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 therefore it would be a much harder struggle to act counter to his wishes. He did not come home until tea-time. At table he looked at Mary with a very benignant smile saying, "Well my bonnie lass, you had a call from Master Claremont this morning didn't you? He's a fine lookin' youngster, improved very much since he's been gone, and many's the gal that'll envy you my lass, but be sure you keep your eye on the money, that's the main pint ye know."

"Father, I don't understand you, what do you mean?"

"All right, all right, Mary, it's perfectly natural that you should feel a little shy about it; that's the way your mother did, and when I went up and put my arm round her so, she acted as if she wanted to get away, but I guess she never had reason to be sorry she married Nicolas Kingley, if he was a poor boy, and had to make his way up in the world, did ye, eh! Poll?"

"Then I suppose you will have no objection to James Morgan, now he is steady?"

Ho started as if a revolver had whistled past his ears.

"hm Morgan, the wretch, have you seen him?"

"No, I have, not seen him."

"Then you shall not see him so long as you live in this house! No! my daughter shan't disgrace my name by marrying a drunkard's son, whether he is drunk or sober; no, never!" bringing his fist down with such force upon the table as to shatter in pieces a very delicate and curiously designed vase standing upon it.