Page:Three advices an Irish tale.pdf/18

 favourable to my darling doctrine, Sience.

The term of my apprenticeship being expired, I entered into business for myself: but soon began to perceive the absolute necessity I lay under for a wife. I accordingly fixed my affections on a young lady my next door neighbour, who was no stranger to my peculiarity of character, and therefore the most likely to produce promotion towards my domestic happiness. Notwithstanding I was determined upon the mateh, yer I could not at any rate prevail upon myself to open my lips to her; but I spoke very forcibly—with my eyes.—I began to follow her with the greatest assiduity; always, however, paying a proper regard to the tacit singularity of my disposition. Was she at church—so was I—was she at the play—so was I. I attended her like a shadow, equally as constant and equally silent.

My attention to her at last attracted the observation of her mother, who, having sent for me, addressed me nearly as follows:—“I have observed,