"Get along with you, you wicked boy, making fun of an old woman!" says Madam, with her gay, musical laugh. "Though," with a touch of pride, "I won't deny but I led the lads a fine dance when I was the age of that pretty child yonder."
"I wonder you aren't ashamed when you think of all the mischief you did," says Desmond, who delights in her.
"Divil a bit!" says Madam O'Connor.
"Still, I really think Ryde affects her," says Rossmoyne, who, being a dull man, has clung to the first topic promulgated.
"That's nothing, so long as she doesn't affect him," says Kelly, somewhat sharply.
"But perhaps she does; and I daresay he has money. Those English fellows generally have a reversion somewhere."
"Not a penny," says Mr. Kelly. "And, whether or no, I don't believe she would look at him."
"Not she," says Madam O'Connor.
"I don't know that. And, even allowing what you say to be true, women are not always to be won by wealth" (with a faint sigh), "and he is a very good-looking fellow."
"Is he?" says Desmond, speaking with an effort. "If flesh counts, of course he is. 'Let me have men about me that are fat; sleek-headed men, and such as sleep o' nights.' To look at Ryde, one would fancy he slept well, not only by night but by day."