This latter threat the mischievous girl threw out with a grave face, in order to bring Denis into a more ridiculous dilemma; for she saw clearly that he labored under a heavy struggle between timidity and gallantry.  The ruse succeeded.  Denis immediately changed his tone, and composed his face into a grave admonitory aspect, nearly equal to a homily on prudence and good conduct.

“Miss Norah,” said he, “perhaps I acted wrong in carrying my trial of your disposition too far.  It’s a thing, however, which we who are intended for the church are ordered to do, that we may be able to make out what are called in this very book you see wid me, cases of conscience.  But the task is now over, Miss Norah; and, in requital for your extrame good nature, I am bound to administer to you a slight lecture on decorum.

“In the first place, attend your duties regularly.  I will soon be goin’ to Maynooth; an’ as you are one of the girls for whom I have the greatest regard, I will expect on my return to hear a good account of you.  It is possible that you’ll be introduced in my absence to the honors of matrimony; but even so, I know that peace, an’ taciturnity, an’ submission will be your most signal qualifications.  You will then be in a situation equal to that of a Roman matron.  As for us, Miss Norah, we are subject to the dilapidations of occasional elevation.  The ambrosia of sentiment lies in our path.  We care not for the terrestrialities of life, when separated from the great principle of the poet—­

‘Omnia vincit amor, et nos cedamus amori.’

That’s Hebrew, Miss Norah!”

“They say you know a power of larnin’, Misther Dinis.”

“Yes, I know the seven languages; but what is all that compared to the cardinal virtues.  This world is a mere bird of passage, Miss Norali; and it behooves us to be ever on the wing for futurity and premeditation.  Now, will you remember the excellent moral advice I have given you?”

“Indeed I will, sir,” replied the roguish minx, tripping away; “particularly that you promised to marry me for nothin’ if I’d give you a kiss!”

“Give up everything like levity, Miss Norah.  Attend your du—­”

[Illustration:  PAGE 985—­ You’re a fool, Misther O’Shaughnessy!]

“You’re a fool, Misther O’Shaughnessy!  Why didn’t you take the kiss, an’ spare the king’s English?”

On making this observation she redoubled her pace, and left Denis now perfectly sensible that he was a proper subject for her mirth.  He turned about, and called after her—­

“Had I known that you were only in jocosity, Miss Nora, upon my classicality, I’d have given you the k——.”

He now perceived that she was beyond hearing, and that it was unnecessary to finish the sentence.