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‘ is signed,’ said Lord Humnoddie, as the two long acquainted families, his own and the Dulham party, were at afternoon tea in the great hall at Ruddymere, where they sat by preference. ‘It’s rather peace at any price than peace with honour, but there’s no help for it. The thing took us all by surprise; I had just prepared a Home Rule scheme of my own to pacify Ireland, when the war broke out. I have the rough draft of it in that Japan cabinet.’

‘Indeed! what a pity!’ said Lesbia. ‘Would you mind my seeing it, Lord Humnoddie?’

‘I’ll read you the sketch, if you like,’ he answered, going to the drawer, and bringing out a sheet of manuscript. ‘Here it is, then.

‘Article 1. The Sovereign of England to retain the title of Queen or King of Great Britain and Ireland, but the Irish Government to have no connection with the English Government except through the Sovereign.

‘Article 2. Ireland to be an independent State, but to claim the right of being defended by the Imperial army and navy in the event of war. In return for this claim, Ireland to furnish a certain number of men yearly to recruit the Imperial forces.

‘Article 3. Ireland to be represented in the Imperial