llectual intercourse. Marion only put in a word
occasionally; and, though very amiable, still did not show so much
cordiality as her sister. But Miss O'Halloran! what wit! what sparkle!
what mirth! what fun! what repartee! what culture! what refinement!
what an acquaintance with the world! what a knowledge of men and
things! what a faultless accent! what indescribable grace of manner!
what a generous and yet ladylike humor! what a merry, musical laugh!
what quickness of apprehension! what acuteness of perception! what--
words fail. Imagine every thing that is delightful in a first-rate
conversationalist, and every thing that is fascinating in a lady, and
even then you will fail to have a correct idea of Miss O'Halloran. To
have such an idea it would be necessary to see her.

Marion on the other hand was quiet, as I have said. Perhaps this arose
from a reticence of disposition; or perhaps it was merely the result of
her position as a younger sister. Her beautiful face, with its calm,
self-poised expression, was turned toward us, and she listened to all
that was said, and at times a smile like a sunbeam would flash over her
lovely features; but it was only at times, when a direct appeal was
made to her, that she would speak, and then her words were few, though
quite to the point. I had not, therefore, a fair chance of comparing
her with Miss O'Halloran.

In their accent there was not the slightest sign of that rich Leinster
brogue which was so apparent in their father. This, however, may have
arisen from an English mother, or an English education. Suffice it to
say that in no respect could they be distinguished from English ladies,
except in a certain vivacity of manner, which in the latter is not
common. O'Halloran was evidently a gentleman, and his house showed that
he was at least in comfortable circumstances. What his business now
might be I could not tell. What his past had been was equally
uncertain. Was he an exiled Young Irelander? Had he been driven from
his home, or had he left it voluntarily? Whatever he was, his
surroundings and his belongings showed unmistakable signs of culture
and refinement; and as to his daughters, why, hang it! a peer of the
realm couldn't have shown more glorious specimens of perfect womanhood
than these which smiled on me in that pleasant parlor.

Meanwhile, as I flung myself headlong into a lively conversation with
Miss O'Halloran, the old gentleman listened for a time and made
occ