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32X

MAUREEN DHU:

A TALE OF THE CLADDAQH.

Bz MliiS. J. SAOLI£B.

NEW YORK :
D. & J. SADLIEB & CO.

BJfc iliii A i i 'ni li MHi 'i ^ i' mm Ji i iPlt^M -- ■-

MAUREEN DIIU,

THE ADMIRAL'S DAUGHTER.

A TALE OF THE

CLADDAGH OF GALWAY.

By Mrs. J

SADLIER,

AUTE0BES9 OF " HEIRESa OF KILOBaAN ; " " BLAKE8 AND FLASA0AN8 ; "

"wiixiK bubkk;" "new liohts;" "the cosfedkbate chief-
tains ; " " ELINOB PKESTON i " " BBSSIE CONWAY ; " " THE OOK-
RaSI0N8 OF AN apostate;" "con O'BEaANi" "OLD
ANDKKWi" " THE HEBMIT OF THE ROCK ; " "THE
OLD HOUSE BT THE BOTWt ; " "AUNT
BONOB'a KEEF8AU ; " &C., &C.

NEW YORK:
D. & J. SADLIER & CO., 31 BARCLAY STREET.

BOSTON:-?. H. BBADT, 149 TBEMONT STREET.
UOKTBEAL: — COB. NOTBE dame AA'D ST. FBAKOIS XAVIER STB.

1870.

Entered according to Act of Congress, In the year 1860, by

D. fc J. BADLIER k CO.,

In the Gerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the

Southern District of New York.

^'"^

PREFACE.

lu the year 1889, by
30.,

the United States for the

York.

The primitive and singular people who form the subject of
this story have long been an object of curiosity to the eth-
nologist, and of special interest to the traveler who chanced
upon them in their remote sea-washed home. Age after age
have they dwelt by the side of Galway Bay, isserting and main-
taining supremo control over its fishing— a right which is theirs
by a prescription older than the oldest tradition. For ages
long they have been the near neighbors of the people of Gal-
way, yet are even now as distinct from them, as jealous of their
intrusion amongst them, and as strongly marked in their pecu-
liarities as they ever were. Time, and the resistless force of
modern " progress," may be silently softening down some of
the prejudices to which they were so obstinately wedded, and
effacing some of the broadest lines of separation between them
and their neighbors, but, intrenched in the stronghold of their
harsh paioia, and entirely devoted to their hereditary avocations,
the main features of their character remain the same as in ages
past.

My object in laying the scene of the present story amongst
this fishing community is, I think, suCiciently manifest. Many
years have passed away since a good Dominican father, who
had spent years of his life in the old convent near the Claddagb,

PREFACE.

gave me an account of the singular people who dwell there,
with whose wi\ys he was so thoroughly conversant ihut liis
description waa a truly graphic one. I was much Interested
at the time, and, at the suggestion of an esteemed reverend
friend who was present, I promised to throw togetlier, some
day, in the form of a story, the scattered and frugmentiuy
details thus afforded me of an isolated people whose origin
ie lost in the night of Time. From Hall's " Ireland," and
other worlis treating of that country, I obtained yet other
particulars of the Claddagh and its inhabitants, from all of
which I have endeavored to make up as faithful a picture
thereof as a stranger could be expected to produce. That I
have to some extent succeeded, I have reason to hope, from
the testimony of those who, unlike myself, have had the oppor-
tunity of studying the manners and customs of the Claddagh
people in their daily life. I have brought prominently out the
religious element which underlies the groundwork of their re-
markable character, and the moral and social virtues so com-
mon amongst them, all the more noteworthy for the wild calling
which generally makes men lawless aud licentious. I have
shown these Claddagh men brave and bold, yet kindly, generous,
and humane — their women chaste as the snow, aud proof
against all temptation, notwithstanding the uncommon personal
attractions for which many of them are remarkable, at liSast in
youth. Hoping that '• Maureen Dhu," and the men and women
of the Claddagh, will make friends for themselves as they ought
to do, I leave them and my book to the reader's calm judgment.

M. A. S.
New YoiJK, October, 1869. /

plo who dwell tliere,
jr conversant thut liia
was much iiiterfaterl
■n esteemed reverend
throw together, fiomo
•ed and IVagrneiitaiy

people whose origin
lull's " Ireland," and
I obtained yet other
labitants, from all of
a8 faithful a picture

to produce. That I
reason to hope, from
f, have had the oppor-
toms of the Claddagh
it prominently out the
oundwork of their re-
social vii'tues 80 com-
hy for the wild calling
1 licentious. I have
l,yet kindly, generous,
;he 8Q0W, and proof
le uncommon personal
emurkable, at l^ast in
id the men and women
emselves as they ought
!uder's calm judgment

M. A. S.

MAUREEN DHU,
TirE ADMIRAL'S DAUGHTER.

CHAPTER I.

Reader, were yon ever in Gal way, the queer,
qnaint, foreign-looking old capital of the Western
province of Ireland,— the half-Norman, half-Spanish
" City of the Tribes ?" If you were not, you can
hardly conceive any idea of its singularity. An old,
old Irish city, with few or no Irish foatnres — more
Spanish than Irish in its general character, at least
in the style of its antique architecture, yet elaborately
adorned with the heraldric devices of the first Nor-
man settlers, whose stronghold it was. From end
to end of the narrow, irregnlar streets may be seen
old mansions, many of them in tolerably good pre-
eervatioHj presenting the arched doors and gateways,
the double entrances, and flagged courtyards, the
balconies and other exterior characteristics of old
Spain during the Moorish period. It is a city in

eimhaMiimieU^

MAURKEN DHU,

which the olfl and the new are strangely, oddly
mingled — a city ahounding in striking contrasts, and
full of romantic associations. What a mine of the
richest romance lies hidden away in its storied lanes
and purlieus, amongst the mouldering mansions of
departed Blakes and Lynches, Brownes and Frenches,
and all the others of the fourteen Norman tribes who
for centuries lived like princes within the strong walls
of Galway, defended by theii fourteen towers, cor-
responding to the number of the tribes 1 Some future
Scott may work this mine for the entertainment of
another generation — less than a master-hand would
but Spoil the glorious work. For us, we have but to
glance at the noble old city as wo pass through its
crowded marts, its quiet, old-fashioned courts, and
the rows of half-fortified houses which form many of
its streets. Without the ancient walls, but still within
the borough limits, about a quarter of a mile from
the city, on the banks of the Galway river, a little
above the point where it merges in the noble bay,
there is a portion of the West suburbs to which we
would conduct the reader, albeit tjiat the place is
none of the most attractive. On the Bide of a long,
low hill running parallel with the river may be seen
a dense and confused mass of thatched cottages, ap-
parently huddled together without any idea of order
or regularity, yet stretching so far along the river and
up the hill that you cannot help calling the place a
town. It has, indeed, two good piers running out
into the stream so as to form a safe harbor, and river

strangely, oddly
ing contrasts, and
hat a mine of the
in its storied lanes
erina mansions of
vnes and Frenches,
Gorman tribes who
lin the strong walla
urteen towers, cor-
ibes I Some future
5 entertainment of
naster-hand would
us, we have but to
70 pass through its
hioned courts, and
hich form many of
alls, but still within
rter of a mile from
Iway river, a little
B in the noble bay,
iburbs to which we
b t)iat the place is
I the side of a long,
B river may be seen
.tched cottages, ap-
it any idea of order
• along the river and
calling the place a
I piers running out
fe harbor, and river

ins admiral's DAUCUrER. 7

craft of every size are moored here and tliore along
the shore, wliilo scores of smaller onea are drawn up
npou the strand. At first sight neither streets nor
lanes are visible, but a closer inspection shows that
tlie town contains both in any number. Narrow and
irregular they are to be sure, and sorely puzzling, no
doubt, to the luckless stranger who finds himself
tlireading their maze, yet there they arc, crossing and
recrossing, running hither and thither in every direc-
tion, and in every possible shape, in utter defiance of
geometry and mathematics. The houses are all pretty
neariy of the same class, mud walls, many of them
neatly whitewashed', aoreover, and straw-thatched
roofs. In some instances, and they are not few, there
is a grotesque imitation of the Spanish houses of the
neighboring city, and it is a curious sight to see the
arched doorway and double entrance wita its little
paved court under such a roof. It is, indeed, the
quaintest and queerest of suburban villages, and has
little, except its singularity, to attract attention.
The atmosphere is, however, so strongly impregnate
Avitli odors from the finny tribes that few strangers
will, from choice, remain any time in the village, yet
if the natural repugnance to fishy smells be so far
overcome as to visit the interior of the cottages, they
will be found neat and comfortable to an uncommon
degree. The fishing tackle, too, which, amongst the
less tidy housewives, might encumber the small dwell-
ing, is here carefully ranged on the outer walls, giving
universal token of the trade and calling of the vil-

MAUREEN DHtJ,

lagers. The low ground between the village and the
river presents the appearance of a miniature dock-
yard, where boats of all sizes are either in process of
building or undergoing repairs. The little quays are
clean and liandsome, and there is nothing squalid in
the appearance of the hardy, active men so busily
employed about the boats. The attire of fishermen
is pretty much the same, all the civilized world over,
and those of whom we speak have little to distinguish
them from others of their calling. A little more
brawny and of more muscular proportions they may
be, and they are certainly a good-looking race of men
take them as you will— fine, bold athletic fellows as
you would meet in a summer-day's travel. But go
up amongst their cottages, dear reader, — make your
way, if you can, through the labyrinthine maze of
the narrow streets and lanes, and look at the Avives
and daughters of these stalwart fishermen in their
coarse stuff bodices and skirts of blue or red, their
dark features shaded by the colored cotton kerchief,
which, on working days, forms the heail-dress of
young and old, and you will say that they are the
finest women you have seen, take them for all iu all.
A striking uniformity of costume prevails cmongst
them, and the same physical traits are more or less
common to all. They speak a language which neither
you nor I can understand. Even the Irish-speaking
people of the surrounding country have enough to
do to hold ^xrr/aHce with them, notwithstanding that
their language is a patois of the old Gaelic. Every-

t
t
t

c
t
e

s
s

the village and tlie
f a miniature dock-
; either in process of
The little quays are
9 nothing squalid in
3tive men so busily
J attire of fishermen
sivilized world over,
e little to distinguish
ing. A little more
roportions they may
-looking race of men
d athletic fellows as
ay's travel. But go
reader, — make your
abyrinthiue maze of
id look at the wives
t fishermen in their
of blue or red, their
jred cotton kerchief,
18 the head-dress of
3ay that they are the
:e them for all iu all.
no prevails cmongst
•aits are more or less
nguage which neither
eu the Irish-speaking
ntry have enough to
notwithstanding that
e old Gaelic. Every-

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

thing marks them out as a peculiar people, a com-
munity within themselves, and such they really are;
and as we see them now so have they been foragrs.
That village, reader, — which at the time of our story
cont'ained some five thousand souls, — is The Clad-
DAGii, from time immemorial the abode of the Gal-
way fishermen, the self constituted lords of Galway
Bay, (at least of its piscal treasures,) the sturdy up-
holders of primitive customs, and the determined op-
ponents of all innovation. It is their proud boast
that they are descended from some ancient colony,
probably of Spaniards, very early settled in tiiat most
advantageous position, and they will permit no
stranger to take up his abode within their borders.
Their manners and customs are wholly different, as
may well be supposed, from those of the surrounding
population, and as for laws and government, they
have all within themselves. The ir.unicipal authori-
ties of the adjoining city have as little control over
the sturdyCladdagh men within their limits as though
they wero thousands of miles away. They make
laws for themselves, and annually elect an executive,
consisting of two functionaries of an amphibious na-
ture, to wit. Admiral and Vice- Admiral on the aquatic
element. Mayor, and Deputy-Mayor on land. The
sole power is, however, vested in the former both on
sea and land during the term of his ofiice, his sub-
ordinate being only to act iu case of any emergency,
such as sickness, death, or absence. Never Avas ruler
endued with higher powers than the admiral of the

-m^mmi'.

jMj3IJgl!a.JJ!UW r .l II , I I 'm

MAUREEN DHU,

Claddagh fleet, and beyond his decision, m the fre-
quent disputes of the villagers, no one ever thinks ot
Koin<T. In fact, there is no temporal authority to
whom they cowZc^appcal, there being, as we have said
no other tribunal recognized by the community. It
does not follow, however, that the mayor-admiral has
absolute and unlimited control over his subjects. On
the contrary, he himself, as well as the entire popula-
tion of the village, are subject to another authority
located in the Dominican convent on the top ot the
hill overlooking the village. The good monks of
St Mary's of the Hill are, and have been for ages
back, the spiritual directors of this wild community,
and the kind, fatherly Abbot is the lord-parammin
of the Claddagh. Numberless are the ties that bmd
the simple fishermen and their families to their spin-
lual fathers on the hill, and, to do them justice, they
never miss an opportunity of showing their grateful
afff^otion. Nor have the good Dominicans any reason
to be ashamed of their humble flock, for m no part
of Ireland are the Christian and social virtues more
faithfully or more generally practised than in the
fishing village of the Claddagh. Politics and
science, Uterature and art, war and rumors of war,
none of them give any trouble to the stout miners
who draw forth the finny treasures of Galway Bay.
Wrapped up in the impenetrable folds of their own
harsh, dissonant patois, and wholly engrossed durmg
the six working days by the care of their boats and
nets, and the various movements of the finny tribes,

decision, iu the fre-
10 one ever thinks of
mporal authority to
einfT.aswehavesaid,

the community.' It
le mayor-admiral has
)vet his subjects. On

as the entire popula-
to another authority
ent on the top of the
The good monks of
L have heen for ages
this wild community,
s the lord-paramount
are the ties that bind
families to their spiri-
, do them justice, they
ihowing theii- grateful
Dominicans any reason
e flock, for in no part
ad social virtues more
practised than in the
iagh. Politics and
it and rumors of war,
le to the stout miners
isures of Galway Bay.
ible folds of their own
holly engrossed during
Bare of their boats and
mts of the finny tribes,

THE ADUIRAL'S DAUaHTER.

they neither know nor care what is passing in the
world around and beyond them.

About thirteen or fourteen years ago, just before
the awful period of the famine, the mayor of the Clad-
da^h was a hale old man named Randal O'llara,'
than whom a bolder heart or keener eye never steer-
ed a boat round Kilcorgan Point. To these qualifica-'
tions were added the strictest probity, and the most
generous nature, rough and rugged at times, yet
ever honest and sincere. It was commonly said of
Randal O'Hara — better known to his neighbors as
Randal More* — that " his bark was worse than his
bite" — and so it was indeed, for Randal seldom spoke
a civil word, and just as seldom did an uncivil act.
He possessed a large share of sound common sense,
a ready wit, and a clear head, and would altogether
have been a very able man had he lived in a more
artificial state of society with the additional advan-
tage of education. As it was he was the ruling spirit
of the Claddagh, and had for many successive years
been re-elected to the chief command, — a situation,
indeed, of much toil and trouble, with little or no
gain. Good part of his days, when on shore, were
occupied in the exercise of his judicial fuactions,
which, however, was no great loss to him or his
family, inasmnch as he had two grown-up sons to'
mend his nets and keep his jolly hooker in good
condition. Barney and Yeman were fine fellows —
youthful /ac similes of theiv worthy sire — handsome,
* Big Randal.

'4:

MAUREEN DHU,

brave, gay and witty-ia high favor amongst the
Claddagh lassea, and the pride of their fathers
heart. Mother they had none, for the good woman
who once held that relation to them had for many
years been a tenant of the neighboring graveyard.
Still her losa was comparatively unfelt in the little
household she had ruled so well, for her mother, old
Vara Halliday, stept into her vacant shoes, irarr.edi-
ately after her death, and although her government
was now and then somewhat arbitrary, yet affairs
went on so well under her administration that no
one felt disposed to complain. Least of all Maureen
Dhu, the Admiral's only daughter, the spoiled pet
of the family, and her grandmother's sole confidante
in the important business of the m^uuie aud the
still more important affairs of the market, for it was
Vara who disposed of all the tish reserved by Ran-
dal for the Gal way market. When a larger « take
than usual fell to the lot of the family, the greater
part was conveyed by the men to some ot the Clare
sea-ports, or even up the Shannon to " Limer.ck of

the Ships."

In the fishing season (chiefly the fall and winter)
old Vara was every day to be found at her accus-
tomed stand in the ancient fish market, just outside
one of the §atcs of Galway. There she was nearly
as influential a person as in her own, or rather her
Bon-in-law's cottage, under St. Mary's Hill. Every
one knew Vara Halliday, both purchasers and sellers
and to say the truth, the respect due to her exalted

THE ADMtRAl/s DAUGHTER.

favor amongst the
de of their father's
for the good woman

them had for many
rhhoring graveyard,
y unfelt in the little
I, for her mother, old
acant shoes, irarr.edi-
mcth her government
arbitrary, yet affairs
ministration that no

Least of all Maureen
rhter, the spoiled pet
other's sole confidante
the mtnage and the
the market, for it was
tiah reserved by Ran-
;Vhen a larger " take"
lie family, the greater
n to some of the Clare
nnon to " Limerick of

ly the fall and winter)
36 found at h«ir accus-
h market, just outside
There she was nearly
her own, or rather her
t. Mary's Hill. Every
1 purchasers and sellers,
pect due to her exalted

station as raother-in-law to the Admiral and Comp-
troller of his household, was considerably increased
by her own marvellous power of speech. Vara's
tongue was, indeed, proverbial not only in the Clad-
dagli, but even in the city, and I am free to say, it
was as sharp an instrument as ever laid edge to
mortal body. In her quiescent state, Vara Ilalliday
was rather taciturn than otherwise, but her vocal
organs once let loose, under the influence of some
strong emotion, — such, for instance, as some Gal way
shopkeeper undervaluing her hake or haddock,—
and, oh ! ye powers ! they were a perfect avalanche
crushing all before them, and driving the unlucky
offender to hide his diminished head in some neigh-
boring domicile beyond the gate. In physical
prowess, Vara was a match for most men, and there
was not a coal-heaver in Galway city that would
not have shrunk from the application of her fists to
his dusky countenance.

Of the Admiral's family it remains only to speak
of Maureen. Who that ever saw that flower of
Galway maidens would undertake to describe her in
words? As well might one think to describe the face
of Galway Bay when it mirrors the drifting clouds
of heaven. The dark Spanish beauty of Maureen's
face had early obtained for her the sobriquet of 7>/tM
or ('•'.rk, and this, with her tall slender form, lithe
and graceful as the young willow, and agile as a
fawn, gave the idea of a gypsey girl— arch, coquet-
tish, and somewhat haughty. Such as nature made

MAUREKN DHU,

her was Maureen Dhu, for art had never done aught
to curb her wayward temper, direct her strong clear
mind, or drill her symmetrical form into what is
called grace. Yet graceful she was in all her motions,
and despite the coarse, common garb which from
week to week she wore. On Sundays, indeed, when
Maureen went up the hill with her grandmother to
hear Mass in the convent chapel no one would .hink
of calling her costume unpicturesque. The dress it
is true, was but a gaudy printed cal|««. ^^ ^"f *;
colored stuff, and the head-dress a rich silkhandker-
chief tied loosely under her chin, yet the general
effect was that which a painter would have loved,
and admirably suited Maureen's wild beauty. It
may well be believed that the Admiral's daughter,
such as we have described her, exercised fully as
much control over the fishermen, at least the young
ones, as the Admiral himself. Her smile or her
frow^-and the latter was dark as the former was
bright-had wondrous power over the hearts ot
men. Even those who were beyond the age of />««-
simal attraction could seldom resist the 'dark
witchery" of Maureen's glance. But truth to tell, the
cirl's influence was generally, we might almost say
always,, of a salutary nature. With all her outward
appearance of levity and girlish pride, she was at
heart a very different person, and this was well un-
derstood by her simple honest neighbors who valued
her accordingly. The women of the Claddagh, both
maids and matrons, are famous for their modesty and

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

I never done aught
!Ct her strong, clear
form into what ia
bs in all her motions,
1 garb which from
idays, indeecl, when
her grandmother to
no one would think
sque. The dress, it
d calico, or bright-
a rich silk handker-
in, yet the general
sr would have loved,
's wild beauty. It
Admiral's daughter,
r, exercised fully as
3n, at least the young

Her smile or her
rk as the former was
over the hearts of
syond the age of pas-
m resist the "dark

But truth to tell, the
]fe might almost say
With all her outward
ish pride, she was at
and this was well un-
neighbors who valued
oftheCladdagh.both
3 for their modesty and

virtue, notwi. .canding the free-and-easy manner
peculiar to their wild life, and the light-hearted
merriment for which they are distinguished
never degenerates into coarseness or obscenity.
Their mterior is as pure as their exterior is rough
and unpolished, and the vices which so often tarnish
the lustre of fashionable dames in courtly and other
circles are amongst tliem unknown, undreamed of.*
It is little to say, then, that Maureen Dim was
modest — say rather that the snow-white foam of her
own dear waters was not purer in heart and mind.
Wayward and wilful she was at times, — and little
wonder when the whole village helped her own

•The common testimony of all writers on the subject, Protes-
tant as well as Catholic, goes to prove the high moral chanicter of
this primitive Catholic community. Hardiman, Mrs. Hall, Sir
Francis Uoiifl Head, and other Protestant writers in.'ntion it with
res lect. Tlio latter, in particular, states on the nutliority of the
local police that such a thiufr as tlie birth of an illesritimate child
was wliolly unknown In the Claddaarh. A short extract from Ills
" Fortniirht in Ireland" may not be uninteresting to the reader,
08 It serves to prove our position :

" The sergeant In charge of the Claddagh station now arrived,"
Bays Sir Praucls, "and gave his opinion as follows :

Q. " How long have you been in charge of the Claddagh vil-
lage ?"

A. '• I have been nine years here, for five years of which I havo
been In charge of Claddagh."

Q. " During that time has there been an Illegitimate child born
there?"

A. " No, I have never heard of It, and If it had happened I
should have been sure to have heard of it, as they wouldn't havo
allowed the woman to remain in the village."

Q. " Havo you ever heard of any that occurred before your ar-
rival f"

A. No, Sir."

Sir Francis thereupon expressed his great surprise, and no
wonder, for where would he find such a high state of morals in
any part of Protestant England, much loss in a rude fishing vil-
lage, where tlie women, as in the Claddagh, ore singulary hand-
some for thulr state in life 1

-.mm

MACBEEN DHD,

family to spoil her,— but bold or unwomanly never,
never.

The only thing that Maureen had been ever taught
from books was her catechism, and if she didn't know
that well, why no one in Galway or its suburbs knew
it. Many a pretty premium had Maureen got up in
the convent chapel ior her knowledge of the Christian
Doctrine, ay ! long before she had made her first com-
munion, and these prizes were still carefully treasured
in the family, with a few others gained by the boys,

and proudly exhibited by old Vara at every fitting

(or unfitting) opportunity.

At the time when Maureeais brought beforo the

reader she had barely completed her eighteenth year.

It is pretty certain that, like the buxom widow of

Irish song,

" Of lovers she had a full score,
Or more."

but if 80, they loved at a respectful distance, and, more-
over, " never told their love," never dared to tell it,
for Maureen Dhu was queen of the Claddagh and
looked down from a queenly height on the jolly
yonng fishermen of the village, ay ! even those who
were in highest favor with her father and brothers,
and were their chosen comrades on sea and shore. It
is true she had given a pair of beads to young Brien
Kineely when, in abrisk gale, off Black Head, he had
helped to save her father's boat, and perchance the
lives of those most dear to her. The tears were in
her eyes when she thanked the gallant fellow, and

unwomanly never,

ad been ever taught
(1 if bIic didn't know
orits8ul)iul)8knew
I Maureen u;ot up in
dge of the Cliristian
imade lior first com-
1 carefully treasured
gained by the boys,
ara at every fitting

broujrht beforo the
her eighteenth year,
le buxom widow of

lU score,

■e."

1 distance, and, more-
Bvcr dared to tell it,
F the Claddagh and
height on the jolly
ay ! even those who
father and brothers,
J on sea and shore. It
jeads to young Brien
f Black Head, lie had
it, and perchance the
r. The tears were in
gallant fellow, and

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

his heart beat high and his brown cheek glowed at
the thought that Maureen might then, if ever, smile
on his suit. But when next they met, Maureen was
as gay, as proud, and as inditferent as ever, and poor
Brien's heart sank within him. Though bold and
brave to his fellow-men or when danjrer threatened,
in Maureen's presence he was timid and subdued,
because he loved her with fear and trembling. And
the froward girlseemed to delight in exhibiting that
power which could thus change the lion into the
lamb. Another of the slaves of this potent Naiad
was Shan Driscoll, who had also a claim on Maureen's
gratitude, inasmuch as he had once brought her little
favorite Nanno Kenny from the very bottom of the
river when the child had sunk to rise no more. The
king of those waters was Shan Driscoll, and so much
of Maureen's own spirit had he that the neighbors
thought she could not choose but love him— do tall
and handsoma, so proud, and bold, and reckless, yet
full of fun and frolic. Surely if Maureen Dim could
be mated about the Claddagh, Shan Driscoll was
just the man — he and none other. lie was well to
do in the world, too, for his father had lately quitted
this mortal life,leaving himthe owner of a good-sized
boat, or at least joint proprietor with his mother, for
he was an only child. It chanced, moreover, that
Shan was very often Maureen's partner in the frequent
merry-makings where all were assembled. During
the last May eve festivities she had seldom danced
with any other, and when Midsummer came round it

' "'^l^^^f^f^^^Sff&SBtmtBBUlKSmlS^^

MACREEK DHC,

was Still tho sarao, although Brien Kinccly and at
least half a dozsn others put in their claim early m
the day. Poor Brien ! he had not the courage to
persevere after Maureen's cool denial— wounded
pride and slighted love fixed their fanga within his
heart, and if he coJd have hated any human heing .
it would have been Siian Driscoll, when jig after jig
and reel aaer reel he saw him lead Maureen out, both
of them looking so proud and so happy. There was
many a fine young follow there who shared more or
less in Biien's feelings with regard to Shan on that
particular evening, but none felt the grief and the
mortification so deeply as he, for none had ventured
to hope for so much.

Nt^ver liad Brien taken more pains to set off his
comely face and figure than on that St. John's Day,
and he really looked quite attractive when, in his
gala dress— white dimity overvest, blue rug jacket,
plush knee breeches of the same color, a rich crimson
silk handkerchief tied loosely on his neck, and a new
Caroline of the approved Claddagh fashion— broad-
brimmed and low-crowned, shading his fresh, open
countenance, ho presented himself before his lady-
love, blushing and timid as a young damsel.

Maureen was giving the last touch to her toilet at
the little mirror in the kitchen-parlor of the house-
hold. A tight crimson boddice showed off to per-
fection the admirable symmetry of her form, and a
long, full skirt of dark blue stuff fell in graceful folds
to her feet— not so as to cover them, though, for

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

en Kinecly and at
icir claitn early in
lot the courage to
denial — wounded
ir fant^s within hia
1 any human being.
, when jig after jig
1 Maureen out, both
happy. There was
vho shared more or
ird to Shan on that
t the grief and the
■ none had ventured

pains to set off hid
,hatSt. John's Day,
[•active when, in his
est, blue rug jacket,
color, a rich crimson
his neck, and a new
ash fashion— broad-
iding his fresh, open
self before his lady-
>ung damsel,
touch to her toilet at
•parlor of the house-
.■e showed off to per-
y of her form, and a
ffell in graceful folds
'er them, though, for

Maureen knew it would be a pity to conceal Bach
tiny little shoes, with the whitest of cotton hose.
Over her long dark tresses, neatly twisted around
her liead, she now placed a very pretty cap of wrought
muslin trimmed with broad rich lace, rounded otf at
the ears and fastened with pins to tlie roll of her hair.
Vara, already dressed in a somewhat similar costume,
excepting only the cap, was superintending her grand-
daughter's toilet, and had just been expressing her
entire satisfaction when Brien's shadow darkened the
doorway and reflected in the glass made Maureen
turn quickly.

" Who's for the Cross ?" said Brien ; " Are you
Maureen ? — I saw your father and the boys pass half
an hour ago."

" To be sure, avick ! we're both going," said the
grand-dame cheerily ; « we'll be with you in a minute.
Just look at Maureen, Brien ! — isn't she a beauty ?"

" Grandmother !" cried Maureen sharply, " what
makes you talk so ? — never mind her, Brien, but you
go your ways— you'll see us there by-and-bye. We
know the road ourselves."

The young man answered only by a reproachful
look and a heavy sigh. Ilis fond, admiring glance
on entering had brought the blood to Maureen's
cheek, and a bright smile to her coral lip, yet she
met bis sorrowful look with a cold, motionless
stare, and his half-suppressed sigh with a low light
laugh.

" Child !" said old Vara, in her commanding way,

a^iitei

MAUREEN DEC,

" what do you moan ?— why don't you speak to the
young man civilly ?"

"So I did, granny!"— and the haughty beauty
smiled ag in, " if my words don't please him I can't
L. Ip U— g'^ •' ur ways, I tell you, Brien !"

" I will, Maureen, I will !— don't say it again !"
He w.. gone in an instant, and the girl stood a mo-
ment looking after him, so lost in deep thought that
she heard nothing of her grandmother's sharp re-
buke. Mechanically, as it were, she assisted the old
woman to tie the "grinder*'' on her head, and then
threw the blue cloak around her shoulders.

" You're all ready now, granny !" she said in a
dreamy voice-

" I am then," said the gentle matron, mimicking
her tone; "I'm thinking it's not me that's in your
head !— what airs yon put on you, Maureen, in re-
gard to that decent boy — you treat him as if he
wasn't fit to wipe your shoes — all because of them
black eyes and that bit of a face of yours— now,
mark my words 1 Maureen— beauty doesn't last, and
I'd advise you to make sure of some decent partner
for life while yon have the good chance. Tell me one
thing, astore ! — what fault have you to Brien Ki-
neely?"

" Ne'er a fault at all, gran ! but why don't you have
him yourself, since you think so much of him?" and
Maureen laughed as she took the old woman's arm,

•K Bort of Bilk handkerchief of mixed red and yellow, much in
use amongst the Irish peasantry,

I't you speak to the

he haughty beauty
I't please him I can't
1, Brien !"

on't say it again 1"
the girl stood a mo-
in deep thought that
draother's sharp re-
, she assisted the old
1 her head, and then
r shoulders,
nny !" she said in a

) matron, mimicking
lot me that's in your

you, Maureen, in re-
1 treat him as if ho
-all because of them

face of yours — now,
lauty doesn't last, and

some decent partner
1 chance. Tell me one
ve you to Brien Ki-

it why don't you have
much of him ?" and
;he old woman's arm,

:ed red and yellow, much In

THE ADVUIAl/a DACGHTRR.

and hurried her away in the direction of the pipes
and fiddles wliich were already regaling the ears of
a dense crowd assembled at tho Cross, and malting
the toes of the young to tingle. The scene was so
gay and the bustle of preparation so great that Vara
quite forgot the cutting retort that Was on her lips.
The weather was tine as balmy air and midHutumer
^un could make it. Tho river and tho broad bay
were glowing with the liues of sunset, and the quaint
old city with its grotesque gables and lurrets
looked strangely picturesque, and farolF beyond tho
quays and docks on the opposite side of tli' 1 1 vef the
blue mountains of Clare were reflecting un their
summits, " tho golden glory of the light." But what
was the beauty of earth, and sea, and sky to the joy-
ous bustle, the stirring music, the gay and flaunting
colors, tho flowery garlands hoisted on long poles
above the heads of the eager, restless, laughing, talk-
ing, shouting crowd? At least so thought Vara and
her granddaughter — or rather tho beauty aforesaid
entered not at all into comparison, in their minds,
with that of the noisy, confused, yet very picturesque
melee of human beings on fun and frolic all intent.
Just as Maureen and her grandmother gained the
' outskirts of the crowd, a deafening shout rent tho
air, and Randal was seen mounting a cart, as it were
to open the proceedings. During the prolonged cheer-
ing which followed his appearance, the old man stood
motionless on the cart, smiling gravely down on the
upturned laces of his liege men and women. When

MAUREEN DHU,

the cheering had at length subsidea, Randal cleared
his throat and spoke in the deep guttural voice pecu-
liar to his people."

«« Well, boys, here we are again, every mother's son
of us ! Thanks be to God I see you all around mo
this good midsummer-day after all the dangers of the
year. Not a soul is missing from among us except
poor Tom O'Daly and LaiTy Shanahan,that died of
the fevsr last summer, and Molly Toohy, that died
of old age, the creature 1" Here a voice cried out,
« There's another, Randal honey !" It was old Vara,
and her son-in-law quickly resumed in a still deeper
voice : " So there is, gran ! I was forgetting him!
Boys ! you'll not forget Paul Kehoe when the Gal-
way coalmen come across you !"

A loud groan burst from the assembly, and a thou-
sand voices answered "No !" with the fierce energy
of determination.

« No, Randal !" cried Shan Driscoll, " we don't or
we won't forget poor Paul ; sooner might Arran of
the Saints* move up to Mutton Islandf, than we for-
get our brother." ^

''That's right, boys!" said Randal again; "now
you've elected me again to be Mayor and Admiral.
I'm thankful to you for that same, and with God s
help I'll do my duty this year too, without fear or
iun innroat Af the Arran Islands, thus named In the
J^S^^'^:o^^lo^^r^lg^^<^Z<^^--^^i- It IB about thirty

"tAsmaU "fai^'ai the very head of the Bay and close alongside
of Galway city.

ideJ, Randal cleared
guttural voice pecu-

in, every mother's son
ee you all around mo
all the dangers of the
•om among ua except
iauahan,that died of
)lly Toohy, that died
[ere a voice cried out,
y !" It was old Vara,
imed in a still deeper
was forgetting Ai»i/
Kehoe when the Gal-
!"

assembly, and a thou-
with the fierce energy

DriscoU, " we don't or
)oner might Arran of
n Islandf, than we for-

Randal again ; " now
•e Mayor and Admiral.

same, and with God's
ir too, without fear or

n Islands, thus named In the
peasantry. It Is about thirty

the Bay and close alongside

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

favor, ril keep the Bay clear of trespassers, never
fear — that is with your good help — and I wish I may
catch a trawling villain on Galway waters — if I do,
I'll trawl him — I will, or my name is not Randal
O'Hara." Another enthusiastic cheer followed, and
then Randal, raising his voice still louder than be-
fore, cried out : " That's enough said for this time —
it's getting late, and we must be moving — boys, fall
into ranks ; musicians, on to the front — be alive now ;
girls, fall back till we get in marching order ! — then
come as near as you like ! Here you, Barney and
Yeman, take these two poles. Shan Driscoll, you'll
keep near me — and, Brien ! — liillo ! — where's Brien
Kineely ?" " Here I am, Randal !" came faintly from
a distance, and the young man was seen elbowing his
way through the laughing crowd of friends and
neighbors, who cracked many a joke at his expense
as he passed along. lie was flushed and heated, and
evidently in no very good humor, and he darted a
sullen glance at Shan, who Suood by Yeman O'Hara'a
side, with a mask in his hand, which he was to wear
in the procession. Shan met the look ; and probably
understood it, for he smiled and threw back his head
with a careless air and a mociking gesture.

