I know that what I am about to say will offend you--it was by making me acquainted with his daughter, and by bringing me under the influence of beauty which has unmanned--distracted me--beauty which I could not resist--which has overcome me--subdued me--and which, because it is beyond my reach and my deserts, will occasion me an unhappy life--how long soever that life my last." "Mr.Reilly," exclaimed the _Cooleen Bawn_, "this--this--is--I am quite unprepared for--I mean--to hear that such noble and generous conduct to my father should end in this.

But it cannot be.

Nay, I will not pretend to misunderstand you.

After the service you have rendered to him and to myself, it would be uncandid in me and unworthy of you to conceal the distress which your words have caused me." "I am scarcely in a condition to speak reasonably and calmly," replied Reilly, "but I cannot regret that I have unconsciously sacrificed my happiness, when that sacrifice has saved you from distress and grief and sorrow.

Now that I know you, I would offer--lay down--my life, if the sacrifice could save yours from one moment's care.