"But, Mr. Thady," said the boy, half sobbing, "Father John said as how I warn't to come at all widout you."
"Do as I tell you, you fool; but mind you tell Father John I'm very much obliged to him, only I'm ill."
"Well," muttered the boy, at length taking his departure, "I know Father John 'll be very mad, but any way it ain't my fault."
Thady was gratified with the priest's invitation, for it showed that he at least had forgiven him; but he did not dare to face him by accepting it.
He got himself another glass of whiskey, and lighting his pipe, sat down to smoke by the kitchen fire; after he had been some time sitting there, Pat Brady came into the kitchen. Thady, however, took no notice, except muttering something in answer to Pat's usual salutation. They remained both some time silent, till at last Brady observed that, "They'd all of them had ilegant divarsion last night—most of them stayed a power later nor you, Mr. Thady."
This allusion to last night was not at present the subject most likely to make Thady talk freely, so he still continued silent. At last Pat said,
"Could I spake to you a moment, Mr. Thady?"
"Spake out—what is it?"
"Oh, it's business, yer honer; it's something about money—wouldn't you step out to the rint-office?"
"Don't you see I'm just going to dinner; besides, I ain't well—it'll keep till to-morrow, I suppose?"