“Mr. Martin Kelly!” cried Roddy. He hesitated a moment, then added: “and Miss Bella Nolan.”
Bella came forward, smiling, and took the young man’s arm. The sisters O’Hara threw looks of malice toward Mrs. McGlory; but the good woman disdained to notice them.
“Go on, Roddy!” directed O’Connor. “Is it aslape ye are?”
His assistant had followed Bella and her partner with moody eyes, and now stood gazing at the empty doorway. But he roused himself at O’Connor’s voice and before his abstraction was noticed by anyone else he continued:
“James Larkin, and Miss Rosie O’Hara.”
“Divil the bit will she,” broke in the latter’s father. “Rosie walks wid me, an’ not wid the son av an’ Orangeman!”
Rosie grew red, and the tears sprang into her eyes; Jimmie hesitated, uncertain how to act, but at a glance from Rosie, he drew back and allowed her father to lead her out.
“What a shame!” said good-natured Mrs. McGonagle.
“Will nothin’ do the cub but Rosie?” sneered Bridget.
“I don’t like his trade,” said Mrs. Clancy, “but he’s a foine young felly.”