were lost, and I have found you; you were dead, and are
again come to life! Rejoice, and be glad.'"

This was too much happiness for Alia to bear up against without
momentarily yielding to the shock, and she sank, as if lifeless, on a
couch. She was soon restored, however, and surrounded by the seemingly
affectionate caresses of her envious _mother_ and jealous sisters. She
had to hear all their arguments to persuade her to prefer her present
splendid misery to the equivocal boon of having found out a poor,
destitute brother, though it was not yet clear whether she could call
him by that name. Appearances were deceitful.

Father Paul listened meekly to the smooth discourses and flattering
promises of the rich lady and her children, not doubting, if she were an
O'Clery, which side she would choose.

"You are young, my dear Aloysia, but yet at or near the age of mature
understanding; and I know a brother cannot command you as a parent could
in this 'free country.' You have your choice--the traditional glory of
the old family of O'Clery, two brothers, and a sister as fair as
yourself, together with the old faith of St. Patrick,--the glorious
CROSS and the immortal SHAMROCK,--all these balanced against this grand
palace, probably great earthly comforts, and a religion that 'is not fit
for a gentleman.' Have your choice; choose boldly, and at once, and free
your brother from suspense."

"Are you my brother?" she said, wildly, "or do I dream? Have I a brother
on earth, and one so worthy as thou? O, I have no second choice," she
cried, falling at his feet, and wetting them with her tears.

"Plant this Cross in my bosom,
And this Shamrock in my hair;
And these are the only ornaments
I ever again shall wear."

The spirited girl prepared immediately to quit the splendid palace, and
she came to the resolution of taking nothing with her, either of dress,
or trinkets, or jewelry. "Naked and bare I came into this family, and
with one single dress shall I leave it," said she, "feeling sufficiently
enriched in what I have this day found--a brother, with the Cross and
Shamrock of the O'Clerys. O, what complete changes! Instead of Alia, I
am Aloysia; instead of Goldrich, I am O'Clery."

Paul did not think it prudent to allow his sister to quit the house of
her rich patrons so quickly, especially as Mr. Goldrich was from home,
and till the public should be satisfied, and all doubts about her
identity resolved. The