in a disappointed tone—for he attributed Mick's refusal to avarice.
"What we've done for you, Mr. Raymond, was done for love," said Mick: "you helped us when we could not help ourselves; and we have done as much for you.—A purty figure you'd have cut cleaning yer boots and washing yer shirts:" and he and Rose burst into a fit of laughing at the bare idea of his patron being engaged in such occupations.
Hugh was much pleased to find he had erred in his estimate of Mick's motives, and urgently pressed the money upon his acceptance; but he still refused. He was more successful with Rose, who took the proffered gold with a courtesy, spite of all Mick's winks and hints to her not to do so.
"Whist," she said, "haven't we lots of money now to get married, and can't we return the guineas to Misther Hugh when we've airned some?"
"Augh! lave the wimen alone for invinshun," said Mick, looking at his "darlin" in perfect admiration at this proof of her forethought and discretion. "I should niver have thought of that.—If you plaze, Sir," he continued, addressing Hugh, "Rose is much behoulden to you, and—and—we mane to get married."
The mischief was past all remedy now; and the very next boat which left the ship, bore the loving couple ashore, who showered innumerable blessings on the head of their benefactor.
