On doing so she received a sorrowful glance of deep and imploring entreaty from Bryan, which she returned with another that seemed to reprove him for doubting her affection, or supposing that such a promise was even necessary.

"No, Dora dear," she said, "I could make no promise without the knowledge of my father and mother, or contrary to their wishes; but did you think, darling, that such a thing was necessary ?" She kissed the sweet girl as she spoke, and Dora felt a tear on her cheek that was not her own.
Mrs.M'Mahon had been looking with a kind of mournful admiration upon Kathleen during this little incident, and then proceeded.

"She says what is right and true; and it would be wrong, my poor child, to ask her to give such a promise.

Bryan, thry an' be worthy of that girl--oh, do! an' if you ever get her, you'll have raison to thank God for one of the best gifts He ever gave to man.

Hanna, come here--come to me--let me put my hand upon your head.