out some explanation about a cross-cut over the mountain
to catch the stage, and my desire to reach Ennis; while the unhappy
termination of our intimacy, and my mother's impertinent letter kept
ever uppermost in my mind, and made me confused and uneasy. Mrs. Paul,
however, had evidently no participation in such feelings, but welcomed
me with her wonted cordiality, and shook my hand with a warmth that
proved, if she had not forgotten, she had certainly forgiven, the whole
affair.

'And so you are going to Ennis!' said she, as I assumed the place beside
her in the barouche, while Michael was busily engaged in fastening on my
luggage behind--the two movements seeming to be as naturally performed
as though the amiable lady had been in the habit of taking up walking
gentlemen with a portmanteau every day of her life. 'Well, how
fortunate! I'm going there too. Pole [so she now designated her
excellent spouse, it being the English for Paul] has some little
business with the chief-justice--two murder cases, and a forcible
abduction--and I promised to take him up on my return from Milltown,
where I have been spending a few weeks. After that we return to our
little place near Bray, where I hope you 'll come and spend a few weeks
with us.'

'This great pleasure I fear I must deny myself,' said I, 'for I have
already outstayed my leave, and have unfortunately somehow incurred the
displeasure of his Excellency; and unless'--here I dropped my voice, and
stole a half-timid look at the lady under my eyelashes--'some one with
influence over his grace shall interfere on my behalf, I begin to fear
lest I may find myself in a sad scrape.'

Mrs. Paul blushing, turned away her head; and while pressing my hand
softly in her own, she murmured--

'Don't fret about it; it won't signify.'

I could scarce repress a smile at the success of my bit of flattery,
for as such alone I intended it, when she turned towards me, and, as if
desirous to change the topic, said--

'Well, we heard of all your doings--your steeplechase and your duel and
your wound, and all that; but what became of you afterwards?'

'Oh,' said I hesitatingly, 'I was fortunate enough to make a most
agreeable acquaintance, and with him I have been spending a few weeks on
the coast--Father Tom Loftus.'

'Father Tom!' said Mrs. Rooney with a laugh--'the pleasantest crayture
in Ireland! There isn't the like of him. Did he sing you the "Priest's
Supper?"' The lady blushed as sh