to one another's houses, as you see; and one gets so accustomed to the
darkness----"

'"Ah, now, don't tell me that! I know I never could--it's no use my
trying it. I 'm used to the daylight; I have seen it, man and boy, for
about fifty years, and I never could grope about this way. Not but that
I am very grateful to you for all your hospitality; but I had rather go
home."

'"You'll wait for morning, at all events," said I; "you will not leave
the house in the dead of the night?"

'"Oh, indeed, for the matter of that, it doesn't signify much; night and
day is much about the same thing in this country."

'And so he grew obstinate, and notwithstanding all I could say, insisted
on his departure; and the same evening he sailed from the quay of
Waterford, wishing me every health and happiness, while he added, with a
voice of trembling earnestness--

'"Yes, Mr. Mahon, pardon me if I am wrong, but I wish to heaven _you had
a little more light in Ireland!_"'

I am unable to say how far the good things of Major Mahon's table
seasoned the story I have just related; but I confess I laughed at it
loud and long, a testimony on my part which delighted the Major's heart;
for, like all anecdote-mongers, he was not indifferent to flattery.

'The moral particularly pleases me,' said I.

'Ah, but the whole thing's true as I am here. Whisht! there's somebody
at the door. Come in, whoever you are.'

At these words the door cautiously opened, and a boy of about twelve
years of age entered. He carried a bundle under one arm, and held a
letter in his hand.

'Oh, here it is,' said Father Tom. 'Come here, Patsey, my boy, here's the
penny I promised you. There, now, don't make a bad use of your money.'

The little fellow's eyes brightened, and with a happy smile and a pull
of his forelock for a bow, left the room delighted.

'Twelve miles--ay, and long miles too--in less than three hours! Not bad
travelling, Captain, for a bit of a gossoon like that.'

'And for a penny!' said I, almost startled with surprise.

'To be sure,' said the priest, as he cut the cord of the package, and
opened it on the table. 'Here we are! as nate a jacket as ever I set
my eyes on, green and white, with a cap of the same.' So saying, he
unfolded the racing-costume, which, by the desire of both parties, I was
obliged immediately to try on. 'There, now,' resumed he; 'turn about; it
fits you like your skin.'

'It looks devilish well, upon my word,' said t