Phelim apprehended that, as his father got warm with
the Hquor, he might, in vindicating the truth of his own
assertion, divulge the affair of the old housekeeper.
" Ould man," said he, " have sinse, an' pass that over,
if you have any regard for me."

" I'd not be brow-bate into anything," observed
Donovan.
" Sowl, you would not," said Phejim. " For my part,
Paddy, I'm ready to marry your daughther — (a squeeze
to Peggy) — ^widout a hap'orth at all, barrin' herself.
It's the girl I want, an' not the ' slip.' "

" Thin, be the book, you'll get both, Phelim, for your
dacency," said Donovan ; " but, you see, I wouldn't be
bullied into puttin' one foot past the other for the best
man that ever stepped on black leather."

" Whisht ! " said Appleton, " that's the go ! Success,
ould heart ! Give us your hand, Paddy ; here's your
good health, an' may you never button an empty pocket ! "

" Is all settled ? " inquired Molly.
