received into the Catholic Church. Before the priest left her she
asked:

"May I see Mr. Denis Quirk?"

"He shall be sent for at once," Father O'Connor answered. "Good-bye, and
God bless you. You are happy now?"

"For the first time for many years. I only need Denis Quirk's
forgiveness before I die. Promise me I shall not see Mr. Clarence
again."

"I promise that," Father O'Connor answered, whispering to himself: "May
the Lord have mercy on the poor man's soul, for he will need mercy."

In half an hour Denis Quirk was shown to the sick woman's bedside. It is
not my purpose to say what passed between the dying wife and the husband
whom she had so grievously wronged. Denis Quirk readily forgave her the
evil she had done him, and with her he remained until she had passed the
portal of death, holding his hand in hers. Then he rose from his knees
and gazed into her face, and on it he saw a great joy and peace, that
had not rested there for many years.

CHAPTER XXIV.

DENIS QUIRK'S HOMECOMING.

There is a large field beside the house at "Layton," sloping downwards
from the rise, on which the house stands, towards the road. It is
particularly green in spring and early summer, while scattered here and
there about it are giant gum-trees, left purposely for shade. Here Denis
Quirk gathered the employees of the "Mercury," their wives, children,
and relations, soon after his return to Grey Town. In the centre of the
field was a huge marquee, with a great table in it spread with
snow-white linen and adorned with flowers and coloured ribbon. The
silver, cutlery, and glass, together with a multitude of eatables and
tempting drinks, proclaimed that this was provided for hungry appetites
and for the thirsty. Waitresses in black dresses, with white aprons and
caps, flitted backwards and forwards, arranging the table; occasionally
an inquisitive child peeped in to view the arrangements, while now and
again Molly Healy or Kathleen O'Connor entered to confer with the
caterer.

There were other marquees in the field, places of interest and curiosity
to the smaller guests. In one of these were sweets in abundance, to be
had for the asking. The young lady in charge was the kindest and most
obliging dispenser of sweets that any child had ever yet seen. She did
not ask, "How much?" nor did she expect payment in base metal. A "Thank
you" and a smile was sufficient to satisfy her. In another there was an
amusing man, whose pur