and into the bay, as it could
not well lie under the rocks at high tide, and he now asked Kate to
accompany him as he walked down. They would probably meet her mother on
the road. Kate, as she tied on her hat, was only too happy to be his
companion. "I think," he said, "that I shall try and see Father Marty as
I go back. If your mother has really heard anything about your father,
she ought to have told me."

"Don't be angry with mother, Fred."

"I won't be angry with you, my darling," said the master with masterful
tenderness.

Although he had intimated his intention of calling on the priest that
very afternoon, it may be doubted whether he was altogether gratified
when he met the very man with Mrs. O'Hara close to the old burying
ground. "Ah, Mr. Neville," said the priest, "and how's it all wid you
this many a day?"

"The top of the morning to you thin, Father Marty," said Fred, trying
to assume an Irish brogue. Nothing could be more friendly than the
greeting. The old priest took off his hat to Kate, and made a low bow,
as though he should say,--to the future Countess of Scroope I owe a very
especial respect. Mrs. O'Hara held her future son-in-law's hand for a
moment, as though she might preserve him for her daughter by some show
of affection on her own part. "And now, Misthress O'Hara," said the
priest, "as I've got a companion to go back wid me, I'm thinking I'll
not go up the hill any further." Then they parted, and Kate looked as
though she were being robbed of her due because her lover could not give
her one farewell kiss in the priest's presence.

CHAPTER II.

IS SHE TO BE YOUR WIFE?

"It's quite a sthranger you are, these days," said the priest, as soon
as they had turned their backs upon the ladies.

"Well; yes. We haven't managed to meet since I came back;--have we?"

"I've been pretty constant at home, too. But you like them cliffs up
there, better than the village no doubt."

"Metal more attractive, Father Marty," said Fred laughing;--"not meaning
however any slight upon Liscannor or the Cork whisky."

"The Cork whisky is always to the fore, Mr. Neville. And how did you
lave matters with your noble uncle?"

Neville at the present moment was anxious rather to speak of Kate's
ignoble father than of his own noble uncle. He had declared his
intention of making inquiry of Father Marty, and he thought that he
should do so with something of a high hand. He still had that scheme
in his head,