' Toad Store,' they 

 jogged on to Chepeligod. Chepeligod is famous for 

 its strawberries, and 



' Flowers of all hues with richest fragrance stor'd.' 



Here they all ran up Tom Tarabay's jingling walk, 

 and in one of the arbours over the river they had the 

 most delicious curds and cream, and peppered straw- 

 berries. The gardens are extensive, and nearly sur- 

 rounded by water, on the borders of which are weeping 



