disfigured a human countenance. To add to his chagrin, too, the squire
came out with a bit of his usual sarcasm.

"Come, baronet," said he, "here's my arm. I am the old man, and you are
the old lady; and now for dinner."

In the meantime Reilly and the Cooleen Bawn had gone far enough in
advance to be in a condition to speak without being heard.

"That," said she, "is the husband my father intends for me, or, rather,
did intend; for, do you know, that you have found such favor in his
sight that--that--" she hesitated, and Reilly, looking into her face,
saw that she blushed deeply, and he felt by her arm that her whole frame
trembled with emotion.

"Proceed, dearest love," said he; "what is it?"

"I have not time to tell you now," she replied, "but he mentioned a
project to me which, if it could be accomplished, would seal both your
happiness and mine forever. Your religion is the only obstacle."

"And that, my love," he replied, "is an insurmountable one."

"Alas! I feared as much," she replied, sighing bitterly as she spoke.

The old squire took the head of the table, and requested Sir Robert to
take the foot; his daughter was at his right hand, and Reilly opposite
her, by which means, although denied any confidential use of the tongue,
their eyes enjoyed very gratifying advantages, and there passed between
them occasionally some of those rapid glances which, especially when