The Man in Possession — page 27: what you’re looking at

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

22 THE MAN IN POSSESSION. that he had known an individual who played the fiddle a whole evening fora children’s party that was going on. Not that were likely to put our—friend—to any such use; still, they’re not such terrible creatures after all.” ‘*No more’s an alleygaytor, or a haythen Chinee,” said Biddy with fine contempt. ‘‘ But you’ve got to get used to them before you findit out. But I’d better be going downstairs now to the gentleman who's kapin’ company with the black beetles.” ‘‘Perhaps he'll be ‘ kapin’ company ’ with you, Biddy, before we re done with him,” laughed Cornelius O’Brien. ‘‘ It’s never too late for a sweetheart, and you're getting on in years now, you know.” ‘Ah! and is it me you mane—making a fool of meself for any crature with two legs and trousers on’em. By the powers 'tisn’t Biddy Callaghan would be after doing the likes o’ that ;” and she whisked her- self off with great indignation, leaving Kate and her father to discuss the question of the new inmate at their leisure. The ‘‘ day or two” so airily spoken of by Cor- nelius O’Brien passed on, and another and another followed, but, as yet, the wherewithal to discharge the bailiff and the debt was not forthcoming. Meanwhile the man settled down in a subdued and inoffensive manner that even Biddy could not find fault with. He was cheerful and obliging, always ready to lend a hand at anything that came in his way. He was an individual ofresource, and could be put to many uses, as Biddy speedily discovered. COMicloe (Sri C(O)