“Do not be cast down, Mrs. Tyrrell,” said Solomon, “there is one who can befriend the widow, and who will be a father to the fatherless. Rely on Him!—who knows but an instrument may be raised up for your relief. Don't be thus cast down.”
“No,” said Phil, “do not, or you will only spoil them devlish fine eyes of yours, Mrs. Tyrrell, by crying. Come, come, father, you must give her,the time she asks; upon my honor, I'll guarantee she, won't disappoint.
“And, if he is not sufficient, I will join him,” said Solomon; “you may rest upon her word, my friend, for I am satisfied that no serious falsehood's in the habit of proceeding from a mouth so sweet and comely in expression, as Mrs. Tyrrell's. Come, Val, have a heart, and be compassionate towards the fair widow.”
“If you or Phil will pay the money,” said M'Clutchy, “well and good; but you both know, that otherwise it is out of my power.” There is a vast deal of acuteness of observation in Irish women, together with a quickness of perception, that sometimes resembles instinct. Mrs. Tyrrell's purity of feeling and good sense were offended at the compliments which the attorney and Phil mixed up with the sympathy they expressed for her. She felt something jar disagreeably upon her natural delicacy, by their selecting the moment of her distress for giving utterance to language, which, coming at any time from either of them to one in her station of life, was improper; but, under the present circumstances, an insult, and an impertinent trifling with her affliction.
“Well,” said she, without paying them the slightest attention, “I must say, Mr. M'Clutchy, that if you proceed as you threaten to do, your conduct towards me and my poor orphan will be such as I don't think you can justify either to God or man. I wish you good morning, sir; I have no more to say upon it.”
“Oh, Mrs. Tyrrell, if you begin to abuse us and lay down the law on the matter, I have no more to say either.”
She then went out, but had not left the hall, when Phil, following, said in a low, impudent, confidential tone—
“Don't be in a hurry, Mrs. Tyrrell, just step into the parlor for a few minutes, and we'll see what can be done—step in.”
“No, sir,” she replied, feeling very naturally offended at the familiarity of his manner, I will not step in; anything you have to, say you can say it here.”
“Yes—but, then, they may overhear us. D—n my honor, but you're a very pretty woman, Mrs. Tyrrell, and I'd be sorry to see harsh, proceedings taken against you—that is, if we could understand one another. The scarlet hue of indignation had already overspread her face and temples, her eyes flashed, and her voice became firm and full.