successor of the lamented O'Calligan, not only her fair self, and
good-humored smile included, but also no contemptible portion of this
world's goods.

O'Brallaghan's ambition was to succeed the lamented. He had long made
unsuccessful court to the lady--in vain. He suspected, not without
justice, that the graceful and military Mr. Jinks had made an
impression on the lady's heart, and hated Mr. Jinks accordingly.

It was before the low, comfortable cottage of Mistress O'Calligan,
therefore, that Mr. Jinks stopped. And tying Fodder to the pump, he
pushed aside the under-tunics which depended from lines, and were
fluttering in the wind, and so made his entrance into the dwelling.

Mistress O'Calligan pretended to be greatly surprised and fluttered on
Mr. Jinks' entrance; and laid down the iron she was trying, by putting
her finger in her mouth, and then applying it to the under surface.

She then smiled; and declared she never was in such a taking; and to
prove this, sat down and panted, and screamed good-humoredly to the
youthful O'Calligans, not to go near that pretty horse; and then asked
Mr. Jinks if he would'nt take something.

Mr. Jinks said, with great dignity, that he thought he would.

Thereupon, Mistress O'Calligan produced a flat bottle of poteen, and
pouring a portion for her own fair self, into a cup, said that this
was a wicked world, and handed the flask to Mr. Jinks.

That gentleman took a tolerably large draught; and then setting down
the bottle, scowled.

This terrified Mistress O'Calligan; and she said so.

Mr. Jinks explained that he was angry,--in a towering rage; and added,
that nothing but the presence of Mistress O'Calligan had prevented him
from exterminating O'Brallaghan, who was a wretched creature, beneath
the contempt, etc.

Whereto the lady replied, Really, to think it; but that these feelings
was wrong; and she were only too happy if her presence had prevented
bloodshed. She thought that Mr. Jinks was flattering her--with more of
the same description.

Thus commenced this interview, which the loving and flattered Mistress
O'Calligan wrongly supposed to be intended as one of courtship, on the
part of Mr. Jinks. She was greatly mistaken. If ever proceeding
was calm, deliberate, and prompted by revengeful and diabolical
intentions, the proceeding of Mr. Jinks, on the present occasion, was
of that description.

But none of this appeared upon the countenance of our friend. Mr.
Jink