“Here's Scanlan now, and he 'll tell us everything,” said Bodkin. But the sporting attorney, mounted on a splendid little horse, in top condition, passed them at speed, the few words he uttered being lost as he dashed by. “What was it he said?” cried Bodkin. “I didn't catch the words,” replied Nelligan; “and I suppose it was no great loss.” “He's an impudent upstart!” exclaimed Mrs. Clinch. “I think he said something about a breakfast,” meekly interposed Mr. Clinch. “And of course he said nothing of the kind,” retorted his spouse. “You never happened to be right in your life!” “Faix! I made sure of mine before I started,” said old Hayes, “I ate a cowld goose!” “Well, to be sure, they could n't be expected to entertain all that's coming!” said Mrs. Nelligan, who now began a mental calculation of the numbers on the road. “There will be a thousand people here to-day,” said Bodkin. “Five times that,” said Nelligan. “I know it by the number of small bills that I gave cash for the last week. There's not a farmer in the county does n't expect to bring back with him a prize beast of one kind or other.” “I'll buy that sow if she goes 'reasonable,'” said Peter Hayes, whose whole thoughts seemed centred on the animal in question. “What do they mean to do when they sell off the stock?” asked the Captain. “I hear that the place will be let,” said Nelligan, in a half whisper, “if they can find a tenant for it. Henderson told Father Mather that, come what might, her Ladyship would never come back here.” “Faix! the only one of them worth a groat was Miss Mary, and I suppose they did n't leave her the means to do much now.” “'Tis she must have the heavy heart to-day,” sighed Mrs. Nelligan. “And it is only fair and reasonable she should have her share of troubles, like the rest of us,” replied Mrs. Clinch. “When Clinch was removed from Macroon, we had to sell off every stick and stone we had; and as the neighbors knew we must go, we didn't get five shillings in the pound by the sale.” “That's mighty grand,--that is really a fine place!” exclaimed Bodkin, as by a sudden turn of the road they came directly in front of the house; and the whole party sat in silent admiration of the magnificent edifice before them. “It is a royal palace,--no less,” said Nelligan, at last; “and that's exactly what no country gentleman wants. Sure we know well there's no fortune equal to such a residence. To keep up that house, as it ought to be, a man should have thirty thousand a year.” “Give me fifteen, Dan, and you'll see if I don't make it comfortable,”, said Bodkin. “What's this barrier here,--can't we go any further?” exclaimed Nelligan, as he perceived a strong paling across the avenue. “We 're to go round by the stables, it seems,” said Bodkin; “the hall entrance is not to be invaded by such vulgar visitors. This is our road, here.” “Well, if I ever!” exclaimed Mrs. Clinch, whose feelings really overpowered utterance.