"Oh," said Elleney, looking up with those big astonished eyes of hers, "is it Mr. Brennan?"
"It's that same," responded Brian cheerfully.
Elleney jumped up, knocking over her pail in her agitation, and wiped her little damp hands on her apron.
"Me a'nt is in the shop," she said hurriedly. "If ye'll walk inside I'll call her in a minute."
"A-ha!" said Mr. Brian, "you're one o' the nieces, are ye? Are the rest anyways like ye?"
"They wouldn't take it as a compliment if ye were to say so," replied Elleney. "This way, sir."
The big young man followed her into the parlour. He was a very big young man, and he had a beautiful head of hair, black and curly; and he looked extremely well fed and pleased with the world in general.
"Bless me, child, what a show ye are!" exclaimed Mrs. McNally, when Elleney breathlessly summoned her. "Look at your sleeves, and your skirt tucked up an' all. I declare I'm ashamed of my life—"
"How could I know it was him?" protested Elleney.
"To be sure, to be sure, none of us expected him; an' any way it doesn't matter about you. Here, pull down your sleeves, dear, and take my place for a bit. Where's Ju?"