d that one great reason
for an Irishman's successes with the ladies was his perfect
willingness to get married. He was seldom to be seen scouting for
advantages in intrigue. If the girl be willing, be she brown, yellow,
or white, he was always for the priest and the solemn words. My father
also contended that in every marriage contracted on the face of the
earth in which neither maid nor man could understand the other's
national speech, the bridegroom was an Irishman. He was the only man
who was able to make delightful love with the aid of mere signals.

However I must be going on with my story, although it is a great
pleasure to talk of my country-men. They possess a singular
fascination for me. I cannot forget that I too am an Irishman.

The little Doctor was still saying agreeable things; Lady Mary was
smiling in gentle amusement. As I moved out to catch Lady Mary's eye,
I did not at all lose sight of the fact that if the pugnacious mother
of my _innamorata_ took one glimpse of me there might result a scene
which could end in nothing but my ignominious flight. I edged toward
the group, advancing on the Countess's port quarter as she was talking
animately over her starboard bow at the entranced little Doctor. At
times Lady Mary looked about her, still smiling her smile, which no
doubt was born of the ridiculous performances of Chord. Once I thought
she looked squarely at me, and my heart beat like a drum so loudly
that I thought people must hear. But her glance wandered on casually
over the throng, and then I felt truly insignificant, like a man who
could hide behind the nail of his own thumb.

Perceiving that I was so insignificant, I judged it prudent as well as
advantageous to advance much closer. Suddenly Lady Mary's clear
virgin eye met mine,--met it fully.

Now, I don't know what was in this glance we exchanged. I have stopped
myself just on the verge of a full explanation of the thrills,
quivers, hopes, fears, and dreams which assailed me as I looked back
into the beautiful face of Lady Mary. I was also going to explain how
the whole scene appeared. But I can see soon enough that my language
would not be appropriate to the occasion. But any how we looked each
other point-blank in the eye. It was a moment in which that very
circling of the earth halted, and all the suns of the universe poised,
ready to tumble or to rise. Then Lady Mary lowered her glance, and a
pink blush suffused her neck and cheek.

The