Mary re-entered, accompanied by a pretty girl, very showily dressed, and a young man.
“How do yez do, Bella?” greeted Mrs. McGonagle. “An’ is it yezsilf Dick?”
“I’m very well, thanks,” answered the girl, stealing a side glance at the looking-glass and arranging her fluffy bang. “How have you been?”
“I have me health, thanks be till God.”
“Tim wur tellin’ me, Dick,” said Mrs. Burns, “that yez have got him a job av wurk. It’s pray for yez this noight, I will.”
“I need it,” laughed young Nolan, “so fire ahead, Mrs. Burns.”
He walked back toward the kitchen, his sister following him.
“Bella!” called Mary, “won’t you sit here? The men are all in there, you know.”
“I’ll be back in a second,” said Bella, over her shoulder. “I on’y want t’ take a peep.” And she disappeared into the kitchen.
“Hark till that!” exclaimed Bridget O’Hara, looking about, grimly. “It’s young Kelly she do be lookin’ after.”