l again; I 've spent some very rainy weeks in a debtor's prison,
weaving innumerable enjoyments for the days when I should be at liberty;
so that as to any conception of a period when I should not be able to be
happy, it 's clean and clear beyond me."

Polly's eyes were fixed on him as he spoke, and while their expression
was almost severe, the heightened color of her cheeks showed that she
listened to him with a sense of pleasure.

"I suppose it's in the family," continued Dan, gayly. "My poor father
used to say that no men have such excellent digestion as those that have
nothing to eat."

"And has it never occurred to you, sir," said Polly, with a degree of
earnestness in her voice and manner,--"has it never occurred to you
that this same buoyant temperament could be turned to other and better
account than mere "--she stopped, and blushed, and then, as if by an
effort, went on--"mere selfish enjoyment? Do you not feel that he who
can reckon on such resources but applies them to base uses when he
condescends to make them the accessories of his pleasures? Is there
nothing within your heart to whisper that a nature such as this was
given for higher and nobler purposes; and that he who has the spirit
to confront real danger should not sit down contented with a mere
indifference to shame?"

"Polly, Polly!" cried her father, alike overwhelmed by the boldness and
the severity of her speech.

"By Jove, the young lady has given me a canter," cried MacNaghten, who,
in spite of all his good temper, grew crimson; "and I only wish the
lesson had come earlier. Yes, Miss Polly," added he, in a voice of more
feeling, "it 's too late now."

"You must forgive my daughter, Mr. MacNaghten,--she is not usually so
presumptuous," said Fagan, rising from the table, while he darted
a reproving glance towards Polly; "besides, we are encroaching most
unfairly on your time."

"Are you so?" cried Dan, laughing. "I never heard it called mine before!
Why, Tony, it's yours, and everybody's that has need of it. But if you
'll not eat more, let me show you the grounds. They are too extensive
for a walk, Miss Polly, so, with your leave, we 'll have something to
drive; meanwhile I'll tell the gardener to pluck you some flowers."

Fagan waited till MacNaghten was out of hearing, and then turned angrily
towards his daughter.

"You have given him a sorry specimen of your breeding, Polly; I thought,
indeed, you would have known better."

"You f