as you are
acquainted with Captain Ussher, of course he'd be coming after his
sweetheart; and then, when Feemy is under your protection, of course
you'd speak to him in your own quiet lady-like way; and then, take my
word for it, I'd be marrying them in this very room before Christmas.
Wouldn't we have dancing up stairs, eh, Miss Louey?"--Mrs. McKeon
still said nothing.--"And even supposing Ussher did not come down
here, and nothing was done, why it would be evident the match was not
to take place, and that Ussher was a blackguard; then of course Feemy
must give up all thoughts of him. And though, maybe, she'd grieve
awhile, it would be better so than going on as she is now up at the
old place, with no one to give her any advice, or tell her what she
ought to do or say to the man. Any way, you see, it would be doing
her a kind service. Come, Mrs. McKeon, make up your mind to be a
kind, good neighbour to the poor girl; and do you and the two young
ladies go up to Ballycloran, and ask her to come down and spend a
week or two with you here."

"But perhaps," said Louey, "Feemy won't like to leave Ballycloran,
and come so far from her beau; because she couldn't see him here as
she does there, you know, Father John."

"Why, Miss Louey, I don't think you know how she sees him. I believe
he goes and calls there, much as you'd like your beau to come and
call here, if you had one."

"Indeed, Father John, when I do have one, I hope I shall manage
better than to be talked about as much as she is, any way. I hardly
think it would do to ask her at present, mother. You know Mr. Gayner
is to be here the night of the race-ball, and we've only the one
bed."

"Come, come, Miss Louey, I didn't expect to hear you say a word
against your old friend; why should you be less good-natured than
your mother? You see she's thinking how she can best do what I'm
asking."

"As for old friends," said Louey, "I and Miss Macdermot were never so
very intimate; and as for being ill-natured, I never was told before
that I was more ill-natured than mother. But of course mamma will do
as she likes, only she can't very well turn Mr. Gayner out of the
house after having asked him to come for the races, that's all:" and
Miss Louey flounced out of the room.

"Come, Mrs. McKeon," continued Father John, "think of the benefit
this would be to Feemy; and you can't have any real objection; the
race-ball is only for one night, and the girls will be too tired