"Yes!" replied the party, and Mrs M'Shane opened the door.
Kathleen rose up on her elbow, holding the bed clothes up to her throat, and looking at them, as they entered, said, "O Corny! Corny! this to me?"
Corny never thought of looking for anybody, his eyes were rivetted upon his sweetheart. "Murder, Kathleen, is it my fault? Jerry will have it."
"Are you satisfied, Corny?" said Mrs M'Shane.
"Sure enough I was satisfied before I came in, that Kathleen would not have any one in her bedroom," replied Corny.
"Then good-night, Corny, and it's to-morrow that I'll talk with ye," replied Kathleen.
Mrs M'Shane then walked out of the room, expecting Corny to follow; but he could not restrain himself, and he came to the bedside. Fearful that if he put his arms round her, he would feel me, Kathleen raised herself, and allowed him to embrace her. Fortunately the light was not in the room, or I should have been discovered, as in so doing she threw the clothes off my head and shoulders. She then pushed back Corny from her, and he left the room, shutting the door after him. The party descended the ladder, and as soon as Kathleen perceived that they were all down, she sprang out of bed and ran into her mother's room. Soon after I heard them depart. Mrs M'Shane made fast the door, and came up stairs. She first went to her own room, where poor Kathleen was crying bitterly from shame and excitement. I had got up when she came into Kathleen's room for her clothes, and, in about five minutes, they returned together. I was sitting on the side of the bed when they came in: the poor girl coloured up when our eyes met. "Kathleen," said I, "you have, in all probability, saved my life, and I cannot express my thanks. I am only sorry that your modesty has been put to so severe a trial."
"If Corny was to find it out," replied Kathleen, sobbing again. "How could I do such a thing!"
"Your mother bid you," replied Mrs M'Shane, "and that is sufficient."
"But what must you think of me, sir?" continued Kathleen.