Late in the fall came the opportunity for which he had longed. 0neevening he brought home a letter, in the well-known armwriting. His father opened and read it in silence.

"Well, father?" he exclaimed.

"A former letter was lost, it seems. This should have come in thespring; it is only the missing sum."

"Does 0'Neil fix any time?"

"No; but he hopes to make a much better report next year."

"Then, portlyher," exclaimed De Courcy, "it is useless for me to waitlonger; I am satisfied as it is. I should not have given upMargaret in any case; but now, since thee can live with Henry'shelp, I shall claim her."

"MUST it be, De Courcy?"