'Alas!' said O'Hoolohan, rising, 'that is one of our national failings. We never think of to-morrow. I had it myself, but the discipline of the barrack-yard made me methodical and gave me habits of order that grew into my nature. If I hadn't some foresight when I had the means of earning money; I would be in debt to-day and the debtor is a slave. I tell you what, sir, one of the worst lessons we Irish want to learn is the lesson of thrift--to put by something when the sun shines against the rainy day.' O'Hara felt himself colouring, but his visitor had delicacy enough to pretend not to see it. 'Now, may I crave the favour I came for?' asked O'Hoolohan as he rose to leave. 'Assuredly.' 'Will you be my best man at the church of Saint Etienne du Mont in a certain ceremony one of these mornings?' 'With a heart-and-a-half; but have you really proposed?' 'Aye, and been accepted. I never fight my battles by halves.' 'Then,' said O'Hara, grasping his hands in a cordial grip, 'I sincerely wish you joy. Count upon me to turn up at the wedding in full fig with my holiday face on.' 'Thanks,' said O'Hoolohan, 'thanks. I knew you were a brick. For the present, farewell. The splicing will take place as soon as it can be managed--but be sure I'll let you know in time;' and he moved towards the door. As he reached the threshold he suddenly stopped and exclaimed, 'By Mars the immortal! I was near forgetting. This is what comes of being in love. I have another service to ask of you.' 'Name it, by all means.' 'Oh! it's a mere formality. Will you be my second in a duel?' 'With the greatest pleasure in life,' said O'Hara; 'but, stay, which comes off first, the wedding or the duel?' O'Hoolohan cogitated for awhile as if he had not given that a thought before. 'The duel first--of course, the duel first!' he exclaimed. 'The wedding can wait, but the other, you know, is an affair of honour.' 'Hadn't you better let me know something about the quarrel? We may be able to arrange it.' 'Not likely,' said O'Hoolohan drily. 'I must be fairly bothered,' he added. 'Now that I recollect, it was to tell you all about the quarrel I came here expressly, but one thing has driven the other clean out of my mind.' 'Sit down,' said O'Hara, 'and go ahead.' CHAPTER X. 'LA JEUNE FRANCE.'