or kind, to me; you're my brother--my only, and my eldest brother,
and I beg it as a favor to one that loves you both, that you'll not
interfere in my marriage this day."

"So far only," replied Hugh, "that I'll stop it for good an' all. You'll
get no clothes out of this press to-day. In ten years or so you may be
thinkin' of it. There's Madge M'Gawley, take her, with all my heart; a
girl that has fifty pounds, five cows, and threescore sheep: ay, an'
a staid sober girl. To be sure she's no beauty, an' not fit for
'gintlemen' that must have purty faces, and empty pockets. I say again,
Felix, I'll put an end to this match."

This was too much for Felix's patience. After several unsuccessful
remonstrances, and even supplications very humbly expressed, a fierce
struggle ensued between the brothers which was only terminated by the
interference of the two servant-men, who with some difficulty forced the
elder out of the house, and brought him across the fields towards his
own home. Maura then gave up the key, and the youthful bridegroom was
soon dressed and prepared to meet his "man," and a few friends whom he
had invited, at the chapel. His mind, however, was disturbed, and his
heart sank at this ill-omened commencement of his wedding day.

"Maura," said he, when about to leave the house, "I'm heavy at heart for
what has happened. Will you say that you forgive me, dear, before I go?
and tell Hugh that I forgive him everything, and that the last words I
said before I went, wor--'that the blessin' of God may rest upon him
and his,' and upon you too, Maura, dear."

These expressions are customary among Irish families when a marriage is
about to take place; but upon this occasion they came spontaneously from
a generous and feeling heart. Felix saw with sorrow that his brother and
sister had not blessed him, and he resolved that his part of a duty so
tender should not remain unperformed.

Maura, who suddenly averted her face when he addressed her, made no
reply; but after he had departed from the threshold, her eyes followed
him, and the tears slowly forced their way down her cheeks.

"It's no use," said she, "it's no use, I love him, I love my kind
brother in spite of every thing. May God bless you Felix! may God bless
you, and all you love! God forgive me for opposin' the boy as I did; and
God forgive Hugh! but he thinks it would be all for Felix's good to stop
his marriage with Alley Bawn."

Felix, who heard neither hi