These commands of the Mayor's were promptly
executed, and the dense crowd was very soon formed
into a regular procession. The order of march was
arranged by Randal himself, who pointed out to each
one his place in the ranks, according to his age and
standing in the village. The young men were all

MAUREEN DHU,

arrayed in white jackets with colored knee-hroeches
and silken saslies, their hat« encircled with wreaths
of flowers. A large number of thera earned poles,
Bome topp3d with long streamers, bearing inscriptions
and rude devices chiefly relating to their common
calling, others with wreaths or bunches of summer
flowers, whose perfume was not altogether lost in the
prevailing odors of the place.

When all was arranged according to immemorial
custom, a pair of stout fellows in strangely-uncouth
garb and laughter-moving masks sprang to the front,
armed with long poles surmounted by bladders.
After making obeisance to the ci-vio functionary,
these worthies, of whom, as we have already inti-
mated, Shan DriscoU was one, immediately com-
menced the functions of their office by a terrific
charge on the crowd of women, who scampered off"in
all directions, screaming with laughter. Two only
stood their ground-namely, Vara Ilalliday and her
pretty granddaughter, the former in right of her
tongue, the latter in right of her beauty-neither on
account of their connection with the Mayor, whose
dignity, all supreme as it was, extended no farther
than his own person. They stood togethei on a large
flat stone at the comer of the street, and it was
strange to see the momentary hush that took place
in the noisy procession as it wheeled past them.
Fii-st came along the two masks, who lowered their
unsightly standards before the strangely contrasted
dignitaries, and then with a hop and a jump, passed

lored kiice-1)rccchc9
ircled with wreaths
ihera carrierl polea,
bearing inscriptions
g to their common
bunches of summer
[together lost in the

ling to immemorial
1 strangely-uncouth
I sprang to the front,
unted by bladders.
e civic functionary,
I have already inti-
, immediately com-

office by a terrific
who scampered off in
uighter. Two only
ira Ilalliday and her
mer in right of her
p beauty — neither on
th tlie Mayor, whose
ex-tended no farther
d togethcv on a large
e street, and it was
uish that took place

wheeled past them.
;s, who lowered their
strangely contrasted
•p and a jump, passed

•■■xiJft=3«H^i=-i-**^*''.5^"-S

THE admiral's DAUGHTER. 25

on to clnar the road for the advancing column. After
them, a few yards behind, came the bund, consisting
of two pipers, two fiddlers, a key-bugle and a drum.
It must be admitted the music was none of the best;
neither Julien nor Strauss would liave assumed its
paternity for the Queen's crown, yet it stirred the
blood in the veins of the Claddagh men — ay and
the Claddagh women, too, and neither of the
eminent composers mentioned could do more, let
them do their best. Even Maureen, cold and
proud, smiled graciously on the musicians, as in
passing her they suddenly changed " The Sprig of
Shillelah " for the softer and more touching " Brown
Maid." A hearty cheer from the ranks announced
that the change was understood, and again Maureen
Dhu bent her liead and smiled to the compliment.

Just behind the bandmarclied Randal More, with
Yeman on one side and Barney on the other, the old
man in his blue rug jacket, the sons in their gay white.
A pair of handsome, rollicking lo'^s they were, and
their father was certainly prouder of them than of
his high trust in the community. The sister and
brothers only exchanged smiles, and the fatlier hon-
ored his " womankind" with a patronizing nod, but
old Vara could not keep silence when her heart was so
full. Sundry comments, censures, and compliments
escaped her as friends and acquaintances met her eya.
" And it's fresh and well you look, Randal mavour-
neen, you and the boys. Hold your head a little
higher. Yeman astore ! — that's it, now ! Dan Daly,

lUTTRKEH DHn,

what's on you.at aU,that you're looking so mournful?
Cheer up, man! cheer up '.-there's good yawls to
be had for the winnii.g-don't bethinking of the one
you lost. Long life to you, Shamus ! but it's you
that has the roguish eyes of your own. It s no
wonder the girls would be all setting their capsat you!
Good luck to you all, and it's sure I am you'll put the
best foot foremost before the townspeople within.

»A cheer for Vara Halliday I" cried he of the
roguish eye, " may she live long to keep the quality
to their trumps in town 1"

The cheer was freely, heartily given, for Vara,
with all her professional volubility, was much beloved
in the village. As the rear of the procession passed,
Maureen caught Brien Kineely's eye fixed on her
with a sad expression, and her heart smote her, she
could hardly tell why. Brien was the bearer of one
of the Claddagh banners, and his fine manly form
showed to much advantage as he held it aloft with
both hands. Before Maureen could express her
thoughts even by a look, Brien had passed and with
him the gay show, and the women began to crowd
around Maureen and her grand-dame expressing their
delight in a full chorus of joyous acclamation. Whole
troops of boys were already in motion, gambolling
and frisking on either side the procession ; the women,
old and yoang, quickly followed on the road Jo ^^^
city a few of the very oldest remaining behind to
gather materials for the evening bonfires, and to care
the infants of the several families.

▲.

)king 80 mournful?
e'B good yawls to
thinking of the one
imus ! but it's you
our own. It's no
ig their caps at you I
I am you'll put the
nspeople within."
!" cried he of the
to keep the quality

y given, for Vara,
^, was much beloved
e procession passed,
■'s eye fixed on her
icart smote her, she
'as the bearer of one
is fine manly form
16 held it aloft with
could express her
had passed and with
nen began to crowd
lame expressing their
acclamation. Whole
J motion, gambolling
ocession ; the women,
ed on the road to the
remaining behind to
5 bonfires, and to care
ies.

THB ADMIRALS DAUGHTER.

CHAPTER IL

The march of the Claddagb men through the city
was, as usual, a continued triumph. St. John's Day,
of all the year, brought them collectively before the
citizens, and in their annuiil visit to every pare of the
old town they generally met with a cordial welcome.
It was just the hour when tradesmen and laborers
were returning from their daily toil, and crowds of
them assembled in every open space to exchange a
friendly greeting with " the Claddagh boys." At
every corner, and in every \vindow, men, women, and
children were seen waiting their coming, all eager to
have a share in their joyous enthusiasm, all prepared
to laugh at and with the grotesquely-clad maskers
whose appearance as the heralds and van of the pro-
cession was anxiously looked for. Their approach
was announced, long before they came in siarht, by
their humorous objurgations to the crowds of boys
and girls who would bar their progress do as they
mif^ht. In fact people seemed to get in the way with
malice prepense for the pure sake of being driven
out of it in such comical fashion by such comical
wights. Ever as the procession moved on, many a
hearty " God speed ye, boys !" and many a " Hurrah
for the Claddagh 1" followed it on its way, and even
in the more aristocratic parts of the city, windows
and balconies were crowded with ladies and gentle-

MAtREEN DHtJ,

men who not only honored the hardy fishermen with
smiles, but threw handsome donations into the box
provided for the purpose, and carried by a quaintly-
dressed youth profusely ornamented with shells and
flowers. These largesses were annually given by the
wealthy inhabitants to the sturdy fellows who pro-
vided their tables all the year with piscal luxuries.

" There, boys, there's a sovereign to drink my
health," said a fine-looking man of nearly middle
age, who stood with some ladies in a balcony in
Spanish Place. He spoke in the regular Claddagh
patois, and the fishermen gave him a hearty cheer.
" Long life to your honor, maybe we won't drink it I"
" It's you that was always a friend to the Clad-
dagh 1" '
" Glory and honor^to you, ]Mr. Fitzstephen !"
" Another cheer for ]\Ir. Fitzstephen ! — hurrah !"
"And not forgetting the ladies, long life to them!"
The ladies smiled, Fitzstephen bowed, and made a
sign that he wanted to speak. There was instant
silence.

"Boys," said he, after surveying his auditory for
a moment, "you know I am your friend — don't you ?"
" Hard fortune to them that would deny it, your
honor I"

" Well, listen to me, now !" Dead silence. " When
are you going to try the trawling ?"*

*Trawling U a peculiar mode of fishing, by havlni; nets attached
to vessels and thus trailfd, or driii^ged throufrh the water. Tlio
Claddai;h fishermen were for many years obstinately opposed to
this mode of fishing. Thoy have wUhln the last few years, how-
ever, adopted it to a considerable extent.

TQE ADMIBAL'a DAUGHTER.

irdy fishermen with
lations into the box
rried by a quaintly-
ited with shells and
iiniially given by the
ly fellows who pro-
th piscal luxuries,
reign to drink ray
I of nearly middle
es in a balcony in
) regular Claddagh
m a hearty cheer,
e we won't drink it 1"
friend to the Clad-

, Fitzstephen !"
Stephen ! — hurrah !"
t, long life to thero!"
I bowed, and made a
There was instant

ing his auditory for
friend — don't you ?"
Rfould deny it, your

'ead silence. " When

,g?"*

, by Imvini; nets attached
throuffh tlie water. Tho
rs obstinately opposed to
I the last few years, bow-

Thia question was evidently unexpected, and just
as evidently unwelcome. The Claddagh men looked
at each other, and their faces darkened. A low ruiT^-
bling sound ran through their ranks, like the angry
murmur of their own bay which announces the com-
ing storm. All seemed anxious to speak but res-
trained themselves through respect for their Admiral,
who might alone answer on such a subject. All eyes
were turned on him, including those of Fitzstephen,
his mother, and sisters. The shades of evening were
already darkening, but the old man's eyes were clearly
visible flashing with angry light. Yet when he spoke
his voice was calm, preternaturally calm.

" We'll never try it, Mr. Fitzstephen — never /
How often must we say it over and over ! — we'll
have none of your new-fangled tricks or notions and
they're no friend that would ask us ?"

" But, Randal ! my good friend, hear me "

" Not a word, your honor ! not one word — if it's
about the trawling — if it's not — say what you 1? —
only don't keep us long !"

" Well ! I only just wanted, now that I see you all
together, to give you my honest advice. Many of
you might be rich men to-day had you been persuaded
years ago to try our plan."

*• Mr. Fitz !" said Randal with stem determination,
" I tell you now, once for all, that we'd sooner sink
our hookers, every man of us, than see them turned
into trawlers. Get along there, will you ? the night
is coming on I"

MAUBEEN DHU,

«<WeU' weU!" said Fitzstephen, "I would be-
friend you, boys, but you wou't let me-pass on. and
I wish you a pleasant evening."

Another parting cheer for the Fitzstephen family,
then the maskers soused t^'eir bladders in the mud,
and shook them dripping over the heads of the gap-
in- crov^d. A general laugh followed, and a general
Bcamper, the poles, and the banners were agam m
motion and on went the long procession, wmdmg itH
way through narrow, angular streets, and under
quaint old arches; stopping hero and there before
the mansions of the wealthy townsmen to receive,
unasked, the expected douceur and regale their bene-
factors with theharmonious strains which gladdened
the heart of old King Cole, that « merry od
soul " renowned in convivial song. The head of the
procession was at length approaching the gate which
leads to the Claddagh wlien a party of cual-porters,
apparently lounging around without any particular
purpose, raised a derisive cheer.

"I say. Bill!" said one of these sturdy, coal-
begrimed'fcUows in a voice loud enough to be heard
by those for whom it was meant, " say, Bill, don't
you hate this fishy B;aoll?-faughl it's enough to

make one sick !"

"Ho! ho!" laughed the person addressed, a tan.
strapping fellow whose sinewy frame was almost
aigantio in its proportions, " suppose we burn a tar-
biS-rel after they pass to purify the air !" The words
were hardly out of his head when a shower of mud

•MMH--

THE ADUIIUL's DAUGHTER.

en, "I would be-
t me — pass on, and

Pitzatephen family,
adders in the mud,
e heads of the gap-
)wed, and a general
iner8 wero again in
icession, winding its
streets, and under
•0 and there before
wnsmcn to receive,
tid regale their bene-
ins which gladdened
that " merry old
ig. The head of the
ching the gate which
arty of coal-porters,
thout any particular

these sturdy, coal-
L enough to be heard
mt, " say. Bill, don't
light it's enough to

;on addressed, a tall,
Y frame was almost
pposo we burn a tar-
;he air !" The words
len a shower of mud

from the bladder on Shan DriscoU's pole bespattered
him from head to foot. Before Bill had recovered
the etfect of the shock, a similar compliment was paid
his conn-ade by Tom Ilalligan, the other masker,
whereupon tlio Claddagh men laughed and shouted :

" More power there, boys I" cried Randal himself,
from behind, " paint their white mugs for them, —
since they don't like the smell of fish, give them
epraething else to smell !"

By this time a number of other coal-heavers had
darted out of lanes and alleys, where they had evi-
dently been lying in wait, so that the party was con-
siderably strengthened. Before Bill and his friend
had got the dirt rubbed from their eyes, some others
of their company jostled the musicians, and some
again placed themselves right in front of the mas-
kers.

"Get out of the way there, will you ?" cried Shan
DrJscoU, and he aimed a blow with his long pole at
the heads of those in front of him ; " get out of the
way, or we'll walk over you."

" Ah ! maybe you wouldn't now !" said the gigantic
Bill, now thoroughly recovered and primed for mis-
chief; " you wouldn't think of such a thing !" and
with one hand he wrenched the pole from Shan's
grasp while with the other he struck him such a blow
on the chest that he staggered and would have fallen
had not one from behind caught him by the arm.

In an instant all was confusion — the poles and the
banners went down as if by magic, the music sud-

HADREEK DH0,

dcnly came to a stop, and that for the best of rea-
sons, viz. : the arras of the several performers were
pinioned to their sides, though, to say the truth, they
escaped the blows which fell profusely on all around
them. Pipers and fiddlers, and all such dilettanti
are still a sort of privileged order in Ireland, and
habitually respected by the people. Cries the most
discordant and the most vociferous rent the air, and
the biting taunts flung to and fro amongst the com-
batants showed that the quarrel was no new one.
Still there was nothing murderous, nothing blood-
thirsty, manifested on either side— plenty of dragging
and hauling, boxing and cuffing there was, followed,
to be sure, with black eyes and bloody noses, but
there were no firearms, no bludgeons, no edged
weapons of any kind. It was a regular Irish set-to,
on a grand scale— hot and wrathful, and very wordy,
but neither dogged oor deadly. There might have
been in it somewhat more of malice than is usual m
Buch street-brawls amongst Irish Catholics, owing to
the unfortunate occurrence already alluded to. The
stoutest champion of the Claddagh had died .mly a
few months before from the effects of a beatmg given
him by these very men, or, at least, some of their
fraternity, and the Claddagh men are wont to boast
that whoever injures one of them, injures all. There
is no doubt, then, that they were glad of the oppor-
tunity to have a bout with the black brotherhood,
-who had now gathered from far and near on hearing
of the scuffle. Still the coal-porters were in the

t
c
I

y
f(

W
g

in
g'

ai
aa

THE admiral's DACOHTER.

'or the best of rea-
ral performers were
) say the truth, they
fuBcly on all aromitl

all Buoh dilettanti
ier in Ireland, and
)le. Cries the most
)U8 rent the air, and
o amongst the cora-
jI was no new one.
■ous, nothing blood-
— plenty of dragging
there was, followed,
d bloody noses, but
udgeons, no edged

regular Irish set-to,
ful, and very wordy.
There might have
ilice than is usual in
!i Catholics, owing to
ady alluded to. The
iagh had died only a
ctsof a beating given
; least, some of their
len are wont to boast
3m, injures all. There
ire glad of the oppor-
3 black brotherhood,
r and near on hearing
i-porters were in the

minority, and would, in all probability, have got the
worst of it had it not boon for tliat chivalrous spirit
still latent in the hearts of an Irish mob, which im-
pels them to side with the weaker party. Tho
sympathies of tho idle spectators were at first with
the Claddagh men, the others being undeniably in
fault, and tlio fishermen being, moreover, the lions
of the hoar. After a little, however, when the coal-
porters began to fall beneath the vigorous blows of
their opponents, and were likely to be overpowered
by numbers, the case was entirely different,— right
or wrong they must be supported.

" Come, boys," cried a thick-set man with a blue •
blouse thrown over his upper garments, "come, boys,
this will never do— tliero's Phil Ilanuigan down. We
can't stand by and see the Claddagh men beating all
before them this way !"

" That's my notion too, Ned !— our own's our own
after all ! By gemini ! there's Thady Burke in a bad
way— no l(;s8 than three of them on him .'-that's
you Thady, my boy !— stand your ground like a man
for the honor of Galway— I'm with you!" and the
speaker, a butcher of no small renown as a pjgilist,
went into Thady's quarrel with heart and fist, to the
great encouragementof Thady and the serious detri-
ment of the enemy's noses which he pummelled in
good style.

Now Ned, the first champion, was a knight of the
anvil, and stood in as high repute amongst his craft;
as the butcher, whose name was Jim Shannon, did in

ib.'>

IIATTREEa DHO,

his Tlieiv joint accession, then, was of the last im-
portance to the cau«o they espouseJ, and the.r ex-
Lple wa« BO speedily followed ^7 ^^'^^^l^^'J^
Bmiths that the scale of victory turned and the Clad
da.^h men began to retreat towards the gate. The
haule now ra^ed with fury-the angry pas^on» o
the multitude were all enlisted -most of them on
hehalfof the coal-porters-sticb ^"^ «;-- -^^^^
lencth resorted to, and the cry of "The Claddagh
ZLr was drowned in the louder and more
tumultuous shouts of " Down with the fishermen ! -
'Tut them out !"-" Hurrah for Galway and the sky

""Ttill "the Claddagh men kept their ground bravely,
notwithstanding the increasing B«P«"«"jy ^^^ ^^
enemy's forces. In the thickest of the fight was old
Rand'alseen, wielding a broken pole -th t^^^^^^^^^^^^
of early manhood. His brave boys, closeto his side,
Bhielded him from many a crushing blow, and, how-
ever it happened, there was Shan Friscoll too, his
tall form conspicuous amongst friends and foes and
his dark face showing fierce and vengeful in the light

of the rising moon.

"Down with the black-hearted lubbers!" cried
Shan ; " give it to them, boys, once for all!" His
voice waf suddenly stopped by . blow in the mouth
from Ned Dwyer's sledge-like fist. Ned's triumph,
however, was but for an instant, for Randal's pole
descended on his crown with stunning effect-he tot-
tered ^nd fell back insensible amongst his comraaes.

mmmm

THE admiral's DACOHTKR.

was of the last im-
lUseJ, and their ex-
i by butchers ami
turned and the Clad-
ards the gate. The
e angry passions of
3 -most of them on
;> find stones were at
- of " The Claddagh
10 louder and more
ith the fishermen !"—
r Galway and the sky

their ground bravely,
g superiority of the
It of the fight was old
in pole with the vigor
boys, close to his side,
3hing blow, and, bow-
Shan rriscoll too, his
t friends and foes, and
id vengeful in the light

-arted lubbers !" cried
), once for all 1" His
jy 9, blow in the mouth
e fist. Ned's triumph,
tant, for Randal's polo
stunning effect — he tot-
! amongst his comrades.

Tlie Claddagh men seeing his fall cheered vocifer-
ously. The townsmen collected their energies for a
Htill fiercer attack, wlien a strange and unexpected
sight arrested all eyes. Through the deep arch of
the neighboring gateway rushed a whole troop of the
Claddagh women headed by Vara and Maureen
O'Hara. Breathless and excited they threw tliem-
selves into the midst of the fray, each one, as if by
instinct, finding out her own, and clinging to him —
father, brother, or husband as he might be — with
frantic gestures and cries of terror. Maureen alono
was calm and collected — no word escaped her lip,
though every feature of her pale face was quivering
with emotion. With one hand she embraced her
father round the neck, with the other she caught
Shan's up-lifted arm, and with her commanding voice
she silenced old Vara's shrill piercing scream.

" Not a word now, granny — not a word, for your
life and soul ! — father dear ! don't ! — don't strike ! —
don't for God's sake. Yeman astore, let that man
alone — don't you see it's only his left arnv ut's us-
ing ?— that's my own good Barney !" To htr younger
brother, " it's you that's always biddable. A!\ thtn,
Shan I would you — would you have the heart now ?
Oh ? for my sake— /or Maureen! s sake — lei, him go •'»

Even in the wild oyitementof the moment, amid
all the crashing storm of passion, Maureen's last
words reached DriscoU's heart, and the upraised arm
fell by his side. Not so his opponent who aimed a
heavy blow at his cheat. But Maureen's quick eye

MAUREEN DHIJ,

saw tbe danger, and grasping the pole which her
father still held she warded oflf the blow. " Shame
befal you, Galway man ! don't you see lie fights no
more 1"

These words, spoken aloud, aided perhaps by Mau-
reen's singular beauty, had the effect of pacifying
not only the young smith to whom they were ad-
dressed but as many of the combatants as they
reached, Maureen saw her advantage, and raisinsc
her voice she cried out :

"Men of the Claddagh ! is this tbe sport for St.
John's Day ? In the name of God and holy St.
Nicholas ! strike not another blow !"

" We'll do your bidding, Maureen I come M-hat
may !" And so they did, and the spell of Maureen'.s
presence extended even to the coal-porters and their
party, and not another blow did any of them strike.
The enthusiastic cheer that burst from the Claddagh
men was caught up by a Galway mob, and the name
of "Maureen Dhu " re-echoed along the quay till it
reached the old crones left to guard the village, and
they said to each other : " I knew she'd do it, thii
darling ! — God's blessing on her !"

Meantime the city police had gathered in full force,
and the shrill sound of the bugle announced the ap-
proach of a party of soldiers. The police as usual
made a great show of activity when their services
were no longer required. Dashing into the thick of
the throng, they collared one here, gave another a
shove there, and asked in a very authoritative tone.

h
n

the pole wliich her
r the blow, " Shame
you see lie fights no

ided perhaps by Mau-
le effect of pacifying
whom they were ad-
combatants as they
1 vantage, and raising

this tbe sport for St.
>f God and holy St.
low !"

laureen ! come what
the spell of Maureen's
coal-porters and their
d any of them strike.
3t from the Claddagh
y mob, and the name
along the quay till it
juard the village, and
knew she'd do it, the
ir !"

gathered in full force,
;le announced the ap-
The police as usual
y when their services
ling into the thick of
here, gave another a
ry authoritative tone.

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

what it was all about. Nobody seemed inclined to
answer, and the chief coristable, anxious to say or do
somethins:, casting his eves round with official scru-
tiny, saw Maureen in the attitude which we have
described, and on her he at once pounced.

" I say, young woman ; what are you about ?"

He spoke in English, and Maureen not understand-
ing him, looked puzzled.

" She is doing what you should have done, Cap-
tain ?" said a deep voice at his elbow, in the purest
of English, and the police officer, turning quickly,
met the cold, stern gaze of Mr. Fitzstephen. Both
gentlemen bowed, and the officer asked — ■

" What is that, pray ?"

"Making peace, sir I — she has done this night
what all the police in Galway County could not
have done. I think you had better draw off your
men, Captain !"

" Impossible, Mr.Fitzstephen— I must do my duty,

sir!"

" And what may it be ?— you carao just in time
to be too late."

"We must make some arrests'!"

" Nonsense, Captain Morton I— don't make a fool
of yourself ! 1 tell you the whole affair amounted
only to a scuffle — a wholesale round of boxing —
neither life nor limb Las been iiyured, I am pretty
certain, owing to the timely interference of this
pretty girl 1 — take my advice and draw off— here are
the soldiers — go forward and meet the commanding

MAUREEN DH1T,

officer, and tell him the storm has blown over— he
will give yon the credit of restoring order !"

"Well, Mr, Fitzstephen, you are a magistrate, and
if you are willing to take the responsibility on your-
self, 1 have nothing to say !"

He then advanced to meet the military, and after
a short consultation between him and the officer in
command, they agreed to draw up their respective
forces and remain stationary till the ground was
cleared, provided it was done without loss of time.
While this move was going forward, Fitzstephen
had been urging on the Claddagh men the propriety
of quitting the town immediately, justly fearing a
renewal of hostilities, so long as the belligerents re-
mained within Bight of each other. Several other
merchants of high standing in the city,— employers,
too, of the coal-porters, had by this time reached the
scene of action, and used all their influence to dis-
perse the mob. But that was, after all, no easy
matter, for neither party would be the first to go,
and there they stood exchanging looks and gestures
of defiance. Sundry individuals of both parties
were openly instigating their friends to a renewal
of the fight, and amongst these Vara Halliday made
herself most conspicuous. With her arms a-kimbo
she stood fiercely eyeing the rival faction,— now
once more banded together in a solid phalanx— and
many a scathing taunt did she hurt at them regard-
less of the presence of soldiers and police. In vain
did Maureen and even Randal seek to pacify her.

THE admiral's DAUOHTER.

tg blown over — he
ing order !"
■e a magistrate, and
lonsibility on your-

military, and after
a and the officer in
ip their respective
II the ground was
ithout loss of time,
irward, Fitzstephen
li men the propriety
sly, justly fearing a
the belligerents re-
ier. Several other
le city, — employers,
lis time reached the
sir influence to dis-
, after all, no easy
I be the first to go,
5 looks and gestures
»ls of both parties
friends to a renewal
^ara Halliday made
h her arms a-kimbo
rival faction, — now
, solid phalanx — and
hurl at them regard-
and police. In vain
1 seek to pacify her.

It was no use, she wanted to see the rascals getting
their due— they had been long working for it, and
the blood of poor Paul Kehoe cried out for ven-
geance on them.

" But, granny dear," whispered Maureen, " don't
you see the soldiers and the police there ready to
shoot down the first man that would raise a hand ?"

" To the d 1 1 pitch themselves and their guns.

I tell you, child, if there's a drop of the old blood
in the Claddagh boys this night, they'll pay them
that old debt they owe them! Randal— Randal
O'Hara ! what's come on you, at all, that you sing
dumb that way in presence of the scruflf of Galway
quays ? Shan DriscoU !— oh ! you shake your head, to
be sure, you're afraid of offending Maureen Dhu —
ah I it isn't your father that's in it, or a girl's coaxing
voice would go short way in keeping him quiet with
them before hun," pointing contemptuously to the
enemy's forces. " But I say, boys, where's Brien
Kineely ? For all ho seems so quiet, I'll go bail
he's a man, every inch of him, not all as one as some
that have more to say."

"Sure enough," cried Maureen, with sudden
energy, " I don't see Kineely. Father have you seen

him?"

" Not since a little after the fight began— the last
I saw of him, he was running after a big black-faced
fellow that gave Barney that broken nose."

Maureen waited to hear no more. Off she flew
with the speed of an antelope, and after her hastened

MAURKKN nms,

Shan and her brothers, fearful of some harm befall-
ing her. They found her standing over the insensi-
ble form of Brien, who had been knocked down, it
appeared, by the big coal-porter of whom Randal
spoke, and his comrades feared that he was done for,
as they had been trying in vain to restore him to
consciousness.

" Here, boys," said Maureen, in a voice that she
vainly tried to keep steady, " lift poor Brien, and
carry him home. Shan! won't you lend a hand?
It's likely he'll never cross you again !"

There was a touching sadness in her voice that
Shan did not like, and the blood rushed to his cheek,
then back again to his heart, and left nim pale as a
ghost. Still he willingly assisted Barney and
Yeman to raise his unconscious rival from the
ground, and aided by another of their friends, they
carried him to the front, Maureen walking by his
side and holding his hand within her own, while her
eyes were ri vetted on his death-like face. Just ac
tbev reached the head of the procession, which
Randal had again formed, Fitszfcephen bent down
and whispered some words in Maureen's ear, which
made her start and blush. She raised her eyes for a
moment to his face, then bent them quickly on the
still lifeless form before her.

» Never fear for him, Maureen," said Fitzstephen,
his eyes following hers, « I see the color is return-
ing to his face ; he will fioon be all right again,
with God's help. Remember what I told you," he

■ some harm befall-
ng over the insensi-
n knocked down, it
r of whom Randal
hat he was done for,
n to restore him to

in a voice that she
ift poor Brien, and
1 you lend a hand ?
again !"

38 in her voice that
rushed to his cheek,
id left nim pale as a
(sisted Barney and
JUS rival from the
f their friends, they
•een walking by his
n her own, while her
b-like face. Just ac
e procession, which
izfcephen bent down
Maureen's ear, which
raised her eyes for a
them quickly on the

n," said Fitzstephen,
I the color is return-
be all right again,
what I told you," he

THK ADMIIUl's DAPOHTER.

added, in a low voice. Maureen smiled and nodded
assent.

The coal-porters, seeing that the Claddagh men
were about to resume their march, seemed half in-
clined to attack them again, but Fitzstephen, observ-
ing their intention, called out that he was going at
once to read the Riot Act, at the same time making
a sign to Randal to march on.

Before the mob could make any attempt to pre-
vent the procession from moving on, the military,
by a sudden manoeuvre, got between them, and they
found themselves between the bristling bayonets of
the soldiers on one side, and the police on the other.
Great was their anger and their mortification when
they saw the fishermen moving off in good order
towards the gate and gradually disappearing be-
neath its gloomy arch.

" Never mind, Randal I we'll meet you again for
this !" cried one of the ringleaders, and all the oth-
ers raised a cheer of defiance.

" "When and where you like," returned the brave
old man, looking back over his shoulder as he passed
from the clear moonlight into the momentary dark-
ness of the gateway.

Lbng before they reached the village, Brien
Kineely was able to stand on his feet though still
requiring the support of Yeman and Barney. As
for Shan he dropped him •* like a hot potato," as old
Vara said, as soon as he found him beginning to
breathe again. Maureen, too, had removed herself
out of sight before Brien opened his eyes.

MAVREEN DBir,

CHAPTER III

Half an hour after and the Claddagb was a blaze
of light. At every crossing bonfires smoked aud»
crackled. The mud walla of the adjacent cottages,
even those undisguised by whitewash, wore a warm,
ruddy hue, and the small windows glowed in the
red firelight like sheets of burnished metal. And
there in their glory were the men and women cf the
Claddagh the former looking as blithe and cheerful
as though nothing had occurred to throw a damp
on their festivities. The materials for the bonfires
being all pre-arranged in burning order by the
granddaraes of the community, with the efficient aid
of younger grandsons and granddaughters, the men,
on their return from the city, had nothing to do but
readjust their gala costume, which, to sf.y the truth
— was in "most admirable disorder" — and efface
from their visages the sanguinary marks of the re-
cent conflict. In some cases this was easily done, in
others not so easy, owing to the unlucky appendage of
one, or perhaps two black eyes, a broken nose, or a vil-
lainous contusion which was certainly anything but
advantageous to the wearer's appearance. Happily
for these doughty champions their bruises were es-
teemed honorable on the occasion, and gave them
indisputable claims to the favor and good-will of
the pretty blushiig damsels who stood eyeing them

THE admiral's daughter.

addagb was a blaze
)ntire8 smoked and*
3 adjacent cottages,
twash, wore a warm,
lows glowed in the
lisbed metal. And
1 and women cf the
blithe and cheerful
d to throw a damp
ials for the bonfires
•ning order by the
with the efficient aid
Idaughters, the men,
id nothing to do but
ich, to 8f,y the truth
lorder" — and efface
ary marks of the ro-
is was easily done, in
inlucky appendage of
broken nose, or a vil"
rtaiuly anything but
ppearance. Happily
iheir bruises were es-
sion, and gave them
or and good-will of
lo stood eyeing them

askance from behind the capacious bulk of a father
or mother.

Conspicuous amongst all the maidens of the Clad-
dagh on that memorable Midsummer evening was
Maureen Dhu — her tall and most graceful form
wrapped in a thi^ shawl, she stood leaning on the
arm of her younger b other watching the quick com-
bustion of the large pile— much larger than the
others— placed in front of the Admiral's house. Mau-
reen was the queen of the sports that evening, as
much on eccount of her successful interference as
from special rights long conceded. And maybe
Randal More was not a proud man as he looked on
his beautiful daughter and heard the blessings
coupled with her name on every side. He was
standing in the old archway of his own dwelling,
eyeing Maureen with a proud and happy smile as
he saw her led out to open the dance by his favorite
Shan Driscoll. Suddenly a deep musical voice spoke
near him, and the old man turned with a start for
he knew it was none of the Claddagh men who
spoke. A dark and noble countenance was smiling
within the shaded doorway.

« It were hard to say, Randal More," said the
gentleman, addressing him in his own dialect:
" whether you are a prouder man at this moment
than when you marched at the head of the Claddagh
boys through Galway, clearing the way for the head
Sassenach from Dublin."

"It's a different thing altogether, sir," the old

f.&it^^liilkmi*^

4i HATJRKEN DHV,

man returned with a calm, self-satisfied smile ; " I
was proud of the Claddagh then, but it's of my
daughter I'm a-thinking now. And sure it's no won-
der, your honor, that my old heart swells up when I
look at her — where would you see her equals?"

" She has few equals, I must own," was the stran-
ger's reply, yet he smiled at the simple fervor with
which the old man spoke, while his own eyes invol-
untarily rested on the queen-like form of Maureen,
as it flitted around in the merry dance.

" But I was speaking of the day, Randal, when
you and your brave fellows formed a guard of honor
to the Lord Lieutenant."

" We did it twice, your honor, sir," interrupted
Randal, with a kindling eye — " the first time you
couldn't remember, for you were but a child — that
was when the other chief Sassenach came to pay the
old city a visit ; he was a brave old man, too, but
he wanted a leg — a boccagh, poor man ! he was, and
more the pity, for he spoke us all kind and fair, and
gave the Claddagh boys ten gold guineas to drink
his health."

" But you were not Mayor of the Claddagh,
then, Randal, for that is more than twenty years

ago."
" No, no, sir, Shan DriscoU's father was our head

tlien — may his soul rest in peace ! — I was younger

then than I am now, your honor, and I tell you

there wasn't a man in Gal way town would like to

Btand before me when my blood was up. Sure

6
I

a
t
a
t
i(
t

ti
h

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

satisfied smile; "I
en, but it's of my
^nd sure it's no won-
rt swells up when I
ee her equals ?"
iwn," was the stran-
simple fervor with
his own eyes invol-
:e form of Maureen,
dance.

I day, Randal, when
Led a guard ox^ honor

lor, sir," interrupted
■" the first time you
e but a child — that
lach came to pay the
e old man, too, but
or man ! he was, and
,11 kind and fair, and
lid guineas to drink

r of the Claddagh,
than twenty years

father was our head
ce 1 — I was younger
nor, and I tell you
' town would like to
lood was up. Sure

enough we were all well -pleased with them two
Sassenach lords — and a hearty welcome we did give
them.* But isn't it the great honor you're paying
us, yourself, Mr. Fitzstophcn V"

" Not at all, liandal, not at all ; I just came to have
a peep at the dancing — I was curious, in fact, to see
how the boys would foot it after all the hard knocks
they gave and took awhile ago."

