"'I'm a shpirit, come to warn ye of your ill-doings.'
"'I know I'm a great sinner,' she cried, covering her face with her hands; 'but I try to do as well as I can.'
"'Do you know Tom O'Reilly?' he asked, loud enough to be heard in Limerick. 'You have treated him ill.'
"'That I know I have,' she sobbed, 'and how can I do him justice?'
"'He loves you.'
"'I know he does!'
"'He is a shplendid man, and will make a much bitter husband than the spalpeen that ye now looks on with favor.'
"'Shall I make him my husband?'
"'Yis; if ye wish to save yourself from purgatory. If the other man marries yees, he'll murder yees the same night.'
"'Oh!' shrieked the gal, as if she'd go down upon the ground, 'and how shall I save meself?'