“No thanks,” he rejoined. “I am rather out of form, and if you will allow me, I’ll just have a look round the pictures. I’ve heard so much of the Ashstead Romneys.” “Oh, of course”--and she raised her eyebrows in apparent amusement. “I daresay Joseline will be pleased to introduce you to some of the ancestors. Mr. Baines will take your place--_he_ is very keen.” It flashed through her mind, what a good thing it would be if this Major Doran, who was Irish and rich, would relieve her for life of “her young girl from over the sea.” Presently everybody in the drawing-room resolved into silence, and tricks; whilst Joseline and her companion strolled through the empty reception-rooms into the little boudoir. Ulick Doran was turning over in his mind how he would approach the subject, when Joseline herself made an opening. “To think of all the travelling you have done,” she exclaimed, “and the countries you’ve seen, and your never once coming home!” “But I did return once, just for a couple of days.” “Yes, but never to stop. Why was that?” “Surely you need not ask. You know the reason.” “I--Mr. Ulick?” she exclaimed, thrown off her guard. “Don’t call me Mr. Ulick.” “Well, what will I call ye? Oh, of course--Major.” “I know what I hope you’ll call me,” he interrupted; “but I daresay you won’t.” “Ah, what’s that?” “Ulick.” “Oh”--colouring--“how could I do that? Oh, no, I really couldn’t--never.” “Do you really mean--_never?_”--and his face was serious. She hesitated for so long, his expectation became intense; at last it was positively painful. “Well”--drawing a quick breath--“any way--not yet.” “And when?” he persisted. She made no answer. “In six months?” “Ah, sure ye know I’m not fit,” she faltered, and her eyes were filled with tears. “Although I’m dressed up like this”--and she glanced at her dainty gown of white chiffon--“I’m only a common girl, and faix, no one knows that, better than yerself.” “Once upon a time you were very fond of me, and I have never forgotten you. Mary, I believe you have been constant to that time.” “In a way, only,” she said, rising suddenly, “I tried my big best to put you out of my mind, and I’ll tell ye no lie, but you would not stir--no, strive as I would, I could not get shut of ye, for three long years. Then I began to think ... I was a fool”--and she paused and put her hand to her long, slim throat--“and if any boy I fancied, had asked me to marry him, I’d have said ‘Yes’; but I never did see one I could like in the same way as you--no one that made my heart ache, and kept me pining and fretting, and wishing I was dead--the same as _you_ did, Mr. Ulick.” “Ulick!” “Well, then, Ulick.” “And I believe people will say it is tremendous presumption to lift my eyes to your father’s daughter. You know I’m only just a major in the service, and he will expect you to make a splendid match.”