her idea of propriety in its highest form.

"And they've been down here three or four times, each of them," said
Father Barney, thinking deeply on the subject.

"I believe they have," said Fanny. "But of course I don't know much
of where they've been to."

Father Barney knew very well that his dear niece had been on much
more intimate terms with her guest than she pretended. The rumours
had reached his ears some time since that the younger of the two
strangers in South Main Street was making himself agreeable to the
heiress of the hotel, and he had intended to come down upon her with
all the might of an uncle, and, if necessary, with all the authority
of the Church. But now that Fanny had discarded her lover, he wisely
felt that it would be well for him to know nothing about it. Both
uncles and priests may know too much--very foolishly.

"I have seen them here myself," said he, "and they have both been up
at Castle Richmond."

"They do say as poor Sir Thomas is in a bad way," said Mrs. O'Dwyer,
shaking her head piteously.

"And yet he sees these men," said Father Barney. "I know that for
certain. He has seen them, though he will rarely see anybody
now-a-days."

"Young Mr. Herbert is a-doing most of the business up about the
place," said Mrs. O'Dwyer. "And people do say as how he is going to