Chapter 27

_CHRISTY alone._

So this Scotchman could not list Owen. _Couldn’t_ nor _wouldn’t_, that’s what he says; and the Scotchman looked very hard at me as he spoke: moreover, I seen Mr. Gilbert and him with their two heads close together, and that’s a wonder, for I know Gilbert’s not nat’rally fond of any sort of Scotchman. There’s something brewing:--I must have my wits about me, and see and keep sober this night, if I can, any way. From the first I suspicted Mr. Gilbert had his heart on Mabel. (BIDDY DOYLE _puts her head in_) Biddy Doyle! what the mischief does that head of yours do there?

_Biddy._ Nothing in life, sir: only just to see who was in it, along with yourself, because I thought I hard talking enough for two.

_Christy._ You, girl, have curiosity enough for two, and two dozen, and too much! So plase take your head and yourself out of that, and don’t be overharing my private thoughts; for that was all the talking ye hard, and _my_ thoughts can’t abide listeners.

_Biddy._ I’m no listener--I ax your pardon, sir: I scorn to listen to your thoughts, or your words even.

[_Exit BIDDY._

_Christy._ That girl has set me topsy-turvy. Where was I?--Oh! this was it. Suppose even, I say, suppose this Gilbert’s fancy should stick to Mabel, I might manage him, nevertheless. I’ve a great advantage and prerogative over this Englishman, in his having never been dipped in the Shannon. He is so _under cow_ with bashfulness now, that I don’t doubt but what in one of his confusions I could asy bring him to say Yes in the wrong place; and sooner than come to a perplexing refusal of a young lady, he might, I’ll engage, be brought about to marry the girl he didn’t like, in lieu of the girl he did. We shall see--but hark! I hear Ferrinafad’s voice, singing, and I must join, and see how the thing’s going on, or going off.

[_Exit._