I only stayed there about six months, when a friend of my father's got me a commission; but that six months cured me of my shyness." "I am not surprised," Desmond laughed; "it can only have been skin deep, I fancy, O'Connor." "I will give Conway his first lesson to-night," the captain said.
Dancing had already begun when Captain O'Connor and Ralph drove up in a dog-cart to the Regans', who lived some four miles from Ballyporrit.
O'Connor introduced Ralph to his host, and then hurried away.

In a short time he was deep in conversation with Miss Tabitha Regan, who was some years younger than her brother, and still believed herself to be quite a girl.

She was gorgeously arrayed with a plume of nodding feathers in her headdress.
"You are looking splendid to-night, Miss Regan," O'Connor said in a tone of deep admiration.

"You do not give your nieces a chance." "Ah! you are flattering me, Captain O'Connor." "Not at all, Miss Regan; it's quite a sensation you make.

My young friend Conway was tremendously struck with your appearance, and asked me who that splendid woman was." Which was true enough, except for the word "splendid;" for as they had walked through the room Ralph's eyes had fallen upon her, and he had exclaimed in astonishment, "Who on earth is that woman, O'Connor ?" "He is dying to be introduced to you.