By the way, I have already spoiled my dinner with that splendid ham of yours.

Give me a call when in town." Hycy, after Clinton's departure, began to review his own position.

Of ultimately succeeding with Miss Clinton he entertained little doubt.

So high and confident was his vanity, that he believed himself capable of performing mighty feats, and achieving great successes, with the fair sex,--all upon the strength of having destroyed the reputation of two innocent country girls.

Somehow, notwithstanding his avowed attachment for Miss Clinton, he could not help now and then reverting to the rich beauty and magnificent form of Kathleen Cavanagh; nor was this contemplation of his lessened by considering that, with all his gentlemanly manners, and accomplishments, and wealth to boot, she preferred the clod-hopper, as he called Bryan M'Mahon, to himself.
He felt considerably mortified at this reflection, and the more especially, as he had been frequently taunted with it and laughed at for it by the country girls, whenever he entered into any bantering conversation.