“Do you remember the last time I saw you?” inquired her ladyship’s shamefaced son, “and the cropper I came, over in that field?” and he pointed in the direction. “Aye, to be sure I do, sir! What would ail me that I’d forget it? Sure, weren’t you nearly killed dead?” “Nearly, I suppose. I have not forgotten what you did for me that day.” “Sure it was nothing, sir, I’d do as much for ye again.” “I hope you never may have the chance! You were a kind, active little helper. How you did run about, and how you mothered me! I’ve owed you a debt ever since; I’d like to give you a souvenir of some sort even now--better late than never.” “Thank your honour, but I have one already, and one is all I want.” “What may it be? Not my hat--you brought that after me!” “No, I’ve no call for hats. ’Twas the horse’s shoe I found, an elegant, bright new shoe; it was lying on the grass on the other side of the ditch. I have it nailed up, ever since, for luck.” “Has it brought you any?” “Well, then, I can’t say much for it so far, yer honour.” “It may do great things yet.” “Well, God send it. And now, if your honour pleases, I must be going on. I’m late as it is----” “Why, where is your hurry?” “Sure, hasn’t the cows to be milked, and the calf fed?” “I wish I could help you--for I’m out of a job to-day.” Mary suddenly broke into laughter and displayed a row of pretty little teeth. “You’d make a poor hand of the milking, I’m thinking,” she said. “Anyway, I’ll walk back with you as far as the stone gap, if I may?” “Sure, the boreen is your honour’s own land, and what’s to hinder you?” “Old Crock na Bowl looks well this evening,” suddenly remarked the young fellow, as they turned and faced a towering purple peak, on which lay the long afternoon shadows. “Oh, he’s there right enough,” said Mary, with indifference. “Now you’d like to see another mountain for a change?” “Bedad, I would so. I’m always craving to visit the grand places I read about. It’s your honour that has been round the world, and in fine countries, and foreign parts.” “Only in Spain and Malta so far; but we are going to India the next reliefs. Ah, here is the stone gap you once pulled down for me. Allow me to help you over----” “Is it, help _me_?” and she laughed derisively. “Why there is not a wall or gap in the country to stop me.” “At least I may hold the basket?” “No, no, sir,” and she smiled, and stood irresolute, wondering how she was to bid farewell to the young master. Should she curtsey? or would she just take herself off anyhow? “Before you go, Mary Foley, you might tell me at least one of the things that puzzles you. I’ve nothing to do. Maybe I can guess the riddle! I’m rather good at that sort of thing.” “Well, then, I just will, sir, since ye have axed me twice. There’s a matter that sticks in my mind, and I cannot get shut of it.” “Yes, let us have it by all means.”