it, and would declare that I had invented it from vanity.
I do think that a woman in this country can look after
herself if she be minded so to do. I know that I am
stronger than Mr. Moss and Mrs. Beelzebub together. I do
believe that he will pay me his money, as he has always
done, and I want to earn my money. I have some little
precautions--just for a rainy day. I have told you
everything--everything, because you are to be my husband.
But you can do me no good by coming here, but may cause me
a peck of troubles. Now, good-bye, and God bless you. A
thousand kisses.

Ever your own,

R.

Tell everybody that I'm to be Mrs. Jones some day.

Frank finished packing up, and then told his father that he was going
off to Athenry at once, there to meet the night mail train up to
Dublin.

"Why are you going at once, in this sudden manner?" asked his father.

Frank then remembered that he could not tell openly the story of Mrs.
Beelzebub. Rachel had told him in pure simple-minded confidence, and
though he was prepared to disobey her, he would not betray her. "She
is on the stage," he said.

"I am aware of it," replied his father, intending to signify that his
son's betrothed was not employed as he would have wished.

"At the Charing Cross Opera," said the son, endeavouring to make the
best of it.

"Yes; at the Charing Cross Opera, if that makes a difference."

"She is earning her bread honestly."

"I believe so," said Mr. Jones, "I do believe so, I do think that
Rachel O'Mahony is a thoroughly good girl."

"I am sure of it," said Ada and Edith almost in the same breath.

"But not less on that account is the profession distasteful to me.
You do not wish to see your sisters on the stage?"

"I have thought of all that, sir," said Frank, "I have quite made up
my mind to make Rachel my wife, if it be possible."

"Do you mean to live on what she may earn as an actress?" Here Frank
remained silent for a moment. "Because if you do, I must tell you
that it will not become you as a gentleman to accept her income."

"You cannot give us an income on which we may live."

"Certainly not at this moment. With things as they are in Ireland
now, I do not know how long I may have a shilling with which to bless
myself. It seems to me that for the present it is your duty to stay
at home, and not to trouble Rachel by going to her in London."

"At this moment I must go to her."

"You h