ed, he bowed deeply, and
with a look towards the others that seemed to indicate the absence of
any feeling of offence, withdrew.

"You are unco severe on Maister Hemsworth, Mark," said Sir Archy,
gravely. "If his politeness wasna altogether correct, it was weel
intended."

"Mark was all right, whatever he said," cried the old man, exultingly.
"Egad, I'll not dispute with the boy to-night, if he thought proper to
throw the fellow out of the window."

"I am sorry my rudeness should have offended others," said Mark, with
a sidelong glance at Kate. "As for Mr. Hemsworth, we understand each
other. He neither thinks better nor worse of me than he did before."

"D----n Hemsworth!" said the O'Donoghue; "why are we talking of him at
all? Sit down beside me, Mark. Let me see you again, my boy, in your
old place. Give me your hand, and let me think that my three months of
fretting have only been a dream."

"Would it had been a dream to me," said Mark, with a deep sigh, as he
seated himself beside the old man.

"Come, come, Mark," said Sir Archy, "Ye hae often laughed at my Scotch
adage about 'byganes,' let me have my revenge now by applying it to your
own fortunes."

"So, you have come at last," cried the O'Donoghue, as Kerry O'Leary at
length made his appearance at the door. "Is Master Mark to go supperless
to bed----"

"Master Mark," shouted Kerry, "Oh, murther alive, and is it himself
that's in it. Oh, blessed hour, but I'm glad to see you home again, and
your honor looking so well and hearty. Maybe we won't have bonfires over
the hills, when the boys hear it."

"The supper, the supper. Confound the fellow, the boy is famished, and
the rascal stands prating there about bonfires."

"My horse is far more in need of care than I am," said Mark, suddenly,
remembering the wearied animal he left fastened to the door. "I must
look to the poor beast before I take anything myself;" and so saying he
left the room, none wishing to gainsay anything he desired to do.

"Poor fellow," said the O'Donoghue, "how pale and careworn he looks--he
appears to have suffered heavily."

"Depend upon it," said Sir Archy, gravely, "the lad has learned much
since we saw him last. I dinna mislike the look his features have,
although it be one of sorrow. What says Kate?" No answer followed this
appeal, but the young girl turned away her head, and affected to assist
in arranging the table.

"Mind, Archy," said the O'Donoghue, eagerly, "remembe