"With such views, Mr. Ryan," said that good lady, "I hope you will never marry."
"Why not?" asked Ryan, glancing at Kate; "my natural inclination for matrimony is strong."
"I hope your wife will be," said Ronald, with a laugh; "or she'll never be able to keep you in order."
Foster had established himself by Bell, who did not appear to discourage the advances of the young barrister, though her attention was somewhat distracted by Bubbles, who sat next to her. Seeing this, Pat, who had a fellow-feeling for lovers, drew the young man away.
"Bubbles," he said, "was it you that sat for that Pear's soap picture?"
"Of course," retorted Bubbles; "I was the original infant."
And indeed he did not look unlike the picture, with his beardless face and curly hair.
"Faith," said Mr. Ryan, "it's a mighty original infant you are, anyhow."
"Well, we can't all be Irish," said Bubbles, satirically.
"And a great pity it is ye can't," retorted Pat, calmly; "the finest nation under the sun. Did ye ever hear anything that touched your heart like Irish music?"