d Solomon; "you
may rest upon her word, my friend, for I am satisfied that no serious
falsehood's in the habit of proceeding from a mouth so sweet and
comely in expression, as Mrs. Tyrrell's. Come, Val, have a heart, and be
compassionate towards the fair widow."

"If you or Phil will pay the money," said M'Clutchy, "well and good; but
you both know, that otherwise it is out of my power." There is a
vast deal of acuteness of observation in Irish women, together with
a quickness of perception, that sometimes resembles instinct. Mrs.
Tyrrell's purity of feeling and good sense were offended at the
compliments which the attorney and Phil mixed up with the sympathy they
expressed for her. She felt something jar disagreeably upon her natural
delicacy, by their selecting the moment of her distress for giving
utterance to language, which, coming at any time from either of them
to one in her station of life, was improper; but, under the present
circumstances, an insult, and an impertinent trifling with her
affliction.

"Well," said she, without paying them the slightest attention, "I must
say, Mr. M'Clutchy, that if you proceed as you threaten to do, your
conduct towards me and my poor orphan will be such as I don't think you
can justify either to God or man. I wish you good morning, sir; I have
no more to say upon it."

"Oh, Mrs. Tyrrell, if you begin to abuse us and lay down the law on the
matter, I have no more to say either."

She then went out, but had not left the hall, when Phil, following, said
in a low, impudent, confidential tone--

"Don't be in a hurry, Mrs. Tyrrell, just step into the parlor for a few
minutes, and we'll see what can be done--step in."

"No, sir," she replied, feeling very naturally offended at the
familiarity of his manner, I will not step in; anything you have to, say
you can say it here."

"Yes--but, then, they may overhear us. D--n my honor, but you're a very
pretty woman, Mrs. Tyrrell, and I'd be sorry to see harsh, proceedings
taken against you--that is, if we could understand one another. The
scarlet hue of indignation had already overspread her face and temples,
her eyes flashed, and her voice became firm and full.

"What do you mean, sir," she asked.

"Why," said he, "couldn't there be an understanding between us? In fact,
Mrs. Tyrrell, you would find me a friend to you."

She made no reply but returned into the room.

"Mr. M'Clutchy," said she, "I thought that a woman--especiall