“Unquestionably, and you may prepare yourself for a surprise.  He’s attached to you.”

“I think not,” she replied calmly.

“Why so?” he asked.

“Because, if you wish to know the truth, I do not think him capable of attachment to any one but himself.”

“Faith, a very good reason, Maria; but, seriously, if he should introduce the subject, I trust, at all events, that you will treat him with respect.”

“I shall certainly respect myself, Harry.  He need not fear that I shall read him one of my uncle’s lectures upon life and honesty.”

“I have promised not to be his enemy in the matter, and I shall keep my word.”

“So you may, Harry, with perfect safety.  I am much obliged to him for his good opinion; but”—­she paused.

“What do you stop at, Maria?”

“I was only about to add,” she replied, “that I wish it was mutual.”

“You wish it,” he exclaimed.  “What do you mean by that, Maria?”

She laughed.  “Don’t you know it is only a form of speech? a polite way of saying that he does not rank high in my esteem?”

“Well, well,” he replied, “settle that matter between you; perhaps the devil is not so black as he’s painted.”

“A very unhappy illustration,” said his sister, “whatever has put it into your head.’

“Faith, and I don’t know what put it there.  However, all I can say in the matter I have already said.  I am not, nor shall I be, his enemy.  I’ll trouble you, as you’re near it, to touch the bell till George gets the horse.  I am going up to his father’s, now.  Shall I tell him that John Wallace is discarded; that he will be received with smiles, and that—­”

“How can you be so foolish, Harry?”

“Well, good-bye, at any rate.  You are perfectly capable of deciding for yourself, Maria.”

“I trust so,” she replied.  “There’s George with your horse now.”

“It’s a blue look-up, Master Hycy,” said Clinton to himself as he took his way to Burke’s.  “I think you have but little chance in that quarter, oh, most accomplished Hycy, and indeed I am not a whit sorry; but should be very much so were it otherwise.”

It is singular enough that whilst Clinton was introducing the subject of Hycy’s attachment to his sister, that worthy young gentleman was sustaining a much more serious and vehement onset upon a similar subject at home.  Gerald Cavanagh and his wife having once got the notion of a marriage between Kathleen and Hycy into their heads, were determined not to rest until that desirable consummation should be brought about.  In accordance with this resolution, we must assure our readers that Gerald never omitted any opportunity of introducing the matter to Jemmy Burke, who, as he liked the Cavanaghs, and especially Kathleen herself, who, indeed, was a general favorite, began to think that, although in point of circumstances she was by no means a match for him, Hycy might do