He took the ladies over to the Fitzmaurices the minute that
the diplomas were given; and, directly, Tommy joined them,
attended by two admiring followers laden with the trophies.
Mrs. O'Halloran and Mrs. Macillarney and divers of the friends, both male
and female, joined the circle. Tommy held quite a little court.
He shook hands with all the ladies, beginning with Mrs. Carriswood
(who certainly never had found herself before in such a company,
jammed between Alderman McGinnis's resplendent new tweeds and
Mrs. Macillarney's calico); he affectionately embraced his mother,
and he allowed himself to be embraced by Mrs. Macillarney
and Mrs. O'Halloran, while Patrick Fitzmaurice shook hands
with the alderman.

"Here's the lady that helped me on me piece, father;
she's the lady that sent me the horseshoe, mother.
Like to make you acquainted with me father and me mother.
Mr. and Mrs. Fitzmaurice, Mrs. Carriswood."

In these words, Tommy, blushing and happy, presented his happy parents.

"Sure, I'm proud to meet you, ma'am," said Fitzmaurice, bowing, while his
wife courtesied and wiped her eyes.

They were very grateful, but they were more grateful for
the flowers than for the oratorical drilling. No doubt they
thought that their Tommy could have done as well in any case;
but the splendid horseshoe was another matter!

Ten years passed before Mrs. Carriswood saw her pupil again.
During those years the town had increased and prospered;