There was silence for a moment, and then Ross, polishing his massive signet ring on his corduroy waistcoat, said, “Is that the old gentleman's complaint, I wonder?” “My husband is a local preacher and always strong for salvation,” said Grannie by way of peace. “Is that all?” said Ross. “I thought perhaps he had taken more wine than the sacrament.” “You're my cross, woman,” muttered Cæsar, “but no cross no crown.” “Lave women's matters alone, father; it'll become you better,” said Grannie. “Laugh as you like, Mistress Cregeen; there's One above, there's One above.” Ross had resumed his conversation with Kate, who was looking frightened. And listening with all his ears, Philip caught the substance of what was said. “I'm due back by this time. There's the supper at Handsome Honey's, not to speak of the everlasting examinations. But somehow I can't tear myself away. Why not? Can't you guess? No? Not a notion? I would go to-morrow--Kitty, a word in your ear----” “I believe in my heart that man is for kissing her,” said Cæsar. “If he does, then by--he's done it! Hould, sir.” Cæsar had risen to his feet, and in a moment the house was in an uproar. Ross lifted his head like a cock. “Were you speaking to me, mister?” he asked. “I was, and don't demane yourself like that again,” said Cæsar. “Like what?” said Ross. “Paying coort to a girl that isn't fit for you.” Ross lifted his hat, “Do you mean this young lady?” “No young lady at all, sir, but the daughter of a plain, respectable man that isn't going to see her fooled. Your hat to your head, sir. You'll be wanting it for the road.” “Father!” cried Kate, in a voice of fear. Cæsar turned his rough shoulder and said, “Go to your room, ma'am, and keep it for a week.” “You may go,” said Ross. “I'll spare the old simpleton for your sake, Kate.” “You'll spare me, sir?” cried Cæsar. “I've seen the day--but thank the Lord for restraining grace! Spare me? If you had said as much five-and-twenty years ago, sir, your head would have gone ringing against the wall.” “I'll spare you no more, then,” said Ross. “Take that--and that.” Amid screams from the women, two sounding blows fell on Cæsar's face. At the next instant Philip was standing between the two men. “Come this way,” he said, addressing Ross. “If I like,” Ross answered. “This way, I tell you,” said Philip. Ross snapped his fingers. “As you please,” he said, and then followed Philip out of the house. Kate had run upstairs in terror, but five minutes afterwards she was on the road, with a face full of distress, and a shawl over head and shoulders. At the bridge she met Kelly, the postman. “Which way have they gone,” she panted, “the young Ballawhaine and Philip Christian?” “I saw them heading down to the Curragh,” said Kelly, and Kate in the shawl, flew like a bird over the ground in that direction. V.