ess boy, Captain. He never does nothing that
way: though, in course, I knows nothing of what they do be doing; how
should I?"

"How should you, indeed! though you seem to be ready enough to answer
for your friend Reynolds. However, I don't want to be taking any more
of the boys at Drumleesh; so if he is a friend of yours, you'd better
warn him, that's all:" and he walked away.

"And it's warning you want yourself, Captain, dear," said Pat to
himself; "how clever you think yourself, with your Mr. Keegan and
your spies, and your fine lady Miss, there; but if you a'nt quiet
enough before Christmas, it's odd, that's all."

They were called into the inner room now, as Father John was going
to perform the ceremony; and such marshalling and arranging as he
had!--trying to put people into their proper places who would be
somewhere else--shoving down the forms out of the way--moving the
tables--removing the dishes and plates; for the supper was to be
eaten off the table at which the couple were to be married. And
though all the company had probably been at weddings before, and that
often, they seemed new to the proceedings.

"Denis, you born fool, will you come here, where I told you? and
don't keep the mutton spoiling all night;" and he shoved McGovery
round the table.

"Mary Brady, if you wish to change the ugly name that's on you this
night, will you come here?" and he seized hold of the young woman's
arm and dragged her round; "and who's wanting you, Biddy?" as the
girl followed close behind her principal.

"Shure, Father John, a'nt I to be bridesmaid then?"

"You, bridesmaid, and Miss Feemy to the fore! stay where you are.
Come, Feemy."

"Oh! Father John, I a'nt bridesmaid."

"Oh! but you will be; and, as Thady a'nt here, Captain Ussher 'll
be best man; come round, Captain,"--and Ussher came round. "And
mind, Captain," he added, whispering, "when I come to '_salute
nostra_'--those are the last words--you're to kiss the bride; you are
to kiss her first, and then you'll be married yourself before the
year's out."

"But I am not all ambitious that way."

"Never mind, do as I tell you; and don't forget to have a half-crown
in your hand, or so, when I bring the plate round. Come, Pat, where
are you? you've to give her away."

"She'll jist give herself away, then, Father John; by dad, she's
ready and willing enough!"

"Do as I tell you, and don't stand bothering. You want to keep
those shiners in your pocket--I