832 . DIGGING “A GRAVE

‘You're hard on me, Mary; it’s all along
of Peggy Byrne, who has set you against
me — that’s what it is.” ee

“ Peooy Byrne did not give you the spirits
you drank this morning,” answered Mary.
“JT wish you’d leave me, Terence, I don’t
like to be seen walkin’ with you, in the
state you’re in.” ,

“Tf I leave you now, Mary, Ill never
come back,” answered Terence passionately.
“So take your choice. I always knew you
had a weak heart, but still thought there
was a well of love at the bottom.”
- Mary was bewildered. The young man’s
heated manner, loud words and excited ges-
tures, drew the attention of the passers-by,
and Mary’s sense of propriety and timid
nature caused her to tremble and turn pale.
She had gained a little self-command from
the hope that, having intentionally loitered

on the way, Peggy’s rapid. footsteps would