ow
in a tumult of delight, checked, however, so obviously by the gloomy
retrospection of the obligation she had imposed upon herself, that from
time to time she could not repress those short sobs by which recent
grief, as in the case of children who are soothed after crying, is
frequently indicated. Next to the hated marriage, however, that which
pressed most severely upon her was the recollection of the manly and
admirable qualities of him whom she had now forever lost, especially
as contrasted with those of Dunroe. The former, for some time past, has
been much engaged in attempting to trace Fenton, as well as in business
connected with his own fortunes; and yet so high was his feeling of
generosity and honor, that, if left to the freedom of his own will, he
would have postponed every exertion for the establishment of his just
rights until death should have prevented at least one honored individual
from experiencing the force of the blow which must necessarily be
inflicted on him by his proceedings.

At the moment when the baronet was giving such an adroit turn to the
distracted state of his daughter's mind, the stranger resolved to see
Birney, who was then preparing to visit France, as agent in his affairs,
he himself having preferred staying near Lucy, from an apprehension that
his absence might induce Sir Thomas Gourlay to force on her marriage. On
passing through the hall of his hotel, he met his friend Father M'Mahon,
who, much to his surprise, looked careworn and perplexed, having
lost, since he saw him last, much of his natural cheerfulness and easy
simplicity of character. He looked travel-stained, too, and altogether
had the appearance of a man on whose kind heart something unpleasant was
pressing.

"My excellent friend," said he, "I am heartily glad to see you. But
how is this? you look as if something was wrong, and you have been
travelling. Come upstairs; and if you have any lengthened stay to make
in town, consider yourself my guest. Nay, as it is, you must stop with
me. Here, Dandy--here, you Dulcimer, bring in this gentleman's luggage,
and attend him punctually."

Dandy, who had been coming from the kitchen at the time, was about to
comply with his orders, when he was prevented by the priest.

"Stop, Dandy, you thief. My luggage, sir! In truth, the only luggage I
have is this bundle under my arm. As to my time in town, sir, I hope
it won't be long; but, long or short, I must stop at my ould place, th