r catechiz again.
Come here, my good woman; come forrid; don't be ashamed or afeard in the
presence of ladies. Who does live here?"

"Mr. Mainwarin'," replied the servant, omitting the "Miss,"
notwithstanding that Alley had put in her claim for it by using the
plural number.

"This is distressing--most unfortunate!" exclaimed Lucy; "how long has
this gentleman--Mr.--Mr.------"

"Mainwarin', Miss," added the woman, respectfully.

"She's a stupid lookin' sthreel, at all events," said Alley, half to
herself and half to her mistress.

"Yes, Mainwaring," continued Lucy; "how long has he been living here?"

"Troth, and that's more than I can tell you, Miss," replied the woman;
"I'm from the county Wexford myself, and isn't more than a month here."

Whilst this little dialogue went on, or rather, we should say, after it
was concluded, a tapping was heard at one of the windows, and a signal
given with the finger for the servant to return to the house. She did
so; but soon presented herself a second time at the chaise door with
more agreeable intelligence.

"You're right, Miss," said she; "the mistress desired me to ask you in;
she seen you from the windy, and desired me to bring your things too;
you're to come in, then, Miss, you, an' the sarvint that's along wid
you."

On entering, an intelligent, respectable-looking female, of lady-like
manners, shook hands with and even kissed Lucy, who embraced her with
much affection.

"My dear Mrs. Norton," she said, "how much surprised you must feel at
this abrupt and unseasonable visit."

"How much delighted, you mean, my dear Miss Gourlay; and if I am
surprised, I assure you the surprise is an agreeable one."

"But," said the innocent girl, "your servant told me that you did not
live here, and I felt so much distressed!"

"Well," replied Mrs. Norton, "she was right, in one sense: if Mrs.
Norton that was does not live here, Mrs. Mainwaring that is certainly
does--and feels both proud and flattered at the honor Miss Gourlay does
her humble residence."

"How is this?" said Lucy, smiling; "you have then--"

"Yes, indeed, I have changed my condition, as the phrase goes; but
neither my heart nor my affections to you, Miss Gourlay. Pray sit down
on this sofa. Your maid, I presume, Miss Gourlay?"

"Yes," replied Lucy; "and a faithful creature has she proved to me, Mrs.
Nor--" but I beg your pardon, my dear madam; how am I--oh, yes, Mrs.
Mainwaring!"

"Nancy," said the la