But he went on walking as though he could thus leave her there, and never see her again.

What an ass he had been in supposing that she cared for him! What a fool to imagine that his poverty could stand a chance against the wealth of Loughlinter! But why had she lured him on?
How he wished that he were now grinding, hard at work in Mr.Low's chambers, or sitting at home at Killaloe with the hand of that pretty little Irish girl within his own! Presently he heard a voice behind him,--calling him gently.

Then he turned and found that she was very near him.

He himself had then been standing still for some moments, and she had followed him.

"Mr.
Finn," she said.
"Well;--yes: what is it ?" And turning round he made an attempt to smile.
"Will you not wish me joy, or say a word of congratulation?
Had I not thought much of your friendship, I should not have been so quick to tell you of my destiny.