When the young lady came to him, he begged her politely to excuse him, and thought himself safe; unhappily he was not at the end of his troubles yet.
My friend, whose turn came next, threw himself on his knees, and, with haggard eyes and ruffled hair, thus addressed her:
"Dear young lady, this gentleman, whom you see at my side, is nervous and shy; he loves you and dares not to tell his love."
"But, excuse me," cried the Scotchman.
"Listen not to him, he is dying of love. If you do not return his flame, I know him, he will do something desperate. Have pity on him, dear lady, have pity."
"Passionately!" cried the young girl.
The worthy Scot, who had not been able to screw up his courage to play the part of a passionate lover, was soon after missed from the company.
CHAPTER XVII.
Donald is not easily knocked down.—He calmly contemplates Death, especially other People's.—A thoughtful Wife.—A very natural Request.—A Consolable Father.—"Job," 1st Chapter, 21st Verse.—Merry Funerals.—They manage Things better in Ireland.—Gone just in Time.—Touching Funeral Orations.