Page:Monthly scrap book, for January.pdf/9

 made, that the merchandize should be sent in the course of a few days to the purchaser’s storehouse at Carrick. The sparkling joy of life, fair uisgebetha, was then, of course, brought in; the current prices of goods, the hopes, fears, and scandal of the trade, were at first introduced; moderate argument succeeded on indifferent subjects; and, as the goblet passed, the tanners forgot their cares and drudging occupations—laughed, sang, jested and toasted, until the shades of evening began to veil them from each other. O'Donnell hastily rose and bade his host adieu, as the latter called for lights. He lingered, however, with his hat and the parting cup, until prim Peggy appeared with the lamp; a moment of silence then ensued. The tanner of Cashel's eye roamed over the solid table, he thrust his hand into his pockets, looked extremely pozed, and on his customer's again wishing him good night, with more obstinacy than became a courteous host, opposed his departure. O'Donnell was nettled—the more especially as the cups were void, and the Cashel-man had made no motion to replenish; and being much the stronger man of the two, at length broke by main force from his grasp and gained the door. "By St. Patrick, Sir, you're too bad," said he, adjusting his disordered cravat, "one word to business, and then good night. Send me the goods by Thady Conor's waggon on Wednesday."

His host was silent.—"I want no writing or acknowledgement," continued Darby, "for