" Maybe your honor wouldn't be above trying
lur hand at a jig or something of that kind ?"
Fitzstephen laughed. " My feet you mean. Ran'
dal."

" Oh I to be sure, sir, to be sure, but you know
what I mean — we poor fishermen can't put our words
together like you quality. But will you take a step,
sir? — just to have it said that you danced round a
bonfire in the Claddagh."

" Excuse me, Randal I I merely came to look en
as I said," and Fitzstephen drew farther back into
the shade; "I would cut but a sorry figure,! fear,
amongst such dancers as that !" pointing as he spoke
to Shan DriscoU, who was cutting all sorts of com-
ical capers and showing off his well-formed legs to
the great admiration of those friends and neighbors
who were not figuring in the dance. Shan was evi-
dently one of the happiest of mortals. His eyes
glowed with the pleasurable excitement of the

*LotA Anglesea, and, at a later period, Lord Normanby, made a
tour of the principal cities for purposes of conciliation, and on
botli occasions, tlio Viceroy was escorted tlirougli Qalway city by
the Cluddagli ttshermea, wlio uiarolied before tbem as a guard ol
honor.

a^ti'trth'^^'^'^"^ -''■'■

MAtJREKH DHC,

moment, and the triumpb of having Maureen for a
partner. As for Maureen hei-«elf, no one cou d
judge what her feelings were. Calm and eelf-
poBsessedas usual, there was neither joy nor any
other strong feeling visible on her features, and she
.moved through the dance, lightly and gracefully,
but rather too quietly to please her partner who, as
he led her out through the opening circle of lookers-
on, could not refrain from saying in a tone of vexa-

^'**«°rm afraid, Maureen, there's some meaning in
your always asking for the ♦ The Bouchaleen Bui
I wish some of us could turn our hair yellow, and
put the red and white on our faces like some we
know. More's the pity they can't stand their ground
like men, for all they are « the Bouchaleen Bm.
Hasn't them raps of coal-heaver9 the hard hearts all
out to go spoil such ha, dsome faces with their big
fists, and make the girls ^o down-hearted !

«« For shame, Shan Drl.coll I" Maureen quickly an-
swered, and the flashing glance which accompanied
the words was a far more cutting rebuke.

"Well, Maureen, don't be angry with me, said

Shan,in a deprecating tone, and he blushed so deeply

. that even through the bronzed hue of his cheek the

warm blood was visible-" don't be angry, and I U

say nothing to offend you."

"I'm not angry-not a bit angry, Shan I for 1
know what you sny isn't from your heart-but don t
make little of Brien Kineoly even in words, for you

b
a

d
o
h

w
n
w
fc
n
E
It
d<

THE ADUIRAL's DAnOHTKR.

f'mg Maureen for a
reelf, no one could
5. Calm and eelf-
leither joy nor any
tier features, and she
fitly and gracefully,
her partner, who, as
ling circle of lookers-
ig in a tone of vexa-

I'a some meaning in
rbe Bouchaleen Bui.'
our hair yellow, and
r faces like some we
n't stand their ground
he Bouchaleen Bui.'
3rs the hard hearts all
I faces with their big
?n-hearted 1"
" Maureen quickly an-
!e which accompanied
ing rebuke,
mgry with me," said
d he blushed so deeply
I hue of his cheek the
n't be angry, and I'll

it angry, Shan I for I
your heart— but don't
3ven in words, for you

only make little of yourself when yon do it. You
know him, and / know him, Shan I and it doesn't
become you to run him down, especially when his
back is turned."

" Who is this Kineely ?" inquired Fitzstepben of
Randal who inHisted on remaining by his side.

" Why then, indeed, your honor, he's one of the
finest fellows about the Claddagh, for all he got the
worst of it in the town within."

" Oh I" said Fitzstephen slowly, " it was be that

bit the dust before the huge Vulcan " he stopped

and cast his eyes moodily on ti>e ground.

" What did you say, sir ?"

"Nothing of any consequence, Kandal. But in-
deed I cannot allow you to remain liere longer. See
old Vara beckons you to go yonder — she seems to
have some business on hands."

" I'll warrant she has, sir, for she couldn't live
without it. Well, I suppose i nmst go and see
what she wants, but I'll be back in no time, your
honor."

OIF he went at a swinging pace, the crowd making
way for him as he passed. He was about to ask his
mother-in-law, in no very gentle terms what she
wanted him for, but the words were never spoken,
for Vara was bending down over an ag«<d crone —
more aged than herself, and feeble too — whom Brien
Kineely was endeavoring to seat on a large stone.
It was Brion's grandmother whom he had carried
down to see the sport. Randal, thinking his assist-

^;a.-h«f:.;v>v^^.

MA1TRXr.!f DHU,

RTice was required, owing to Brion's rccont mishap,
took hold of the old woman as tenderly ns one
would an infant, and turned her bo as to lace the
bonfire, but Vara whispered in his car: "It wasn t
for that I wanted you-send Yeman or Barney to
' the house for a chair, and we'll make More as com-
fortable as heart can wish-but listen here, Randal !
—there's some Sassenach red-coats commg up there
after our Maureen-keep an eye on them.Kandal !—
that's my bidding r* . u i

Randal waited to hear no more. Hnrrymg back
to where he had seen Maureen, great was ms sur-
prise to find her dancing with no less a person than
Mr. Fitzstephen, whom he had left so quietly stand-
ing in the porch but a few minutes before. Fore-
most in the group of lookers-on he also observed
some three or four officers, their handsome undress
uniform and soldierly bearing cleariy revealed by
the red glare from the crackling blaze. At the first
Klance Randal did not perceive the strong emotion
depicted on the face of Fitzstephen, or the angry
frown on thehaughty brow of a tall, distinguished-
looking officer who stood with folded arms watching
the dance. Near this gentleman, but rather behind
him, was Shan Driscoll,hi8 face as red as the bon-
fire blaze, and his dark eye flashing from under his
closely-knitted brows with a look of sullen displea-

«« What's this— what's this ?" whispered Randal at
his aide.

■Mim

iss^^m.

on'a recent mishap,
,8 tenderly ns one
• 80 as to face the
his car: "It wasn't
iraan or Barney to
make More as cora-
Hsten here, Randal !
ftts coming up there
onthem.Kandal! —

ire. TInrrying back
, great was his sur-
lo less a person than
left BO quietly stand-
QUtcB before. Fore-
jn ho also observed
ir handsome undress

clearly revealed by
r blaze. At the first

the strong emotion
ephcn, or the angry
a tall, distinguished-
folded arms watching
an, but rather behind
ce as red as the bon-
shing from under his
)ok of sullen displea-

whispered Randal at

THE •J>MIRAL'fl DAUOHTBR.

•* Ay I what is it ?" the young man returned with
bitter emphaeis, and raising his voice so high that
Randal nudged liira with his elbow; "I suppose
there will bo no standing Maureen now !"

" But what is it all about, I ask you again ?"

" Why, don't you see these Sassenachs here that
came out on Maureen's account, to bo sure ? This
tall fellow licre," pointing with his thumb over his
shoulder to the person indicated, " made up to Mau-
reen there a minute ago and asked her to dance
with him— she was just stepping out, when who
should dart from your own porch but Mr. Fitz-
Stephen, and right between them he went aud took
Maureen's hand from the officer and led her out in
spite of his teeth. They'll set her mad before all's
over," he muttered through his teeth, " and she was
bad enough before !"

Whatever Randal's thoughts might have been, he
kept them to himself, but he took good care to re-
main near his daughter as long as the strangers w'ere
present. It might be that his paternal pride was
gratified by the admiration which Maureen attract-
ed, and that, too, from persons so far above her in
station, but if so there was not a trace of either
triumph or satisfaction visible on his swarthy face.
On the contrary he looked darker and sterner than
usual, and drew back behind the crowd as if anx-
ions to shun observation.

It was hard to say what was passing in Maureen's
mind as she flitted through the merry reel with her

>hi:i-hsm,i^if'V'W(sm:^;-^im'i-.-.^'tei,!!'

MADREEN DHU,

Stately partner. At all times calm and collected,
with a mien as high and noble as though she had
" dwelt " all her life " in marble halls," she showed no
more emotion or excitement on that occasion than if
Brien Kineely or Shan Driscoll had been her partner.
Fitzstephen, on the contrary, was much more ani-
mated than usual, and the glance, half-humorous,
half-exulting, which he cast on the discomfited
soldier from time to time, clearly showed that, he
considered his position an enviable one.

When the dance was ended, Fitzstephen, with a
courtly bow, led his partner to a seat on a neighbor-
ing bench, and took his station by her side. Imme-
diately the officer advanced with a doubtful smile
on his mustached lip, and glancing at Fitzstephen
with a mocking air, said to Maureen :

«« Will the Admiral's daughter now favor me ?—
or rather will this gentleman allow her ?" Maureen
looked at him and smiled, but made no answer for a
very good reason. He had spoken in English of
which language she hardly understood a word.

" What does he say ?" she asked of Fitzstephen,
and looking up she was surprised to see his face
glowing and his kindling eye fixed on the officer.

" He wants you to dance with him," he said, " and,
of course, you may if you wish, but I would '•ather
you did not."

"And why not, sir?" said the girl rising and
giving her hand to the other with rather a pleased
expi ession of countenance. It was very natural that

THE ADUIRAL's daughter.

Im and collected,
3 though she bad
lis," she showed no
it occasion than if
i been her partner,
s much more ani-
ce, half-humorous,
. the discomfited
y showed that, he
ie one.

'itzstephen, with a
3eat on a neighbor-
Y her side. Irame-
h a doubtful smile
ling at Fitzstephen
een:

• now favor me ?—
iw her ?" Maureen
ade no answer for a
)ken in English of
rstood a word,
sed of Fitzstephen,
jed to see his face
ed on the officer,
lim," he said, " and,
but I would '•ather

Lhe girl rising and
ith rather a pleased
ras very natural that

Maureen's girlish vanity should be gratified by the
visible admiration of the brilliant strangers who
had come to the Claddagh solely on her account.
It was also very natural, and by no ways surprising,
that Shan DriscoU should look on the officers with
a jealous eye. and watch their motions with distrust ;
it was not more stran; j that he should, in despera-
tion, make up to pretty Nora Shanahan and take
her out to dance, to her evident satisfaction, but it
was strange, and passing strange that he should
hasten to where Brien Kineely sat by the side of
his aged parent, and whisper in his ear that some-
thing must be done to get rid of the Sassenachs.

" Why so, Shan ?" asked Brien, in some surprise,
"what harm are they doing us? — we have often had
gentlemen out at the bonfires before now, and if
they come to see the sport, why there let them I"

"Fool!" muttered Shan, between his teeth, "I
tell you, Brien! it's after Maureen O'Hara they
came now. Her name is gone far and near through
the city for what happened to-night, and they came
to have a look at her, mid more than that, too, Brien,
if we let them 1 — there's Fitzstephen, too — up, up,
man! up, I tell you, and let us see if we can't
make the place too hot for them ! — my soul to glory 1
but there's the two Sassenachs out now with Nell
Burke and Brid O'Connor !"

" Granny I" said Brien, in a flurried, tremulous
voice, speaking loud enough to make the deaf old
woman hear, " Granny ! I'll leave you for a little

IS;

^rjiaisimmmmsm

HAUREGM OHC,

Start, but you'll not be lonesome— there's plenty of
the neighbors round you."

"To bo Bure, astoref to be sure there is— go and
have a dance, achorra, and if you'd just clear them
out of the way till I get a sight of you and Mau-
reen !"

"Ha! ha I" said Shan with a bitter laugh— « Mau-
reen has other fish in the pan at the present time —
look, now, Brien ! can your blood bear that, cool as
it is?"

A movement in the crowd round the fire had just
disclosed Maureen and her late partner standing
side by side ; the officer had just bent his head to
whisper some words of admiration, and as he did
60 he gently encircled the taper waist of Maureen
with his arm. This was too much for even Brien to
bear, and his anger once roused he thought of noth-
ing but chastising what he considered the presump-
tion of these haughty strangers. So with clenched
fist lie was about to rush on the officer without even
looking at Shan, when the upraised arm of each was
arrested by a sudden movement on the part of Mau-
reen. Drawing herself quickly from the officer's
encirclin;; arm, she dai-ted to the opposite side of
the fire where her father stood by the side of Fitz-
Btephen, and pointing to her late partner, she said
aloud with startling energy :

« Take that man away !" At the same moment
Brid O'Connor saluted her military cavalier with a
back slap so well aimed that his nose spouted blood,

— there's plenty of

e there is — go and
I'd just clear them
t of you and Mau-

itter laagh— " Mau-
the present time —
d bear that, cool as

ad the fire had just
5 partner standing
It bent his head to
ion, and as he did
' waist of Maureen
3h for even Brien to
le thought of noth-
dered the presump-
So with clenched
officer without even
Jed arm of each was
on the part of Mau-
' from the officer's
he opposite side of
by the side of Fitz-
be partner, she said

; the same moment
;ary cavalier with a
nose spouted blood,

THE admiral's daughter. (W

and Nell Burke was seen to give the third officer
such a vigorous box in the ear that it made him
reel. A loud laugh arose from the bystanders, who
well understood that the strangers had been making
more free than was welcome, and, before the laugh
was over, Shan Driscoll and Brien Kineely, seizing
the tall officer on either side, walked him off the
ground, half-a-dozen other young men doing as
much for his comrades.

" That's right boys!" Randal shouted after them,
" See them safe out of the village — cool and quiet,
ladsl — show them your manners now !"

At first the gentlemen struggled a little, and
seemed disposed to resist, but they soon gave up
the attempt, finding their arms as closely pinioned
to their sides as though they were trussed and
skewered in poultry fashion. The iron grasp of the
Claddagh boys was not to be shaken off, and their
stem looks were anything but v.ncouraging for con-
versation, so off they all three marched in silence,
propelled rather faster than they could have wished
by their very uncourteous escort, and greeted by the
derisive shouts of men, women and children. Man y a
gratuitous admonition met their ears as they passed,
spoken in such English as the Claddagh women had
acquired in the sale of their fish. High over all, at the
very top of the gamut, were the shrill tones of Vara
Ilalliday, and her voice was the last distinguishable
sound that reached their ears. Her words, as may
be imagined, were anything but complimentary.

UAURISCN DRO,

" Good for you, you vagabonds !" said the gentle
matron, who had followed them to the very end
of the village ; " and may'be you'll know better
from thifl out how to take a dance with a dacent
girl. The Claddagh's the place to teach manners
to the likes of you. There isn't a boy in it, you
hosthoons, but can show you the way to conduct
yourselves dacently. Mind and never show your
hairy faces here again or the women of ua will give
you a dip, depend upon it, let alone the men !"

A scornful smile was the only answer to this anu
many other such delicate hints, and the military
gentlemen thought proper to maintain a dignified
silence till, having reached the outside of the gate
leading into town, they were released and severally
thrust into the archway. Their common impulse
was to call loudly for the police, but with a mock-
ing laugh and a contemptuous snap of the fingers,
the Claddagh boys took at once to their heels, and
were already far on their homeward road before the
guardians of the night reached the spot. Panting
and breathless they rushed from all directions to
the number of some six or eight, and such rattling
was never heard before or since in Galway city. In
their haste they ran against each other, and were
much surprised— I will not say disappointed— to
find that the noise was all of their own making.
The officers, feeling their position rather an awkward
one, and having no mind to provoke investigation
into the adventures of the evening, had prudently

1 !" said the gentle

to the very end
ou'll know better
nee with a dacent
to teach manners

a boy in it, you
e way to conduct

never show your
len of U9 will give
le the men !"
inswer to this ana
, and the military
aintain a dignified
utside of the gate
lased and severally
r common impulse
, but with a mock-
nap of the fingers,
to their heels, and
arc! road before the
;he spot. Panting
I all directions to
, and such rattling
n Gal way city. In
oh other, and were
y disappointed — to

their own making.
I rather an awkward
ovoke investigation
ling, had prudently

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

betaken themselves to the shelter of a deep arch-
way near the scene of action, so that the constables
were left in undisturbed possession of the field.
After exchanging a hearty laugh they quietly re-
turned to their respective " boats," well pleased to
find (if truth must be told), that the CladJagh men
were not within reach of their batons.

Taking advantage of the slight commotion which
followed the expulsion of the officers, Fitzstephen
drew Maureen into the porch at her father's door,
and then, looking steadfastly in her face, he said,
still holding her hand in both his :

" Maureen, you should not have danced with that
stranger."

"Perhaps not, Mr. Fitzstephen — nor with you
neither 1"

" And why not with me ?"

" For the same reason, sir, that you're 6ot/i stran-
gers to UB — rd be long on the floor with the wildest
boy in the Claddagh before he'd make so free as that
Sassenach did. It serves me right anyhow ! Did
you want to speak to me, sir, that you brought me
in here?"

"Maureen! Maureen!" said Fitzstephen, in a re-
proachful tone, "whyAvill you say so to me? 1
thought there was no one in the Claddagh that would
speak of me as a stranger — miich less youP''

A scornful laugh was Maureen's answer. Fitz-
stephen was nettled at her disdainful bearing, and
he said in a dry, caustic way; "Perhaps I had

rHiiifliii

HAUREEH DHU,

better say nothing of the business that brought me

here !"

" Oh 1 tlien you came on business, — did you, sir?"
" Certainly,— what else would have brought me ?
—but I see you are impatient to leave me and my
business can wait !"

The girl suddenly raised her eyes to Fitzstephen's
face, and sought, as well as the dim I'ght would
permit, to read its expression. Apparently but half
satisfied, she shook her head and muttered : " It
can'tbe helped"— "go on, sir," she quic'dy added,
" what can you have to say to Manreen O'liara?"

" Maureen," said the gentleman, again taking her
hand, "I know you have the Claddagh at com-
mand."

A smile and a blush betrayed Maureen's conscious-
ness, and she again looked up with an inquiring
glance but said nothing.

"Randal More is Admiral of the Claddagh," went
on Fitzstephen, "but Maureen Dhu is queen— and
more too !" He paused, hesitated, looked out at the
bonfires and the dancers, and at last preferred his
request, in a low but distinct whisper.

Maureen instantly withdrew her hand which he
had taken, and at the same moment a discordant
laugh broke from the open doorway, and old Vara
stepped out into the porch. She evidently enjoyed
the surprise of the pair, and peered into the face of
each from under her kerchief with a keen and some-
what humorous glance.

i tliat brought me

!89,— did you, sir?"
have brought me ?
i leave me and my

res to Fitzstephen's
e dim I'ght would
Apparently but half
nd muttered : " It
she quic'cty added,
:aureen O'liara?"
,n, agiin taking her
Claddagh at com-

laureen's conscious-
•\vith an inquiring

he Claddagh," went
Dhu is queen — and
d, looked out at the
it last preferred his
lisper.

her hand which he
loment a discordant
rway, and old Vara
evidently enjoyed
jred into the face of
th a keen and some-

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

" I wish I'd catch her at it— that's all !" said she,
with a significant nod; "queen and alias she is,
she'd find herself in shallow water, I can tell you."

Maureen betrayed no confusion, and Fitzstephen,
though at first somewhat embarrassed, quickly re-
gained his composure. He affected to treat the
whole as a jest, alleging that Vara had mistaken
his words. This stirred up her ire, already at boil-
ing heat, and she fixed her piercing eye on the mer-
chant with an expression that boded him no good,
at the same time pushing Maureen out into the light
and telling her to go about uer business. To dis-
obey Vara was a thing not to be thought of, and the
girl mechanically did her bidding, though her mind
was evidently intent on what Fitzstephen had been
saying. As she left the door, she said to him, in a
voice loud enough for her graadmother to hear :

" It may be as well that she overheard what you
said, sir! she'll give you an answer, just the same
as I would myself."

" Now, master," said the old woman, looking after
her granddaughter with evident satisfaction, " you
see yourself that Maureen O'Harais a true chip of
the old block — if you thought to come round her in
any way, sir," and she raised her voice and darted a
searching glance at him from under her heavy
brows, *' you'll find yourself out in your reckoning.
Go home now, my master, and remember Vara
HalUday has her eye on you. Strangers are never
welcome in the Claddagh — especially when they

IIADREEK DHn,

blink on our girls. Off with you, I say again "bcforo
any of the boys gets wind of your rnderlvand work
vith Maureeu-be sure you couldn't hoodwink

' Fitzstephen tried to expostulate. He begged of
Vara to hear what he had intended only for Mau-
reen's ear, but the old woman was deaf to all he
could say, and, notwithstanding his vexation he
was amused by her obduracy and could not help

^"'" We'll really 1" he said to himself, "it is rather
funny to 'see me placed before such a tribunal as
thi8-ii' it was Maureen now, even denial from her
would be half a pleasure, but old Vara-faughl
and thereupon he stepped out on the street with the
intention of returning home. Before Vara followed
him she went into the house, and, groping around
in the dark, managed to light a fire on the hearth,
which soon gave her light enough-over it she hung
an 5ron pot filled with potatoes, muttering to her-
self as she did so : " Let the fun run evei- so high I
suppose they'll want their supper. Well, now I 1
don't know what to make of that FiU9tephen--I
think he wouldn't tell a lie-and besides didnt I
hear him myself when he didn't think I heard him?
-still it's strange that he'd talk to Maureen about
such things-instead of her father or me, or any-
body else. She's the queer child, anyhow, and has
ways like nobody else. It may be that that brought
Fitzstephen because we know he's in the line, but

THE ADUIRAlV DAUOHTER.

I say again, before
r iniderhand work
iouldn't hoodwink

te. He begged of
ided only for Mau-
was deaf to all he
ig his vexation, he
ind could not help

imself, " it is rather
such a tribunal as
ven denial from her
old Vara— faugh!"
r\ the street with the
;efore "Vara followed
id, groping around
I, fire on the hearth,
r\i — over it she hung
s, muttering to her-
1 run ever so high, I
pper. Well, now! I
that Fitzstephen — I
ind besides didn't I
t think I heard him?
Ik to Maureen about
ither or me, or any-
ild, anyhow, and has
be that that brought
he's in the line, but

the Sassenach red-coats— ha ! ha ! sure there^re not
in the herring trade, anyhow !— ah ! weary on you,
Maureen Dhu! I'm afeared it all comes of them
thieving eyes of yours !— Well ! the supper's on the
way now, and I'll just take a run out again and see
what'3 going on— I'll be back before the potatoes
are boiled. Randal and the boys will be as hungry*
as sharks." Giving a glance around then to see that
all was right — the well-scoured noggins ranged on
the table, full of milk, and the wicker basket in readi-
ness over a tub to receive the potatoes when " teem-
ed," Vara closed the door and went out to have
another look at the sport which was still going on
with unabated briskness. The bonfires through the
village had all been renewed ; round each one the
young men and maidens were merrily dancing with
light hearts and lighter heels. The sound of pipes
and fiddles made young and old rejoice. Even
More Kiueely and two other ancient dames of her
own age who had joined company with her, were
cheerily chatting away of the days when thei/ were
young, and of Midsummer Days long, long past.
Vara was not slow in discovering this venerable trio,
and amongst them she quickly took her place.

" Vara !" said one of the old women, " what do
you think of the gentle-folk that were here awhile-
ago? They say it was after your Maureen they

came !"

"No matter who they came after, Polly! they
have no business here 1" and Vara shook her head

liiwjiliTii ii il i nUilitmiiiifM

MAURKKN DHC,

With much solemnity; "the shadow of the Btranger
never brought luck with it to the Claddagh!

"That's just what I say myself;" savd Aileen
Rhua, a lively little old woman with keen restless
grey eyes, "strange birds bring storm with them.
Do you mind the night poor Catto Sheehan was
taken away by the good people*-faxr may they
come, and fair may they go. and their heels to
u8?-wasn't there a great stir in the place on ac-
count of the foreign vessel that was wrecked in the
Bay, and our boys ventured out and saved six or

fiirrht of the sailors ?

All the old women remembered the fatal occur-
rence but too well, for the young mother who died
on that night had been, in her day. the beauty o
the village! and her sudden death cast a gloom over
the whole Community, by whom it was ascribed to
fairy agency, as such deaths often were m those good

''i TTafwlTkismal night 1" sighed Polly, " such
a storm was never seen since in Galway Bay. The
poor fellows that went out to save the strangers
were more dead than alive when they got back to
Bhore, and lost their boat-besides it was my own
faSs, and the best about the Claddagh-but sure
we didn't grudge it, when they got back with their
JveB, and'aved so many others. Ochonel it was

* The nBual name given ^o the faW^.^'^.eTBup^^^^^^^^
ejStion as that given above.

u P»! k^aj j *w>^iiiMJfcSMhl

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

low of the stranger

Claddagh '."
self;" said Aileen
■with keen, restless

Btorm with them.
Datto Sheehan was
le*— fair may they
find their heels to
n the place, on ac-
was wrecked in the
It and saved six or

red the fatal occur-
ig mother who died
day, the beauty oi
,h cast a gloom over
I it was ascribed to
n were in those good

Bighed Polly, " such
1 Gal way Bay. The

save the strangers
len they got back to
(ides it was my own

Claddagh— but sure
r got back with their
srs. Ochonel it was

s In many parts of Ireland,
ihese (supposed) powerful
,y Bome Bttch deprecatory

God's good deed, lor all tamed out to be good
Catholics from old Spain ; one of them was very
rich, too, the others said !"

" But that's true, Vara dear !" said Polly eagerly,
" what became of the beautiful little cross the strange
gentleman gave you at his off-going, when your
father wouldn't take any payment from him."

" T h&\^ it still — at least Maureen has it — there's
relics in it, you know ; so as young people are more
open to danger and temptation, I just gave it to the
little girl — but what's in the wind now ? — My soul
to happiness I but there's Shan and Brien at it hard
and fast — oh 1 that girl again ! wirra atruaf but it's
hot water we're in with her !" And away she ran ui
the direction of the noise, with the lightness and
speed of five-and-twenty.

" What did she say about Brien ?" cried old More
Kineely, rising from her seat with the help of
Aileen's arm — " I thought she named him ?"

"Oh! it's nothing. More, nothing," said her
friend soothingly, "only a little difference between
him and Shan DriscoU."

A trembling seized on the attenuated frame of the
aged parent, and she vainly tried for some moments
to get out a word. Grasping the frail arm that
supported her, she extended her hand towards the
crowd which had now collected around the com-
batants, and tried to move in that direction. In
vain did the two old women seek to pacify her by
assurances that there was no danger, and that all

l'||l i l i iifTOi'"f ' "'*''— " ■I"""'"" "" I " "" '

OS MAORSKN DHU,

was over now. The more they tried to replace her
on lier seat, the more violently did she struggle
against them, and, at last, with a strength borrowed
from desperation, she broke from theii" grasp, and
was tottt'ring off alone, when they, seeing her re-
solved on going, hastened after her, and taking her
on either side, made the best of their way towards
where the scufflfc was going on. The dense crowd
opened directly at the first sight of old More, and
there sure enough were Brien and Shan with their
jackets off, the former struggling to shake off the
sinewy grasp of Vara, while Yeman and another
young man endeavored to hold back the other.
The brow of each was black as midnight, but neither
uttered a word; the very intensity of their passion
choked their utterance. Brien having the weaker
force to contend with succeeded at length in ex-
tricating himself, and with aery of exultation sprang
on Shan, but at the instant his grandmother's voice
uttered his name in tones of piteous entreaty, and
her feeble arms were thrown around his neck, while
her palsy-shaken head sank helplessly on his shouL
der. Unluckily, it was just at that moment that
Shan, doubly enraged by being so long kept back,
and putting forth all his great strength, managed to
fling back Yeman's arm, and in his blind fury
overlooking the presence of More, aimed a heavy
blow at Brien with his clenched fist. A loud cry
burst from the lookers-on; a shriek from Brien
Kiueely, a low, deep groan from the old woman, hei

THE ADMIBAl/a DACOHTKR.

ried to replace her

did she struggle
strength borrowed
1 their grasp, and
ey, seeing her re-
er, and taking her
their way towards

The dense crowd
, of old More, and
id Shan with their
g to shake off the
tsman and another
I back the other,
id night, but neither
ity of their passi on

having the weaker
d at length in ex-
jf exultation sprang
randmother's voice
;eou8 entreaty, and
and his neck, while
plessly on his shoul*
t that moment that

BO long ki'pt back,
rength, managed to

in his blind fury
ore, aimed a heavy
i fist. A loud cry

shriek from Brien
I the old woman, hei

head all at once ceased to shake, and she lay motion-
less in her grandson's arms.

•' Mother of God 1 ho has killed her !" cried Brien
in a tone of piercing anguish ; " Ah ! you villain, I
knew it was in you !"

" Brinsr her to the air!" cried some of the women,
and a passage was instantly opened. Shan, now
trembling like an aspen, and pale as death, rushed
forward to assist Brien, but the latter pushed him
roughly away, telling him all he could do now was
to keep out of his sight— and ask God's pardon for
his sin—" and och ! och !" he added, " amn't I as
much to blame as he is I— oh ! Maureen ! Maureen !
look at poor granny !"

Maureen had just then made her way into the
crowd, and the sight of her brought a torrent of
tears from the young man's eyes. Without waiting
to ask a question, the girl bent down over the pros-
trate body of the old woman, and laid her hand on
her heart, then threw back her cap, and placed her
ear close to her mouth, Brien watching her with
agonizing Interest. With a heavy sigh Maureen
arose and motioned to those around that there was
no breath in the body. Aileen and Polly followed
her example with the same success, and Brien, see-
ing from the expression of their faces that there was
no hope, said to Yeman and Barney O'Hara in a
thrilling whisper : " Help me, boys, to carry her
home— oh 1 Shan! Shanl what have you done?"
"Brieu Klneely," said Shan, who was now on hia

-uitiaWiWiiMilWiilTflllii-ii-

ifc

MACRGBK DHtT,

knees beside the body, " as I have God to face, I
didn't mean that blow for /wr."

" I know you didn't, Shan ! but what's the differ-
ence to me ? Can you give me back my motlier —
for more than a mother she was to me ?"

"Brien, Brienl you'll set me mad," and Shan
jumped wildly from the ground ; " I tell you I'd give
my own life over and over to give her back to you,
but Where's the use — the deed is done and can't be
helped — oh ! God forgive me !"

Just as the body was raised by the young men,
Maureen and Vara holding a hand on either side,
Randal bustled in, accompained by Mr. Fitzstephen,
who had returned some distance on hearing the
tumult. Various altercations were by this time
going on amongst the men, some taking sides with
Brien, some with Shan, and Mr. Fitzstephen had
tried in vain the exercise of his magisterial power.
The Claddaghmen only laughed at his assumption
of authority, and matters were every moment get-
tiu"' worse, especially when More's death became
known. Just when Fitzstephen was beginning to
think that his own personal safety required a hasty
retreat, he met Randal running at full speed to the
fatal spot.

" As a magistrate I will accompany you, Randal !"
Fitzstephen said.

••Magistrate! — nonsense— begging your honor's
pardon— I'm the only magistrate here. Boys,"
raising his stentoiian voice to its highest pitch,

ive God to face, I

t what's the differ-
back my motlier —
;o me ?"

3 mad," and Shan

" I tell you I'd give

re her back to yon,

done aad can't be

)y the young men,
ind on either eide,
Dy Mr. Fitzstephen,
ice on hearing the
were by this time
i taking sides with
[r. Fitzstephen had
magisterial power.
d at his assumption
every moment get-
ore's death became
n was beginning to
5ty required a hasty
at full speed to the

ipany you, Randal !"

gging your honor's
trate here. Boys,"
) its highest pitch,

THE admiral's DAtJGHTKR.

« boys 1 no more of this— let no one strike a blow.
Brien Kineely and Shan DriscoU ! you will meet at
my house to-morrow at the hour of noon. Till then
—keep the peace in God's name !" Silence immedi-
ately prevailed. " Go two or three of you, boys,"
said Randal again, "and leave Mr. Fitzstephen at
the city-gates. Leave us, sir— you can do no good
here— it will take myself to manage this !"

"Weren't my words true, astore?" demanded
Aileen of her ancient friend as they followed the
mournful procession that was moving towards
Kineely's house. " See what the strangers brought
to us this time !"

"Oh! Blessed Mother! but you spoke the black
and sorrowful truth, Aileen !— I suppose it's what
we'll be washing poor More and laying her out be-
fore the night's much older."

But whatever strange notion had got into Vara'a
head, she would not suffer a living soul to remain in
the house with the corpse but herself, Maureen and
Brien. "Go home every mother's soul of you,"
said she, speaking from the door to the anxiously
expecting multitude, " Maureen and me can do all
that's to be done the night, and you'll have time
enough after to wake her decently. Leave the poor
boy this one night to cry her as he'd wish. Randal,
my man 1 be off home and teem the potatoes as fast
as you can— I'm sure they're not worth teeming by
this. Get the boys in at once— do you hear ?— the
sooner every body's in their bed it will be all the

MAUREEN DEC,

better, for the night is wearing late. And Randal !
— Bee to that unfortunate boy Shan DriscoU — but I
see his mother has got round him — there she's taking
him home. God help him this night, for he's more
ofa pity than even this poor fellow here!" laying
her hand tenderly on the young man's arm.

There was much grumbling and dissatisfaction on
the part of the crowd, but Vara's tone was so
authoritative, and the fear of her tongue was so de :.p-
ly impressed on the minds of all, that no one dared
openly protest against her monopoly of the last
duties to the dead. Even Randal, arbitrary as his
own power usually was, did not, at least on this oc-
casion, show any inclination to dispute the supre-
macy with his sturdy mother-in-law, but, on the
contrary, was himself the first to do her bidding.

So the crowd at last dispersed, the bonfires died
neglected through the so lately joyous streets, and
two houses, at least, were lefl to loneliness and sor-
Shame and remorse were gnawing the heart

row.

of Shan DriscoU, and only that one or two of the
neighbors insisted on remaining with him and his
mother, their night would have been still more
dreary than that of the three lonely watchers who
spent the long night-b.ours by the bed of death.

ai^^i^

ate. And Randal !
an Driscoll — but I
—there she's taking
ight, for he's more
iUow here !" laying
man's arm.
id dissatisfaction on
ara's tone was so
tongue was so de.p-
., that no one dared
mopoly of the last
lal, arbitrary as his
, at least on this oc-
dispute the supre-
In-law, but, on the
t do her bidding.
I, the bonfires died
joyous streets, and
> loneliness and sor-
) gnawing the heart
, one or two of the
I with him and his
ve been still more
)nely watchers who
le bed of death.

mmr-

THK admiral's DACOHTER.

CHAPTER IV.

Next morning about nine o'clock the Mayor of
the Claddagh was seated on a three-legged stool in
the porch of his own dwelling. Behind him stood
his two sons, leaning against the respective posts of
the inner door. The space in front of the house was
filled with a dense crowd of the men and wniT>3n of
the Claddagh, while on the steep roofs and pointed
gables of the adjoining houses were perched the
gaping urchins of the village, looking down from
their giddy height with as much coolness and self-
possession as though they were born monkeys.

