f this reply to such a singular argument for
consolation as the schoolmaster had advanced, caused many to smile,
some to laugh outright, and others to sympathize still more deeply
with M'Mahon's sorrow. Finigan's allusion to Hycy and his companion was
justified by the contrast which the appearance of each presented. Hycy,
who enjoyed his lecture on the tribulations of matrimonial life very
much, laughed as he advanced in it, whilst Clinton, who was really
absorbed in a contemplation of the profound and solemn spirit which
marked the character of the grief he witnessed, and who felt impressed
besides by the touching emblems of death and bereavement which
surrounded him, gradually gave way to the impressions that gained on
him, until he almost felt the tears in his eyes.

At this moment Kathleen and her sister Hanna entered the house, and a
general stir took place among those who were present, which was caused
by her strikingly noble figure and extraordinary beauty--a beauty which,
on the occasion in question, assumed a peculiarly dignified and majestic
character from the deep and earnest sympathy with the surrounding sorrow
that was impressed on it.

Hycy and his companion surveyed her for many minutes; and the former
began to think that after all, if Miss Clinton should fail him, Kathleen
would make an admirable and most lovely wife. Her father soon after she
entered came over, and taking her hand said, "Come with me, Kathleen,
till you shake hands wid a great friend of yours--wid Misther Burke.
This is herself, Misther Burke," he added, significantly, on putting her
hand into that of honest Jemmy, "an' I think no father need be ashamed
of her."

"Nor no father-in-law," replied Jemmy, shaking her cordially by the
hand, "and whisper, darlin'," said he, putting his mouth close to her
ear, and speaking so as that he might not be heard by others, "I hope to
see you my daughter-in-law yet, if I could only get that boy beyant to
make himself worthy of you."

On speaking he turned his eyes on Hycy, who raised himself up, and
assuming his best looks intimated his consciousness of being the object
of his father's allusion to him. He then stepped over to where she
stood, and extending his hand with an air of gallantry and good humor
said, "I hope Miss Cavanagh, who has so far honored our worthy father,
won't refuse to honor the son."

Kathleen, who had blushed at his father's words, now blushed more deeply
still; because in