"They're both very civil," said Mr. O'Mahony. "One has all the courtesy of hell! With the other it is--well, not quite the manners of heaven. I can imagine something brighter even than M. Le Gros; but it does very well for earth. M. Le Gros knows that a young woman should be treated as a human being; and even his blandishments are pleasant enough, as they are to take the shape of golden guineas. As for me, M. Le Gros is quite good enough for my idea of this world." But on the next day, a misfortune took place which well-nigh obliterated all the joy which M. Le Gros had produced. It was not singing night, and Mr. O'Mahony had just taken up his hat to go away to his debating society, when Frank Jones was announced. "Frank, what on earth did you come here for?" These were the words with which the lover was greeted. He had endeavoured to take the girl in his arms, but she had receded from his embrace. "Why, Rachel!" he exclaimed. "I told you not to come. I told you especially that you were not to come." "Why did you tell him so?" said Mr. O'Mahony; "and why has he come?" "Not one kiss, Rachel?" said the lover. "Oh, kisses, yes! If I didn't kiss you father would think that we had already quarrelled. But it may be that we must do so. When I had told you everything, that you should rush up to London to look after me--as though you suspected me!" "What is there to suspect?" said the father. "Nothing--I suspect nothing," said Frank. "But there were things which made it impossible that I should not wish to be nearer. She was insulted." "Who insulted her?" "The devil in the shape of a woman," said Rachel. "He takes that shape as often as the other." "Rachel should not be left in such hands," said Frank. "My dear Mr. Jones, you have no right to say in what hands I shall be left. My father and I have got to look after that between us. I have told you over and over again what are my intentions in the matter. They have been made in utter disregard of myself, and with the most perfect confidence in you. You tell me that you cannot marry me." "Not quite at present." "Very well; I have been satisfied to remain as engaged to you; but I am not satisfied to be subject to your interference." "Interference!" he said. "Well now; I'm going." This came from Mr. O'Mahony. "I've got to see if I can earn a few shillings, and tell a few truths. I will leave you to fight out your battles among you." "There will be no battles," said Frank. "I hope not, but I feel that I can do no good. I have such absolute trust in Rachel, that you may be quite sure that I shall back her up in whatever she says. Now, good-night," and with that he took his leave.