The Man in Possession — page 70: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE MAN IN POSSESSION. : 65 Kate laughed. ‘‘ But, Biddy,” she said, ‘‘don’t you know the powders were to make you sick? That’s the meaning of an emetic.” ‘‘It may be the maning of it,” said Biddy, still in- dignant; ‘‘ but what's the use of payin’ for a thing that one can’t kape down. Shure, [had to pay for those powders, just the same.” The young carpenter laughed heartily. ‘«T’ve heard a story rather like that before, Biddy,” he said. ‘‘ Was it really an experiénce? ” | ‘‘ I'd be obliged if ye wouldn't be usin’ such grand words,” said Biddy. ‘‘But if ye mane did it happen to meself, shure I’d scorn to be tellin’ a lie about such’ a thrifle.” ‘* Well, the punch will be getting cold,” interposed Kate, rising. ‘‘ Now, Biddy, here’s your glass,” and she poured out a tumblerful of the clear steaming beverage, ‘‘ and yours—Smith,” she added gravely, and with something of rebuke in her eyes as she met the glance of the ex-bailiff. ‘‘It’s an old Irish custom to assemble all the household on Christmas night to drink health and prosperity to friends and relations. This is rather a limited household now,” she added witha sigh. ‘‘ But there’s no reason we shouldn’t wish for better days. Heaven knows we need them.” ‘* Amen to that,” said Biddy in alow voice. ‘‘Shure, ‘tis my heart’s best wishes and prayers for ye, Miss Kate, dear, that ye have this blessed night! And ye must drink the toast yourself, honey,” she added per- suasively, ‘‘else there'll be no luck for ye. Shure 9 COMicloe (Sri C(O) 4