I still had hope, and I still have, that she may recover." Reilly made no reply to this, for he feared to entertain the vague expectation to which Fergus alluded.
"Well, Fergus," said he, "although I have undergone the sentence of a convict, yet now, after my return, I am a rich man.

For the sake of old times--of old dangers and old difficulties--I should wish you to live with me, and to attend me as my own personal servant or man.

I shall get you a suit of livery, and the crest of O'Reilly shall be upon it.

I wish you to attend upon me, Fergus, because you understand me, and because I never will enjoy a happy heart, or one day's freedom from sorrow again.
All hope of that is past, but you will be useful to me--and that you know." Fergus was deeply affected at these words, although he was gratified in the highest degree at the proposal.

In the course of a few days he entered upon his duties, immediately after which Reilly set out on his journey to Monaghan, to see once more his beloved, but unhappy, Cooleen Baton.