ot to their homes.

I set off alone, and a stranger, without shoes, hat, or jacket, to beg
my way across Ireland. Some disbelieved the tale I told of my
disasters, and turned me from their doors; but others gave me bread and
meat, and the poorest never refused me a potato and a drink of milk, for
their eyes, accustomed to real misery, could discern that I spoke the
truth.

At length, just after dark, I reached the well-known gate of my father's
grounds. I walked through, and with knees knocking together from
over-excited feelings I approached the house. I looked up at the
windows--not a light was to be seen, nor a sound heard. My heart sunk
within me; I feared something must have happened--what, I dared not ask
myself. I sat down on the steps, fearful of inquiring.

At length I gained courage to ring the door-bell. It was answered by a
loud barking of dogs from within, but no sound of a human voice. Again
I rang, and after waiting some time, in my impatience I began to knock
fiercely with my fists. I stopped, for I heard a window opening, and a
voice inquiring from above what I wanted. It was old Molly Finn, the
housekeeper. I recognised her in a moment. I told her who I was, and
entreated her to tell me where my family were gone.

"Och, ye idle spalpeen, get along with ye, with your lying tales about
being Master Peter, who has been dead these two long years or more," she
exclaimed, in a voice of anger. "Get along with ye, I say, or I'll let
the dogs out on ye."

"If you mean to let Juno and Pluto slip, you are welcome," I answered,
my anger beginning to rise. "They'll at least know me, and that's more
than you seem inclined to do, Molly."

"Just come nearer here, and let me ax ye a few questions, whoever ye
are," she said, in a softer tone.

"Tell me first, Molly, where are my father and mother, and brothers and
sisters--are they all alive and well?" I exclaimed.

"Well, then, there's no harm in telling ye thus much; they are all well,
and gone to Dublin for Miss Fanny's marriage there to a fine gentleman
who's worthy of her. And now, what have ye got to say?"

"Thank Heaven!" I exclaimed, and burst into tears, and sobbed till my
heart was like to break. It was the giving way to affections long long
pent up, like the icy ocean in winter; within my bosom.

"Och, it must be Master Peter, whether dead or alive!" exclaimed the old
woman, disappearing from the window.

I had some notion that b