ed of murdering you? But, if you bellow in that way, I'll gag
you. It's a great deal I'm asking, indeed--that, when I'm your only
guardian, my advice should be asked for before you throw away your
money on a low ruffian. You're more fit for a mad-house than to be any
man's wife; and, by Heaven, that's where I'll put you, if you don't
give me the promise I ask! Will you swear you'll marry no one without
my leave?"

Poor Anty shook with fear as she sate, with her eyes fixed on her
brother's face. He was nearly drunk now, and she felt that he was
so,--and he looked so hot and so fierce--so red and cruel, that she
was all but paralysed. Nevertheless, she mustered strength to say,

"Let me go, now, Barry, and, to-morrow, I'll tell you
everything--indeed I will--and I'll thry to do all you'd have me;
indeed, and indeed, I will! Only do let me go now, for you've frighted
me."

"You're likely to be more frighted yet, as you call it! And be tramping
along the roads, I suppose, with Martin Kelly, before the morning. No!
I'll have an answer from you, any way. I've a right to that!"

"Oh, Barry!--What is it you want?--Pray let me go--pray, pray, for the
love of the blessed Jesus, let me go."

"I'll tell you where you'll go, and that's into Ballinasloe mad-house!
Now, mark me--so help me--I'll set off with you this night, and have
you there in the morning--as an idiot as you are, if you won't make the
promise I'm telling you!"

By this time Anty's presence of mind had clean left her. Indeed, all
the faculties of her reason had vanished; and, as she saw her brother's
scowling face so near her own, and heard him threatening to drag her to
a mad-house, she put her hands before her eyes, and made one rush to
escape from him--to the door--to the window--anywhere to get out of his
reach.

Barry was quite drunk now. Had he not been so, even he would hardly
have done what he then did. As she endeavoured to rush by him, he
raised his fist, and struck her on the face, with all his force. The
blow fell upon her hands, as they were crossed over her face; but the
force of the blow knocked her down, and she fell upon the floor,
senseless, striking the back of her head against the table.

"Confound her," muttered the brute, between his teeth, as she fell,
"for an obstinate, pig-headed fool! What the d----l shall I do now?
Anty, get up!--get up, will you!--What ails you?"--and then again to
himself, "the d----l seize her! What am I to do