r a short silence Bryan observed--"Dear
Kathleen, I know the value of the advice you are giving me, but will you
let me ask if you ever seen anything in my conduct, or heard anything in
my conversation, that makes you think it so necessary to give it to me?"

"If I ever had, Bryan, it's not likely I'd be here at your side this day
to give it to you; but you're now likely to be brought into trials and
difficulties--into temptation--and it is then that you may think maybe
of what I'm sayin' now."

"Well, Kathleen," he replied, smiling, "you're determined at all events
that the advice will come before the temptation; but, indeed, my own
dearest girl, my heart this moment is proud when I think that you are
so full of truth, an' feelin', and regard for me, as to give me such
advice, and to be able to give it. But still I hope I won't stand in
need of it, and that if the temptations you spoke of come in my way,
I will have your advice--ay, an' I trust in God the adviser, too--to
direct me."

"Are you sure, Bryan," and she surveyed him closely as she spoke--"are
you sure that no part of the temptation has come across you already?"

He looked surprised as she asked him this singular question. "I am,"
said he; "but, dear Kathleen, I can't rightly understand you. What
temptations do you mane?"

"Have you not promised to vote for Mr. Vanston, the Tory candidate, who
never in his life voted for your religion or your liberty?"

"Do you mane me, dearest Kathleen?"

"You, certainly; who else could I mean when I ask you the question?"

"Why, I never promised to vote for Vanston," he replied; "an' what is
more--but who said I did?"

"On the day before yesterday," she proceeded, "two gentlemen came to our
house to canvass votes, and they stated plainly that you had promised to
vote for them--that is for Vanston."

"Well, Kathleen, all I can say is, that the statement is not true.
I didn't promise for Vanston, and they did not even ask me. Are you
satisfied now? or whether will you believe them or me?"

"I am satisfied, dear Bryan; I am more than satisfied; for my heart
is easy. Misfortune! what signifies mere misfortune, or the loss of a
beggarly farm?"

"But, my darling Kathleen, it is anything but a beggarly farm."

Kathleen, however, heard him not, but proceeded. "What signifies
poverty, Bryan, or struggle, so long as the heart is right, and the
conscience clear and without a spot? Nothing--oh, nothing! As God is to
ju