their welcomes and congratulations with
a philosophy which perplexed them not a little. The scene of confusion
which followed his entrance into the house could scarcely be conceived:
every hand was thrust out to welcome him, and every tongue loud in
wishing him joy and happiness. The chairs and stools were overturned as
they stood in the way of those who wished to approach him; plates fell
in the bustle, and wooden trenchers trundled along the ground; the dogs,
on mingling with the crowd that surrounded him, were kicked angrily from
among them by those who had not yet got shaking hands with Denis. Father
Finnerty, during this commotion, kept his seat in the most dignified
manner; but the moment it had subsided he stretched out his hand to
Denis, exclaiming:

"Mr. O'Shaughnessy, I congratulate you upon the event of this auspicious
day! I wish you joy and happiness!"

"So do we all, over and over agin!" they exclaimed; "a proud gintleman
he may be this night!"

"I thank you, Father Finnerty," said Denis, "and I thank you all!"

"Denis, avourneen," said his mother, "sit down an' ate a hearty dinner;
you must be both tired and hungry, so sit down, avick, and when you're
done you can tell us all."

"_Bonum concilium, mi chare Dionysi_--the advice is good, Mrs.
O'Shaughnessy, and I myself will, in honor of this day, although I
have already dined, just take another slice;" and as he spoke he helped
himself. "Anything to honor a friend," he continued; "but, by the by,
before I commence, I will try your own prescription, Denis--a whetter of
this poteen at intervals. Hoch, that's glorious stuff--pure as any one
of the cardinal virtues, and strong as fortitude, which is the champion
of them all."

Denis, during these pleasant observations of the priest, sat silent,
with a countenance pale and apparently dejected. When his mother had
filled his plate, he gently put it away from him; but poured out a
little spirits and water, which he drank.

"I cannot eat a morsel," said he; "mother, don't press me, it's
impossible. We are all assembled here--friends, neighbors, and
relations--I'll not disguise the fact--but the truth is, I have been
badly treated this day; I have been, in the most barefaced manner,
rejected by the Bishop, and a nephew of Father Molony's elected in my
place."

The effect which this disclosure produced upon the company present,
especially upon his own family, utterly defies description. His father
hastil