nt for
such a vulgar and affected ruffian."

"I regret very much, however," said his sister Julia, "that I have been
the cause of all this; but really, as Mary here knows, the absurdity of
his language was perfectly irresistible."

"Yes," replied her sister; "but, in fact, he is constantly annoying and
persecuting her, and very few would bear such nonsense and absurdity
from him with so much good-humor as Julia does. I grant that it is very
difficult to be angry with so ridiculous a fool; but I do agree with
Julia, that it is better to laugh at him, for two seasons: the first is,
because he is a fit object for ridicule; and the second, because it is
utterly impossible to resist it."

"I don't think he will annoy Julia again, however," said Alick.

"Not until the next opportunity," observed his brother, "when, you may
take my word for it, he will be as ridiculously polite and impudent as
ever."

"Not a doubt of it," said the father; "the rascal's incurable, and
little did I imagine when I asked him once or twice to dine here that I
was preparing such an infliction for poor Julia. Julia didn't he write
to you?"

"I certainly had the honor of receiving a very elaborate love-letter
from him," replied Julia, laughing, "which I will show you some of these
days; but, for my part, I think the fool is beneath resentment, and it
is merely on that principle that I have treated him with good-humored
contempt."

"He is certainly as good as a farce," said the father; "and if the
rascal had kept from making love, I should have still been glad to have
him here from time to time to amuse us."

"How does he live at all?" asked Mrs. Purcel; "for, by all accounts, he
has no fixed place of residence, nor any known means of support."

"Faith, Nancy, that's a subject upon which we are all aiqually
ignorant," replied her husband; "but that the fellow lives, and can live
comfortably--ay, and has plenty of money, there can be no earthly doubt.
At the same time, that there is much talk about him, and a great deal of
mystery too, is a sure case on the other hand. Well, never mind, Jack;
I asked your old tutor, M'Carthy, to dine here to-day; he has come home
to the country after having gained a scholarship, I believe they call
it, in Trinity College."

"I'm glad you did, father," replied John, "and I'm much obliged to you.
Yes, he has gained first place, and I knew he would."

"He intends going to the bar, he tells me."

"He will be