'There, there!' said the Major, as he shook me by the arm; 'don't take it to heart this way. You know little of Ireland, that's plain; that poor fellow will be prouder for the feeling you have shown towards him this night than many a king upon his throne. To have served a gentleman, to have put him under an obligation—that has a charm you can't estimate the extent of. Beware, only beware of one thing—do not by any offer of money destroy the illusion; do what you like for him, but take care of that.'
We now reached the little inn; and Mahon—for I was incapable of all thought or exertion—got a room in readiness for Joe, and summoning the doctor of the place, provided everything for his care and accommodation.
'Now, Hinton,' said he, as he burst into my room, 'all's right. Joe is comfortable in bed; the fracture turns out not to be a bad one. So rouse yourself, for Dillon's carriage with all its ladies is waiting these ten minutes.'
'No, no!' cried I; 'I can't go to this dinner-party! I'll not quit——'
'Nonsense, man!' said he, interrupting me; 'you can only do harm here; the doctor says he must be left quite quiet» and alone. Besides, Dillon has behaved so well to-day—so stoutly for him, that you mustn't forget it. There, now, where are your clothes? I'll pack them for you.'
I started up to obey him, but a giddiness came over me, and I sank into my chair, weak and sick.
'This will never do,' said Mahon; 'I had better tell them I'll drive you over myself. And now, just lie down for an hour or two, and keep quiet.'
This advice I felt was good; and thanking my kind friend with a squeeze of the hand, for I could not speak, I threw myself upon my bed, and strange enough, while such contending emotions disturbed my brain, fell asleep almost immediately.