o doing she threw the
clothes off my head and shoulders. She then pushed back Corny from her,
and he left the room, shutting the door after him. The party descended
the ladder, and as soon as Kathleen perceived that they were all down,
she sprang out of bed and ran into her mother's room. Soon after I
heard them depart. Mrs McShane made fast the door, and came up stairs.
She first went to her own room, where poor Kathleen was crying bitterly
from shame and excitement. I had got up when she came into Kathleen's
room for her clothes, and, in about five minutes, they returned
together. I was sitting on the side of the bed when they came in: the
poor girl coloured up when our eyes met. "Kathleen," said I, "you have,
in all probability, saved my life, and I cannot express my thanks. I am
only sorry that your modesty has been put to so severe a trial."

"If Corny was to find it out," replied Kathleen, sobbing again. "How
could I do such a thing?"

"Your mother bid you," replied Mrs McShane, "and that is sufficient."

"But what must you think of me, sir?" continued Kathleen.

"I think that you have behaved most nobly. You have saved an innocent
man at the risk of your reputation, and the loss of your lover. It is
not now that I can prove my gratitude."

"Yes, yes, promise me by all that's sacred, that you'll never mention
it. Surely you would not ruin one who has tried to serve you."

"I promise you that, and I hope to perform a great deal more," replied
I. "But now, Mrs McShane, what is to be done? Remain here I cannot."

"No, you must leave, and that very soon. Wait about ten minutes more,
and then they will give up their search and go home. The road to E--"
(the post I had lately come from) "is the best you can take; and you
must travel as fast as you can, for there is no safety for you here."

"I am convinced that rascal McDermott will not leave me till he has rid
himself of me." I then took out my purse, in which I still had nearly
twenty guineas. I took ten of them. "Mrs McShane, I must leave you in
charge of my portmanteau, which you may forward by-and-by, when you hear
of my safety. If I should not be so fortunate, the money is better in
your hands than in the hands of those who will murder me. Kathleen, God
bless you! you are a good girl, and Corny O'Toole will be a happy man if
he knows your value."

I then wished Kathleen good-bye, and she allowed me to kiss her without
any resistance;