noon
On the other stood a large cage , in which was imprisoned a blackbird , whose extraordinary melody had become proverbial in the neighborhood . Down a little to the right of the hall-door , a pretty winding gravelled pathway led to a clear spring well that was overshadowed by a spreading white-thorn ; and at each gable stood a graceful elder or mountain-ash , whose red berries during the autumn had a fine effect , and contrasted well with the mass of darker and larger trees , by which the back portion of the house and the offices was almost concealed . Both the house and green were in an elevated position , and commanded a delightful expanse of rich meadows to the extent of nearly one hundred acres , through which a placid river wound its easy way , like some contented spirit that glides calmly and happily through the gentle vicissitudes of an untroubled life . As Peety Dhu , whilst passing from the residence of our friend Jemmy Burke to that of Gerald Cavanagh , considered himself in his vocation , the reader will not be surprised to hear that it was considerably past noon ! when he arrived at Fenton 's Farm ; for by this name the property was known on a portion of which the Cavanaghs lived . It might be about the hours of two or three o'clock , when Peety , on arriving at the gate which led into Cavanagh 's house , very fortunately saw his daughter Kathleen , in the act of feeding the blackbird aforementioned ; and prudently deeming this the best opportunity of accomplishing his mission , he beckoned her to approach him . The good-natured girl did so : saying at the same time -- `` What is the matter , Peety ?