Tom, is the crame of a good landlord, as far as his property goes, and
much good may it do him and his! I'll go bail that, as far as Miss Alice
herself is consarned, many a hungry mouth, will be filled many a naked
back covered, and many a heavy heart made light through the manes of
it."

"Faith," said a third spokesman, "and that wouldn't be the case if that
skinflint barge of Lindsay's had got it in her clutches. At any rate,
it's a shame for her and them to abuse the Goodwins as they do. If ould
Hamilton left it to them surely it wasn't their fault."

"Never mind," said another, "I'll lay a wager that Mrs. Lindsay's son--I
mane the step-son that's now abroad with the uncle---will be sent for,
and a marriage will follow between him and Miss Goodwin."

"It maybe so," replied Tom, "but it's not very probable. I know the man
that's likely to walk into the property, and well worthy he is of it."

"Come, Tom, let us hear who is the lucky youth?"

"Family saicrets," replied Tom, "is not to be rovaled. All I can say is,
that he is a true gentleman. Give me another blast o' the pipe, for I
must go home."

Tom, who was servant to Mr. Goodwin, having now taken his "blast,"
wished them good-night; but before he went he took the sorrowing widow's
cold and passive hand in his, and said, whilst the tears stood in his
eyes,

"May God in heaven pity you and support your heart, for you are the