red; so if you will be
good enough to stand up with me, I shall be glad to shake a foot with
you:" and the gallant Captain led Mary into the middle of the floor.

"But, Captain, dear, sorrow a sup of dhrink did I see you take this
blessed evening; shure then you'll let me get you a glass of wine
before we all begin, jist to prevent your being smothered with the
dust like; shure, yer honour hasn't taken a dhrop yet."

"I won't be so long, Mary; but I won't have the wine yet, I'll wash
the dust out with a tumbler of punch just now. Here's your husband,
you must make him dance with the bridesmaid."

"I'm afraid then he ain't much good at dancing."

"Oh! but he must try.--Come, McGovery, there's Biddy waiting for you
to take her out; and here's Shamuth waiting--you don't think, man,
he'd begin till you're ready."

"Come, Denis," said his gentle spouse, "I never see sich a man; can't
ye stand up and be dancing, and not keeping everyone waiting that
way?"

"Mind yourself, Mary, and you'll have enough to mind. Come, Biddy,
alanna, let us have a shake together, all for luck;" and the happy
husband led forth Biddy of Ballycloran--she with the big cap--who
was only now beginning to regain the serene looks, which had been
dispelled by Father John's not permitting her to act as bridesmaid.

And now Shamuth--his preparatory puffs having been
accomplished--struck up "Paddy Carey" with full force and energy. As
this was the first dance, no one stood up but the two couple above
named; there were therefore the more left to admire the performance,
and better room left for the performers to show their activity.

"Faix then, Mary," said one, "it's yerself that dances illigant--the
Lord be praised--only look to her feet."

"Well, dear--Denis, shure no one thought you were that good at a jig;
give him a turn, Biddy--don't spare him--he's able for you and more."

"Ah! but see the Captain, Kathleen; it's he that could give the time
to the music; a'nt he and Mary well met?--you must put more wind into
the pipes, Shamuth, before they're down."

"But if you want to see the dancing, wait till Miss Feemy stands
up--it's she that can dance; you'll stand up with the Captain, Miss
Feemy, won't you?"

"Indeed I will, Corney, if he asks me."

"Axes you! ah, there's little doubt of that; it's he that's ready and
willing to ax you, now and always."

"Ah! Mr. McGovery, shure man, you're not bait yet! you wouldn't give
in to Biddy that soo