"Evil consequences!" returned Johnny Dixon, as he repeated my words: "my stable-boy was frightened into fits; Judy Mac Keal kept her bed for a fortnight,--and, _mona mon diaoul!_[69] thirty shillings did not pay the glazier--for Magan,--the Lord's curse light upon him!--smashed the windows into smithereens. But it grows late," he continued, addressing his companion; "and you and I, Peter, must be up ere cockcrow. Good night, sir!" and he turned to me. "Should you ever meet Mr. Magan--while you remain in his society, never be persuaded, as they say in Mayo, to 'prove agreeable;' or, 'fight, flirt, play cards, or hold the candle.'" [NOTE.-The story was told me at a supper-table by a Connaught gentleman, with the most profound gravity imaginable. He, the hero, believed it religiously himself; and w be to the sceptic who gainsayed its authenticity. Poor Johnny lies under a ton weight of Connemara marble. _Requiescat!_ A better fellow never took six feet in a stroke, carried off a third bottle, or gave a job to the coroner. _Requiescat! Amen!_] [53] _Anglicè_, John, my jewel. [54] _Anglicè_, Black Biddy. [55] A policeman. [56] An Irish phrase, synonymous with _distressed_. [57] Great-coat. [58] Between. [59] _Anglicè_, Tom Braddigan. [60] Good-morrow. [61] A handicap. [62] An Irish imprecation. [63] Be quiet. [64] One of the Belfast banks is thus named. [65] _Anglicè_, Have it your own way. [66] Take his oath. [67] _Anglicè_, A short pipe. [68] A phrase expressive of using the power of persuasion. [69] My soul to the devil. A MERRY CHRISTMAS. BY THOMAS HAYNES BAYLY.