anything but by the rule of three, would take to our wild ways. But
there, Norrie, it's the freedom of the life that suits me; when I am
up and away on Black Bess or on Monarch, I don't think there is a
happier fellow in the world. But there, when I come face to face
with money, why, I'm bothered--I'm bothered entirely, child."

"Father," said Nora, "won't you tell me what is worrying you?"

"How do you know I am worried about anything, colleen?"

"How do I know, father?" answered Nora a little playfully. She turned
and faced him. "I know," she said; "that is enough; you are worried.
What is it?"

The Squire looked at her attentively. He was much the taller of the
two, and his furrowed face seemed to the girl, as she looked up at
him, like a great rock rising above her. She was wont to sun herself
in his smile, and to look to him always as a sure refuge in any
perplexity. She did not love anyone in the whole world as she loved
her father. His manliness appealed to her; his generous ways suited
her; but, above all these things, he was her father; he was Irish to
his backbone, and so was she.

"You must tell me," she said. "Something is troubling you, and Nora
has to know."

"Ah, my Light o' the Morning! what would I do without you?" answered
the Squire.

"Prove that you trust me," said Nora, "and tell me what worries