while I ring for my little factotum to let you
out."

"By the bye, a sharp boy that, O'Donahue, with an eye as bright as a
hawk. Where did you pick him up?"

"In Saint James's Park."

"Well, that's an odd place to hire a servant in."

"Do you recollect Rushbrook in my company?"

"To be sure I do--your best soldier, and a famous caterer he was at all
times."

"It is his son."

"And, now I think of it, he's very like him, only somewhat
better-looking."

O'Donahue then acquainted McShane with the circumstances attending his
meeting with Joey, and they separated.

The next day, about the same time, McShane came to see his friend, and
found O'Donahue dressed, and ready to go out with him.

"Now, O'Donahue, you mustn't be in such a hurry to see Mrs McShane, for
I have something to tell you which will make her look more pretty in
your eyes than she otherwise might have done upon first introduction.
Take your chair again, and don't be putting on your gloves yet, while
you listen to a little conversation which took place between us last
night, just before we dropped into the arms of Murfy. I'll pass over
all the questions she asked about you, and all the compliments I paid
you behind your back: because, if I didn't, it would make you blush,
Irishman as you are; but this she did say,--that it was great kindness
on your part to lend me that money, and that she loved you for it; upon
which I replied, I was sorry you were not easy in your mind, and so very
unhappy: upon which she, in course, like every woman, asked me why; and
then I told her merely that it was a love-affair, and a long story, as
if I wished to go to sleep. This made her more curious, so, to oblige
her, I stayed awake, and told her just what you told me, and how the
winter was coming on and you not able to keep your appointment. And
what d'ye think the good soul said? `Now,' says she, `McShane, if you
love me, and have any gratitude to your friend for his former kindness,
you will to-morrow take him money enough, and more than enough, to do as
he wishes, and if he gains his wife he can repay you; if not, the money
is not an object.' `That's very kind of you, dearest,' said I; `but
then will you consent to another thing? for this may prove a difficult
affair, and he may want me with him; and would you have any objection to
that, dearest?' for you see, O'Donahue, I took it into my head that I
might be of the greatest use to you: and, moreover, I sh