His honor was in the act of unravelling the mysterious but well-connected development of old Judy—­a work of supererogation on his part, as far as madam was concerned—­when the fair-faced Alia herself made her appearance; and her reverend brother Paul, no longer able to check his feelings, sprang forward, and, seizing her white hand, kissed it, saying, “My dearest sister Aloysia, welcome to the embrace of your brother!  ’You were lost, and I have found you; you were dead, and are again come to life!  Rejoice, and be glad.’”

This was too much happiness for Alia to bear up against without momentarily yielding to the shock, and she sank, as if lifeless, on a couch.  She was soon restored, however, and surrounded by the seemingly affectionate caresses of her envious mother and jealous sisters.  She had to hear all their arguments to persuade her to prefer her present splendid misery to the equivocal boon of having found out a poor, destitute brother, though it was not yet clear whether she could call him by that name.  Appearances were deceitful.

Father Paul listened meekly to the smooth discourses and flattering promises of the rich lady and her children, not doubting, if she were an O’Clery, which side she would choose.

“You are young, my dear Aloysia, but yet at or near the age of mature understanding; and I know a brother cannot command you as a parent could in this ‘free country.’  You have your choice—­the traditional glory of the old family of O’Clery, two brothers, and a sister as fair as yourself, together with the old faith of St. Patrick,—­the glorious CROSS and the immortal SHAMROCK,—­all these balanced against this grand palace, probably great earthly comforts, and a religion that ’is not fit for a gentleman.’  Have your choice; choose boldly, and at once, and free your brother from suspense.”

“Are you my brother?” she said, wildly, “or do I dream?  Have I a brother on earth, and one so worthy as thou?  O, I have no second choice,” she cried, falling at his feet, and wetting them with her tears.

   “Plant this Cross in my bosom,
    And this Shamrock in my hair;
    And these are the only ornaments
    I ever again shall wear.”

The spirited girl prepared immediately to quit the splendid palace, and she came to the resolution of taking nothing with her, either of dress, or trinkets, or jewelry.  “Naked and bare I came into this family, and with one single dress shall I leave it,” said she, “feeling sufficiently enriched in what I have this day found—­a brother, with the Cross and Shamrock of the O’Clerys.  O, what complete changes!  Instead of Alia, I am Aloysia; instead of Goldrich, I am O’Clery.”