And the widow they all thought so shy, My eye! Ne'er thought of a simper or sigh, For why? But "Lucius," says she, "Since you've made now so free, You may marry your Mary Malone, Ohone! You may marry your Mary Malone."
There's a moral contained in my song, Not wrong; And one comfort it's not very long, But strong; If for widows you die, Larn to _kiss, not_ to _sigh_, For they're all like sweet Mistress Malone, Ohone! Oh, they're very like Mistress Malone.
Never did song create such a sensation as Miss Macan's; and certainly her desires as to the chorus were followed to the letter, for "The Widow Malone, ohone!" resounded from one end of the table to the other, amidst one universal shout of laughter. None could resist the ludicrous effect of her melody; and even poor Sir George, sinking under the disgrace of his relationship, which she had contrived to make public by frequent allusions to her "dear brother the general," yielded at last, and joined in the mirth around him.
"I insist upon a copy of 'The Widow,' Miss Macan," said Power.
"To be sure; give me a call to-morrow,--let me see,--about two. Father Magrath won't be at home," said she, with a coquettish look.
"No. 22 South Anne Street,--very respectable lodgings. I'll write the address in your pocket-book."
Power produced a card and pencil, while Miss Macan wrote a few lines, saying, as she handed it:--
"There, now, don't read it here before the people; they'll think it mighty indelicate in me to make an appointment."
Power pocketed the card, and the next minute Miss Macan's carriage was announced.
Sir George Dashwood, who little flattered himself that his fair guest had any intention of departure, became now most considerately attentive, reminded her of the necessity of muffling against the night air, hoped she would escape cold, and wished her a most cordial good-night, with a promise of seeing her early the following day.
Notwithstanding Power's ambition to engross the attention of the lady, Sir George himself saw her to her carriage, and only returned to the room as a group was collecting around the gallant captain, to whom he was relating some capital traits of his late conquest,--for such he dreamed she was.
"Doubt it who will," said he, "she has invited me to call on her to-morrow, written her address on my card, told me the hour she is certain of being alone. See here!" At these words he pulled forth the card, and handed it to Lechmere.