s seriously inconvenienced. But
orders is orders, sir."

Jessie O'Donovan, who had been following her husband up and down the
platform, caught his arm.

"What _is_ the matter, Tom?" she said. "If the train doesn't start soon
you'll miss the boat. Why don't they go on?"

"Oh, politics, as usual, Jessie," said Tom. "I declare to goodness it's
enough to make a man want to go to heaven before his time, just to
be able to live under an absolute monarchy where there can't be any
politics. But I'm not done yet. I'll have another try at getting along
before I chuck the whole thing up. Is there a girl anywhere about, a
good-looking girl?"

"There's the young woman in the bookstalls," said Jessie, "but she's not
exactly pretty. What do you want a girl for?"

Tom glanced at the bookstall.

"She won't do at all," he said. "They all know her, and, besides,
she doesn't look the part. But I know where I'll get the girl I want.
Jessie, do you run over to the booking office and buy two third-class
returns to Dublin."

He left her standing on the platform while he jumped on to the line
behind the train, crossed it, and climbed the other platform. She saw
him pass through the gate and run along the road to the town. Being a
loyal and obedient wife she went to the booking office and bought two
tickets, undisturbed by the knowledge that her husband was running fast
in search of a girl, a good-looking girl.

Tom O'Donovan, having run a hundred yards at high speed, entered a
small tobacconist's shop. Behind the counter was a girl, young and very
pretty. She was one of those girls whose soft appealing eyes and general
look of timid helplessness excite first the pity, then the affection of
most men.

"Susie," said Tom O'Donovan, breathlessly, "ran upstairs and put on your
best dress and your nicest hat and all the ribbons and beads you have.
Make yourself look as pretty as you can, but don't be more than ten
minutes over the job, And send your father to me."

Tom O'Donovan was a regular and valued customer. Susie had known him as
a most agreeable gentleman since she was ten years old. She saw that he
was in a hurry and occupied with some important affair. She did as he
told her without stopping to ask any questions. Two minutes later her
father entered the shop from the room behind it.

"Farrelly," said Tom O'Donovan, "I want the loan of your daughter for
about four hours. She'll be back by the last train down from Dublin."

"If