Maggie was in his thoughts, Maggie and Maggie only. Since his talk with her the morning before, she seemed to have grown nearer to him. He did not dream that this was caused by a lessening of his sense of inferiority--by a gradual growth of faith in himself, which had its conception in the hardly realized fact that he had been the dominant spirit in a matching of wits which, in result, meant not a little to her. He only thought of her kind manner, her smile and invitation to call again; he only remembered Kerrigan’s half-jesting remark after they had left the house. And then there were McGonagle’s words; Goose was a friend of his and would not deceive him. He had said that Maggie was not indifferent! Could this be so? Had he been so blind, so full of self-pride as to not see it? Could it be that the aloofness with which he had long secretly charged her had all been of his own doing? It is not often that a man wishes himself in the wrong; but that, at this moment, was Larry’s most earnest desire. “I’ll settle it to-night,” he said to himself. “I’ll brace up and give her a chance to flag me.” Half past eleven saw Larry hurrying toward Clancy’s. Two of O’Connor’s hacks were drawn up at the curb before the grocery, from one of which McGonagle and Larkin were assisting Rosie, Annie and Maggie. Clancy and O’Hara were alighting from the second, which they had shared with the two bridegrooms; a flock of marvelling children were gathered upon the sidewalk; and the heads of their elders were popping out of windows and doorways full of wonder and surprise. Larry raised his hat and took the hand which Maggie offered him. “I’m sorry,” said she, “that I can’t remain to see the result of your planning. It is very clever!” Larry caught the look in her eyes and it said as plainly as words that it was no more than she had expected of him. A sudden tumult was raised in his breast and perhaps he pressed her hand a little; at any rate she flushed and withdrew it quickly. “I must get back to my class before the morning session is over,” she continued. “The principal would only give me an hour’s leave of absence.” “I’m comin’ to see you to-night,” said he, courageously. He did not even ask her permission! She gasped a little, in surprise, but laughed as though she liked it. “I shall be at home,” said she. Then she kissed the two girls. “Good-by, I shall run around this afternoon to see you both, and,” with a sly glance at O’Hara, “to hear of the fun.” When she had gone, Larry followed the others into the house, Mrs. Clancy embraced Annie and sobbed; then Annie and Rosie began to sob also, while Goose and Jimmie looked uncomfortably at one another, each with a feeling of guilt heavy upon him. “Here is yez raysate, Mister Clancy,” said O’Hara, handing the grocer a slip of paper. “It’s a man av me word I am.” “Youse’ll get your cash, as soon as the fortune comes along, O’Hara,” McGonagle informed him reassuringly.