that third glass of wine? Was he waiting to be asked? was he ready,
willing, to be bought? There must be something in his thoughts--he must
have some reason for sitting there so long, and so silent, without
speaking a word, or taking his eyes off the fire.

Barry had all but made up his mind to ask the aid he wanted; but he
felt that he was not prepared to do so--that he should soon quiver and
shake, that he could not then carry it through. He felt that he wanted
spirit to undertake his own part in the business, much less to inspire
another with the will to assist him in it. At last he rose abruptly
from his chair, and said,

"Will you dine with me to-day, Colligan?--I'm so down in the mouth, so
deucedly hipped, it will be a charity."

"Well," said Colligan, "I don't care if I do. I must go down to your
sister in the evening, and I shall be near her here."

"Yes, of course; you'll be near her here, as you say: come at six,
then. By the bye, couldn't you go to Anty first, so that we won't be
disturbed over our punch?"

"I must see her the last thing,--about nine, but I can look up again
afterwards, for a minute or so. I don't stay long with her now: it's
better not."

"Well, then, you'll be here at six?"

"Yes, six sharp;" and at last the doctor got up and went away.