At first all was noise and clamor, every one chat-
tering to his or her next neighbor about the tragical
occurrence of the previous night, and the unreason-
able selfish conduct of old Vara Halliday who had
kept the wake to her^^l." and Maureen. Still there
was no anger in the strictures passed on Vara, for
her whims and oddities were nothing new, and this
was only set down as another of her queer notions.
Some there were, however, who began to hint, in
language decidedly seditious, " that if Vara thought
to bury old More like a heathen, without e'er a wake,
she'd find herself under a mistake — that would be
going rather far with her vagaries. If Brian lets
her make so little of his granny, other people will
not !"

I
■2

UArREEN DHtT,

Sndaenly there was a " Hush— sh— sh" running
through the crowd, and then a whisper of " It's
Shan— poor boy !" Then a dead silence— a passage
was opened as if by magic, through tlie thickly-
wedged multitude, and Shan DriscoU walked up
•with a :dnn step to where Randal sat, unaccom-
panied except by his mother who clung to his arm
as though she would never let it go. " God look
on you, Nance 1" was the murmured prayer that
reached the mother's ear from every side as she
passed, and once she raised her voice aud said
"Amen this day !" It was the echo of a breaking
heart. It was pitiful to see the change that one
sad night had wrought in Shan DriscoU. His tall
form was bowed as with the weight of years ; his
bold, flashing eye had lost its light, and his dark
cheek its rich color. The haggard lines of sorrow
and remorse were distinctly visible on every feature,
in mournful contrast to the gay, buoyant, reckk^-
bearing, bo natural to Shan DriscoU. There was no
poUceman, no gu«rd of any kind, conducting the
criminal. Not such was the custom of the Claddagh,
where, indeed, murder or any other very serious
crime was of rare occurrence. So rare was it, indeed,
that in a period of twenty years, during which he
had ruled the community, Randal O'Hara had never
been called upon to administer judgment in a case
of murder. On the present occasion the old man
seemed fearfully alive to the dread and novel respon-
sibility of his position ; as might be gathered from

THE admiral's DADGHTER.

— sh— sh" running
I whisper of " It's

silence — a passage
rough the thickly-
)riscoll walked up
idal Bat, unaccom-
10 clung to his arm

it go. " God look
'mured prayer that

every side as she
ler voice aud said

echo of a breaking
he change that one
1 Driscoll. His tall
eight of years ; his
1 light, and his dark
gard lines of sorrow
ble on every feature,
ij, buoyant, recklt^-
3Coll. There was no
:ind, conducting the
torn of the Ciaddagh,
Y other very serious
5o rare was it, indeed,
sars, during which he
dal O'Harahad never
5r judgment in a case
socasion the old man
•ead and novel respon-
ght be gathered from

the nervous twitching of his whole frame, and the
restless eagerness with which his eye glanced around
from one familiar face to the other. It was easy to
see that Randal More shrank from giving judgment
in such a case, and yet he had that very morning
sent back to Gal way town the officers of justice r^e-
putcd to arrest Shan Driscoll, and sent them back,
as the applauding fisherwoman said, " with a flea in
their ear, too," telling them that no Ciaddagh man
should be given up to the Sassenach laws, even for
murder, until the matter was first investigated by
himself. " If I find him guilty of wilful murder,"
said Randal, " then I'll send him in myself, but till
that time comes, keep out of our way, I tell you 1
Yott townspeople have nothing to do with the mat-
ter, — unless, as I said before, the boy is found guilty
by us. " Strange to say, the city authorities
were obliged to acquiesce in this decision, well
knowing that any direct interference with' the estab-
lished laws of the Ciaddagh would have raised a
tumult not easily quelled.

Shan Driscoll, at length, stood face to face with
Randal More, the patriarch, the leader, now the
dreaded judge, but in the sudden flush and the as
sudden paleness which overspread his face there was
a deeper feeling manifested than any which concern-
ed Randal. Shan had caught a glimpse of the
motionless figures of Barney and Yeman in the
background, and he feared that Maureen was within
hearing, though happily for him invisible. This

t ^ u mmmmmk '-

i^ifflfilifflitlfSi

MADREEN DBH,

thought weighed him down with an additional load
of shame and confusion, but after all, it was lijjht in
comparison with the horror and remorse tliat froze
his very blood. Pray he could not, think he could
not, — heart, and mind, and soul, were all, as it were,
under a fearful spell, — every faculty of his being
had resolved itself into horror, and the awful word
" Murder'* echoed and re-echoed through the deepest
recesses of his soul, dulling his outward sense of
hearing to every other sound.

" Shan Driscoil !" said at length the deep voice of
Randal, " I'm sorry to see you there in such a state.
God knows I am ! It's a bad business, my poor
boy I and it's the heavy load you have on you this
day. Still and all, Shan ! it's like you didn't do it
on purpose — and, in course, if you didn't, there's
neither the shame nor the blame of murder on your

head."

" God bless you for the kind word, anyhow, Ran-
dal !" said the young man's mother, drying her eyes
with her blue apron at the same time, then turning
to her son, "look up, avick machree I look up to the
good God and Randal More that's a merciful judge
like Hira — don't you hear what ho says to you ?"

" I do, mother, I do," her son faintly murmured,

•' but it's little comfort for me — I did it, mother, I

killed poor More, and her blood is 3n my hand — all

the water in the bay couldn't wash it out — to my

, dying day I'll never get the load off my heart 1"

However the sympathies of the people might pre-

th an additional load
;er all, it was lij^ht in
id remorse that froze
i not, think he could
, were all, as it were,
faculty of his being
, and the awful word
I through the deepest
is outward sense of

»th the deep voice of
there in such a state,
d business, my poor
you have on you this
I like you didn't do it
if you didn't, there's
le of murder on your

[ word, anyhow, Ran-
)ther, drying her eyes
ae time, then turning
.chree ! look up to the
lat's a merciful judge
it ho says to you ?"
on faintly murmured,
e — I did it, mother, I
id is an ray hand — all
wash it out — to my
►ad oif my heart !"
the people might pre-

THK admiral's DAUGHTER.

viously have run, they were, by this time, all in
favor of Shan, and many a rough fiaherman was
seen dashing away the tear that he could not re-

"Where's Brian Kineely?" said Randal More.
«« Why is he not here ?"

"Sure it's helping Vara to wake the old woman
he is," cried one from the crowd ; " sorrow one they'd
let in but themselves and Maureen Dhu 1"

Even at that moment a thrill of anguish shot
through Shan's heart, as he saw in fancy Maureen
Dhu bending with Brian over the corpse, and per-
haps breathing execrations on the murderer's head.

" Go bring him here !" said Randal in an authori-
tative tone.

The messengers came back presently with blank
face^. They had knocked and knocked again at the
door and could get no answer,

" This is very strange," said Randal, rising from
his seat and looking around with a troubled aspect ;
" boys," to his sons, " go and see what this means —
bring Maureen here, at any rate !"

" I'm here, father," said a soft voice from the rear
of the crowd, and Maureen made her way.as quickly
as possible to lier father's side.

Shan DrisooU felt that Maureen's eyes were on
him in an instant, but he dared not meet her glance.
If he had it would have dispelled at least a portion
of the darkness that enveloped hia soul, for there
was a pitying tenderness in her eye, as it rested ou

MAURCKN Dm;,

him that somehow affected even his mother, and she
breathed an inward blessing on the beautiful face
that looked so kindly on her son,

«• Is that boy coming, Maureen, oris he not ?" de-
manded Randal, in no very gentle tone.

" Well ! I don't know for certain, father ;" and
the girl still kept her eye on Shan as though anxi-
ous to exchange glances with him, " when I left
there, himself and my granny were getting ready

to come."

«• Lord bless us !" cried one and another, " who'll
stay with the corpse — some of you must go !"

"Nonsense!" said Randal, in allusion to what
Maureen had said, " run, boys, and bring him hero
at once. I'll not wait another minute !"

Here a rush was made to the rear— a shout of
doubtful meaning— a cheer wild and long— cries of
" What is it, avick ?" from those who could not
move backwards with the crowd. « Make way there
in front 1" in trembling accents from behind, and up
through thd opening mass of human beings came a
group which rivetted every eye, and, for the moment,
stilled every pulse. It was Vara Halliday and
Brian Kineely, supporting between them the totter-
ing and ghastly, yet living and breathing, form of
old More. Randal started igain to his feet, his sons
rushed forward with a wild " Hurrah I" and Maureen
seizing hold of Shan's arm turned him full round
till she brought him face to face with the resuscita-
ted corpse. At first the strong- man yielded like a

THE ADMIRALS DAUOHTER.

I his mother, and she
sn the beautiful face
1,

sn, or ia he not ?" de-
itle tone.

ertain, father;" and

Ihan as though anxi-

i him, " when I left

were getting ready

ind another, " who'll
you must go !"
in allusion to what
, and bring him hero
minute !"

the rear — a shout of
iJ and long — cries of
lose who could not
J. " Make way there
from behind, and up
luman beings came a
, and, for the moment,
Vara Halliday and
ireen them the totter-
id breathing, form of
in to his feet, his sons
[urrah I" and Maureen
amed him full round
ce with the resuscita-
ng- man yielded like a

child to the guiding hand of Maureen, little dream-
ing, little hoping what sight awaited him. No
sooner, however, had his eye lit on the withered face
of More Kineely than his whole '"ountenauce changed
and new life was infused into his sinking frame.
Her he only saw in all that vast multitude. Even
Maureen was forgotten for the moment — his mother
— his judge — all — all, but that spectral-looking
figure. At the first glance of her hollow eye ho
staggered and seemed ready to fall, but a seeonA
glance reassured him, and with a half-suppressed
cry of joy he sprang forward, and catching the old
woman in his arms, hugged her so unmercifully that
she struggled in his arms, as though for life or death,
and puffed and panted at a fearful rate. Brian at
length thought fit to interpose, and extricated his
grandmother as well as he could from Shan's but
half-conscious grasp, laughing heartily at the same
time.

" There, now, Shan, let her go, or you'll unish her
now in earnest !"

Shan was no way abashed by the laughter which
rang in his ears. Slowly he stepped back, — back, —
back, gazing still with a sort of dreamy intensity on
the shrivelled emaciated being who stood there sup-
ported by her grandson's arm. No one spoke — all
hearts were too full for speech, till Shan himself
broke the spell.

•' So you're not dead, More ?"

frrfit Hi

HAURBtH DBO,

"Don't you tea she's not^ yon great ffhom«ril f*
Tliis polite answer was from Vara.
"And I'm not a murderer?"
" Why no, honey ! the Lord be praised for it ;
you're no such tl)ing, and for that same I'm bound
to offer up a pater and ave every day I have to
livel" This was from the doating mother now
trembling like an aspen, and weeping like a cliild,
and she, too, ran and hugged old Moll in a way that
the Utter didn't at all relish — for she lifted her clean
off her feet. " The Lord bless me !" muttered More
Kliioely 88 won as she found herself again free,
" they'll squeeze the life out of me — what little of
it's in me — this very day !"

" May the great God of heaven be praised this day
and for evermore !" ivas Shan's fervent ejaculation,
and down he fell on his knees, with his hands clasped
and his eyes upturned, the tears streaming down his
pale cheeks, his broad chest heaving, and his whole
frame quivering with emotion. "I'm not a mur-
derer after all, an 1 the stain is not on my soul t*'
Jumping up on a sudden impulse he ran to Brian
and caught him by both hands.

There was no one within seeing or hearing that
did not share more or less in Shan's joy and grati-
tude, and while Brian and he " mad<^ up tho quarrel,"
a cheer arose from the assembled multitude that ran
along the shores of Galway river and made the citi-
sens look at each other, wondering what on earth
wasgoing on in the Claddagh. Most probably they

great ghomerilf^*

>o praised for it ;
t same I'm bound
ry day I have to
ting mother now
ping like a child,
lloll in a way that
the lifted her clean
!" muttered More
eraelf ac^ain free,
ae — what little of

be praised this day
srvent ejaculation,
1 hia hands clasped
.reaming down his
ng, and his whole
"I'm not a raur-
not on ray soul 1"
se he ran to Brian

ng or hearing that
Ill's joy and grati-
(]' up the quarrel,"
multitude that ran
and made the citi-
ing what on earth
lost probably they

"iSWI

THK ADHIRAL's DAUOHTER.

concluded that justice was being executed on the
murderer.

While yet the young men stood together clasping
each other's hand, Maureen pushed before her father,
who was about to speak, and taking the clasped
hands withiu her own, she looked by turns into the
faces of the two who had so long been foes, and on
her account.

"Shanl" she said, in a low voice, "sure you'll
never, never forget this day 1— nor you, Brian, friend
of my heart !— no matter what may turn up, be
friends — be brothers — for Maureen's sake 1"

"Before God we will, Maureen 1" replied Shaa
Driscoll, with characteristic warmth.

"Anything for you,raachroe I" was Brian's softly
-whispered answer, and then Maureen disappeared
within the porch, and closed the door behind hor.

" In the name of goodness," said Randal at length
"now that I can get in a word, how did all this
happen ? was More not dead after all?"

" Faugh 1' cried Vara from behind, " aren't you a
nice lad for a Mayor?— if she was dead, sure it isn't
on hor feet she'd be, you great fluke of a fellow 1 —
not but what she looked as like a corpse when wo
brought her home last night as any I ever laid a
hand on— it wasn't till Maareen and me began to
fctrip her that I conceited there was breath in her,
and when I made sure of it, I sent Maureen to cal!
in Brian, for you know we shut him out the back
door till we'd g. t her washed— and then the poor

KAURKEN DHIT,

boy wanted right or wrong to run and tell Shan, so
as to take the load off his heart, but 1 wouldn't lot
him, till we'd bo sure of bringing her to — and that
was no easy job, I can tell you, Randal, for the life
was only fluttering in her all as one a« the snufl." of
a candle that was a'most out. The cocks wtsre crow-
ing for midnight when wo got her to open her eyes —
I declare to you I cried for joy, and it's not easy
making me cry." To this latter remark all present
assented — in their hearts, of course.

«• So there's the cat out of the bag !" said Vara,
raising her voice with a most exulting air. " What'U
you do now, boys and girls, when you'll have ne'er
a wake at all ?"

Many were loud in their assurances that the joy
of finding old Moll alive was worth ever so many
wakes, but from the house-tops came a widely differ-
ent opinion.

*' It's just like you, Vara! always spoiling sport
on us !"

" Wait till we get you under-board, Vara I see if
wo don't have a wake of it 1"

" I'll tell you what," cried one astute urchin, from
his perch on Randal's chimney, " as she spoiled the
wake let her give us a wedding I — hurrah !"

" Hurrah 1" was re-echoed from roof to roof, some
of Ihe youngsters in their new excitement actually
forgetting their position so far as to jump on their
feet to the great terror and alarm of their respective
owners, from whom arose a discordant horus of

n and tell Shan, 80
but 1 wouldn't lot
2 her to — and that
Kandal, for the life
one as tlie snufl." of
'he cocks wore crow-
r to open her eyes —
y, and it's not easy
• remark all present
•se.

e bag !" said Vara,
ting air. "What'll
en you'll have ne'er

rancos that the joy
^orth ever so many
lanae a widely differ-

iways spoiling sport

board, Vara I see if

I astute urchin, from
" as she spoiled the
I — hurrah !"
m roof to roof, some
jxcitement actually
as to jump on their
m of their respective
scordant ihorus of

-mm.

THK ADXIRAL's DAUGRTKR.

threats and warnings. All unheeded for the moment
the warning of screaming mothers aud mena-
cing fathers. The spirit of mischief once aroused,
the little fellows rather enjoyed the fright of their
worthy parents, and soon they were all dancing in
mid-air with the wild gestures and shrill cries of a
troop of bacchantes in some ancient drama. Clear
above all rang the names of "Shan and Maureen I"
" No, no, Brian and Maureen !" the young elves
being apparently in full possession of the claims of
the rival suitors, each of whom seemed to have his
own party amongst them. Even Randal tried his
authority on the seditious juveniles, but all in vain;
and their respective fathers were preparing to clam-
ber up after them with no pacific intentions, truly,
when all at once the obstreperous merriment ceased ;
down squatted every squaller on his perch, gather-
ing himself into the smallest possible dimensions,
while their seniors below looked round for the cause
of the transformation. It was soon found, in the
person of an old man clad in a suit of rustV black,
the pockets far below his haunches, " with specta-
cles on nose," and stick in hand, a stick of knotted
oak with a huge top on which rested two white, at-
tenuated hands. It was Father Dominick, the prior
of the neighboring convent, who had reached the
centre of the crowd unnoticed, thanks to the dan-
gerous, position of the children which had naturally
attracted every eye upwards.

" Fie, fie, children 1 what's this ?" said the aged

UAURESK DHTT,

priest, in those tremulous tones which mark the fail-
ing voice, " get down from the roofs every one of
you ?" In the twinkling of an eye almost, the ur-
chins were safely landed on terra firma, and each
mother made a rush to secure her own. A look from
the priest and a motion of his uplifted finger brought
them wholly in subjection to the maternal sway, and
dead silence instantly prevailed.

"Why, Randal, man! what's this I hear ?" said
Father Dominick, "They say there was murder
done amongst you last night I— that can't be true,
at any rate I"

«' Well ! thank God, your reverence, it is not true,
though I can't deny but it went very near it. Shan
and Brian weren't satisfied with the sorimmage
we had in town, but must go at it between them-
selves after we got home. The women, of course,
made in to part them, and poor old More got an
unlucky blow that Shan meant for Brian. She was
carried home dead, your reverence, as dead as a
herringf but Vara got her brought to some time in
the night. More !— Vara !"- -looking round and
raising his voice, " bad wind to them for old women

bcging your reverence's pardon ! — what's come

of them?"

" They're gone into the house, Randal," said one
from the crowd, "along with Brian and the Dris-
ooUs and your boys — you'd best go in, after them,

for maybe it's making a match they are

"Ah, then, if that's what thy're at, Rory !" made

mtSM

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

rhich mark the fail-
roofs every cue of
eye almost, the ur-
ra firma^ and each
r own. A look from
ifted finger brought
maternal sway, and

s this I hear ?" said

there was murder

-that can't be true,

jrence, it is not true,
very near it. Shan
ith the scrimmage
at it between them-
e women, of course,
or old More got an
for Brian. She was
rence, as dead as a
ght to some time in
looking round and
them for old women
rdon ! — what's come

le, Randal," said one
Biian and the Dris-
it go in, after them,

they are

're at, Rory 1" made

answer another, " I'd like to have a peep at them,
for there'll bo another ruction before anything's
done I"

"Well! I'm sure," said a fair-haired, blue-eyed
girl who was considered a beauty, in her own way
and by her own admirers, « I'm sure, it's a burning
shame for Maureen O'llara to have so many after
her. I wouldn't have my name cried up like hers,
or such bloody wars about me for all the money m
Galway town !"

"^'Arrah wouldn't you then, Nell, my pigeon?"
said a tall, young fellow who had made his way
close to her, " I've a notion to try you some of these
days,"— then lowering his voice, "there's Dan
Shaughnessy hanging around somebody you know
more than's pleasing to others — d'ye hear that now
Nelly bawn .?" '

Nelly's answer was lost even on her lover, for the
door of Randal's cottage opened to admit its owner
and the priest, and all eyes and ears were instantly
on the stretch. Great hopes were at first entertain-
ed that the public curiosity was likely to be grati-
fied, for the door was left open. Half a dozen heads
were already protruded through the aperture, effect-
ually shutting out the light, and nearly as many
urchins had made their way into the cottage. This
arrangement, though highly satisfactory to the
fortunate occupiers of the doorway, was by no means
acceptable to those in the rear, who loudly protested
against such a monoyoly.

m.mi

MAUReEN DBir,

The priest was by this time seated in a high-back-
ed wicker chair,u8ually occupied by the buriy Mayor ;
beside him stood that exalted individual, hat iu
hand, and before him, in a scattered group, were
Shan and Brian, Barney and Yeman, while Vara had
her two ancient friends on as many low stools. For
lierself, she went on with her household work as
though nothing unusual was going forward. Ever
and anon, however, she might be seen to glance at
the various individuals present, especially when they
came to speak, her keen eye gleaming with sudden
intelligence, suited to the words uttered by each.
Maureen, by a strange freak, squatted herself down
between the two old women in an attitude that
would have been ungraceful in any but her ; as it
was, she looked all the more beautiful from the con-
trast with the wrinkled crone on either hand.
Probably she knew that, and placed herself there in
her pretty girlish vanity. However that might be,
the rival lovers found it hard to keep their eyes oti
her, which they both thought it necessary to do in the
presence of the priest. It was infinitely amusing to
see the intensity with which both ot them fixed their
eyes on other objects around, sometimes on the
soot-blackened wall of the open .chimney, some-
times on the uneven surface of the earthen floor,
never by any chance on the faces before them, for
they were awful in the dignity of Priest and Mayor.
This restraint was especially hard on Shan, whoso
bold, reckless spirit could ill brook control. It i?,

TBK admiral's daughter.

;ated in a high-back-
by the burly Mayor ;
. individual, hat in
altered group, were
man, while Vara had
my low stools. For
household work as
ling forward. Ever
be seen to glance at
especially when they
earning with sudden
ds uttered by each,
uatted herself down
in an attitude that
\ any but her ; as it
autiful from the con-
ae on either hand,
aoed herself there in
rever that might be,
3 keep their eyes oti"
lecessary to do in the
infinitely amusing to
th ot them fixed their
I sometimes on the
sen chimney, some-
f the earthen floor,
les before them, for
of Priest and Mayor.
Iiard on Shan, whoso
>rook control. It is

true, the sufferings of the night, and the dread press-
ure from which his mind was barely free, had some-
what subdued his natural hardihood, but still the
restraint sat awkwardly on him; and he stood for all
the world like a high-mettled steed, kept in by a
powerful hand, but ready at any moment to kick uj)
his heels and dash off in recovered liberty, regard-
less of bit or bridle. Perhaps the restraint which
he did evidently place upon his natural impatience
proceeded chiefly from the consciousness that his
hopes of winning Maureen were about to be either
confirmed or destroyed. This it was, as much as
the pri sence of the priest, that kept his eyes from
wandering to the face he so loved to look upon —
this it was that blanched his dark cheek and made
his whole frame tremulous. As for Brian, it was
hard to say what was passing in his mind, for the
placid gentleness of his demeanor was just the same
as usual ; and his full blue eye sought the ground
partly in reflection, partly in embarrassment. If he
was agitated by any passion, as perchance he was,
the emotion was kep« so far below the surface as to
bo imperceptible to all eyes. Barney and Yeraan
smiled significantly at each other, and nodded arch-
ly at their sister, who answered the gesture by a
careless toss of her head, and then turned her at-
tention on the priest, who, with his hand on Lis
mouth, elicited sundry little coughs from his own
throat, as though clearing that useful medium for a
speech of unusual importance.

lUURSEN DHTT,

Every one present, indeed, seemed impressed
with the conviction that a crisis was at hand.
Even the old tabby cat raised herself from her re-
cumbent posture in the sunny little window, and sat
staring around with eyes very much distended as
though wondering what on earth it all meant. Tb.s
did not escape Maureen's quick glance, and she
Bmiled meaningly to herself as she notea pussy s in-

"^tchVdTent" Baid Father Dominick, -ddressiris
the young people, <' I want to know ''l^*^ »^^ ^ ^^^
means. How did murder find its way into the

"^TtyoVrgmen looked at each other in mutual
embarrassment; neither was willing to accuse the
orhe^, yet each very naturally wished to excuse
himself They also shrank from any close investi-
Kfttion of their secret motives. ^

*" Old More caught up the word murder. Ah
then, don't say it. Father Dominick dear l--do t
now and God love yoB !-sure the poor boy didn t
relit at all, and it's thankful I am on his ac-
count hat r- "^^-e to say it. For all he's so hot
your reverence, there isn't a better-natured boy m

'^'^.Godwfsfyou. Morel" said Shan, in a tremu-

lous Wee, .itLul looking at her,'" I don't deserve

it from you— indeed I don't I"

• n say you do," returned the old woman with a

warmth all unusual at her age; "didn't your blow

HMB

THR admiral's DADGHTER.

seemed impressed
crisis was at hand.

herself from her re-
ttlo window, and sat

much distended, as
th it all meant. This
lick glance, and she
she noted pussy's in-

ominick, addressing
, know what all this
nd its way into the

ach other in mutual
willing to accrse the
ly wished to excuse
)m any close investi-

eord murder. " Ah !
ominick dearl—don't
re the poor boy didn't
ikful I am on his ac-
For all he's so hot,
bettev-natured boy in

laid Shan, in a tremu-

t her,*" I don't deserve

the old woman with a

ge; " didn't your blow

cure my poor old head — don't you see Father Dom-
inick ? T lever had a shake or ache in it, your rev-
erence, since I came to, and it's what I'm in hopes
that it'll keep quiet for the rest of my days !"

This surprising statement drew all eyes on More,
and it wJis then for the first time observed that the
palsy had completely left her. Shan's blow had in-
deed acted with the force and effect of a galvanic
shock, and old More's head was as steady on her
choulders as any other in the place. Various ex-
clamations of surprise escaped from each one pres-
ent, and the crowd outside " taking up the wond-
rous tale" sent it like wildfire all over the village.
Vara planted herself right in front of More, and
squatting down on a level with her gazed silently
and steadily into her face for several minutes, then
rising turned to the priest and said in a most oracu-
lar voice:

"It's a fact, Father Dominick! — well, if that
doesn't beat rae out, any liow ! — if I hadn't ray eyes
on her the whole blessed night over, I'd swear it
wasn't her was in it! Maureen Dhul do you see
that ?"

'" To be sure I do, granny !"

" Well ! I tell you the hand of God i& in it, and
it's my notion that you ought to take Shan for the
same reason I"

" Shut the door there I" said the priest, and Ran-
dal went to obey the order, but a cry of entreaty
rose from the deeply interested spectators.

« Ah! then, Randal, won't you let us see what's

ffoing on ?"

"Sure your reverence, it's no harm for us to see
or hear what passes-we'd know it all before long I
—ah ! don't— don't now, Randal !"

« I can't help it-it's the priest's bidding Im
doing '" That settled the question, the heads were
withdrawn from the aperture, and the door was
closed. A low murmur of discontent was heard
outside, but it gradually subsided in the deep hush
of intense anxiety. It was a momentous crisis, in-
volving nothing less than the fate of Maureen Dhu,
the pride and boast of the Claddagh. Conflicting
were the hopes and fears of the multitude ; parties
were pretty equally divided between the rival can-
didates, but still it was remarked that most of the
seniors were in favor of Brian, while the juniors were
principally on the side of Shan. As time passed on,
every minute seemed an hour, and yet ■ ne dream-
ed of leaving the spot.

Within, there was much talk going forward.
Randal, taking up his mother-in-law's last words to
Maureen, declared that he didn't want to force his
child, it was all Uhe same to him whether nhe chose
Shan or Brian, or for that matter, any other decent
boy in the village but he wished her to say the
word at once, and then his mind would be easy. On
hearing this, the rivals stood «agerly forward
Shan a step or two in advance of Brian. The Wi.l-
dow Diiscoll who had hitherto been concealed by

1 let us see what's

harm for us to see
V it all before long !

riest's bidding I'm
ion, the heads were
and the door was
scontent was heard
ed in the deep hush
lomentous crisis, in-
ite of Maureen Dhu,
Idagh. Conflicting
) multitude ; parties
itween the rival can-
led that most of the
hile the juniors were
As time passed on,
id yet • ae dream-
talk going forward,
i-law's last words to
I't want to force his
m whether Rhe chose
er, any other decent
shed her to say the
i would be easy. On
»d eagerly forward,
of Brian. The Wid-
been concealed by

TnK admiral's dauohtkr.

•

the standing figures of the young men, now glided
behind Maureen, and stooping down laid her hand
on her shoulder, and whispered in her ear : " I know
yon have a liking for Shan — haven't you now, Mau-
reen ? Every one says you were made for one an-
other? just look at him, avourneen ! as he stands
there — sure if you're not his wife, there's ne'er a
wife for him in the Claddagh !"

"Maureen 1" said old More, laying hold of the
hand which still rested on her knee, her shrill, pi-
ping voice and ghastly look of piteous entreaty
giving a singular solemnity to her words, " Mau-
reen ! don't say again Brian 1 — donH or Wll break
his heart, and J couldn't live after him I Shan Dris-
coll is a good boy, but still and all he's not Brian
Kineely !" and the old woman <>:. ondf d her words
by an admonitory and significant squeeze of the hand
she held, together with a corresponding shake of
the head.

" Well 1 this is something singular !" remarked
the priest, with a benevolent smile, though he looked
somewhat puzzled, too ; "I came here to investigate
a fatal quarrel, and it's what I find myself presiding
in a court of love. Maureen, my child 1 come over
here — I see the counsel on both sides are coming
hard on you there !"

The girl stood '.ip> and with an arch smile on her
faoe, took her station at her father's side, a little
behind the priest. "That's right!" said Father
Dominick.

MAUREEN DHU,

"Now, child! tell rao this — are you willing to
take either of these young mea for a husband ?"

This was coming to the point; the smile
faded from Maureen's lips; for the first- time Shan
and Brian turned their eyes upon her, but it was
now her turn to avoid their gaze. Her lips moved
as though she were speuking to herself, but no sound
escaped them.

" Take either of them !" repeated her father an-
grily, " why wouldn't she. Father Domiiiick ? Blow
me overboard, but she nntst make a choice. I'll
have no more of her nonsense."

"Father dear! don't speak so harsh," said his son
Barney ; •' take her gently, and you'll do more with
her !"

His sister thanked him by a smile for which either
of the rival suitors would have braved the wildest
storm that ever swept the bay. Her lustrous eyes
were dim with tears, and the color came and went
on her cheek like the flitting clouds of sunset. Still
there was a strange expression of something like
derision visible about the mouth, just as though the
girl were half inclined to laugh at the whole affair.
This was quickly noticed by her lynx-eyed grand-
dume, and that venerable matron, rushing forward,
shook her fist close to her face.

" None of your tricks now, my dainty doll !
you're in for it at last, and do your best — why don't
you ainswer the priest, I say ?"

" I'll answer his reverence, but not any one else,''

t^rJ!^ fe^: i^'^ i^4i)w^M ca^ipte!°^ ^

■are you willing to
I for a husband ?"
point ; the smile
the first- time Shau
pen her, but it was
ze. Her lips moved
herst'U, but no sound

!ated her father an-
r Dominick ? Blow
nake a choice. I'll

harsh," said his son
you'll do more with

mile for which either
! braved the wildest
Her lustrous eyes
olor came and went
lids of sunset. Still
1 of something like
, just as though the
at the whole afiair.
;r lynx-eyed grand-
n, rushing forward,

, my dainty doll !
»ur best — why don't

t not any one else,"

THK admiral's DAUGHTER.

said the girl sharply; "you'd best take it easy,
gran, and maybe you'll fare better I Father Dom-
inick ! I don't want to marry at all — that is, not now !
amn't I time enough, please your reverence ?"

A fierce ejaculation escaped her father; Brian lit-
erally gasped for breath, and Shan made i»n impa-
tient gesture.

" But at another time, Maureen," urged the priest,
"you see your father wishes you to decide now
that we are all together — only make your choice,
my child, and take your own time."

Maureen now seemed really perplexed ; she looked
full at Brian, and Yeman darting behind her, whis-
pered, " Remember the storm off Black Head !"
Maureen's heart throbbed. She glanced at Shan,
and thought how he had risked his own life ac her
request to save Nanno Kenny. Her bosom heaved,
and her brain burned with the fierce struggle going
on within. " I will — I must !" she murmured half
audibly, and her right hand was slowly, very slowly
extended— to which of the two was never known,
for at the moment rose a wild shout in the street
without, and the door was flung open by the aid of
a Btout shoulder,

" Randal More !" cried many voices, " there's Gal-
way boats abroad oa the bay fishing !"

UAORIKIi DRO.

CHAPTER V.

Stra' to say it was a positive relief to both Shan
and Brian when the crisis of their fate was thus
postponed — each had still room to hope, and Mau-
reen's love still burned as a beacon on the mount
of time, A'hereas it might at that instant have been
quencle 1 forever in utter hopelessness. It was yet
possible to win her, each thought, and if he was not
as yet declared the winner, why neither was he the
loser — the race was still equal, and its thrilling ex-
citement gave a charm to every passing hour.

The crowd was already in headlong flight towards
the wharf, all anxious and all curious. Randal and
his sons dashed on to the front, closely followed by
Shan and Brian. No words passed between them
as they ran — there was little time for words — but
instinctively they tried to outrun each other, as
though their fate depended on it, and by the time
they readied the water-side, Shan being ahead of
his rival, turned to him with an air half exulting,
half threatening : "You may as well giv' it up,
Brian Kineely 1 — you couldn't do it, man ! and do
your best 1"

"Couldn't I now? — well! we'll see! But I'd
advise you not to crow so loud, at any rate !"
Brian's habitual coolness was at a times in striking
contrast with Ms rival's fiery ardor, and never more

THB APUIRAL's DAUGHTKB.

relief to both Slian
heir fate was thus
to hope, and Mati-
icon on the mount
; instant have been
asness. It was yet
;, and if he was not
neither was he the
nd its thrilling ex-
pa88in<; hour,
long flight towards
rious. llandal and
closely followed by
ised between them
me for words — but
run each other, as
it, and by the time
an being ahead of
I air half exulting,
3 well givi it up,
lo it, man! and do

e'll see! But I'd
ud, at any rate!"
ail times in striking
lor, and never more

so than at that moment. The calm confidence of
Ills tone was sorneliow very annoying to Shan, and
the heightened color on his cheek denoted the rising
pnBsion, Imt happily Randal's voice came to still the
tempest, and his words and gestures turned all eyes
on the bay.

"See there now, boys! wasn't it well worth our
while n) run? What do you think of that for a
chase? '

A murmur of disappointment was the first sound
heard, but a roar of contemptuous laughter quickly
followed. There was just one fishing-boat in sight,
and that contained but four or five men, two of
whom were rowers."

"BariH'y and Y'lnan get out a row-boat there!
— ^let me see who'll go — it'll be only fun, so we'll
let the yount ^ers have it."

The boat b. t, ready there was a clamorous out-
cry from " the youngsters," bcores of whom rushed
eagerly forward.

" Stand back there, all of you," Randal said again,
" five or six is all we want — Shan Di >coll!" Shan
was on board in an instant. Brian Kineely's cheek
flushed and he made a step forward, then paused
and looked anxiously at the Admiral. The old man
smiled, and pointed to the boat, and Brian sprang
to a seat by Yeman's side and seized an oar with
nervous trepidation as though he feared still to lose
the chance of going. Two other young men being
Buccessively named by Randal, took their places in

i: ,

IfACRCEN DHU,

ishly,

and
boat

the boat with joyous alacrity, and the little craft
was already some yards from tho shore, wh a the
searching glance of the rivals discovered Mi treen
making her way through the crowd, and iuv(iunta-
rily rested on their oars.

