You were all of you what my poor father--who was always thinking of the dogs--used to call "on your hind-legs," walking about very stately and very miserable.

There were three or four covered dishes on the table that nobody tasted; and an old man in red breeches ran about in half-distraction, and said, "Sherry, my lord, or Madeira ?" Many's the time I laughed over it since.' And, as though to vouch for the truth of the mirthfulness, she lay back in her chair and shook with hearty laughter.
Before Kearney could reply--for something like a passing apoplexy had arrested his words--the girls entered, and made their salutations.
'If I had the honour of knowing you longer, Miss Costigan,' said Miss O'Shea--for it was thus she translated the name Kostalergi--'I'd ask you why you couldn't dress like your cousin Kate.

It may be all very well in the house, and it's safe enough here, there's no denying it; but my name's not Betty if you'd walk down Kilbeggan without a crowd yelling after you and calling names too, that a respectable young woman wouldn't bargain for; eh, Mathew, is that true ?' 'There's the dinner-bell now,' said Mathew; 'may I offer my arm ?' 'It's thin enough that arm is getting, Mathew Kearney,' said she, as he walked along at her side.

'Not but it's time, too.

You were born in the September of 1809, though your mother used to deny it; and you're now a year older than your father was when he died.' 'Will you take this place ?' said Kearney, placing her chair for her.