"Prothestants be d----," said Jerry, who by no means shared in Richard's good gifts as to temper. "Well, I wouldn't say that; at laist, not of all of 'em." "The likes of them's used to it," said Jerry. And then Richard, not waiting to do further battle on behalf of his Protestant friends, trotted out of the yard. CHAPTER XI. SECOND LOVE. On the day after Clara's departure, Herbert did, as a matter of course, make his promised visit at Desmond Court. It was on that day that Sir Thomas had been driving about in the pony-carriage with Lady Fitzgerald, as Richard had reported. Herbert had been with his father in the morning, and then having seen him and his mother well packed up in their shawls and cloaks, had mounted his horse and ridden off. "I may be kept some time," said he, "as I have promised to go on to Clady, and see after that soup kitchen." "I shouldn't wonder if Herbert became attached to Clara Desmond," said the mother to Sir Thomas, soon after they had begun their excursion. "Do you think so?" said the baronet; and his tone was certainly not exactly that of approbation. "Well, yes; I certainly do think it probable. I am sure he admires her, and I think it very likely to come to more. Would there be any objection?" "They are both very young," said Sir Thomas. "But in Herbert's position will not a young marriage be the best thing for him?" "And she has no fortune; not a shilling. If he does marry young, quite young you know, it might be prudent that his wife should have something of her own." "They'd live here," said Lady Fitzgerald, who knew that of all men her husband was usually most free from mercenary feelings and an over-anxiety as to increased wealth, either for himself or for his children; "and I think it would be such a comfort to you. Herbert, you see, is so fond of county business, and so little anxious for what young men generally consider pleasure." There was nothing more said about it at that moment; for the question in some measure touched upon money matters and considerations as to property, from all of which Lady Fitzgerald at present wished to keep her husband's mind free. But towards the end of the drive he himself again referred to it. "She is a nice girl, isn't she?" "Very nice, I think; as far as I've seen her." "She is pretty, certainly." "Very pretty; more than pretty; much more. She will be beautiful." "But she is such a mere child. You do not think that anything will come of it immediately;--not quite immediately?" "Oh no; certainly not quite immediately. I think Herbert is not calculated to be very sudden in any such feelings, or in the expression of them: but I do think such an event very probable before the winter is over."