*' What makes you stop ?" said Shan snap
looking over his shoulder at Brian."

" What makes you stop ?" retorted the oth

Maureen reached her father's bide, pantir
breathless. First she cast her eyes on tb
beneath her, and nodded with a pleased r> nile at
the kindly upturned faces, then she glanced at the
strange boat, carelessly and lightly. All at once
she changed color, and looked more earnestly, then
a cry of surprise escaped her :

" Why, father, them are the Sassenach gentlemen
that were here last night I"

" Why, no, Maureen ! it can't be — but stay 1 let
me look again ! Blow me overboard, Shan, !' t the
child's right I They came out on a taunt thi norn-
ing because we sent them home with a flea "ri their
ear. Well, as the weather's brave and hot, naybe
they'll be the better of a dip — but mind ycv,x eyes,
lads ! for them Sassenachs are treacherous."

" A fig for their treachery, and far less !" cried
Shan ; " they can't harm ua on the water, do their
worst ! God be with you all !" his words ware of
general application, but his eyes rested on Maureen.
"Tell my mother there's no danger, for I see she
hasn't got down yet l"

md the little craft
ho shore, wh a the
liscovered Mi ireea
)W(1, and iuv('iunta-

d Shan snap; ishly,

in."

jrted the oth •.

i bide, pantir ■' and
eyes on th boat
a pleased p .lile at

she glanced at the

htly. All at once

aore earnestly, then

assenach gentlemen

be — but stay I let
)oard, Shan, it the
n a taunt thi morn-
with a flea -ri their
ave and hot, naybe
lut mind yciu'eyes,
eacherous."
,nd far less!" cried
the water, do their
his words were of
rested on Maureen,
anger, for I see she

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THE admiral's DAUOHTER.

" And my granny, Maureen, you know what to say
to her !"

*' I do, Brian ! God and the Virgin keep you all,
and bring you safe back to us 1 Shan Driscoll !
you've a sharp eye — keep a good look-out, mind I
tell you, for them gentlefolk arn't like yourselves
— they're as deep as draw-wells 1"

"Never fear, Maureen! never fear," said Tom
Flaherty, one of their companions ; " we'll bring
them all safe back to you, please God ! and if we
don't have the wedding then I'll give it up I"

" Get along, boys, will you ? there's no time for
foolery — them chaps have no mind to run, I see !"
This was enough. Away flaw the boat over the
gleaming, glancing waters, and a hearty cheer fol-
lowed it from friends and kinsfolk on the shore,
giving strength to the rowers' arms, and the buoy-
ancy of hope to their hearts.

*' Now, I'll fell you what it is," said Randal, " if
the women were at home they'd find plenty to do —
and they're only losing their time here, — for all
that's to be seen. Them chaps won't make fight,
depend upon it — they'd be afeard of spoiling their
fine clothes. Maureen, honey I get along home like
a good girl — there's one of the nets badly in want
of some repairs, and your granny has got to go to
town to-day I"

" Father 1" said Maureen, in a low voice, and with
a reproachful glance which the old man well under-
stood, "father, would you hid me go?"

MAnREGN DHU,

"Well, no, child, no!— there may be more in it
than we think— but I'd be glad if some of them
would go home and mind their business— still and
all they want to see what's going on— to be sure
Ihey do, the creatures I— we'll let them be!— My
soul to happiness ! but here's the old women— was
there nobody to keep them above ? and Vara driving
the others before her like a flock of geese— cackle !
cackle! cackle ! they're at it already, I vow to God !
—our ears will be dinned now, anyhow, about ' my
boy Shan,' and 'little Brian '—and, stay, there's
Tom Flaherty's aunt that has a tongue like the
clapper of a mill— and our Vara— well! well! Lord
grant me patience !" and turning once more to the
water, he resolutely kept a deaf ear to the incessant
clatter of the ancient dames, who provokingly
planted themselves in his immediate vicinity under
the command of Vara Halliday. As for Maureen
she heeded not their approach, nor was she at all
disturbed by their exclamations. Her attention
was fixed on the little boat so merrily bounding
over the glassy wave, and her heart beat almost
audibly as she saw it nearing the other. By a sim-
ultaneous movement Shan and Brian turned their
heads. And clearly distinguishing Maureen's figure,
they both waved a cheerful salute— then gave their
individual attention to the affair in hand.

" You here again !" said Shan DriscoU in English,
of which language he knew but little, yet more than
any of the others, " You seem to like our company—

^igK;:*;*a:I-

may be more in it
lad if some of them
r business — still and
oing on — to be sure
I let them be! — My
the old women — was
ve? and Vara driving
•ck of geese — cackle !
Iready,! vow toGodl
r, anyhow, about ' my
n'— and, stay, there's
as a tongue like the
,ra— well I well I Lord
ling once more to the
if ear to the incessant
eq, who provokingly
nediate vicniity under
lay. As for Maureen
sh, nor was she at all
tions. Her attention

80 meiTily bounding
ler heart beat almost

the other. By a sim-
ad Brian turned their
ling Maureen's figure,
ilute — then gave their
fair in hand,
an DriscoU in English,
at little, yet more than
I to like our company —

THB admiral's DAUGHTER.

but we don't want you hero for all that — you just
haul up your anchorl"

A contemptuous laugh was the only answer, and
a still more contemptuous stare. The fishing lines
hung motionless in the pellucid water, as though
held by hands of stone.

"You won't — won't you I — well ! you'll never see
it again 1" and drawing a jack-knife, prepared for
the purpose, with one stroke he cut the rope which
secured the anchor, while Barney O'Hara grasped
the painter and dexterously lashed the boats to-
gether.

During the moment that the boat was adrift, two
of the officers seized the oars, calling on the rowers
to pull out; th ; l officer, on the contrary, drew a
revolver and aimed it at Shan's head : " You that
can cut so well, cut those lashings instantly, or by

," and he swore a tremendous oath, " I'll blow

your brains out I"

" Now for the Claddagh, boys 1" cried Shan, with
a disdainful smile. That smile and those words
would have been his last, had not Brian Kiteely,
seeing his danger, dashed up the officer's arm with
a sudden stroke of his oar, then snatching the knife
which lay on the bench between him and Shan, he
gevcred the rope at a blow, and leaping on the side
of the enemy's boat, turned it right over, and left
the whole party, himself included, sputtering and
sprawling in the water. A hearty laugh from the
Claddagh men told their appreciation of Brian's

t\-

MAUREEN DBTO,

dexterity, and himself laughed aa loud as any of
them, for to him a dip in the bay was rather pleas-
ant than otherwise that hot summer's day. But his
quick car had detected a cry of pain amid the cho-
rus of curses and imprecations that followed the
capsizing of the boat, and he paused with one hand
on the taffrail, and the other reached up to Ycman
and Tom Flaherty who leant over the boat's side

to help him up. ^

" What keeps you there?" cried Yeman; "aren t

you cool enough yet ?"

No answer from Brian, but a piteous supplication
from two of the officers to be taken on board.
They had succeeded in gaining the boat's side, and
clung there with the desperate grasp of despair.
" Mercy 1" they groaned, " mercy !"

" Bad right we have, then," said Shan, in answer
to an inquiring look from Barney, " but still and all
I suppose we must— let us haul them in !"

It was done accordingly, and one of them imme-
diately cried :

" Where's Hamilton ?"

"And Where's Brian?" echoed the Claddagh men
in a breath. " Mother of God ! where is he?"

« He was just gitting in," said Yeman with a pale
face and quivering lip, "Tom and me had as good
as a hold of him, but when we took our eyes off
him for a moment, he was gone !"

"By the good daylight!" cried Shan DrisooU,
pulling off his jacket, " the Sassenach has dragged

ro,

. as loud as any of
ay was rather pleas-
omer's day. But his
■ pain amid the cho-
18 that followed the
aused with one hand
sached up to Ycman
over the boat's side

jried Yeman ; " aren't

\ piteous supplication
be taken on board,
T the boat's side, and
ite grasp of despair.
ircy !"

' said Shan, in answer
ney, " but still and all
ul them in !"
id one of them imme-

oed the Claddagh men
d 1 where is he ?"
laid Yeman with a pale
1 and me had as good
we took our eyes off
me!"

♦ cried Shan DriscoU,
assenach has dragged

THE admiral's daughter.

liira down I Oh ! Brian ! my poor fellow ! is that
the way with you after you saving my life a minute

ago ?"

Scarcely knowing what he did, Shan could with
difficulty be kept from jumping overboard to search
for Brian, living or dead, when a shout from Barney
electriaed all on board. Following the direction of •
his finger, they beheld Brian just rising above the
water several yards down the stream. With one
hand he was gallantly stemming the current while the
other supported the sinking form of Captain Hamil-
ton, whose head hung heavily against his shoulder.

A deafening cheer from the boat, heartily joined
in by the two officers, was faintly answered by Brian,
whose strength was fast failing.

" The oars 1 the oars 1" cried Shan DriscoU wildly,
and rushing himself to seize one of them, he came
full against one of the officers who was leaning anxi-
ously over the side forgetful for the moment of his
half-drowned condition. The shock would have
borne down even a stronger man, and there he lay
kicking and struggling amongst the benches un-
noticed by the fishermen— who were all too intent
on saving Brian to give any attention to him— till
his friend, after many fruitless attempt?, at length
got him raised to a sitting posture. Fortunately"
for Brian and his now helpless burden, it took but
a few vigorous strokes of the friendly oars to bring
the boat to them, and in less time than it takes to
tell it they were safely lifted on board. Brian was

drt

i [

UACREEN DBU,

merely out of breath, and after a few mmuteB puff-
ing and panting, recovered the use of his tongue,
but the officer gave no Bigns of life, and poor Brian
hung over him with tears in his eyes.

"Wouldn't it be a poor case now if he'd never
come to, and we had such a hard tussel to save
liim ?-get cut of the way there, and don t keep the
air from him 1" This last exclamation was address-
ed to the Captain's friends, Brian being oblivious of
the fact that they did not understand hira. Se^emg
them deaf to his admonitions, he gave them a shove
to one side, declaring them a couple of thick-^cuUed

boathoons. ,.

♦•Where in the world did you light on him,
Brian," inquired Barney. , „ ^ *

« Why where but at the bottom below,' retort-
ed Brian'; "he was almost gone, you see when he
went down the second time-I think myself he got a
ball in him somewhere when his pistol went off. Do
vou think there's e'er a breath at all m him, Shan ?

« I'm afraid not, Brian-but still God's good-ne
mau come to, after all I" . , .•

"Lord grant it !" was Brian's fervent ejaculation,
as he bent down and applied his ear to the officer s
mouth ; « somehow or another I feel as if 1 d have

his death on me."

"Is he breathing?" demanded one of the other

officers anxiously.

"Sure the boy can't tell whether or no," respond-
ed Shan, « with that thievin' hair that's about big

k— ^

ro,

sr a few minutes' puff-
the use of his tongue,
.f life, and poor Brian
lis eyes.

iase now if he'd never
a hard tusael to save
ire, and don't keep the
slamation was address-
rian being oblivious of
derstand him. Seeing
, he gave them a shove
couple of thick-BOuUed

id yoa light on him,

bottom below," retort-
gone, you Bee, when he
-I think myself he got a
his pistol went off. Do
;h at all in him, Shan ?'*
ut still God's good— he

m's fervent ejaculation,
d his ear to the oflficer's
her I feel as if I'd have

landed one of the other

ifhether or no," respond-
in' hair that's about hig

THE admiral's DAUaHTER.

mouth — troth I it isn't on a Christian face the likes
of it ought to bo !"

"Ilur — r — ah 1" shouted Brian, jumping up in an
eostacy, and clapping Shan on the shoulder ; " there's
life in him yet, Shan, ray boy ! he's just like my
granny when she was coming to last night !"

" I say boys 1 what's all this about — what's to do
here ?" cried the rough voice of Randal More, and
the fishermen looking round with a start, saw the
Admiral close alongside in another boat. "Hero
you left these two poor devils to sink or swim, until
God sent ua to pick them up," and he pointed to the
two oarsmen. " Right or wrong, boys I you should
save the life — a life's a life — always I Is there any
one dead or dying there ?"

" It's only one of the Sassenachs, Randal, that
Brian fished up from among 'ihe weeds below — he's
coming to finely, though !"

"I'm proud to hear it, the villain I — let me have
a look at him, the aggravating blackguard !" and
laying hold of the oar held out to him by Tom, the
Admiral swung himself out of one boat into the
other with the ease and almost the lightness of early
3'outh.

The officer was by this time fast recovering his
consciousness, and opening his eyes, fixed them on
Randal with a vacant stare, then moaned heavily
and raised his hand to his right shoulder. " There's
something wrong there, — I thought so I" observ-
ed Brian.

_i.-..

HAOREIIN DHD,

Hi .

"How do you feel now?" said the Admiral, bend-
ing down over bim. ^

A faint murmur proceeded from the pale lips, hot
no one caught the words. "Uaiao him up, boys!
above his breath !" cried Randal, " Virgin Mother !
he'll bleed to death I— see there !" and he pointed to
the dark red stain now clearly visible on the blue

regatta jacket.

Without a moment's delay the jacket was torn
off and a handkerchief bound on the gaping wound
— so as to Btaunch the blood.

" I say, old fellow 1 where are you taking ub to ?"
demanded one of the other officers, as soon as their
fears for Hamilton were somewhat relieved.

" Old fellow in your teeth I" said Shan Driscoll,
fiercely, " do you know who you're speakin' to ?"

"Why yes, I rather think so !— a precious rough
specimen of an old fisherman !"

"Have a care what you say, my good lad I if you
don't want to get your head in your fist— that's the
Admiral of the Claddagh, the chief ruler of Galway

Bay 1"

" Do you hear that, Melville ?" cried the officer to
his unwounded comrade, and both laughed heartily.
" If that isn't a good joke. Why, you great sea-bear,
are not these waters subject to Queen Victoria?"

" Not a drop of them belongs to her— not as much
as would fall from your finger— she has no more
authority over us Claddagh men on Galway Bay
than you have— we rule here, my boy ! and Randal

THE AHHIRAL's DAUGHTER.

li the Admiral, bend-

•om the pale lips, but
Raise him up, boys I
lal, " Virgin Mother !
3 1" and he pointed to
y visible on the blue

the jacket was torn
on the gaping wound

re you taking us to ?"
icers, as soon as their
what relieved.
I" said Shan DriscoU,
ou're speakin' to ?"
30 ! — a precious rough

•, ray good lad I if you
.n your fist — that's the
I chief ruler of Galway

e ?" cried the officer to
both laughed heartily,
rhy, you great sea-bear,
to Queen Victoria ?"
igs to her — not as much
ger — she has no more
men on Galway Bay
;, my boy ! and Randal

More rules ua — so mind you speak him fair, or you'll
not be thankful to yourself."

By this time Hamilton had recovered the use of
his speech, and asked who it was that saved him,
" for," said he, " I remember porfoctly being unable
to swim with the stiffness of this wounded arm and
the weakness arising from the loss of blood. I went
down a second time, I know well !"

Brian was pointed out to him, and the officer
shook him warmly by the hand. " You're a brave
fellow," said he, " and for your sake I'll always
honor the Claddagh men. It was a noble act."

This being explained by Shan, Brian replied, with
a smile, that he couldn't do less, seeing that it was
by his means the pistol went off, " and I didn't mean
that," he added, "but only to save Shan's life. I
wanted to upset the boat, it's true enough, but I
don't know much about pistols, so I didn't think it
would go off of itself that way. It'll be a warning
to the Sassenachs for the time to come!"

" Well, young man ! all I can say is, that I owe
you my life — those from whom I had a right to ex-
pect assistance would have left me, it seems, to my
fate!"

" Upon ray honor, Hamilton ! you're very unrea-
sonable ! I assure you, we had hard work to save
ourselves ! — we're not water-dogs, you must remem-
ber!"

♦' Oh 1 of course not — you belong, rather, to the
poodles ! But this wound, — deuce take it ! I feel

JL ^

UAURGEM DHC,

quite faintish l-how are wo to get int.o/o^" J }
suppose that unlucky boat can't be righted till it

cets on shore l" ,

1 he fishermen had been conferring amongat them-
selves, but Ilandal hearing thi«, turned again to the
Captain : " We have your boat in tow-for your-
selves, by right you're our prisoners, as we caught
Tou trespassing on the bay." , .. . „

A humorous smile flitted across the pale teatures
of the wounded man, but he said nothing.

"I say you're our prisoners," resumed Randal,
"but on account of the state you're in, and the bad
^ound you've got, an' on account of the decent turn
that we see in you-not all as one as these others-
we'll let you go, for this time, hoping that you 11
let us alone for the time to come, an' meddle no

more with us !" , - ,, t \.^„

« Many thanks to you, my worthy fellow,— 1 beg
pardonl— most noble Admiral!"

"Hold your tongue now, Sassenach I words are
air, an' we want no blarney l~boys !" to his sous
and Shan, in their own language, " get those lubbers
of oarsmen in here and lash that boat of theirs to
this-take them all into town, and hurry back, for
we've lost more time with the jackdaws than what

they're worth 1" , ^ . j i.„

His orders were quickly obeyed, Brian and he
shook hands with the Captain who once more as-
sured the latter of his undying gratitude, and the
parties separated.

THE ADUIRAl/8 DAUOnTKB,

101

in,

to get into town ? 1
»n't be righted till it

iferring amongst them-
18, turned again to the
oat in tow— for your-
risoners, a« we caught

icro88 the pale features
said nothing,
ere," resumed Randal,
you're in, and the had
jount of the decent turn
a one as these others —
.ime, hoping that you'll
come, an' meddle no

f worthy fellow,— I beg

rail"

', Sassenach ! words are
,y t—boys '." to his sons
aage, " get those lubbers
ish that boat of theirs to
»wn, and hurry back, for
the jackdaws than what

f obeyed, Brian and he
jtain who once more as-
idyiag gratitude, and the

Leaving the one boat on its way back to the Clad-
dagh, ajid the other iip the river to Gal way, let us
see how things went in Randal's cottage atlcr the
Buddon doparlure of the men. The priest had left
his Beat during the hurry, and stood with his stick
in one hand and his hat in the other, while he glanced
from Maureen to Vara, and from Vara back again
to her grand-daughter's blushing face, where his
gaze rested.

"Maureen!" Baid he, at length, "you'ro a good
girl, but I don't know what to make of you. Do
you ever mean to marry ?"

"Ay ! that's the question. Father Dominic^ " put
in the grand-dame ; " if she does, now's her time —
let her say yes or no — and if she doesn't, the sooner
it's known the better — there's tho tvo decentest boys
in the Claddagh breaking their hearts about her."

" And each other's heads, too, once in a while,"
observed the priest, with a smile ; " that's the worst
of it. I protest, Maureen ! this won't do at all—we
must tether the kid, my daughter !"

" But what would the kid do, then, yonr rever-
ence ?" said Maureen, with an arch-smile, and a half-
serious shake of the head, " the apanshU* spoils all
sport, and if two of us were spanshilled together,
Father Dominick, maybe it's what we'd be one pull-
ing this way and the other that — I'm thinking we're
better friends now than we'd be then 1"

• The tpanahil cffectnalTy Impedes the mollon* of any nnrul^
animal, by tying the forefoot and hindfoot together, on one side. ■

102

MAUREEN DH1T,

"Well, but Brian, my child !— surely you and
Brian could agree-there'a not a better tempered
boy in the village.

« ^ know that, your revererce !— it's too good
tempered he is— him and me wouldn't pull together,

"Now, are you in earnest, Maureen? Perhaps
you think more of Shan?"

"To be sure she does," cried Vara, from the
dresser, where she was arraugiug her wooden ware.
« Don't press me too hard, now, Father Domm-
ick!" said Maureen, with a sudden change of man-
ner "my granny and my father, and all of them are
at me-don't you take part with them, or I can't
Btand it. Oh 1 your reverence, make them let me
alone-do, and God bless you. If you only ktiew
how little I'm thinking of marriage, and sure, sure,
I'm time enough !"

There was no resisting the passionate supplica-
tion of Maureen's look, nor the wild energy with
which her words were uttered. The priest could
only gaze and wonder at the very unnecessary
earnestness, as he thought, with which the girl pre-
ferred her petition. He felt himself moved to pity,
although he could not tell why, and old Vara her-
Belf cooled down wonderfully.

"Well, after all, child, its your own look-out, and
we're fools to be burning our fingers at another's
fife. I suppose, your reverence, her time isn't come,
for, sure if it was, she couldn't keep it back."

iHU, ,

Id!— surely you and
ot a better tempered

•ence!— it's too good
wouldn't pull together,

, Mauieen? Perhaps

cried Vara, from the
giug her wooden ware.
d, now, Father Domin-
udden change of man-
ler, and all of them are
; with thera, or I can't
ice, maJce them let me
ou. If you only knew
larriage, and sure, sure,

ie passionate supplica-
■ the wild energy with
red. The priest could
the very unnecessary
with which the girl pre-
1 himself moved to pity,
why, and old Vara her-

, your own look-out, and
our fingers at another's
jnce, her time isn't come,
In't keep it back,"

fHE ADUIRAL'S OACaHTiCR.

103

Here the cheering from the wharf reached Mau-
reen's ear, and she started off abruptly, muttering
something about her father. When she was gone,
Vara and the priest looked at each other, and for a
moment neither spoke.

" Vara !" said the priest, at last breaking silence,
" I'm an old man, and have seen many things in my
time ; books have I studied, and men, but of woman's
heart I know little. Can you read me this riddle ?"

" Father Dominick !" replied the old woman, and
her dark features assumed a sort of sybilline character
that startled her auditor, " Father Dominick !" she
repeated, " mind I tell you there's something in that
girl that's past the common. In dreams of the night
I oflen see her in strange, wild places, among
ghostly people" — and Vara's face grew darker and
her look more solemn — " with the gaiments of the
stranger on her back, and the speech of the stranger
on her tongue. Oh, oh, your reverence ! there's fear
in my heart about that girl — pulse of my heart she is
— and that's the reason why I'm pushing her on. I
think if she was once settled for life, with a decent,
honest partner, I'd feel myself twenty years younger."

The priest, seeing the old woman's perturbation,
endeavored to make light of her fears. " Pooh 1
pooh 1 Vara, I thought you Lad more sense than to
be heeding idle dreams I"

"Ah ! Father Dominick, there's more truth in
dreams, sometimes, than there is in our daily liie —
that's my notion, anyhow, and God grant it mayn't

104

MAURBKN DHU,

be true in regard to Maureen ! Why, your rever-
ence, it'B only about a week agone since I dream 1
that I was trying my ring* on her, and it wou d„ t
Btay on her finger-it fell off as fast as I put it on
-think of that, Father Dominick, dear!-my mai-
riac^r-ring, and her mother's, too ! If there s any-
S. in that dream, it's no wonder I'd be down-

^'« Go^d save you all 1" eaid the priest, addressing
a croup of men and women who had just come
down from the upper part of the village, arrayed
in their Sunday clothes. "How is all w^th yon?
I thought every soul in the Claddagh was down at

the wharf."

« Well, indeed, I suppose toe^d be there too, your
reverence," returned one of the men, « only for what
happened last night!" ^^

"And what was that, Denny ?'

" Why nothing at all, your reverence, only that our
Jack and Peggy Sullivan went oif with themsdveB
last night from the bonfire,t and we were all up at
Terry's this morning making the match.

* In Hall's Waj^^ wc flad an Inter^^^^,?^ --^^^^^^ -^^^d
peculiar to the Cladda.di-v Iz., the wedmng n i,^^„,fe„cd

Sown as an heir-loom m ll'^ fe'mly. ^^^^^^ '* ^^^ of these Clad-
arrr."k%^vlrV\t;S'auV'S^Su. wori.a.an.Uip. costing

Hardly any of their pu. he f^^'^'^l^.'-^* ^^ %l.e thing is so com-
They generally go lo some friend s house.

iV,

! "Why, your rever-
rrone since I dreamed
a her, and it wouldn't
as fast as I put it on
iniok, dear!— my mar-
too ! If there's any-
wonder I'd be down-

the priest, addressing
I who had just come
)f the village, arrayed
How is all wi«Ayou?
Dladdagh was down at

THK ADMIRAL'S DAUGHTER.

108

oe'd be there, too, your
,he men, "only for what

ny?"

reverence, only that our
ent off with themselves
and we were all up at
r the match."

tcrostln? Hcconnt of a custom
.0 wedding-ring being handed
The ring is always transferred
married Some of these Clad-
Burlou* workmanship, costing

aotoms of the Claddagh people.
* passes off without one or more
.gcther. The thing is 60 com-
nor displeasure, and it is a fuel
1 men that no advantage is ever
irself Intba power of her lover.
\ house.

" Very good, Denny ! very good — I heard they
were pulling a cord together this time past — were
you up at the Convent ?"

" To be sure, your reverence, we just came from
there — the porter told us you were down somewhere
here, he thought, so wo made free to come after
you. We're going to have the young couple spliced
this evening ^"

" Oh 1 of course — the sooner the better, as things
have gone so far. "Where are they ?"

" Up at our house, your reverence !" said Terry
Sullivan. "They went to her Aunt Polly's last
night, and when we got word this morning of
where they were — indeed, we partly guessed it—
her mother and myself went up and brought her
home."

" "Well ! I'll be at home any time you come.
Good day. Vara. I'm sorry the match wasn't fin-
ished here this morning. Take my word for it,
Maureen and the boy, whoever he is, are waiting to
make a run of it some of these moonlight nights,
when you're not looking for it."

When the priest was gone, the SuUivans, man
and wife, invited Vara and all the family to the
wedding. " Of course, we'll not have house-room
for the tithe of all we'll have," observed Norry,
"but the weather's brave and hot, thanks be to
God, and we can eat and drink, and dance, and,
everything, in the open air.^ There'll be lashings
and leavings of everything, please God ; for my

106

HAUREKN DHIT,

father— God rest him '.—left ten pounds to Peggy,
and we mean to spend it on her wedding, every

penny."

"And why wouldn't you, astore?" rejoined Vara.
" Sure you'll never miss it when God gives you tlie
way of doing it. Yon can plenish the house for
them easy enough, and I know Denny hero will be
givin' Jack a share in the boat, so they'll do well,
please God Almighty I"

"Troth an' I will, Varki with the heart and a
half," put in Denny, a very easy-going man of
rather a taciturn habit, who usually left the talking
to his wife, when present. " I'm better pleased at
this match than if I got a whole cargo of prime fibh,
just on account of the old quarrel between myself
and Terry here. Give us your hand, Terry 1 It's
ever and always a lucky match that heals an old
wound ; isn't it, Terry ?" Terry and Terry's wife
answered affirmatively and affectionately.

"Are you going to town?" demanded Vara, hast-
ily, for she just then perceived the Widow DriscoU
and More Kineely moving along in the direction of
the wharf. " If you are, call for me. I'll only wait
to see how things are going below, and then get a
bit of dinner."

" Well, I b'lieve our Cauth has to go in," observed
Norry, " for some nick-nack or another ; but wo
were all in this morning and got our wants. Mind
and tell the boys now, Vara— I mean them that's
one, and Randal and Maureen, and all of them.

DHU,

k ten pounds to Peggy,
on her wedding, every

astoro ?" rejoined Vara,
ivhen God gives you the
I plenish the house for
low Denny here will be
3oat, so they'll do well,

I with the heart and a
ery easy-going man of
> usually left the talking
"I'm better pleased at
hole cargo of prime fifch,
quarrel between myself
your hand, Terry 1 It's
latch that heals an old
Terry and Terry's wife
affectionately.
?" demanded Vara, hast-
ived the Widow Driscoll
along in the direction of
ill for me. I'll only wait
ig below, and then get a

ith has to go in," observed
ick or another ; but wo
nd got our wants. Mind
ara — I mean them that's
mreen, and all of them.

THB ADMIRAl/s DAUGHTER.

107

But stay, Denny ; I think you ought to go down to
the wharf and ask Randal yourself— you and Terry."

"Sorra that they will," said Vara, snappishly.^
" Go home, all of you, and you'll find plenty to do.
Never mind Randal. He'll be there in full feather,
I'll go bail I"

So the bridal party went off well satisfied, and
Vara hurried after her cronies, burning with curi-
osity to know what was passing on the water.
Various rumors had echoed through the half-
deserted streets of the village during the short
interval, and the maternal fears of the old women
had been roused to an intolerable degree by the
willfully-exaggerated reports of the urchins, who kept
running to- and fro in t'.ie " great news by telegraph"
style of more civilized communities. On their march
to the wharf the aged matrons were met by at least
half-a-dozen of these self-constituted scouts, one
after another.

"Shan DriscoU's shot 1" cried one.

'Brian Kineely's drowned I" shouted another.

"No, it's the Sassenaohs," cried a third; "their
boat's upset !"

" Hur-r-rah I" from the shore, in a chorus of manly
voices, " they're all saved I"

Agitated beyond endurance by these conflicting
accounts, the old women hurried onward as fast as
their iniirmities would permit; Vara dragging the
others on with masculine vigor and energy. They
had hardly reached the shore when Randal, urged

108

MAURBBN DHtJ,

by Maureen, put off, as we have seen, for the place
of action. The cheers and fond congratulations
that hailed Shan, on his return with Randal, lost
half their value, in his estimation, when he looked
in vain for Maureen. The mother's blessing and
embrace were welcome, but the light of Maureen s
smile was wanting; and when Randal himself no-
ticed her sudden disappearance, a pang of jealousy
shot through Shan's heart, and he said withm him-
»elf, "It's because Brian isn't with us I"

_JL

DHXr,

have Been, for the place
d fond congratulations
eturn with Randal, lost
Imation, when he looked
B mother's blessing and
t the light of Maureen's
hen Randal himself no-
ranoe, a pang of jealousy
, and he said within him*
sn't with us I"

■■■

TBE ADUIRAL's DAUOHTER.

CHAPTER VI.

loa

A few days after the events recorded in our last
chapter, Mr. Fitzstephen and his mother sat togeilicr
at an open window of their drawing-room, looking
out on the rather fashionable thoroughfare of Dora-
inick street. It was evening, and the slanting
beams of the setting sun illumined the opposite
roofs and chimneys, and poured in a flood of mellow
light through the thin summer drapery of the win-
dows. The furniture of the spacious apartment
was rich and elegant, yet by no means modern ; on
the contrary, there was what might be called an
old-fashioned look about the crimson velvet couches,
the card and centre tables of the very darkest ma-
hogany, with those old feet of theirs terminating in
claws, and the lofty, narrow pier-glasses in quaintly-
adorned frames. There were also one or two ebony
cabinets, inlaid with ivory in an antique fashion, and
the painted figures that looked down from the green
walls were nearly all clad in the costumes of
departed generations. Of proud and stately bearing
were those ancient ladies and gentlemen, and no
wonder, for they were the Blakes, and Frenches,
and Lynches, and Fitzstephens, who had ruled
Galway in its palmy days — the merchants who
were princes in their generation, and the high-bred
matrons who were their wives and mothers, Mar-

%-^

110

MAVREKM DHO,

rvinK amongst themselves for many generations the
Norman families of Galway were all more or less
connected by kindred and affinity, so that the same
individuals were to be seen in very many groups
of family portraits throughout the city. They were
a goodly company, those painted ancestors ot Giles
Fitzstephen, and it was not strange that his mother,
herself a Frenchwoman, should take pleasure in
contemplating those shadows from the past. Yet,
strange to say, she presented in her own person a
Uvin- contrast to the prevailing charactenstics of
her ;ictured progenitors. She was a little, round
and rather dumpy woman, with a cheerful, pleasant
countenance, bright as the sunshine «t-ammg m
there through the window, and looking fresher and
fairer than many women of thirty, notwithstanding
the silvery hair so carefully folded under the widow s
cap • for Mrs. Fitzstephen had never thrown off the
weeds which, fifteen years before, she assumed with
a heavy heart. It would be hard to recognize m
her the daughter and heiress of that dark-browed
Anthony French whose picture hangs just over yon
ancient cabinet to the left of the fireplace; and yet
Bhe is and was the only child of that very man, and
for twenty long years the wife of that stately Arnold
Fitzstephen whose pictured likeness overhung the
xnantlepiece, as his living image leaned m thought,
ful mood on the pier-table opposite hifl mother,
while his well-proportioned form reclined m a high
narrow-backed chair of the same venerable aspect

IV,

nany generations, the
ere all more or lees
lity, BO that the same
in very many groups
the city. They were
ted ancestors of Giles
ange that his mother,
mid take pleasure in
from the past. Yet,
in her own person a
ling characteristics of
\e was a little, round,
th a cheerful, pleasant
Bunshinc streaming in
id looking Ircsher and
hirty, notwithstanding
Ided under the widow's
d never thrown off the
fore, she assumed with
1 hard to recognize in
19 of that dark-browed
ire hangs just over yon
f the fireplace; and yet
1 of that very man, and
■e of that stately Arnold
likeness overhung the
aage leaned in thought-
3 opposite his mother,
form reclined in a high,
! same venerable aspect

Tni admiral's dauobter.

Ill

as the tables and couches before mentioned. Some
visitors of Mrs. Fitzstephen's had just retired, and
of them the mother and son had been speaking.

" Well, I declare, Giles, I can't conceive what
objection you can have to Emily. Zthinkherby
far the prettiest girl in Galway ; and as for manners,
why, there is a ^*nwA about her that is really quite
captivating."

"You think so, mother," replied the son, with a
smile; "but you are hardly an impartial judge.
Your pretty god-daughter has been always a special
favorite of yours. Do you know it is just what you
call the finish that counteracts in ray mind tlie
charm of her very attractive face and form. I was
far more inclined to love her before she letl Galway
than I am now. The/twwA which she has acquired
at an English boarding-school sits awkwardly, I
think, on an Irish girl. She was as merry as a lark
and graceful as a fawn, when she left us five years
ago ; what she is now, you may admire, my dear
mother, but I cannot. Give me back, if you can,
the light-hearted, playful, unsophisticated Emily
Waldron, and I will try to win her for a wife, but
not the starched-up English lady who swam from
the door, just now, with an arrogant assumption of
dignity that never sits well on a youthful maiden."

He arose in visible agitation, and walked to
another window, while his mother gazed after him
with a look in which maternal pride was singularly
mixed with disappointment and displeasure.

Mfi

iia

MAUREEN DEC,

•'Then I suppose you mean to go no farther with
that affair?" she at last said.

" What affair ?" demanded her son, quickly.

«« What affair ! why, you know as well as 1 do !"

