Perhaps there is no place in the world where a more substantial breakfast can be produced than at a comfortable Irish farmer's.

On this occasion the silent, watchful, anxious grace of our young hostess, in her attentions, enhanced the flavour of the repast.

It is only by those who have partaken of such hospitality that the speechless tenderness of the females among that class of farmers can be appreciated.

But on the occasion to which I refer, there was added to the customary delicacy a deep anxiety for our fate.

Save hushed words of pressing and eloquent looks of sympathy, the meal passed off without conversation; and we rose from the table to depart, as if conscious we had exchanged our last earthly greeting.