"You have not been long in France, then, sir," said I, as we resumed our conversation.
"Three weeks, and it seems like three years to me—nothing to eat—nothing to drink—and nobody to speak to. But I'll go back soon—I only came abroad for a month."
"You'll scarcely see much of the Continent in so short a time."
"Devil a much that will grieve me—I didn't come to see it."
"Indeed!"
"Nothing of the kind; I only came—to be away from home."
"Oh! I perceive."
"You're quite out there," said my companion, misinterpreting my meaning. "It wasn't any thing of that kind. I don't owe sixpence. I was laughed out of Ireland—that's all, though that same is bad enough."
"Laughed out of it!"
"Just so—and little you know of Ireland if that surprises you."