"Mother!" said Fitzstephon, placing himself full
in front of her, with his hands crossed behind his
back, and his tall figure leaning slightly forward,
" mother ! it was you who commenced these nego-
tiations with the Waldron family. I warned you,
more than once, to leave it to myself, and to wait
till Emily should return, so that I might judge for
myself. I am no party, therefore, to anything that
has passed between you and her father on matrimo-
nial subjects."

•' Well, but Giles ! listen to me ! you don t know

Emily yet !" , i v

« Pardon me, my dear madam, I find I know her
but too well. She is no longer the Emily I once
dreamed of as a wife. It requires no great discern-
ment to sec that. I am a man of mature years now,
and thirty-five sees things and persons just as they
are, not as they seem to be. My days of romance
are over ; and to say the truth, I think Cupid has
no quiver in his bow to wound me now."

"But think of Emily's feelings, Giles; suppose
her affections are engaged."

" Never you fear that, mother ! Til answer for it,
her heart is open to impressions." And Fitzste-
phen's lip curled with a smile of bitter irony.
« But, seriously speaking, my dear mother, I have

HC,

I to go no farther with

her son, quickly,
inov; as well as 1 do 1"
in, placing himself full
ids crosfed behind hia
ming slightly forward,
ommenced these ncgo-
araily. I warned you,
to myself, and to wait
that I might judge for
•efore, to anything that
her father on matrimo-

to me ! you don't know

adam, I find I know her
)nger the Emily I once
quires no great discern-
an of mature years now,
lud persons just as they
!. My days of romance
truth, I think Cupid has
md me note."
feelings, Giles; suppose
>

other ! I'll answer for it,
ressions." And Fitzste-
, smile of bitter irony,
my dear mother, I have

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

113

no present thoughts of marriage. As long as I have
you to love mo and cater for my comfort I desire
no other. Do not urge me, then, to form new ties
which might be fatal to your now paramount influ-
ence," Fitzstepheu's smile, when be did smile, was
i-resistibly sweet, and it beamed at that moment so
full on hia mother that she could not say him nay.
So the subject dropped for that time, and Fitzste-
•phen took to mensuring the apartment, pacing its
length up and down with a perseverance that would
be truly laudable had it any rational object in view.
Mrs. Fitzstephen put on her spectacles — one could
hardly believe that such sunny eyes could be fail-
ing — and took up the book which she had laid down
on the entrance of Miss Waldron and her aunt.

" Mother 1" said Fitzstephen, " although I do not
often trouble you with any of the dry details of
business, yet I am strongly tempted to do so just
now."

His mother looked up in surprise. "And why
not always, my son ? "Who can be so interested in
your affairs as your own mother ? What is ii that
troubles you now ?"

" That herring-fishery, mother t I cannot get it
out of my head."

" So it is always -with your new plans, Giles," said
his mother, with a smile.

" Well, but mother, think of it seriously I Is it
not a burning shame to have English and Scotch
merchants making handsome fortunes out of our

■Hi

114

UAURF.EN DRU,

fisheries, while wo of Galway leave them in the un-
disturbed posBCBsion of a trade that by right is
our8 ? Here they send their vessels year after year
taking away to foreign markets the -.veulth of our
waters. Why not turn this golden btr.ani into our
own coffers ?" *

"It would be v^ry desirable, indeed, Giles; but
how are you to do it ? Thcvt's Hi' hard Hammond
tried it, and you know 1\< •" it fared with him. U9
never got over it since, us I've often heard yourself

Bay."

" Yes, but mother ! if those obstinate Claddagh
men could be only got to try the trawling it would
increase the trade considerably. Then I might have
a contract with some of the principal boat-ownere
amongst them to take all their fibh, and, by having
experienced packers brought over from Scotland, I
could make a capital thing out of it every year of
my life. Others here would follow my example,
and wo might, after a few years, drive the foreign
merchants home to their own fisheries."

" Well, but how are you to manage the Claddagh
men? You know they'll never take to trawling.
Didn't you see how Randal took your allusion to it
on St. John's Day ? They have such a rooted aver-
sion to new-fangled plans !"

" Still I am not without hopes of bringing them
to reason," replied the son. " You know I have
many friends amongst them — Randal More himself,
V r instance."

tc,

leave them in the un-
:i<le that by right is
.c'saelu year after year
its the '.vcalth of our
;olden bt''am into our

4
If, indt-ed, Giles; but
,'8 I{i hard Ilararaond
, fared with liim. Hi
e often heard youraelf

10 obstinate Claddagh
the trawling it would
y. Tiien I might have
principal boat-owncrft
;ir fibli, and, by having
over from Scotland, I
)ut of it every year of
I follow ray example,
jars, drive the foreign
, fisherius."

I manage the Claddagh
ever take to trawling,
ook your allusion to il
ave such a rooted aver-

lopes of bringing them
. "You know I have
—Randal Jkforo himself,

THK admiral's DArOHTKH.

115

The mother laughed. Tier laugh was peculiarly
infectious, for it came from her very heart. " Why
now, Giles, have you lived so near the Claddagh all
your life, and yet suppose for one moment that you
could exercise any control over the community or
its bead, in a matter wliich thej consider of vital
importance— could you <Ire(i:n of inducing them to
give up a custom which is little sliort of sacred in
their eyes, from its venerable antiquity? Giles!
Giles ! it would bo enough for a schoolboy of nine-
teen to indulge in such fantastic notions !"

But Fitzstephen was not to be laughed out of his
cherished plan, although he joined, without knowing
why, in his :)ther'8 merry laugh. "Nevermind,
mother, never mind ; if all fails me, I will force a
lesson on Lhera,"

" Why, Giles, what do you mean ?"

" Don't ask mo now, my dear mother. It will be
an extreme measure, and there is no use in talking
of it, even to you, unless I am really driven to it.
Come what may, trawling must have a fair trial on
the Bay. That is my first step in the formation of
a Galway fish-trade. Hush ! here are the girls I
Not a word of it to them, as you love me !"

The girlt were only girls by courtesy. Graceful
find attractive they both were, the elder particu-
larly so, but the ago of girlhood was long past with
both, and Margaret, the elder sister, had been a
widow for the last three years, though still under
thirty. Charlotte, the younger, was the exact coun-

116

MATJBEEN DHJT,

terpart of her brother— if anything, darker in facial
expression, and more reserved in manner. Taller
than the average run of women, there was a stiffness
about her that spoiled the efifect cf her really hand-
some countenance and symmetrical form, so that
her littlo, plump sister, with a much plainer set of
features, was much more admired by the general-
ity of their male acquaintances. Margaret was
an incessant talker. Charlotte seldom spoke, espe-
cially before strangers, and the habitual reserve,
which partly proceeded from shyness, was set down
by the charitable world as the effect of pride. But
those — and they were few in number — who could
penetrate the outward surface of Charlotte Fitzste-
phen's peculiar manner, knew her to be pos-
sessed of many high and even noble traits of
character, which raised her far above her volatile
and good-natured, and somewhat coquettish
sister, whose winning ways had obtained
for her at nineteen a rich and dashing husband.
Tc">r Dandy Behan ! as he was familiarly called in
his native city, he hardly lived long enough to dis-
cover the better qualities of Margaret's nature,
but quite long enough to find out to his sorrow
that a dashing beau ought never to marry a dash-
ing belle. Margaret's tastes were but too similar
to his own. Both had a feverish love for gay soci-
ety, both were anxious to " cut a dash," and, alas !
neither thought of looking after the means by which
these expensive tastes were to be gratified. Money

DHJ7,

lything, darker in facial
ved in manner. Taller
len, there was a stiffness
ffect cf her really hand-
ametrical form, bo that
h. a much plainer set of
dmired by the general-
tances. Margaret was
)tte seldom spoke, espe-
. the habitual reserve,
a shyness, was set down
-he effect of pride. But
in number — who could
ice of Charlotte Fitzste-
knew her to be pos-
even noble traits of
r far above her volatile
somewhat coquettish
ways had obtained
and dashing husband,
was familiarly called in
ved long enough to dis-
of Margaret's nature,
find out to his sorrow
never to marry a dash-
es were but too similar
verish love for gay soci-
" cut a dash," and, alas !
after the means by which
to be gratified. Money

THE admiral's DAUGHTEK.

117

flew out of their hands, themselves could hardly tell
liow, the Behan patrimony, bequeathed by a saving,
hard-working father, grew "small by degrees," and
during the four years that Edmund Behan and Mar-
garet Fitzstephen were man and wife, they contrived
so to encumber it with mortgages that when the
young husband was killed by a fall from his favorite
hunter, tlie prftty widow found herself dependent
on her mother and brother, after spending, or help-
to spend, her own fortune of two thousand pounds,
as well as her husband's estate of six hundred a
year. To a woman of deeper feelings and more
elevated sentiments it would have been a hard ne-
cessity to seek a home once more under the roof of
her stern brother, whose continued remonstrances
she had so recklessly disregarded, but, as it was,
Margaret Behan was troubled with no such qu&lms,
and was only too happy to have a door open to re-
ceive her. Whatever might have been Fitzstephen's
sentiments regarding his sister's conduct, he was
too generous to reproach her when the hand of ad-
versity was heavy on her, and if his welcome was
not as cordial as her mother's, it was none the less
Bincere.

. «'Why, mamma, only think!" said Mrs. Behan,
throwing herself on the couch nearest to the door,
" they have had such work in the Claddagh ever
since St. John's Day, and we so near, and to hear
nothing of it."
" Dear me 1 what have they been doing there ?'*

118

IIAOBEBN DHU,

the mother eagerly inquired, for if truth must be
told, good Mrs. Fitzstephen dearly loved a bit of
gossip. "Giles I did you hear anything of it ?"

" I did, mother ! but let Margaret tell what she
heard— it would be downright cruelty to prevent
ber." So saying, he walked over to the empty fire-
place, and appeared to make a critical examination
of his father's portrait.

" It's all been about that wild girl, the Admiral's
daughter," went on fair Margaret ; " I do believe
half the young fellows in the Claddagh are after her.
You remember her exploit here in town.in Midsum-
mer, and the fuss that was made about it— well !
what do you think but there went a number of sol-
diers out to the village that night to the bonfires-
some say there were gentlemen there, too " — lower-
ing her voice and glancing furtively at her brother

ti however, they got fighting about Maureen, and

that old More Kineely that we heard was killed—
she wasn't, though— it was going in between her
own grandson and Shan DriscoU that she got the
blow. I wish they would get that girl married-
she keeps them all in hot water !"

" Now, Margaret, why will you talk so ?" said
Charlotte, speaking for the first time; "the girl
cannot keep people from admiring her, and I know
many a fine lady who would be very, very glad
to supply such 'hot water' for the gentlemen.
Don't be too hard on the Admiral's pretty daugh-
ter!"

DHC,

3, for if truth must be
dearly loved a bit of
ear anything of it ?"
Margaret tell what she
ght cruelty to prevent
over to the empty fire-
s a critical examination

wild girl, the Admiral's
:argaret ; " I do believe
3 Claddagh are after her.
lere in town,in Midsum-
a made about it — well !
:e went a number of boI-
b night to the bonfires —
men there, too" — ^lower-
furtively at her brother
ting about Maureen, and
L we heard was killed- —
s going in between her
>riBColl that she got the
get that girl married —
irater 1"

will you talk so?" said
lie first time; "the girl
dmiring her, and I know
ould be very, very glad
ter' for the gentlemen.
Admiral's pretty daugh-

THB ADUIRAL'a DAUGHTER.

119

"Well! well! Margaret, go on," said her mother,
" what more have you to tell ?"

" Why, I haven't much more, mamma ! Yon saw
the account of what happened on the Bay — "

"And is that all?" said Fitzstephen, turning
abruptly, and apparently much relieved ; " why, I
know more than that myself. What would you
say, now, Margaret, my pretty paroquet I were I to
tell you that the soldiers who went to the Clad-
dagh bonfires were officers — you may stare, but it is
a fact — and amongst them your favorite. Captain
Hamilton !"

" La, Giles ! it can't be possible — you want to
tease me, you spiteful creature 1 — you just invented
that, now, because of what happened on the Bay.
I know you always sympathize with the Claddagh
men — you do !"

" But, Giles 1" said his mother, " do tell me how
you came to know this ?"

" Yes," said Margaret, " and tell us who the ^en-
tiemen were that got into the scrape."

Fitzstephen shrank for a moment from the pier-
cing glance of the three pair of eyes, and his color
rose considerably. His hesitation, however, was
but for a moment, and he replied with tolerable com-
posure:

"I believe JT was the only civilian present, mother,
who could lay claim to the rank of a gentleman — I
walked out to see the fun, but as for the * scrape '
of which Margaret elegantly speaks, I got into uo
Borape."

120

HAT7REK}! DBU,

Margaret laughed out, Charlotte opened her
eyes very wide and fixed them earnestly on her
brother. Tlie mother's cheek flushed, and a cloud
obscured the sunshine of her brow.

"Then my informant was right," observed Mar-

' garet.

"Giles!" said Mrs. Fitzstephen, "can this be pos-
gitle ?— what in the name of Heaven brought you
to the Claddagh at such a time— you of all people
vith your aristocratic tastes and habits ?"

" I went there on business, madam '." said the son,
quietly and almost haughtily ; " I told you a few
moments since of certain negotiations which I have
on hand in relation to a certain affair,"

" Oh ! of course !" laughed the incorrigible Marga-
ret drawing her little form up in ludicrous imitation
of her stately brother, " of course, Don Giles Fitz-
stephen had business to transact in the Claddagh
on Midsummer Night, and with Maureen Dhu— he
was giving her an order, no doubt, for some barrels
of herrings to be furnished in good condition — well
saved and duly salted— aha ! my grave brother— my
sage mentor — so you can play pranks at times ! —
never speak to Margaret Behan or any one else after

that!"

And holding up her finger in playful admonition,
she drew the silent and astonished Charlotte after
her from the room, as both were still in their street
costume.

The mother and son, left once more alone together,

DHU,

Charlotte opened licr
them earnestly on her
ek flushed, and a cloud
r brow.
s right," observed Mar-

iphen, " can this be pos-
»f Heaven brought you
time — you of all people
} and habits?"
1, madam !" said the son,
ly; "I told you a few
jgotiations which I have
tain aifair."

i the incorrigible Marga-
up in ludicrous imitation
■ course, Don Giles Fitz-
•ansact in the Claddagh
with Maureen Dhu — he
) doubt, for some barrels
in good condition — well
! my grave brother — my
play pranks at times ! —
ehan or any one else after

er in playful admonition,

itonished Charlotte after

were still in their street

once more alone together,

THE admiral's 0ATTOHTKR.

121

stood for a moment regarding each other in silence
—the mother with a sternness that was foreign to
her character, the son with more than his usual
coolness and reserve.

"Giles!" said Mrs. Fitzstephen, at length," what

does this mean ?"

" Simply this, my dear madam I that I am going
about the business which I told you of, in the way
which I deem most likely to be successful. I know
these Claddagh people better, perhaps, than any one
else, for since boyhood I have taken an interest in
them— God knows," he added musingly, as if half
to himself, half to his mother, " what I do and
desire to do has their advantage in view as well as
my own."

" Indeed ?"

"Yes, indeed, madam! To those who can pene-
trate the outward roughness of their speech and
manner, they are and must be interesting, for many
of the virtues which adorn humanity flourish in the
genial soil of their unsophisticated hearts. With
the means at their disposal they might be much more
comfortable and even wealthier than they are, and
with God's help, I will overcome their prejudices,
and force them to promote their own interest— and
mine too! You will be good enough to leave me
to myself in this matter, mother !— I mean in my
necessaiy intercourse with the fishermen — it is
purely a matter of business, I assure you !"

"Well, Giles! I never cmdd understand your

122

MAUREEN DBIT,

peculiar notions, nor can I now, bat I will certainly
not interfere in this matter, relying on your pru-
dence and good sense. If you can use the Claddagh
men for your mutual benefit, why, do!"

" Many thanks, my own dear mother ! You were
ever kind and considerate towards me — may God
give me grace to requite you as you deserve 1"

FuU of an emotion that his mother could by no
means understand, Fitzstephen left the room. He
had been all the years of his life an enigma to that
mother who had been his guardian from early boy-
hood. She was, indeed, none of the most penetra-
ting, and had little in common with her son, yet her
motherly instinct often gave her the key to his feel-
ings, shrouded as they were in a habitual reserve,
but on the present occasion she was wholly at a loss
to know what was passing in his mind. Subdued
and controlled unconsciously to herself, by her son's
mental superiority, she seldom dived farther into
his motives of action than he was pleased to reveal.
So long as he treated her with the respect due to a
mother, and studied her wishes in every respect, shp
was quite content to leave him in the mystery of a
reserve which appeared natural to him, and which
he had, in fact, inherited, to a certain extent, from his
father.

" After all, I cannot wonder at him," she would
Bay within herself; " is he not his father's image,
shape, make, and feature — the dark spirit comes to
him by nature, and I suppose he can't help doing

DHU,

ow, bat I will certainly
', relying on your pru-
u can use the Claddagh
why, do!"

iar mother I You were
owards me — may God
1 as you deserve !"
18 mother could by no
en left the room. He
i life an enigma to that
ardian from early boy-
! of the most penetra-
»n with her son, yet her
her the key to his feel-
in a habitual reserve,
he was wholly at a loss
n his mind. Subdued
to herself, by her son's
ira dived farther into
I was pleased to reveal,
h the respect due to a
es in every respect, shp
im in the mystery of a
ral to him, and which
certain extent, from his

er at him," she would
lot his father's image,
i dark spirit comes to
e he can't help doing

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

128

things in an odd way. May the Lord bo merci-
ful to your soul, Arnold Fitzstephen !" she said on
the present occasion, placing herself in front of her
late husband's portrait, "you were a kind husband,
there's no denying it, but there was always some-
thing about you, just like Giles, that I couldn't un-
derstand. There was but one heart that was ever,
ever open to me — oh 1 Juan ! Juan ! what a fate it
was that separated us — we who seemed formed for
each other, and gave me — ^me — the gayest girl in
Galway — Arnold Fitzstephen — him of all men — for
a husband !"

It was strange to see the change that came over
that placid countenance as the widowed matron
turned to a small medallion picture which hung in
a rather dark corner of the apartment beyond the
range of the light from the windows. It was the
half-length portrait of a young man in a sort of
naval costume, his face radiant with the hopes and
joys of early manhood, while

" HIb hair was thick with many a curl
That clustered round hia head."

There was little or actual beauty in the dark, for-
eign-looking features, but there was a world of win-
ning candor and sportive gayety in the full, clear
eyes and the whole expression of the countenance.
It was, in short, that of a sprightly, frank, manly
youth, just bounding off in the buoyancy of hope
along the path of life, diffusing his own onward
brightness to all who met him on his way. The

,-:ii.*i«-*u;->^-

124

MAUREEN DHU,

tears stoo.l in Mrs. Fitzstephen's eyes as she gazed
on this smiling picture-its very radiance made her
sad when she remembered that it was hut a vision
of her early years-a vision which had vanished,
long, long years before, in the darkness and mystery
of death. The story of this picture was a strange
one, but its connection with Mrs. Fitzstephon's des-
tiny was all in the remote past. It is probable that
Arnold Fitzstephen would by no means have rel-
ished the sympathetic inauenco which that picture
exercised over his wife's mind, but Arnold never
saw it. Ho had known the original for a short
space, during which they had both striven for the
meed of EUie's love, and when Juan Gonzales re-
turned to Cadiz in a fit of causeless jealousy, Arnold
assumed the airs of a victor, and proudly carried
off his prize, believing that he had fairly won the
richest and fairest of Galway maidens. The cause
of Juan's sudden departure was erroneously set down
to the score of defeat, and many a bright-eyed
damsel felt herself moved to pity the attractive
young Spaniard, and wished that he had turned to
her for consolation. Years and years rolled by ;
Arnold Fitzstephen and his pretty wife were es-
teemed a model of connubial happiness, and they
were happy, for Ellie was proud of her husband, and
grateful for his confiding tenderness, and as a good
wife should, she resolutely closed her heart against
the idle remembrances which would only have made
her unhappy, and perhaps been the cause of sin to

THE ADMIRAl/s nAUOIITRR

126

, eyes as she gazed
' radiance made her

it was but a vision
hich had vaniBhed,
rkness and mystery
jture was a strange
9, Fitzateplipn's dos-

It is probable that
no means have rel-

whieh that picture
I, but Arnold never
jriginal for a short
both striven for the
1 Juan Gonzales re-
less jealousy, Arnold
and proudly carried
I had fairly won the
maidens. The cause
erroneously set down
many a bright-eyed

pity the attractive
lat ho had turned to
nd years rolled by ;
pretty wife were es-

happiness, and they
i of her husband, and
lerness, and as a good
)sed her heart against
vould only have made
n the cause of sia to

her pure and guileless soul. There was litte simi-
larity of taste or of character between herself and
her cold, stately partner, but still each was honorable
and conscientious, and governed entirely by a
sense of duty, so that the routine of domestic aifairs
went on smoothly and prosperously, and so did the
fortunes of the family under Arnold's prudent and
skilful management. When death cut short his
useful career at the early age of thirty-eight, his
wife was a :jincere mourner, and in her overwhel-
ming sorrow for his loss, she well nigh forgot that
her heart had ever known another love. Wiiliin
the second year of her widowhood a gift was sent
her from Spain by the favorite sister of Juan Gon-
zales — it was the portrait before which we have seen
her lose the present in the past. With it came the
announcement of his death, and the still more start-
ling news that no other woman had ever replaced
Ellie French in his affections. It was his dying
request that this youthful picture should be sent to
his first and only love. When the grave was about
to close over his mortal part, he considered that
even Arnold Fitzstephen would not object to his
wife's receiving such a gift. He knew not that his
once-envied rival was already a tenant of " the nar-
row house" appointed for all living. The sight of
the picture was a beam of sunshine from the past to
the world-chilled heart of Mrs. Fitzstephen, and at
times when she felt sad and lonely she would steal
unseen to the drawing-room, and gaze on the pic-

126

MAURBEK DHC,

tured lace of that bright lover of her youth till the
thiok-coraing Bhadowa of those early years, when
he was such as she therw saw him, lilled her soul to
the exclusion of the present. It had soraetimcs
happened that one or other of her children found
her there, and at such times they could hardly rec-
ognize their mother in the thoughtful, pensive
dreamer, whose wrinkled brow and absent look told
of troubled memories. They couid,none of them,
avoid seeing that the picture, whose arrival they
could well remember, was in some way connected
with the early associations of their mother; but
they all respected her too much to make any inqui-
ries on such a subject. It is probable that if she
had ever given the slightest opening, Margaret
mis'ht have tried to get at her secret, but as it was
there was no chance— not the remotest allusion to
this matter ever escaped Mrs. Fitzstephen, who on
all other subjects was perhaps too communicative
for the requirements of discretion.

When the family met around the tea-table an
hour after, the clouds had all vanished. The mother
was as cheerful and bright as ever, Margaret as
gay and full of chat, and Giles and Charlotte as
condescendingly amiable aa usual.

"Whit an ingenious trap that was you set for me
a whil3 ago, Mrs. Margaret Behau 1" said her brother
cood-humoredly as he gave her his cup to hand to
bis mother; "it is very well for me that J have no
secrets— no concealed cankers, for indeed if I had,

THK admiral's DAnCHTER.

127

of her youth till tha
3 early years, when
m, iilled her soul to
It hail sometimes
r her children found
ey could hardly rec-
thoughtful, pensive
and absent look told
cou'd.none of them,
, whose arrival they
lomo way connected
r their mother; but
h to make any inqui-
probable that if she
; opening, Margaret
secret, but as it was
remotest allusion to
. Fitzstephen, who on
3 too communicative
tion.

und the tea-table an
anished. The mother
as ever, Margaret aa
les and Charlotte as
3ual.

lat was you sdt for me
ban l" said her brother
ler his cup to hand to
for me that I have no
•8, for indeed if I had,

'4i

the sharp edge of your sisterly curiosity would
make mo wince now and then."

" Hear him now how he crows over his escape,"
said the saucy young widow; "ho talks just as if
ho were beyond the reach of luiman frailty— have a
care, Master Giles I I may catch you napping some
fine day, and depend upon it, I will show you no
mercy I"

" Very well, my lady! one warned is half armed,
and now I give you fair notice that for the future I
will keep a sharp lookout for other people's secrets
—not yours, my pretty brown girl I" addressing
Charlotte, " I know you never have any, and if you

had I would respect them as I do " he stopped,

colored slightly, and looked at his mother, who
smiled faintly as she handed him his tea, as though
she would have said : " do you suspect your mother
of having secrets?"

" "Well, really," said Margaret, affecting a very
thoughtful air, " I am not yet quite satisfied about
that Claddagh affair. It is still a mystery to me
how any civilized being can take pleasure in the
company of those amphibious creatures. What do
you say, mamma ?"

" Upon my word, Maggie ! I am rather of your
opinion. I have been living on Ballymana Island*
these five-and-thirty years, just at the door with

* There are some portions of Galwny city situated on islands,
connected by bridges. The nearest of these Iskiids to the Clad-
dagh is Ballymana, which is crossed by the fashionable private
street called Domlnick street. i- ™

128

MADRXEN DHC,

them, one might say, yet I never have any more
intercourse with them than I can possibly avoiJ.
Not to speak of the torture inflicted on the olfac-
tory nerves by their near approach, there is some-
thing 80 uncouth, so thoroughly UDoivilized about
them all, both men and women, that I cannot take
to them, do as I will."

" That is because you do not know them, mother,"
said her son, eagerly ; " not understanding their lan-
guage, and having little intercourse witli *hem, it is
not surprising that you should set them down as a
sort of half savages. Will you just do one thing
forme?"

" I won't promise, Giles, till I hear what it is,"
" Will you and the girls come to Mass next Sun-
day—this is Friday— at St. Mary's of the Hill ?"

"What! amongst the Claddagh people?" cried
Margaret with a gesture of disgust that made her
brother redden to the very temples.

" Precisely, Mrs. Behan ! but if you think it would
be too great a trial to your delicate nerves, of course
you are welcome to absent yourself from the party.
My mother and Charlotte, will, I flatter myself, do
BO much to oblige me."

" Certainly, my dear ! certainly," said Mrs. Fitz-
Stephen. Charlotte only answered her brother's
look by a smile, but that smile was enough ; it said
plainer than words : " Any where and every where
for your sake, Giles I"
Margaret pouted and tossed her head, then played

iMW j i i iMroiiv ..

por have any more
can possibly avoiJ.
flictcd on the olfao-
lach, there is some-
y uDoivilized about
, that I cannot take

icnow them, mother,"
erstaniling their lan-
urso with *hcm, it is
set them down as a
m just do one thing

'. hear what it is."
10 to Mass next Sun-
ry's of the Hill ?"
lagh people ?" cried
gust that made her
iples.

if you think it would
cate nerves, of course
irself from the party.
I, I flatter myself, do

nly," said Mrs. Fitz-
wered her brother's
I was enough ; it said
lere and every where

her head, then played

THK admiral's DAUOHVER.

129

with her spoon, and smiled rather diaJainfully,
" Perhaps I ean arrange an excursion more pleasing
to Margaret," said her brother, eyeing her with a
peculiar expression, half bitter, half ironioal ; " what
would you think of going down the Bay to Arran-
more?"

The young widow started and changed color;
first a deep blunh sulfused her fair face, then a
ghastly paleness overspread every feature ; she tried
hard to master her emotion, but to no purj)ose, and
after a few moments of painful agitation, during
which she never once raised her eyes, she fairly
burst into tears, and rising suddenly from her seat,
left the room without a word.

The mother and daughter looked at each other
with distended eyes, and then both turned inqui-
ringly to Fitzstephen. There was a certain emotion
visible on his face, but of what nature it was they
could form no idea.

" Poor Margaret !" he said, musingly, " I didn't
mean to wound you so deeply — Charlotte, my dear I
had you not better follow Margaret? I fear she
has taken suddenly ill— she is more susceptible than
I thought — poor girl!" falling again into that
dreamy tone, " who would suspect a canker in so
bright a flower ?"

By this time he was alone, Mrs. Fitzstephen and
Charlotte had both hurried ofi" to Margaret's room.
"What's in a name?" murmured Giles to himself,
"Ah! Bard of Avon! names are potent things —

130

llACBfiBN DBa,

the mystery of a life may bo, and often is, bidden
in a single word— 'a name' may awaken all the
slumbering echoes of the soul and fill it with shad-
ows from the past— poor Margaret— ^rranmore is
your mystery !"

■1^'

)ften is, hidden
awaken all the
ill it with shad-
-Airanmore is

THC 4DUIIUL'3 DAnSHTER.

CHAPTER VIL

181

On the following Sunday morning, the Fitzstc-
pheu family, including Margaret Behan, drove ont
to the Claddagh to hear Mass in the chapel of the'
Dominican Convent. As their secondary object was
to see the congregation, they took care to be early,
that is to say. full twenty or thirty minutes before
the hour of Mass. Early as it was they found some
scores of men and women ihere before them, some
going round the Statioas, others collected near the
altar-rails, saying the Rosavy with great devotion,
men and women all furnished alike with strings of
beads buitei^. to the dimensions of their weather and
toil-browned hands. Mrs. Fitzstephen noticed
amongst the various groups many a sturdy fish-
woman whose tongue had oflcn made her quail,
though never directly exercised on herself, and she
could not help wondering at the subdued demeanor
which characterized one and all. Aflor a while
when the hour of Mass began to draw near, the
fishermen and their families arrived in crowds. The
most unfashionable of congregations, as regarded
costume, it was still one of the most picturesque"
that could anywhere be seen ; for in the uniformity
of shape and material, there was every variety of
color, the gayer tints being predominant. The
jackets and knee-breeches of the men were of op-

132

MAT7REKN DHU,

posite colors, whi^jB the flaunting silk neck-tie form-
ed a third contrast, and the fresh, ruddy faces
shaded by flat, broad-brimmed hats, harmonized
•well with the vivid coloring of the garments. The
bodice and kirtle of the women, old and young,
were generally the brightest of blue and red, and
the rich silk kerchiefs, which covered the heads of
the dark-featured matrons, were gracefully and pret-
tily replaced by lace or worked muslin caps on the
young and fair. Old women and old men were there
in the very extreme of human life, some of them tot-
tering on the arms of younger relatives, others still
borne into the holy house on the backs of sons or
grandsons.* This latter sight amazed our Galway
ladies not a little— they had, indeed, heard it said
that such things were to be seen in the Claddagh,
but they could hardly believe it — town's people with
their fastidious tastes and refined habits could not
conceive such a stretch of filial devotedness, or en-
ter into the robust and vigorous faith which would
make a young man carry his aged parent to the
church rather than that he or she should " lose Mass."
"There's Brian Kineely and his grandmother!"
whispered Fitzstephen to his mother, and the lady
looked with unfeigned admiration on the fine young
fellow as he carried the frail and emaciated form of

* Should any of my readers be disposed to make merry at the
expense of the Claddugh men for carrylni? their aged parents on
their backs, let them remember how they were wont to adnilro
the Trojan hero ^neas bearing his aged father on his shoulders
from the sack of Troy. What was sublime virtue In the son of
AucbUes cannot be ridiculous in the yoang Irish fisUermon.

j_gj

THR ADMIRAI/3 DAtTOHTER.

183

g silk neck-tie form-
fresh, ruddy faces
I hats, harmonized
the garments. The
m, old and young,
f blue and red, and
overed the heads of
gracefully and pret-
muslin caps on the
old men were there
fe, some of them tot-
relatives, others still
;he backs of sons or
amazed our Galway
adeed, heard it said
sen in the Claddagh,
—town's people with
aed habits could not
1 devotedness, or en-
lIS faith which would
aged parent to the
should " lose Mass."
his grandmother!"
mother, and the lady
on on the fine young
i emaciated form of

3sed to make merry at tho
yinij their aged parents on
hey were wont to adnilro
1 father on his ghoulderu
iblinic vlrtne In the son of
lung Irish tUhcrman.

old More in his arms, lightly and tenderly as bo
would a little child. The old woman's shrivelled
hands were clasped round Brian's neck, and her
white lips murmured a prayer for his weal that
must have drawn down blessings on his head, as he
placed her on the step outside the altar-railing.
The sight was too common amongst the Claddagh
people to attract any particular attention, but Mrs.
Fitzstephen and her daughters felt the tears gather
in their eyes as they looked, and it seemed to them,
as they afterwards said to each other, that the
grateful smile so full of proud affection with which
More repaid her grandson was worth ten times as
much trouble. It is, after all, amongst the simple
and unsophiscated that the divine influence of reli-
gion is fully manifested in its effects — envy, ambi-
tion, vanity, and pride, which, in more civilized
communities, too often impede the action of religion,
have little if any control over the untutored children
of nature ; hence it is that amongst t/iem we every-
where behold the purest Christianity — the most
sublime, because the most perfect, moral virtues.

When at length from ont the vestry-room cam"
tlie good Dominican friar, robed and vested, every
eye was turned on him and the altar, and from the
beginning to the end of Mass all idle observation
was suspended. The very lads and lasses counted
their beads and recited their " Pater and Aves'* with
downcast eyes and collected mien, as though each
one was alone in the house of prayer. The simple

134

MAUREBN DHtr,

yet grand old strains of the Gregorian chant came
in full chorus from the choir, and the familiar Latin
hymns with which the friars filled VP the pauses in
the Mass, evidently found responses in the hearts
of the unlettered congregation who oially knew no
other tongue than their own dissonant patois of the
primitive Erse. The chapel had but few, very few
ornaments, the altar even had only the barest neces-
sities of altar-furniture, the officiant was a simple
old man in very plain vestments, all befitting the
lowly tastes and humble life of the worshippers, yet
it seemed to our Galway friends that there was
something in that convent chapel and congregation
which carried the mind back to the eariiest stages
of the Christian Church— something grand and even
sublime in its very simplicity, and before which the
worldling was forced to bow down in respectful ad-
miration. The Benediction of the good Dominican
was like that of a loving father, and his hearers evi-
dently felt the better and the happier for it, as they
stood up tohear the last Gospel

After lingering lor some minutes outside the
church door, the Fitzstephen family were at last
seated in their barouche, and the coachman got
orders to drive on slowly, the road being thronged
with the dense congregation. It was easier said
than done, however, for the suriy Claddagh mea
seemed to take a perverse pleasure in impeding the
way of the horses, while the youngsters thought it
rare fun to crush and crowd around the carriage,

■.'^r^'wr'^srrc^rjsr^r?

THB admiral's DACOHTER.

188

Gregorian chant came
nd the familiar Latin
itled i>p the pauses in
gponses in the hearts
1 who oially knew no
issonant patois of the
lad but few, very few
only the barest neces-
>fficiant was a simple
jnts, all befitting the
f the worshippers, yet
ends that there was
ipel and congregation
L to the earliest stages
lething grand and even

and before which the
iown in respectful ad-
if the good Dominicaa
er, and his hearers evi-
happler for it, as they
pel.

minutes outside the
n family were a* last
id the coachman got
le road being thronged
3. It was easier said
a surly Claddagh men
easure in impeding the
5 youngsters thought it
ird around the carriage,

making their own comments on the dress and ap-
pearance of " the quality from town."

