Hanna, on seeing him enter,
said to Kathleen, in a whisper,--
"Hadn't you better come out and take a walk, Kathleen? This O'Finigan is
almost tipsy, and you know he'll be talking about certain subjects you
don't wish to hear."
"Time enough, dear Hanna," she replied, with a sorrowful look at her
sister, "my heart is so full of suffering and pain that almost anything
will relieve it. You know I was always amused by Finigan's chat." Her
sister, who had not as yet been made acquainted with the change which
had taken place in her heart, on hearing these words looked at her
closely, and smiled sorrowfully, but in such a manner as if she had
at that moment experienced a sensation of pleasure, if not of hope.
Hitherto, whenever a neighbor or stranger came in, Kathleen, fearing
that the forbidden name might become the topic of conversation, always
retired, either to another room or left the house altogether, in order
to relieve her own family from the painful predicament in which their
promise of silence to her had placed them. On this occasion, however,
Hanna perceived with equal surprise and pleasure that she kept her
ground.
"Sit ye, merry jinteels!" said Finigan, as he entered; "I hope I see
you all in good health and spirits; I hope I do; although I am afraid if
what fame--an' by the way, Mrs.
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