186 THE IRISH DOVE. [CHAP. v. 



to such a visitor. A spinster Turtle might have pleased 

 Elizabeth ; a loving pair ought to have been presented 

 to Victoria. But, in any way, it is acceptable as a peace 

 offering, if the token be but sincere. One only hopes 

 that the Dublin Dove may not prove the offspring of 

 that faithless breed which is hatched in the celebrated 

 Groves of Blarney. 



