r brother 'll be
more himself to-morrow morning; he'll be sorry for what he has said
then--and if he is so, I am not the man to remember what any one says
when they've taken a little too much punch."

They had now come near enough to Mrs. Mehan's to see that there were
a number of people outside the door. As soon after Thady's departure
as Denis McGovery and the rest had been able to make up their minds
what it would be the best to do in the emergency of the case, Denis
and his wife sallied forth; the former to carry home whichever of the
combatants might be slaughtered in the battle, and Mary to give to
Feemy what comfort and assistance might be in her power. Pat Brady
prudently thought that under all circumstances it would be safest for
himself to remain where he was. The married pair, however, bent on
peace if possible, and if not, on assuaging the horrors of war, had
barely got into the road, when they encountered Father John returning
to the wedding party.

"Oh, and it's yer riverence is welcome agin this blessed evening. God
be praised that sent you, for it's yerself 'll be wanted, I'm afeard,
and that immediately."

It was some time before the priest could learn what was the
matter. At last he discovered that Ussher and Feemy had gone out
walking,--that Thady had got drunk, and had gone after them; and
he was inquiring whether he had gone towards Mohill, or towards
Ballycloran, which none of them knew, when the three came in sight.

Father John instantly walked up to them, and if he had learnt it from
nothing else, soon discovered from Feemy's tears, that something was
the matter.

"How are you, Thady?" he said, putting out his hand to take the young
man's, which was given with apparent reluctance; "how are you? is
there anything wrong, that Feemy is crying so?"

"Oh, you know, Father John, there is a d----d deal wrong, and I've
jist told the Captain what it is, that's all. I'll not have the girl
humbugged any longer, that's all."

"There must be a great deal wrong, Thady, when you'd curse that way
before me."

"I can't be picking my words now, for priest or parson."

They were now surrounded by the whole crowd out of the house, who
were staring and gaping, and absolutely shocked at Thady's impudence
to his friend and priest. Feemy was sobbing, and on Ussher offering
her his arm to take her from the crowd, took it.

"By G----d!" exclaimed Thady, "if you touch that ruffian's arm again,
I'll niver cal