it did."

"But the potatoes have been much better the last few years, and this
year they say we're going to have a splendid crop," said Nora. "But
I must go now, Mrs. Murphy. Thank you so much for asking me."

"You're looking a bit pale; but you're a beautiful girl," said the
good woman admiringly. "I'd give a lot if Biddy could change places
with you--that is, in appearance, I mean. She's not a credit to
anybody, with her bumpy forehead and her cocked nose, and her rude
ways to her mother."

"Mammy, I really cannot help the way I am made," said Biddy; "and as
to staying in this lovely day picking black currants and making jam,
and staining my fingers, it's not to be thought of. Come along out,
Nora. If you must be off back to O'Shanaghgan, I mean to claim the
last few moments of your stay here."

The girls spent the morning together, and early in the afternoon
Nora returned to O'Shanaghgan. Terence met her as she was driving
down the avenue.

"How late you are!" he said; "and you have got great black shadows
under your eyes. You know, of course, that I have to catch the early
train in the morning?"

"To be sure I do, Terry; and it is for that very reason I have come
back so punctually. I want to pack your things my own self."

"Ah, that's a good girl. You'll find most of them laid out on the bed.