Sally opened the door for him, and the widow, who had come out from the shop, made him a low courtesy in the passage.
“Oh—ah—yes—Mrs Kelly, I believe?” said Barry.
“Yes, Mr Lynch, that’s my name; glory be to God!”
“My sister, Miss Lynch, is still staying here, I believe?”
“Why, drat it, man; wasn’t Dr Colligan with you less than an hour ago, telling you you must come here, av you wanted to see her?”
“You’ll oblige me by sending up the servant to tell Miss Lynch I’m here.”
“Walk up here a minute, and I’ll do that errand for you myself.—Well,” continued she, muttering to herself “for him to ax av she war staying here, as though he didn’t know it! There niver was his ditto for desait, maneness and divilry!”
A minute or two after the widow had left him, Barry found himself by his sister’s bed-side, but never had he found himself in a position for which he was less fitted, or which was less easy to him. He assumed, however, a long and solemn face, and crawling up to the bed-side, told his sister, in a whining voice, that he was very glad to see her.
“Sit down, Barry, sit down,” said Anty, stretching out her thin pale hand, and taking hold of her brother’s.
Barry did as he was told, and sat down. “I’m so glad to see you, Barry,” said she: “I’m so very glad to see you once more—” and then after a pause, “and it’ll be the last time, Barry, for I’m dying.”