other respects they resembled each
other very much, both being about the same height and size, and
altogether of a similar bearing and figure. Mary's complexion was
evidently inherited from her mother, who was, at the opening of
our narrative, a black-haired, handsome woman, with a good deal of
determination about her mouth and brow, but with a singularly benevolent
expression when she smiled. She, too, had received a good, plain
education, and was one of those naturally well-mannered women who,
whilst they are borne forward into greater respectability by the current
of prosperity, can assume, without effort, the improved tone of better
society to which they are raised.

There were few women in her sphere of life, or indeed in any sphere
of life, who dispensed more good to the poor and distressed than Mrs.
Purcel; and in all her kindness and charities she was most cordially
aided and supported by her admirable daughters. Within a wide circle
around her dwelling, sickness and destitution, or unexpected calamity,
were ever certain to be cheered by the benevolent hand of herself or
her daughters. The latter, indeed, had latterly relieved her, in a great
degree, if not altogether, of all her distant and outdoor charities, so
that little now was left to her management but the claims of such poor
as flocked for assistance to the house.

Mass having been concluded, and the benediction given in the chapel of
Red Ridge, Mr. Purcel and his family soon appeared among the crowd on
the green, preparing to return home. The car was driven up opposite the
chapel door, to the place where they were in the habit of waiting for
it. The two brothers came out along with their sisters, and signed to
the lads who had been holding their horses to bring them up. In the
meantime, Buck English, unabashed by the rebuff he had received,
once more approached, and just as the car had come up, tendered his
gallantry--as he called it--with his usual politeness.

"I trust, leedies, that as you were not kin-descending enough to let me
have the gallantry of helping you off, you will let me have the pleasure
of helping you on?"

"That lady behind you appears to have prior claims upon you, Mr.
English."

"Behind me!" he exclaimed, turning about. "Why, Miss Joolia, there's no
leddy behind me."

In the meantime she beckoned to her brother who, while the, proctor
was assisting his wife to take her seat, helped up both the girls, who
nodding to the Buck,