Fitzstephen leaned listlessly back in the carriage
eyeing the crowd on either side with a curious but
uninterested eye, when all at once a loud, harsh
voice at the horses' head arrested his attention, and
he started at once into sudden animation. The voice
was that of Randal More addressing the coachman—
" What for do you make your horses go so fast?"
said the civic functionary, " you mean to drive over
us, do you ?" and he wrathfuUy seized the reins next
him and brought the horses to a sudden halt.
« You wait here now till the people pass— if you
stir a step, you'll not be thankful to yourself."

The driver having a wholesome fear of the Clad-
dagh boys, made no answer but held in his horses
as well as he could. The ladies, especially Margaret
and her mother, were somewhat alarmed, and beg-
ged Giles to speak to the fierce old man. When
they turned to look for him he was already out of
the carriage and had his hand on Randal's shoulder,
«• Come, come now, Admiral ! don't be so impati-
ent—you know we wouldn' harm a hair of your

heads."

•'Why, God bless my soul, Mr. Fitz., is it your-
self that's in it ?"

« It is indeed, Randal ! I brought my mother and
Bisters out here to Mass this morning, little expect-
ing to fall foul of your worship !"

"Clear the road there in front!" shouted the

136

MACRGEN DHU,

mayor, " make way for Mr. FitzatepLen's carriage !"
A quicker movement was instantly perceptible
amongst the sluggish multitude, and in a surpris.
ingly short space of time a free passage was left all
along the road,

" I'll tell you what, Mr. Fitz. !" said Vara Halli-
day, "there isn't many in Gal way town, out from
the priests, that we'd do that for 1 Your servant,
ladies I" with an awkward attempt at a curtay, and
speaking in English, "It's welcome you are to the
Claddagh this bright Sunday morn.' But I'm sure
it's a cure for sore eyes to see you in it— God's bless-
in' on your purty faces."

" An' that's what they are, Vara !" observed her
Bon-in-law, " sure it's new life to look at them 1"

«« Is the sight of beauty, then, so new in the Clad-
dagh ?" asked Fitzstephen in an under tone, as he
met the radiant glance of Maureen, beaming full on
him for a moment, then as suddenly veiled by her
long silken lashes. A proud smile flashed across
the girl's face, showing that she felt the application
of Fitzstephen's question put in her own language.
She had taken a hasty survey of the ladies, and her
girlish timidity shrank before their awful grandeur,
especially when she saw them point her out to each

other.

After a cordial shake hands with Randal and Vara,
and a whispered, "Good-bye, Maureen!" Fitz-
stephen was stepping into the carriage when Mau-
reen's low voice met his ear :

satepben's carriage !"

latiintly perceptible

le, and in a surpris.

passage was lell all

z. I" said Vara Halli-
[way town, out from
for 1 Your servant,
;mpt at a curlay, and
cora^ you are to the
morn.' But I'm sure
■ou in it — God's bless-

Vara !" observed her

o look at them !"

n, so new in the Clad-

au under tone, as he
ireen, beaming full on
addenly veiled by her

smile flashed across
ie felt the application

in her own language.

of the ladies, and her

their awful grandeur,

point her out to each

with Randal and Vara,
lye, Maureen !" Fitz-
he carriage when Mau-

TH« admiral's DAUOHTKR.

18t

«* Wouldn't you wait for one minute, sir, the child
wants to see the ladies," and she raised in her arms
a little girl of some six or seven years old who had
been plucking her by the skirt ever since the car-
riage stopped. _

♦'The child, Maureen !— what child?" said Fitz-
Btephen turning and fixing his eyes on the fairy-
like, hunch-backed creature who was too intent on
the ladies to look at him. « Good heavens, what a
singular-looking child— and yet she is strangely
pretty — who — what is she ?"
«' Why, this is little Nanno, sir, my Nanno— '*
«« Your Nanno, Maureen— yours, did you say ?"
«• To be sure I did, your honor— I always call her
BO— and she is my Nanno— arn't you, sweet one ?"
The child, never deaf to that voice, answered by
clasping Maureen's neck closer, but still without
taking her eyes from the ladies in the carriage.

« Do, for gracious sake, get in, Giles !" cried Mar-
garet, in a petulant, fretful tone ; "are you going to
keep us here all day— I'm sick of this place."

And she was sick, too, for when her brother got
into the carriage he found her leaning back pale as
a ghost, fanning herself with all her might. Her
mother and sister had been so deeply interested in
the O'Hara family that they paid no attention to
Margaret. Now they were all anxiety ; a brace of
smelling-bottles were produced, but Mrs. Behan
would have none of them ; to get away from the
vUlage, she said, was all she required; yet when the

-jgim,iiiii»i)ll»iiili^>lMi'Wj*l'i«i1l^»"WHlW

138

MACREKN DHT,

carriage was in motion, she began all at once to
caze intently on the group so quaintly picturesque,
BO oddly composed. What was it that arrested
Margaret Behan's attention that she turned her
head to look back after her brother had nodded
a rurting salute to each and the carriage rolled
away? Was it the dark, weird features of old Vara,
bearing the impress, in the depth of their lines and
wrinkles, of strong passion and womanly energy ?
Was it rather the bold, self-confident, and self-rely-
ing spirit so plainly written on Randal's weather-
worn visage? or, was it the youthful, willowy grace
of Maureen's figure and the potent charm that dwelt
in her large, soft Spanish eyes ? Surely it could not
be the queer little child that Maureen was just set-
ting down from her arms? And yet, come to look
at that little Nanno Kenny, with the preternatural
intelligence of her dark hazel eyes, the delicate
beauty of her small infantile features, and the fear-
ful load of a hump which bowed her down almost
to the ground, there was something to make one
look and look again, and looking so you made the
strange discovery that so far from being repulsive,
that deformed little creature was quite as interest-
ing as even Maureen Dhu herself.

"Well! to be sure, what a queer people they are ?
was Mrs. Fitzstephen's remark as they cleared the
vUlage, and left the last of the gazing multitude be-
hind. "I never was so struck with their peculiar!-
tiea as I have been to-day !'*

THE ADUIRAL's DlUaHTKR,

139

in all at once to
intly picturesque,
it that arrested
b she turned her
ther had nodded
3 carriage rolled
tures of old Vara,
of their lines and
womanly energy ?
lent, and self rely-
Randal's wcather-
ful, willowy grace
it charm that dwelt
Surely It could not
ireen was just eet-
l yet, corae to look
b the preternatural
eyes, the delicate
,ures, and the fear-
id her down almost
thing to make one
ag so you made the
om being repulsive,
as quite as interest-

ser people they are P'

as they cleared the

jazing multitude be-

with their peculiari-

" Wliat a lovely creature that Maureen Dhu is !"
said Charlotte, in her calm, passionless way; " in fact
she is more than lovely, she is positively splendid —
don't you think so, Giles ?"

But Giles was, or appeared to be, lost in thought,
and Charlotte was forced to repeat her question :

" Don't you think her a perLct beauty, Giles ?"

" Who ?" with a start.

" Who ! why Maureen Dhu, to be sure, — what do
you think of her ?"

"Think I well really 1 on't know — I don't pro-
fess to be much of a connoisseur — but it seems to
me that there is something more than mere beauty
in her. I have never examined the girl's features
critically, but I quite agree with you, Charlotte, that
there is an undefinable something about her that

" he was going on quite gravely and composedly

when his mother and Charlotte burst out laugh-
ing:

" You quite agree with me !" said Charlotte, much
amused, " why, /said no such tiling — I fancy it is
with yourself you agree on the subject — only for the
cold, listless way in jvhich you speak of her I would
begin to fear that her beauty had cast its spell on you,
my wise brother — but then you discuss her as if she
were a statue."

" Upon my honor, mother ! our grave Charlotte
is coming out !" said Fitzstephen, laughingly, to his
mother; " she is worse now than wild Maggie — but
what is the matter, Margaret ?" he asked with Bud<

140

MAnRZBN DBC,

den earnestncBB, as he noticed the young widow's
abstraction, bo very unusual in her.

«• Not much indeed, Giles," and she made a strong
effort to Bhako off the secret uneasineBS which
weighed down her spirit. « I think one week in the
Claddagh would finish me, anyhow. It will take
me all day to get over the sickness that I feel now.

"Did any of you notice that poor little hunch-
back?" said Mrs. FitzBtephen, almost interrupting
her daughter, "I cannot get that child out of my

head." . , , „.^

•« Nor I either, mother," said her son, quickly ; it

haunts the mind like a little spectre— did you see it,

Maggie?"

«*Why, dear me! no," she exclaimed, with the
same petulance as before; "I assure you I was too
anxious to get away to pay much attention to any
one much less a chUd— but what can be the matter
with those horses— for pity's sake, Giles, tell that
Btupid Ned to drive on— I shall be dead before we
get home at this rate of going. Catch me in the
Claddagh again, and then you may give me a dose
of fish-scales I Such a visit may do for an e«Anolo-
gist or/)ArenologiBt, or another class that shall now
be nameless," and she looked maliciously at her
brother; "but certainly it has no interest for me."

" Fie ! fie 1 Margaret, how you do talk 1" said her
Bister, reproachfully.

«• I wonder will she ever learn to control hei
tongue I" said her mother, seriously.

Jk^

the young widow's
her.

nd she made a Btrong
t uneasiness which
hink one week in the
lyhow. It will take
nesB that I feel now."
It poor little hunch-
, almost interrupting
that child out of my

I her son, quickly ; "it
)ectre — did you see it,

) exclaimed, with the
[ assure you I was too
nuch attention to any
hat can be the matter
i sake, Giles, tell that
lall be dead before we
ng. Catch me in the
lu may give rae a dose
nay do for an c^Anolo-
ler class that shall now
Led maliciously at her
s no interest for me."
you do talk I" said her

' learn to control hei
sriously.

THE admiral's DAU(>HTER.

141

Fitsstephen said nothing, but he ^avo Margaret a
look that sank deeper than any mere words from
another could possibly do, and for the remainder of
the way she sat in pouting silence with the air of a
person who considered herself much injured.

During the evening hours of that same Sunday
Maureen Dhu was seated on a liigh bank at the end
of the quay with Aileen lihua by her side, and
Nanno at her feet. They had been talking of many
things, that is Maureen and the old woman, for Mau-
reen loved to hear the tales of old time and Aileen
loved to tell them. Many a fearful story did Aileen
tell of water-wraiths and sheeted ghosts, seen by the
fishermen gliding over the midnight- waves, of Ban-
shees wailing and shrieking around the doomed bark
on stormy seas, and of faithful hearts mysteriously
bound together and cruelly severed by the hand at
fate.

" So you think there's a fate in marriage, Aileen V"
asked her attentive auditor at the close of one of the
latter kind.

" I'm as sure of it, Maureen, as I'm of death and
judgment. Sure it's easy to see it, astore I for it's
only fate that could bring some couples together.
Oh ! many and raany's the strange match I heard
of in the town within when I used to stand the
market. There's the Fitsstephens now that were in
the Chapel above at Mass this morning —

" Ay ! them beautiful ladies," said little Nanno,
who bad till now been intent on watching the pass*

149

KACMUM DHU,

ing vessels, and the various row boats skimming the
waters along shore. "I'm thinking, thinking of
them ever since— one of them especially."

•' Who, how is that, dariing ?" said Aileen, with
surprise. "What makes you be thinkin' about such
grand people as them ?"

" 1 don't know," said the child in an absent,
dreamy way. " I think I used to dream about a face
like that lady's with bright fair ouris, a long time
ago when I was a little weeny thing."

" Ah, then, when was that, alanna machree ?" asked
Maureen, with a merry laugh ; " weren't you ever
and always the same little dariing fairy you are
now, no bigger or no smaller ? I believe you're as
old as your granny."

"May be I am, then— myself doesn't know, but 1
know I often dreamed of that fair lady, anyhow."

Aileen fixed her eyes abstractedly on her grand-
child's face, and strange thoughts flitted through
her mind, thoughts too visionary to be told. She
was roused by the voice of Maureen.

" You were speaking of the Fitzstephens, Aileen—"
•'Was I, dear ?— and what was I saying?"
"You were talking of strange marriages among
them, or something like that."

"Ay I so I was, but sure after all, 1 never got to
the bottom of things as some did— it's Noddy Kiu-
sella could tell you all about the Fitzstephens-
ifshe'donlydoit."

By thia time the mists of evening were thicken-

« boats Bkimming the

lunking, thinking of

BBpecially."

5 ?" said Aileen, with

>e thinkin' about such

child in an absent,
to dream about a face
air curlK, a long time
r thing."

anna machree ?" asked
h ; " weren't you ever
larling fairy you are
? I believe you're as

slf doesn't know, but I
fair lady, anyhow."

•actedly on her grand-

>ught8 flitted through

mary to be told. She

[aureen.

Fitzstephens, Aileen—"
was I saying?"

»nge marriages among

»»

ifter all, I never got to
e did— it's Noddy Kiu-
out the Fitzstephens —

evening were thicken-

TH* ADUIRAL's DAOOH-l'CR.

143

ing all around, the last gleam ot sunohine had long
since faded from the far-off mountains, and the shades
of night began to obscure the entire face of Nature.
Nanno crept up on Maureen's knee and hid her head
in her bosom, murmuring, " I'm afraid."
" Afraid, achorra ! what are you afraid of?"
«• Oh I the water— it looks so black and so deep
—and the great wide sky— up there— granny come
home I Nanno's afeard !"

Aileen rose as quickly as her infirmities would
permit, and Maureen stood up with the child pressed
closely in her arms. Even her curiosity, so strongly
aroused, gave way to her tender anxiety for her
cherished darling. The hour and the place were
somewhat lonely. The straggling parties of young
men and maidens who had been enjoying the balmy
eve in each other's company, had one after another
passed on their homeward way, cracking their good-
humored jokes on the strange fancy thai kept Mau-
reen and her aged companion sitting so long in such

a place,

"Give th«> child to me, Maureen I" said a deep
manly voice behind her ; " she's too heavy for you."

Maureen was at first somewhat startled, but
speedily recognij:.;?g Shan Driscoll, she willingly
placed the child in his arms, laughing as she did
so. "Why, then, Shan! what in all the world
brought you heie ? I was almost frightened when
you spoke,"

" An' me, too," said Aileen, "just because it came

J 44 lUURKEN DHU,

BO Buddcn on us, and us not thinking there was any
one in it but ourselves.

" Maureen !" said Shan, in a voice ttat only reached
her own ear, "I was lying on the strand behind the
rock most of the time you sat there. I was in
heaven listening to your voice, which I don't often
hear now-a-days."

Alight coquettish laugh was the only answer.
"Maureen," said Shan, after a pause, "You lovo
this child—" and he pressed the little creature to his

heart.

"1 do, Shan, there is scarce anything in this world
I love better ;" here her voice laltered, but still she
went on, although in a somewhat lower tone, "and,
Shan Driscoll ! listen to what I'm going to say :
there isn't a time I look at her, but I think of you,
for you brought her back from the jaws of death."

Shan was silent for a moment. His heart was
full of troubled, fearful joy, and he would not speak
lest the blissful illusion might vanish even at the
sound of his own voice. He knew by sad experience
the strange wayward being with whom he had to
deal. At length he said in a low, uncertain, yet
fervent tone :

" May God for ever bless you, light of my life !
if I died to-morrow them words of yours -H'ould be
in my heart, an my heart, is not mnd, Maureen !"

" Do you tell me so?" said Maureen in her meet
playful tone, "well, that's queer, anyhow !— ha I
ha ! here's our Barucy— and gran, as I'm a Mving

11 !

su,

inking there was any

oice that only reached
the strand behind the
lat there. I was in
3, which I don't often

ivas the only answer,

a pause, " You lovo

le little creature to his

anything in this world
! ialtered, but still she
rhat lower tone, "and,
at I'm going to say :
er, but I think of you,
tn the jaws of death,"
ment. His heart was
nd he would not speak
;ht vanish even at the
knew by sad experience
with whom he had to
a low, uncertain, yet

you, light of my life !
ords of yours is'ould be
lot sand, Maureen !"
d Maureen in her most

queer, anyhow ! — ha I
1 gran, as I'm a Mving

THE admiral's DACOHTKR.

145

woman I" and so saying she bounded off to meet
them, regardless, it would seem, of the bitter, bicter
pang her apparent levity had inflicted on Shan's true

heart.

"Hillo! Shan, is that you?" said Barney, "I'm
glad to meet you now for ray father wants you up
at the house. We'll be out as early as we can to-
morrow."

"To be sure— I've everything ready since last

night."

" Well, come along, at any rate. Father sent m e
for you. Why, Aileen ! what's your hurry, honest
woman ? I thought Maureen here was purty light
afoot, but, blow me ! if she can hold a candle to you.
Shan DriscoU I what's that you said?" Shan had
not opened his lips, "You want to bespeak Aileen
for a jig at your wedding— do you hear that,
Aileen?"

"I do," said the aged crone, turning slowly round,
80 as to face the young people, her wizened face
showing fearfully ghastly in the deepening gloom
of twilight, " I do, Barney, but I'll go bail all I'll
dance at his wedding won't tire me. Ha 1 ha ! ha !"
There was a strange solemnity in her manner that
contrasted disagreeably with her rxiocking laugh, the
wheezing, cackling laugh of extreme old age.
Every one felt the chilliiig eflfect of Aileen's words
and manner; but Shan, unwilling to let it appear
that he felt it, called after her :

"Don't be cross, Aileen 1 and I will dance the

146

■ACREEN Dmr,

first dance with you — if Maureen won't be jealous !"

" Maureen !" repeated the old woman, with scorn-
ful emphasis, and again she laughed and trotted on
her way without turning to look behind. Maureen
was not slow in taking up the latter part of the
sentence.

"I'd be entirely obliged to you. Mister Shan
DriscoU! if you wouldn't make so free with my
name — it's little Pll have to do withyowr wedding,
depend upon it 1"

" Maureen ! Maureen I don't speak so to poor
Shan !" said little Nanno, suddenly raising her head
from the young man's shoulder; "Nanno loves
Shan — don't be angry with him 1"

They were now threading their way through the
mazy windings of the village, not far from the
Mayor's cottage, when standing at an open door
they espied Brian Kineely talking to a young girl.
It was Sally Kirwan, who ranked in point of attrac-
tion next to Maureen herself.

" Oh 1 ib it there you are, Brian ?" cried Shan
Diiscoll, well pleased at this rencontre, " what «rould
somebody say if she saw you now ?"

"Maybe you'd take the trouble of telling her,
Shan ! I know your tongue is purty long at times "
— the words died on his lips, and the color mounted
to his face, for turning suddenly he met the cold,
calm eye of Maureen, who, whether by accident or
design, had her arm through Shan's at the moment.
Barney's laugh and Shan's exulting glance were

HtJ,

sen won't be jealoua !"
d woman, with scom-
ughed and trotted on
ok behind. Maureen
he latter part of the

to you, Mister Shan
ike 80 free with my
o v/ith your wedding,

I't speak 80 to poor
ienly raising her head
Ider; "Nanno loves
ml"

heir way through the
ge, not far from the
ing at an open dooi
king to a young girl,
ked in point of attrao-

, Brian?" cried Shan
incontre, " what would
now ?"

rouble of telling her,
) purty long at times "
ind the color mounted
nly he met the cold,
liether by accident or
)han's at the moment,
exulting glance were

THB ADWRAL'a DAUGHTER.

147

too much even for Brian's coolness, and he bristled
up in a way very unusual with him.

« Humph ! I did not know you were in such good
company, but it makes no difference, now— we'll
meet at the winning-post, Shan. I declare you look
mighty well, good luck to you,-pity it isn't your
own!" alluding to his quaint-looking burden. "A
fine evening, Maureen." ^ ^

" Wisha yes, the Lord be praised for it— how e
the old man, Sally?"

The old man was very well, said Sally, thank God,
and the toss of her head and the tone of her voice in-
dicated no small degree of exultation on being found
in Brian's company. The glance of her eye was
aimed at Barnev, who was more than suspected of
having a penchant for pretty Sally Kirwan. How-
ever Barney might have taken it, he was left no
opportunity of manifesting his feelings at that time
for Randal's voice set the whole party in motion as
he called from his own door.

"What .ne sorrow are you all about there, boys
and girl3?-blow high, blow low, you'll not forget
that business-let me see, there's two couple of you
there, and-who is that with you?-ah! then,
Aileen, you old witch, what are you doiog amongst
the youngsters? — who's making love to you,

Bchorra?"

Randal's hoars, laugh brought Vara from her
culinary employment, and looking out under one of
his arms as he held the door-posts with bota liands,

148

MAtrREEM DHtr,

she raised her voice in mirthful chorus, but even
her mirth was bitter and sarcastic.

"Fresh and well you all look — especially Aileen
Rhua — but I think some of you'd find plenty to do
within doors — there's Shan Driscoll stravagin' round
with the girls and his mother sick at home !"

" "Why no, Vara ; my mother was well enough
when I left her three or four hours agone."

*' I tell you she's sick, and pretty bad, too — if
you were as bad it isn't there you'd be!"

" The Lord bless me !" cried Shan, and he hastily
set down little Nanno, " was there no one to come
for me?" — and without saying another word to any
one, or looking even at Maureen, ho hurried away
•' to see what was Mrrong with his mother."

There was little mirth or little rest that night in
the Claddagh, for all night long the Widow Dris-
coll lay between life and death, her limbs contracted
with racking cramps, and her whole body torture*
with the concomitant, symptoms of cholera. At
midnight or thereabouts, Shan brought the priest,
one of the friars from the convent, and the last sac-
raments wtre administered. The whole village was
in a state of alarm and anxiety, and the house was
crowded with women, all busied, or anxious to be
busied, about the sick-bed. Vara was present all
through in the capacity of doctor, for Vara was
believed to have "great skill entirely," and her
treatment was very often successful, perhaps fully
as often as that of many medical practitioners.

BHtT,

*thful chorus, but even

mastic.

look — especially Aileen

^ou'd find plenty to do

iriscoll stravagin' round

1- sick at home !"

ther was well enough

hours agone."

ad pretty bad, too — if

s you'd be!"

3d Sban, and he hastily

there no one to come
g another word to any
areen, ho hurried away
li his mother."
ttle rest that night in
long the Widow Dris-
>h, her limbs contracted
r whole body tortured
ttoms of cholera. At
»n brought the priest,
Dvent, and the last sac-
The whole village was
Jty, and the house was
jied, or anxious to be

Vara was present all

doctor, for Vara was

ill entirely," and her

iccessful, perhaps fully

medical practitioners.

THR ADMIBAL's DAOOHTKB.

149

Several consultations took place during the night
amongst "the knowledgable women," of whom
Vara was the acknowledged head; every herb and
every simple remedy that could be thought of was
tried, but all in vain, and at last-just when it was
too iLte, a doctor was sent for. When he arrived,
the poor patient was already in a collapsed state,
and all he could do was to shake his head, and
pronounce it "a bad case." To Shan's agonized
question « Can you do nothing at all for her, doctor ?
the physician returned a more decided answer-
all the doctors in Galway could not lengthen her

life one hour. .„ -j „-

"Well! it's hard enough, doctor!" said poor
Shan, «« but God's will must be done!" and fromthat
moment he sat in motionless grief beside the bed,
aroused only for a brief space when his mother,
during the fatal interval of ease that in such cases
precedes death, bade him kneel down till she d give
him her blessing.

With bowed head and clasped hands the young
man received the precious benediction that came
from the heart of the dying parent, while the stifled
sobs and pitying ejaculations of fnends and rela-
tives were heard from every part of the small
dwelling. When the prayerful voice ceased, Shan
started up with renewed animation as though the
very sound of that familiar voice had given him

^^'S Mother, you'll not die!-God wouldn't be so

. liiiiiirili'iniTWirrr

150

HAURBKN DHO,

cruel to me as that I Oh no ! mother dear ! you'll
not leave me that way I"

«I must, Shan! Achorra machree, I must— and
don't say it's cruel in God to take me to Himself—
wouldn't it be worse if you were taken and your old
mother left behind-think of that, Shan ! A raouth-^
fal of drink, Vara, aatore!— and lean down your
head to mo ! I'd die easy, Vara Halliday, if I
thought there was any chance of Maureen and Shan
comin' together. Do you think yourself that there's
any likelihood of it ?"

« Ah, then, Judy honey," whispered Vara, eva-
sively, " what makes you be botherin' your head now
about 'such things? let the youngsters settle that
among themselves— think rf your own poor soul,
alanna machree 1 that's going soon to meet its God 1"
«« Well, I b'lieve you're right, after all, Vara ! but
Btill I'd like to see Maureen again before I go, so as
to put in a word for my poor boy— God bless me !
what's this, at all? Shan, my son, my one son I
where are you— there's a weakness comin' over me,
an' a blindness, too— och ! thanks be to God that I
had the priest in time. Christ and His holy—
mother-and all the Saints-help me nowf Oh,
Shan! pray— for me— all of you— pray for me!—
lift up— my hand— son of my heart !"— he did, and
while that hand was making the sign of the cross,
its pulse ceased for ever, and the simple, guileless
soul winged its way to the unknown regions of the
spiritual world. Many a fervent pater and ave was

i^,.ix^*^-

mother dear ! you'll

ichree, I must — and
ike me to Himself—
e taken and your old
at, Shan I Araouth-^
id lean down your
Vara Halliday, if I
»f Maureen and Shan
yourself that there's

rhispered Vara, eva-
,herin' your head now
aungsters settle that
your own poor soul,
)on to meet its God !"
t, after all, Vara ! but
;ain before I go, so as
boy — God bless me !
y son, my one son !
Luess comin' over me,
,nks be to God that I
rist and His holy —
-help me now/ Oh,
(Tou — pray for me! —
heart I"— he did, and
the sign of the cross,
I the simple, guileless
iknown regions of the
ent pater and ave was

THR admiral's DAUGHTER.

151

offered up for the departed soul " that was before its
God," and then with a delicacy little to be expected
from a people so rough in their exterior, Shan was
left alone with the corpse " for a little start, till he'd
have his cry out, poor boy I"

It was Maureen who first entered, and gently
drawing Shan away, she begged of him to go home
with Barney and Yeman, " till the place would be
^ut to rights." The young man shook his head
sorrowfully: "Don't ask me to go, Maureen. I
was all she had, au' you know I couldn't leave her
no'.^rl"

" Well, but Shan ! sure it's me that aske you— will
you not do that much for me?^*

There was no resisting, even then, the eloquent
appeal of those pleading eyes, and Shan, after kneel-
ing a few moments in silent prayer beside the bed,
left the cottage and the corpse to the kindly offices
of " the women." He that never quailed before any
danger, he the gayest and blithest in dance or merry-
making, the boldest and most fearless of the " Clad-
dagh boys," was made by grief gentle and tracta-
ble as a little child.

i i l U ' HIIWUMW I Mti iil

iiiimif' -^

162

MACRXKN OHU,

CHAPTER VIII.

Of course there was no lishing that Monday, and
the Galway people had to go without fresh fish. In
vain did certain magnates of the city, who were
about to have dinner parties on that day, send all
the way to the Claddagh in search of salmon or
Balmon-t:Out. Neither was to be had, for " Judy
DriscoU was under boord, God rest her, and it
wouldn't be seemly to go out till after she was
buried."

"Well, but Randal!" persisted the distressed
cook, "couldn't you jist send out one hooker or so
— do now, like a decent man, and let us have some
fish — any kind will do better than none — sure you
know we couldn't do at all without some on the
table."

" I tell you you must do without it, then I" re-
turned the gruff Admiral ; " It's good for the qual-
ity to be put to their shifts now and then. If they
can't do without fish, let them wait till the morrow,
or next day, and they'll have plenty — we'll go out
after Judy's berril— some of us anyhow, God wil-

Ung."

Further parley was useless, so the disappointed
functionary was reluctantly obliged to go back with
his overwhelming message, relieving his oppressed
mind by sundry ejaculations that were anything

THI ADVIRlL'g DAUOHTER.

153

nu.

Dg that Monday, and
ithout fresh fish. In
the city, who were
in that day, send all
search of salmon or
» be had, for " Judy
od rest her, and it
it till after she was

isted the distressed
out one hooker or so
,nd let us have some
than none — sure you
without some on the

(without it, then !" re-
,'s good for the qual>
w and then. If they
wait till the morrow,
plenty — we'll go out
us anyhow, God wil-

i, so the disappointed
•liged to go back with
lieving his oppressed
I that were anything

but complimentary to the Claddagli men in general
and Randal in particular.

On the first night of the wake, when the sports
and pastimes of the youngsters were at their height,
Maureen contrived to steal away to the other end
of the house, where the men and women of more
mature years were whiling away the hours in social
chat, for the most part of a serious character, taking
its tone from the occasion. Around the door on the
outside numbers of all ages, for whom there was no
room within, were seated on stools and benches fur
nished by the neighboring houses.

" Maureen !" said old Aileen, beckoning the girl
to a low stool at her side, "Maureen ! do you mind
what I said to you last night, when we were down
at the water-side ?"

" Well no, Aileen !— I don't mind — what was it ?"
" Didn't I tell you there was something goin' to
happen ?"

" Sure enougl^ you did, Aileen, an' I asked you
how you knew it, but you wouldn't tell me. May-
be you'd tell us now ?"

Maureen's request was eagerly seconded by some
half a score of the auditors, and Aileen, well pleased
to have her prognostic so speedily fulfilled, or rather
that it was she who had had the warning, gave an
extra puff or two out of her cutty pipe, and spoke
with dignified and becoming solemnity : " It wasn't
one or two warnings that I got in regard to poor
Judy's death, the Lord have her soul this night T

154

lUCRUM DBC,

She paused a moment, and the pause was filled up
iV8 she intended by a deep "Amen!" from all who
were within hearing. "Last Thursday was eignt
days as I was goin' home in the duak of the evenin
Irora More Kineely's, what does I see but a big
white sheet on the top of this house we're sittin
in. Myself thought at first it was a sail they had
out dryiu', but I soon got out of that notion, for
the nearer I cum to it, it was gettiii' the whiter, till
at last it grew as white as the driven snow, an I
knew well enough then that it couldn't be a sail, for
Randal O'llara's never was half so white." Here
Aileen paused again and looked round on her audi-
ence as if to mark the effect of her recital.

"The Lord save us I" "Christ between us and
harml" "Thul thu ! thu!"*

Having given a reasonable time for the expres-
sion of popular feeling— and by this time her axidi-
ence was much increased-the old woman resumed
her narrative: "Three nights last jeeek I dreamed
of raw flesh meat-it's truth I tell you-and the
last time there was a young man carryin' it, that I
know now was Shan Drisooll. I wasn't sure of hira
then, but I am now, move's the sorrow I "

" Wisha, now, Aileen, wern't them great warnings
entirely !" remarked an old man whose head was
white with the frost of four-score winters.

w This Bonnd can hardly be rendered in our characten". It i»
tJ ordinary e™8iou of extreme wonder, pity, oi sympathy
imon^t tho^lovfer cLses in all parts of Ireland It is very com-
Sfheard n country churches during wnnonsor exhortaaon*.

3 pause was filled up
imcn 1" from all who

Thursday was eight
le duak of the evenin'
ioes I see but a big
is house we're sittin'
it was a sail they had
ut of that notion, for
gettiu' the whiter, till
le driven snow, an' I

couldn't be a sail, for
iaif so white." Here
ted round on her audi-
»f her recital,
hrist between us and

e time for the expres-
by this time her audi-
,e old woman resumed
s last yeek I dreamed
b I tell you— and the
man carryin' it, that I
I wasn't sure of him
le sorrow I "

I't them great warnings
man whose head was
jcore winters.

crod in our character*. It It
a wonder, pity, oi sympttUy
la of Ireland. It 1» very com-
rlng sermons or exhortations.

THE ADMIRAL'a DADOHIH.

166

" I'm thinking they were, Ulick, but that wasn't
^•l" — she dropped her voice almost to a whisper—

" sure I heard the Banshee the other night "

"Youdid, Aileen?'»

•' I did — and what's more, I seen her — I wan goin'
home with some woollen yarn I was spinnin' for Oona
Kirwan below, and just as I left my own door I t<ee8
a little ould woman with a red cloak on her, and
the hood of it up over her head, an' she walkin' on
afore me in the dark— for it was dark barrin' the
light of the stars. I could just see the little bulk,
and no more, only the color of her cloak, as I was
tellin' you— well ! myself was just a-going to speak
to her, thinkin' it might bo somebody from the other
end of the town, but somehow I couldn't get my
feet to move a step, and the cowld sweat came out
all over me. The very teeth began to chatter in
my head, Lord save us ! when I heard her raisin'
tlie uUalu, and her clappin' her hands and moanin'
that you'd think her heart 'id break. As true as
I'm here this good Monday night, when she got to
the openin' Iiere abroad fomenst the door, she pop-
ped herself down on her haunches and sat there till
I was out of sight. I went round the other way to
avoid her, and when I got to Brieny Kirwan's I
was likin' to faint only they got me a mouthful o'
water. Didn't I tell you, Oona, that I seen the
Banshee ?"

Oona, of course, corroborated the evidence, where-
upon it was generally, or rather unanimously, agreed

156

MAVRIRM OBV,

that Judy'B death had been duly foreshown if pco-
pie could only know who the doom was to »a 11 on

During the latter part of Ailoen's revelation,
Maureen had noticed little Nanno creeping across
the floor with her usual stealthy pace, and she was
• not at all surprised when she felt her skirt gently
pulled behind. Turning round with her sweetest
smile to speak to her little favorite, she was sur-
prised to hear her whisper: , „, v^

«« Come and see 1 come and see-quick, or he 11 be

^Tnvoluntarily Maureen rose and followed the
child, gliding after her through the various groups
scattefed on'the street around the door, till they
reached a part of the village where all was so Btill
that it was quite evident the inhabitants of the re-
sp^cUve cotlges were " up at the wak." Maureen

was just going to ask her ^'l'^^^' ''f''''ZlZ
on earth she was bringing her to. when, from the
shade of a projecting arch, stept out Fit»tephen
his broad-leaved Panama drawn down over his
brows so as to conceal the upper part of his face.
Maureen stept back in some alarm, not at first rec
ognizing the figure before her. r a ^f

"Why, Maureen, surely you are not afraid of
m«"' said the merchant, and he raised the hat for
a moment from his brow. The voice and t..e face
reassured the girl, and she quickly recovered her
Belf-reliance, and with it her composure.
« Oh ! is it you, Mr. Fittstophen ? I declare you

THK admiral's OAnOHTBR.

