usually wear, to which order he belonged.  He wore black silk stockings, gold knee-buckles to his small-clothes, a rich ruby ring upon his finger, and a small gold cross, net with brilliants, about his neck.  This last was not usually visible; but as he had not yet dressed for the day, it hung over his vest.  He sat, or rather lolled back in a stuffed easy chair, one leg thrown indolently over the other.  Though not an old man, he wore powder, which gave him an air of greater reverence; and as his features were sharp and intelligent, his eye small but keen, and his manner altogether impressive and gentlemanly, if not dignified, it was not surprising that Father Finnerty’s two companions felt awed and embarrassed before him.  Nor was the priest himself wholly free from that humbling sensation which one naturally feels when in the presence of a superior mind in a superior station of life.

“Good morning to your lordship!” said the priest, “I am exceedingly happy to see you look so well.  Counsellor, your most obedient; I hope, sir, you are in good health!”

To this both gentlemen replied in the usual commonplace terms.

“Doctor,” continued the priest, “this is a worthy dacent parishioner of mine, Denis O’Shaughnessy; and this is his son who has the honor to be already known to your lordship.”

“Sit down, O’Shaughnessy,” said the Bishop, “take a seat, young man.”

“I humbly thank your lordship,” replied Denis the elder, taking a chair as he spoke, and laying his hat beside him on the carpet.  The son, who trembled at the moment from head to foot, did not sit as he was asked, but the father, after giving him a pluck, said in a whisper, “Can’t you sit, when his lordship-bids you.”  He then took a seat, but appeared scarcely to know whether he sat or stood.

“By the by, Doctor, you have improved this place mightily,” continued Father Finnerty, “since I had the pleasure of being here last.  I thought I saw a green-house peeping over the garden-wall.”

“Yes,” replied the Bishop, “I am just beginning to make a collection of shrubs and flowers upon a small scale.  I believe you are aware that tending and rearing flowers, Mr. Finnerty, is a favorite amusement with me.”

“I believe I have a good right to know as much, Dr. M------,” replied
Mr. Finnerty.

“If I don’t mistake, I sent you some specimens for your garden that were not contemptible.  And if I don’t mistake again, I shall be able to send your lordship a shrub that would take the pearl off a man’s eye only to look at it.  And what’s more, it’s quite a new-comer; not two years in the country.”

“Pray how is it called, Mr. Finnerty.”

“Upon my credit, Doctor, with great respect, I will tell you nothing more about it at present.  If you wish to see it, or to know its name, or to get a slip of it, you must first come and eat a dinner with me.  And, Counsellor, if you, too, could appear on your own behalf, so much the better.”