"
"And yet there is a delicate and graceful purity in the beauty of little
Dora, which is quite captivating," observed Clinton.
"Very well," replied the other, "I make jou a present of the two fair
rustics; give me the interesting Maria. Ah, Harry, see what education
and manner do. Maria is a delightful girl."
"She is an amiable and a good girl," said her brother; "but, in point of
personal attractions, quite inferior to either of the two we have been
speaking of."
"Finigan," said Hycy--"I beg your pardon, O'Finigan--the great
O'Finigan, Philomath--are you a good judge of beauty?"
"Why, then, Mr. Hycy," replied the pedagogue, "I think, above all
subjects, that a thorough understanding of that same comes most natural
to an Irishman. It is a pleasant topic to discuss at all times."
"Much pleasanter than marriage, I think," said Clinton, smiling.
"Ah, Mr. Clinton," replied the other, with a shrug, "_de mortuis
nil nisi bonum_; but as touching beauty, in what sense do you ask my
opinion?"
"Whether now, for instance, would your learned taste prefer Miss
Cavanagh or Miss Dora M'Mahon? and give your reasons."
"Taste, Mr. Hycy, is never, or at least seldom, guided by reason; the
question, however, is a fair one."
"One at least on a fair subject," observed Clinton.
"Very well said, Mr.
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