wder, which
gave him an air of greater reverence; and as his features were sharp
and intelligent, his eye small but keen, and his manner altogether
impressive and gentlemanly, if not dignified, it was not surprising that
Father Finnerty's two companions felt awed and embarrassed before him.
Nor was the priest himself wholly free from that humbling sensation
which one naturally feels when in the presence of a superior mind in a
superior station of life.

"Good morning to your lordship!" said the priest, "I am exceedingly
happy to see you look so well. Counsellor, your most obedient; I hope,
sir, you are in good health!"

To this both gentlemen replied in the usual commonplace terms.

"Doctor," continued the priest, "this is a worthy dacent parishioner of
mine, Denis O'Shaughnessy; and this is his son who has the honor to be
already known to your lordship."

"Sit down, O'Shaughnessy," said the Bishop, "take a seat, young man."

"I humbly thank your lordship," replied Denis the elder, taking a chair
as he spoke, and laying his hat beside him on the carpet. The son, who
trembled at the moment from head to foot, did not sit as he was asked,
but the father, after giving him a pluck, said in a whisper, "Can't
you sit, when his lordship-bids you." He then took a seat, but appeared
scarcely to know whether he sat or stood.

"By the by, Doctor, you have improved this place mightily," continued
Father Finnerty, "since I had the pleasure of being here last. I thought
I saw a green-house peeping over the garden-wall."

"Yes," replied the Bishop, "I am just beginning to make a collection
of shrubs and flowers upon a small scale. I believe you are aware that
tending and rearing flowers, Mr. Finnerty, is a favorite amusement with
me."

"I believe I have a good right to know as much, Dr. M------," replied
Mr. Finnerty.

"If I don't mistake, I sent you some specimens for your garden that were
not contemptible. And if I don't mistake again, I shall be able to send
your lordship a shrub that would take the pearl off a man's eye only to
look at it. And what's more, it's quite a new-comer; not two years in
the country."

"Pray how is it called, Mr. Finnerty."

"Upon my credit, Doctor, with great respect, I will tell you nothing
more about it at present. If you wish to see it, or to know its name, or
to get a slip of it, you must first come and eat a dinner with me. And,
Counsellor, if you, too, could appear on your own behalf,