softness and grace which is very nearly akin to beauty. But then
again in a neighbouring district they will be found to be squat,
uncouth, and in no way attractive to the eye. The tint of the
complexion, the nature of the hair, the colour of the eyes, shall be
the same. But in one place it will seem as though noble blood had
produced delicate limbs and elegant stature, whereas in the other a
want of noble blood had produced the reverse. The peasants of Clare,
Limerick, and Tipperary are, in this way, much more comely than
those of Cork and Kerry.

When Herbert and Clara reached the gate they found this mother with
her five children crouching at the ditch-side, although it was still
mid-winter. They had seen him enter the demesne, and were now
waiting with the patience of poverty for his return.

"An' the holy Virgin guide an' save you, my lady," said the woman,
almost frightening Clara by the sudden way in which she came
forward, "an' you too, Misther Herbert; and for the love of heaven
do something for a poor crathur whose five starving childher have
not had wholesome food within their lips for the last week past."

Clara looked at them piteously and put her hand towards her pocket.
Her purse was never well furnished, and now in these bad days was
usually empty. At the present moment it was wholly so. "I have
nothing to give her; not a penny," she said, whispering to her
lover.

But Herbert had learned deep lessons of political economy, and was
by no means disposed to give promiscuous charity on the road-side.
"What is your name," said he; "and from where do you come?"