157

rcshown, if peo-
was to fall on.
jen's pjvelntion,
creeping acrosB
ace, and bIio was
her Bkirt gently
ith her sweetest
ite, she was fcur-

.quick, or he'll be

^nd followed the
le various groups
he door, till they
ro all was so still
ibitants of the re-
wake." Maureen
B conductor where
,o, when, from the
; out Fitratephen,
n down over his
r part of his face.
rm, not at first reo-

are not afraid of

) raised the hat for

voice and tlie face

ickly recovered her

iposure.

en ? I declare you

took a start out of rao, for I thought it was somo
stranger was in it. Isn't it late you're out to-night,
sir?"

" Well, T own it is rather late, Maureen ; but I
leave for Scotland to-morrow, and wished to see you
on busineas" (he laid an emphasis on the words)
" before I go. I shall not be back for, perhaps, a
couple of weeks, and it is of importrinco to me to
know what chance there is of my success in what
we were talking of on Midsummer Night."

** Why, then, indeed, Mr. Fitzstcphen, I'm afeard
it's little chance you have. The art of man wouldn't
turn them, sir."

" Probably not, Maureen," said Fitzstcphen, with
a smile, " but the art of woman might. I know one
whom no man in the Claddagh would refuse if she
asked it as a favor — one who can wind Randal
More around her pretty finger. Do you know such
a one, Maureen ?"

"Maybe I do, maybe I don't, your honor! — but,
at any rate, that's neither here nor there. I know
my father would do a great deal for you, sir."

" So I would fain hope, Maureen."

" But, even if he had a mind to do it " She

hesitated, colored sligiitly, and looked timidly up
at Fitzstcphen.

"Well, Maureen, why do you hesitate?"

"I was a-goin' to say, sir, that, for all Rantlal
Moro's liking for you, he can't do much, I'm think-
ing, this time."

.s#

1€6

)KA0REEN DBO,

"And why not, Maureen?"

« Why, because, sir, there's aome of the boys en-
tirely again' you."

Mudeed! why, I thought I had none but well-

wishers in the Claddagh." ,

'• Well, it's sorry I am to say it, your honor, an
ashamed, too. for it's what my father tells them that
pxany a time you stood by us when the rest of the
quality were all against us. ^But some of them
won't hear reason at all, at all."

«at is strange," said Fitzstephen, halt to himself,
half to Maureen; "I have never injured any ot
them. Maureen 1 if I only knew who they were, I
might endeavor to win them over."

" Oh ! then, if that's the way of it, sir, I'll tell you
and welcome. But you mustn't blame them, your
honor, for they wouldn't harm a hair of your head ;
only they chink that you're a stranger ; you
shouldn't come next or near us at all. It 8 »han
DriscoU is the hardest again' you, «r, and Brien
Kinpely, too-though it's newinsfor him, poor boy,
to be hard on any one. If you could bring them
over now, you might do."

Fitzstephen smiled at the charming simplicity ot
Maureen, but the smile soon faded, and a shade ot
anxiety passed over his fine countenance. He tixed
his eyes on Maureen, as she stood before him in the
unconscious innocence of her bright girlhood and
the expression of his face gradually changed till
the young beauty shrank from its intense earnest-

nr"

f the boys en-

lone but well-

our honor, an'
tells them that
the rest of the
Bome of them

ialf to himself,
injured any of
10 they were, I

, sir, I'll tell you
arae them, your
ir of your head ;
stranger; you
all. It's Shan
, «ir, and Brien
r him, poor boy,
uld bring them

ing simplicity of
I, and a shade of
nance. He fixed
before him in the
;ht girlhood, and
lally changed till
1 intense earnest-

THE ADUIRAL's OACGHTKR.

159

ness when by chance she glanced upwards. And
yet there was nothing of passion, nothing to alarm
the purest mind, in those calm, earnest eyes. It
was merely their deep, concentrated thought that
was new and strange to the Cladclagh girl.

" Don't be angry, Mr. Fitzstephen !" she said in
a tremulous tone, " I'll speak to the boys myself "

"Angry with yoM, Maureen I oh no, my poor
girl ! Why should I be angry with you ?"

" I don't know, your honor, but I thought you
looked angry."

"Did I? Well, never trust my looks again.
But, Maureen, listen to me — fol* I see you are impa-
tient to go. I do not want you to say anything
about this matter to ' the boys' you speak of." He
paused, and if Maureen had raised her eyes at the
moment she would have seen, even in the dim light,
an unusual flush on his dark cheek. " If they are
as prejudiced against me as you say, I would not
have you try to change them. Mind, any one else,
but those you have mentioned"

" Well, I'll not promise to say much to any one,
sir, for I'm afeard it's no use "

" Will you then refuse me, Maureen ? Surely, it
is not much I ask."

"I don't know that, sir. If you knew our people
as well as I do, you wouldn't say so. Still and
all "

"Still and all, you'll try. Isn't that what you
would say ?" And he attempted to take her hand.

h-'---^ii«iiwiiiliiiWiWJiiiWiiWfiii

160

MAURGBN DH0,

The attempt, however, was unsuccessful, and
Maureea drew back with that haughty air which
was almost habitual to her.

•'Keep your distanca, Mr. Fitzstephenl" she
coldly said. "This is no time nor pjace for
shaking hands. If I had known where Nanno was
bringing me, it isn't here you'd have me. I sup-
pose you have nothing more to say, so I'll be bid-
din' you a good-night. Come, little pet I" (to Nan-
no, who had been sitting at her feet) " they'll be
wonderin' what's come of us."

" Maureen," said Fitzstephen, advancing to her
side when she turned her face homewards, " it is
indeed a lonely hour and a lonely place, and per-
haps I should not have sent for you. Permit me to

Bee you home."

A disdainful laugh broke from Maureen: "Ah,
then, are you in earnest, Mr. Fitzstephen ? Do you
think there's any danger for the likes of me in the
Claddagh? It would be an evil day or night when
Maureen O'Hara would be afeard to walk the
streets of the Claddagh. God be with you, sir !"

'• So the words of the old song do not hold good
in the Claddagh," said Fitzstephen, still walking on
beside her. And he ropeated in Irish from the pop-
ular song—" Colleen dhas crudha na bo ;"

" A youtJK maiden U like a ship ealllnif,
Doeuu't know how farsafo she may go,
At every blast ehe's in danger

"No, sir," said Maureen, with indignant emphR-

Bii
H

lo
h(

m
to
oi

((
in

a
d

ti
h

u
n

.-■.»S»'i>-i,M«,a(aa..!-iBr«&)um.-,

Boessful, and
bty air which

tephen 1" she
lor place for
sre Nanno was
^e me. I sup-
so I'll be bid-
pet 1" (to Nan-
it) "they'll be

ranclng to her

le wards, " it is

place, and per-

Permit me to

Maureen: "Ah,
jhen ? Do you
es of me in tha
J or night when
[ to walk the
ith you, sir 1"
» not hold good
still walking on
i\\ from the pop-
la bo ;"

sailing,
majr go,

idignant emphft-

THK admiral's DAUGHTER.

161

sis, " that's not true with us, thanks be to God for
His good care of us. I think you'd better turn back,
your houor, for some of the boys may be comin' to
look for me, and they'd wonder wbat brought you
here at this time of night."

" I dare say you are afraid of Shan DriscoU seeing
me here ; br.t, surely, to-night he has something else
to think of. But I see you are anxious to get rid
of me. One word only before I go : who is this
strange child ?" pointing to Nanno Kenny ;
" when I was wandering about here to-night, wait-
ing for a chance of seeing you, she came creeping,
nreeping along all alone by the river edge, croning
a doleful song. Having seen her with you yester-
day, near the Chapel, I knew she was a favorite,
and that you would follow her at her bidding, so I
sent her to you. "Who and what is she ?"

" Well, indeed, myself hardly knows who she is.
She passes for Aileen's grandchild, but I have heard
people say she isn't a drop's blood to her. Some-
times I think she isn't a livin' creature at all, the
way she talks and the way she looks. But, some-
how, she makes us all love her, and mo most of all.
i can sit for hours, Mr. Fitustephen, alone with that
child ; and we often go in the moonlight nights and
sit by the river-side lookin' down on the runnin'
water and listenin' to the music it makes, and lookin'
up into the blue sky where tae stars look down at
t<*. And then Nanno and me talk about every-
thing ; and I like to hear her talk, for she knows a

»«!£Mi3SB2.-ita;

162

MAORGEN DHC,

power. But it's only to me she talks j now you'd
hardly get a word out of her."

Maureen, wrapt up in her subject, had forgotten
her haste, and stood once more facing Fitzstephen,
unconscious of the wonder with which he had been
following the rapid changes which passed over her
mobile features as she thus spoke in a way he had
never heard her speak before.

"Maureen!" said he, when she came to a stop,
"would you not like to know something about
those bright stars, and this world we live on, which
is one of them?"

"Ah! then now, Mr. Fitzstephen! do you thmk
rm so simple as all that comes to ? This world one
of the stars 1 Do you hear that, Nanno? Why,
you and me knows better than that^ ourselves— the
gentleman is making his fun of me."

"No indeed; I should be very, very sorry to
make fun of you. Only manage this business for
me and I may some day teach you many thmgs
that you little dream of. Good-by now, Maureen!
I must leave you for I know not how long, and you
will not even shake hands with me! Well, no
matter. I do not blame you. But mind, when I
return, I shall expect good news from you. The
herring season will soon be coming now. Good-
hye, little one. Speak sometimes of me to Maureen,

will you not?" ., ^ .*

He turued and walked quickly away without wait-

B
B
t
U

|iiiS^iAW..isiE

THE ADMIRAL'a DAUOHTER.

168

Iks ; now you'd

t, had forgotten
ng Fitzstephen,
ich he had been
passed over her
in a way he had

came to a stop,
omething about
ire live on, which

n 1 do you think

This world one

Nanno ? Why,

it ourselves — the

J."

y, very sorry to
this business for
you many things
ly now, Maureen !
ow long, and you
I mel Well, no
fut mind, when I
J from you. The
ling now. Good-
of me 10 Maureen,

fcway without wait-

ing for an answer from either, humming to himself
as he retraced his homeward way :

" Oh I had we some bright little isle of onr own
In a bluo Summer ocean, far off and alone,
Where a leaf never dies In tlie still-blooming bowers,
And the bee banquets on thro' a whole year of tlowers.
Where the sun loves to pause

With so fond a delay,
That the nijjlit only draws
A thin veil o'er the day ;
" Where simply to feel that we breathe, that we live,
Is worth the best joy that life els'iwhero can give.

" Tlicre, with souls ever ardent and pure aa the clime,
We should love, aa they lovod in the first i;olden time ;
The glow of the sanahlne, the balm of the air,
Would steal to our hearts, and make all ijummer there.
With affection as free

From decline Od the bowers,
And with Hope, lilie the bee,
Livlnit always on Jlowers,
" Onr life should resemble a long day of light,
And oar death como ou holy and calm as the night 1"

" Ah ! sly little Bard of Erin ! master of that
strange lyre which we bear within us," went on Fitz-
stephen, when he had got through the words of the
song, " how is it that you can thus express this mys-
terious emotion which fills my soul ? — what noble
unsophisticated creature of light and beauty — of
poetry and love, was your inspiration when you
wrote those charming lines, you whose associations
were chiefly with the high-born, the learned, and
the cultivated ?"

When Fitzstephen reached his own door he found
all dark and silent, with the single exception of
Margaret's room, where a light was burning, very
dimly, as if the snuff had grown long and shadowy

;±;^J«j^£^£ii^,Ii:..«.w;>.«^v

164

MAUBEEM DHU,

from neglect. <« Poor Margaret I" BoUloqmsedihe
anxiou8 brother, as he let himself in by means of hia
Ltch-key, and softly mounted the stairs leading to
ht own apartment, « poor Margaret 1 those who see
YOU by the light of day little imagine how your night-
hours pass !-People look npon your smihng face
and enjoy the brightness of your presence wonder-
ing in their hearts that the sorrows of a bereaved
wife and childless mother have left no deeper traces
on your youthful brow!-they little know the dark
under-current that flows beneath that sparkling sur-
face. I would give a trifle to know what connec-
tion there is between her and Arranmore-true it
was there she lost her child, but that was yejrs ago.
and in the course of nature the wound ought to be
healed by this time. There waa more than grief,
too in her violent emotion when I mentioned the
name to try her. I wish that old hag had either
kept all to herself, or told more I"

Maureen was unusually silent on her way back,
to th. evident dissatisfaction of little Nanno, who
was well disposed for a bit of chat. "Don't you
like to hear him talk. Maureen ?" she suddenly

asked.

«« Who, acMsWa f " ,. ^ n n „

«Why the dark gentleman-he doesn't talk like

" any one else-sure he doesn't, Maureen ? Even
Father Dominick hasn't such a tongue." Maureen
laughed at the child's simple earnestness. Im
sure he knows a power," went on Nanno, m an ab-

m
m
nc
ue
«(

re
di

w
b
t<
h

TBB ADHIRAL'S DADOHTER.

165

ioUloquised tbe
by means of his
stairs leading to
, 1 those who see
how your night-
jar smiling face
resence, wonder-
vs of a bereaved
no deeper traces
le know the dark
lat sparkling sur-
low what connec-
rranmore — true it
lat was years ago,
'ound ought to be
more than grief,
I mentioned the
d hag had either

an her way back,
little Nanno, who
jhat. " Don't you
1?" she suddenly

he doesn't talk like
Maureen ? Even
tongue." Maureen
jarnestness. " I'm
an Nanno, in an ab-

stracted, musing tone ; " I wish we asked him
where all the people come from that I be dreamin'
about every night — it's so queer that I can never
see them in the day-time, though I go and sit all
alone for a long, ?ong time, trying hard to make
them come. Won't you ask Mr, Fitzstephen who
they are, and where they come from, Maureen astore
— I know he'd tell i/ou anything !"

" Now, don't be talking that wiy, alanna machree
don't, now, or Maureen won't love you. We mustn't
make so free with Mr. Fitzstephen, for he's a gentle-
man, and besides he's not one of us. Not a word,
now, there's Brian and Yeman goin' out to look for
MS." Then raising her voice she called to them:
" Come this M'ay, Brian I if it's us you want."

" Why, then, who else would we want ?" said Brian
joyfully, as he and Yeman approached with a rapid
step ; " what took you away from us at all ? every-
thing is goin' wrong without you. The sorra play we
can play — ask Yeman, now, if you don't b'lieve me /"

" 'Deed I'll tell her no such thing," said Yeman,
quickly ; "it's that and the likes of it that spoils her
on us. I think it 'd be fitter for her stay with the
rest of the girls than be goin' about alone this way
discoorsiu' ghosts and fairies and such things."

♦' Take care of what you say, ma bouchalP'' ans-
wered Maureen, pleasantly ; " them things are not to
be spoken lightly of, as you may find out when it's
too late. Them Spaniards that be walkin' about
here in stormy nights "

166

■AURBBn DHtr,

"Now, Maureen! what makes you be always
talkin' of them?'' cried her brother, in visible trepi-
dation ; " I told you before not to do it."

"Hear him now, Brian !" said Maureen, with a
merry laugh ; " I leave it to you if he didn't begin it
himself ? Come in now, anyhow, and we'll put the
ghosts a one side for this time 1"

Maureen's return was hailed with general accla-
mation, and .the shower of questions by which she
was assailed would have been overpowering, had
not her grandmother's volley of abuse for her pro-
longed absence created a diversion m her favor by
exciting universal sympathy. Maureen took part
in the play which was just commencing, and then
placed herself beside Shan, who sat in gloomy silence
by the bed of death, with his eyes fixed on the face
that had been wont to cheer and comfort him.

" Now, Shan !" said Maureen, in a soft, low tone,
that fell' like balm on his bleeding heart, "now,
Shan, Where's the use in lettin' yourself down this
^ay ?__turn round and look at the plays, can't you ?
—you'll have time enough to grieve for them that s
gone, and besides you're sure if she's not gone
straight » j heaven she isn't far off it !"

« Ah, but, Maureen, Maureen ! still and all I ve
lost my motherslie loved me anyhow-I'm sure
of that^and it's all the comfort I can have now to
look at her and think of all her goodness to me,
and all she done for me. Go away, Maureen, and
don't lose the fun for me— my sorrow's all my own.

anc

her
i<

col
tol

esp

SOI

fro

THE admiral's DAUSHTER,

167

irou be always
in vieible trepi-

it."

[aureen, with a
e didn't begin it
ad we'll put the

1 general acola-
ma by which she
erpowering, had
buse for her pro-
1 in her favor by
mreen took part
tencing, and then
in gloomy silence
fixed on the face
omfort him.

I a soft, low tone,
ing heart, "now,
ourself doMm this
) plays, can't you ?
ve for them that's
f she's not gone
4tJ"

still and all I've
inyhow— I'm sure
I can have now to
3T goodness to me,
way, Maureen, and
row's all my own.'

"It's no such thing, Shan DriscoU — we all have
our share in it, for poor Judy was everybody's
friend."

" God bless you, Maureen 1" said Shan, with 'a
quivering voice, " God forever bless you, achorra,
for the kind word — but sure you were a'most the
last one in her mouth afore the breath left her. You
didn't hear what she said, did you, Maureen V"

Maureen had not, for the truth was she had
stealthily left the cottage on hearing her own namo
mentioned by the dying woman. Shan was just
about to tell her, when Brien Kineely, obeying a
sign from her, came forward, nothing loath, surely,
and carried her oflF by force, it would seem, to take
her part in some projected play.

" I'll be back again," whispered Maureen.

" Oh ! there's no occasion in life," returned Shan,
coldly, " it's dull work watching the dead, and, as I
told you before, I'm better alone 1"

On the following and last night of the wake there
was a joyful commotion, amongst the youngsters
especially, early in the evening, when no less a per-
son than old Noddy Kinshela, the beggarwoman
from town, made her appearance. She had heard of
poor Judy's death, she said, and thought it the least
she could do to come out to the wake,if it was nothing
only on account of the many a rousing cup of tea
they had taken together in their time. Noddy, as a
sort of ubiquitous inhabitant of Galway, had kept
possession of its streets for many a long year, and

168

|UtI«K«J' DBtl,

in h^r capacity of queen of the begging community,

S:t^lLTeren:etrerLc..eg.^
L .Lone of those uldmansionB whose foreign a«pea
a 'mouldering grandeur gave so Bt-ge a charac^
er to certain localities of the ^^y f ^^^ J^^^'in^
h,id been for centuri.'S the abode of a thriving
tranch of the Lynch family, but for many many
it h^A been given over to decay, and in the
S "ide oldTshLed Vitchen had Noddy Km-
Sela' Jtched her tent soon after its desertion, when
!i ?1 of the family died abroad. The old totter-

BheUer f o™ the winter's wind or the drifting snow ;
oXs,too.the placewas perilous in the ex^^reme,
but still it '.>ad many attractions for poor Noddy,
for she had passed her girlhood and womanhood in
the service of the family now -tinct, and every
Inein the old house was dearer to her than ,Vs
vbi in cold Nor was she altogether as co.n-
Sess I ler strange dwelling as one might at
fi«t suppose; for "Bome of the neighbor boys had
f ^17me ti timo, repaired the roof ju.t over the
vrv,.r that s to say, the first floor of the house,
tndt^w' o iLpro'v'edit that, without at all les-
ling its air of venerable antiquity they had kept
tl a condition to shelter its lonely tenant. For
tU rest Noddy was a person of no small import-
tceTn'the community; from having Uved so long

ap
ac'
in<
Tl:
toi
a '
wi
sel
shi

mil
cry

duu
ha\
toil

[jJ!SirifiiiiiV''iiiiiiiiWiii"f''" ■•"■■"*"■'

THE admiral's DAVOIITRR.

1G3

ing community,
rcourse with tho
■ stood the mar-
ck-regal quality,
ise foreign aspet t
itrange a charac
oftheTribcB. It
e of a thriving

for many, many
aecay, and in the

had Noddy Kin-
,H desertion, when
The old totter-
afforded bvit little
the drifting snow;
U9 in the extreme,
s for poor Noddy,
ind womanhood in
xtinct, and. every
irer to her than its
altogether as com-
r as one might at
sighbor boys had
s roof jupt over the
, floor of the house,
b, without at all les-
uity, they had kept
lonely tenant. For
)f no small import-
laving lived so long

in the Lynch family, she was necessarily acquainted
with tho secret history of that and many other
houses, and this knowledge, whether real or suppos-
ed, gave her an indescribable but most potent in-
fluence amongst a people who are proverbially fond
of tales and legends of old time. Strange rumors
were afloat of high and distinguished personages
visiting Noddy under cover of the night, enveloped
in various disguises, and these rumors were rather
encouraged than otherwise by the stately old beg-
garwoman, who took pleasure in thus maintaining
her former connection with "the quality." Still
she was secret as the grave on all points that affect*
ed the interest or the reputation of " the ould fami-
lies," as she reverentially phrased it.

The reader will now understand why Noddy's
appearance at the wake was hailed with such joyful
acclamation, but of course it was the signal for rais-
ing " the cry,"* in which she herself heartily joined.
The chorus of wailing and clapping hands was no
tooner over than Maureen took possession of a seat
a. Noddy's side, swallowing with avidity every
word that fell from her lips, and ingratiating her-
self into her good graces h. every little attention
she could think of, such as lighting her pipe, hand-

♦T fdotHc or death -cry. Amongst the nninixrod Celtic com-
munil s of Ireland in the remoter parts of th. country, "tho
cry" is renewed at a ■wake as often as any friund or relative of tho
dead is i con to enl(T. Many of our older readers may ttiemaelveg
have hcloed to " raise the cry" on similar occii^'i^ins. It is a cus-
tom wliiih came to the Celts of Ireland from their earliest pro-
genitors ind goes to prove their eastern origin.

MAORIBN DBO,

ing the funeral snuff, and all other t.uch acceptable
Bervices. She had always, indeed, been Boraewhat
of a favorite with Noddy, and this night gave her
a seoore footing in that enviable position. It was
seldom that Noddy Kinshela condescended actually
to praise any one, but on this occasion she assured
Vara, who was her supporter on the right, that Mau-
reen was " uncommon handsome, and might pass
for a rale lady any day, as far as shapes, makes,
and features went. To be sure,' Noddy added,
drawing up her tall, emaciated figure as she sat," she
hasn't the genteel manner that comes from bein'^
with the quality— how could she have it, poor thing;"
" We don't want her to have it," Vara answered
tartly ; " she's well to be seen, and she's as God
made her. I'd trounce the life out of her, if I seen
her puttia' on airs— I would !"

Noddy smiled in pity, and waved her hand ma-
jestically, as much as to say : " What better could
we expect from you?" Her silence, however, dis-
armed Vara's anger, so that good humor was
speedily restored.

In compliance with the general call for a story.
Noddy, after drinking "a good strong cup of tea,"
looked round on her silent and attentive audience
with an eye thoughtful and complacent, and then
commenced her story.

t1
n
h
b
b
f
t

I
I

I
i

^Mli-^r.^'-^

*-:^"s^T»'^;;rii-"j '^-^/^i

THE ADMIRAl/a DADaRTBR.

ich acceptable
teen Boraowhat
light gave her
sition. It was
ended actually
ion she assured
ight, that Mau-
nd might pass

shapes, makes,
Noddy added,
as she sat," she
•mes from bein'
5 it, poor thing;"

Vara answered
i she's as God
)f her, if I seen

id her hand ma-
hat better could
je, however, dis-
od humor was

call for a story,
ong cup of tea,"
,tentive audience
)lacent, and then

CHAPTER IX.

"It's close on forty years now since poor Judy
that's lyin' tliere under boord fornenst us brought
me in a salmon for a great dinner we were goin' to
have at master's that evenin' — the heavens be his
bed this night, and j'udy DriscoH's too ! Ochono !
but its light and easy my heart was that day, an' as
for Judy — she might easy be my daughter, poor
thing 1 you wouldn't find a tighter lass or a merrier
one about the Claddagh anyhow. Well ! as I was
saying it, was I that took the fish from her that
day, for you see, when there was any hurry in the
house, there was nothing but ' Noddy !' here, and
* Noddy !' there, and nothing went right, as the poor
mistress thought, if Noddy wasn't hand ard foot
in it. So that day I was giving a hand to the
cook before I'd go up to dress the ladies, in regard
to the houseful of company we were goin' to have.
It was purty late when all our preparations were
made, but still in good time, and everything went
as well as heart could wish. The ladies and gentle-
men all looked beautiful, especially my own master
and mistress, and Master Edward — the Lord be good
and merciful to him this night, for ochone ! he's
gone like all the rest, young, and strong, and hand-
some as he was then ! But the beauty of all was
Miss EUie — ahem I — a young lady that was in it with

172

HAnREEM DHV,

her father, a fine ancient, ould gintleman belongin'
to one of the TriBgBrHSifDBtof the young gentlemen
were after Miss Ellie, for not to speak of her party
face,— and that's what it was, sure enough!— she
was an only child and her father didn't know the
end of his owu riches. Still and all, there was two
that had more conceit in her than any of the rest.
One of thera was come of an ould Galway family,
and proud he was of it, and the young lady's father
thought mighty well of him, for he was worth a
power of money, and had ships of his own sailing on
the salt sea far and near, and had neither father nor
mother, brother nor sister to claim a share of what
he Lad. Maybe Miss Ellie liked him and maybe she
didn't— some said yes and some said no— howsom-
ever, the other young gentleman I spoke of was in
the way— he was a foreigner, from Spain or some of
them outlandish countries beyond the sea, and had
no friends or blood-relation in the city barrin' Mies
EUie's father and herself. He was a cousin of the
ould gentleman's, it seems, and was sent to Galway
for hi& edication— I suppose there's none to be had
where he came from— at any rate he was rich, peo-
ple said, and I'm very sure he was handsome, too,
—a darlin' fine fellow as you'd see from Cork
to Kinsale, let alone in Galway city. He had a pair
of eyes in his head that were shining and dancing
like the waters out in the Bay o. a bright summer
day, and a head of silky black hair that you never
0een the beat of. Well 1 to be sure, it was as natu-

THE admiral's DAtJOHTBB.

173

man belongin'
ung gentlemen
,k of her party

enough! — she
(In't know the
, there was two
iny of the rest.
Galway family,
ig lady's father
e was worth a
3 own sailing on
iither father nor
a share of what
1 and maybe she
d no — howsom-
spoke of was in
5pain or some of
the sea, and had
jity barrin' Miss

a cousin of the
I sent to Galway
i none to be had
le was rich, peo-
s handsome, too,

see from Cork
r. Hehadapair
ing and dancing
A bright summer
r that yoH never
e, it was as natu-

ral as life, for the young foreigner to have a likin'
for Miss Ellie that was so long in the one house
with him, and as I said, maybe the young lady
thought just as much of him as he did of her, but to
make a long story short, the ould father of her— a
wiaened little leprechaun of a man— had set his

heart on Mr. Fitz . Lord blesa me, what am I

sayin' at all?— I mean on the other young gen-
tleman for a son-in-law, because they were doing
business together— himself and the young gentle-
man—and his father before him for many a long
year. Here, Maureen, put a coal in the pipe for me
—that's a darlin'— where was I ?— right, Maureen,
right— I said the ould gentleman didn't want his one
daughter to marry the stranger— maybe it's what
he was afeard, poor man ! of her leavin' him in the
dark lonesome days of age— I don't know— God
knows. It happened, anyhow, on this very evenin'
I'm speakin' of that the young foreigner sat along-
side of Miss Ellie, at table, and had hardly a word
for any one but herself, and maybe she didn't listen
to him, the darlin', and smile on him, too ! Well !
the father was sittin' right fornenst them and so
was the other, too, and both seen what was goin'
on, as they couldn't help seein' it, for it was plain as
the nose on my face. People used to say afterwards
that the ould gentleman and youpg one gave each
other the wink to watch the sport, though, dear
knows, it was no sport to either of them. When
the gentlemen followed the ladies to the drawing-

.iiiitfat SS £s*feiwi'<^itfA»fe'''i

iW.JW*'

174

HACREEM DHC,

room,"-Noddy was sorely pu«led to give the e
words in the Claddagh dialect, but she -^«-g«J. *«
ronvey the idea that the ladies did goto another
rrihiletheyof the masculine gender sat ove
their wine and punch, together with the subscqu nt
„,ovement of the latter in the ^^^l^^';'!^''~fj
no easy matter," said Noddy, with infinite self-m-
portance, "to make you understand the ways of the

^"^ W^sha, then, but it's the quare ways they are /"
said a rough old fisherman who sat with his back
against the jamb-wall, smoking his pipe m luxurious
^'[oyment of the story ; " couldn't they let the wo-
men take their comfort out of a drop as well as
themselves, the unnatural haythens? if it was only
to wash down their bit o' dinner !"

.« Why, then, bad manners to you, Dmny I saia
Noddy, sending a contemptuous whiff full m his
face « wl-t right have you to find fault with the
qaaity for bavin' their own fashions? But sure I
needn't blame you, poor man ! if you knew any bet-
ter you wouldn't doit. Well! whereabouts was

^~^t the gentlemen goin' to the ladies'room," said

"That's it, that's it, child ! it's you that's always
cute and sharp at takin' up things. Well 1 as I was
eavin', when Senor Juan-ahem 1 the young Spaniard
went ip to where the ladies was-and what do yon
Think but he went up before any of the others-^

THB admiral's DAnOHTER.

175

to give these
ihe managed to

(TO to another
render sat over
the subsequent
iirection— " it's

infinite self-im-
the ways of the

vays they are /"
t with his back
)ipe in luxurious
they let the wo-
drop as well as
J ? if it was only

a, Dinny I" said
whiff full in his
d fault with the
one? But sure I
ou knew any bet-
iphereabouts was

ladies'room," said

you that's always
Well ! as I was
10 young Spaniard
-and what do you
? of the others —

didn't himself and Miss Ellie get together again,
and were playin'music together, aneverything like
that. Well ! my dears, vhen the rest of the gentle-
men came up, the ould father was as red as a tur-
key's head with the dint of anger when he seen how
things were goiu', but he said nothing. By and by,
the young gentleman that he had in his eye for Miss
Ellie took him one side, ^nd they had a long talk
together, and after that, neither of them took any
notice whatsomever of the young couple for the re-
mainder of the evenin'. People were full sure that
there was goin' to be a match between the rich
young foreigner and purty Miss Ellie, and somehow
every one was well pleased at it, for you'd swear
they were made for one another. I suppose they
thought so themselves, too, the' creatures ! but if
they did, they were all in the wrong, and so was the
whole town."

Here Noddy paused, ostensibly to have her pipe
replenished, and to imbibe a certain portion of the
inspiring essence of John Barleycorn, offered for her
acceptance by the sorrowing young master of the
household, whom the Ptory had beguiled from his
lethargy of woe, and placed on u seat at Maureen's
back, viz.: an inverted fish-creel. Every one cried
out to Noddy to go on, but Noddy, with the tact
of an old story-teller, was coquettishly playing on
the interest which it had been her previous study to
excite in the minds of her hearers. So she puffed
away at her pipe, took a f!ew sips from the tea-cup

176

MAURKEN DHir,

which Berved the purpose of a glass, and then
smoothhig down her check apron, looked compla-
cently and indeed somewhat slyly round on her
audence as though she enjoyed their visible impa-

tience. ,,„

« Ah, then ! Noddy, can't you go on, now ?
" Well ! Noddy, what came of it ?"
"Were they married. Noddy, or what?"
««No child, they were not married: whatever
turned up that night after they all ^eut home-and
to this hour no one livin' knows-the Spaniard left
the city early in the momin', long afore any one
was stirrin', and from that day to this, he was never
seen on Irish ground."
"Lord save us, Noddy agra! what came of him,

** " God only knows that," and the old woman shook
her head with solemn emphasis, " many and many s
the time I heard theould mistress and master-God
he good to them! talkin' about it between tW
eelves, but they could never make head nor tail ot it.

"But what did Miss Ellie do. Noddy ?" inquired
Maureen, eagerly. "Did she die of grief?"

"The sorra that she did," said Noddy dryly, al-
most bitterly •, "about a month after she was mar-
ried to Mr. Fitz , oh bother to this tongue of

mine! I mean the young gentleman that was
pleasin' to her father. I declare to you,many -^ one
wondered that she took him, for dear knows ! he
was a proud, dark-lookiu' iu»u as you d find any-

jlass, and then
looked compla-
• round on her
eir visible impa-

on, now ?"

what?"

fried : whatever
went home — and
the Spaniard left
g afore any one
his, he was never

hat came of him,

old woman shook
many and many's
and master — God
it between them-
leadnortailofit."
^oddy?" inquired
of grief?"

Noddy dryly, al-
ifter she was mar-
to this tongue of
ntleman that was
to you, many •*. one
>r dear knows I he
LS you'd fiud any-

THK admiral's daughter.

177

where, though I can't say but what he was hand-
some enough, too,— still an' all, there was -^nare
stories goin' at the time about him and the young
foreigner— quare stories all out,—" and she shook
her head with a mysterious air, and drew in her thin,
bloodless lips as though she feared some indiscretion
on their part. Seeing that no one spoke, — although
every face reflected her own half-revealed suspicion,
Noddy virent on in a lower and still more solemn
tone :

" People used to be sayin' that there were Span-
iards made away with by some of his own forebcarers
in the ould ancient times long ago, and that Master
Ar— ,the bridegroom, I mean, had as dark and down
a look with him as e'er a Fitz— as e'er a one of his
people ever had. But, howsomever, it was the
quarest thing of all that Miss Ellie could bring her-
self to take hi?n for a partner athout knowin' what
had come of the poor youn^' gentleman that was a
stranger in the place, and ne'er a one to look after
him only herself and her father. But, indeed, she
took it mighty easy, and grew as fat as a little whale,
and to see her and her man walkin' out or ridin' out
together, my dears, you'd think she n'lver had a
notion of anybody else, or that the Spaniard had
never come across either of them. The husband and
the ould father are both dead years ago, so they know-
now whether they done tlie fair thing or not in re-
gard to the poor stranger. TLe Lord forgive them
their sins anyhow!"

■ /

178

MABKKBH DHU,

Not a voice was raised to say « Ameni;' and for
a f^w moments all were silent. Shan DnscoU was
the first to speak : xr^^r^v what you

JZll face, her Up tremMed, and .he .eem-d
^er:, r\"/»ou. «««.». w^ch we.

k..ds" cried Noddy, in . tone of cutting irony
■■ni . bl now, ,on could see the s,r..s growm'

I lent to ..k you one qoeefon, .»' I !>»?« J™"
aniwer me-what in the wide world put Mr Fit.
.tephen in your head r ,, ,.. crfed

"You mavwell say that, JNoaoy agi
Vara With eVen unusual force and e««'gy/ ^^P^^"
r;"you were tellin' of^what hapj^ned as good

lltLCrd ri'a m^tha^s nearer to thirty

Cn he is to forty t-mayhe ^'b - -^ i" J.e'
findin' out next for us that myself or Aileen tnere
t mUty like Noddy's ould madam that does be
roSt'her. and cosherin' with her in tWead of
nig at when there's none to hear or see tbem !
'Vara!" said Noddy, with an air ot offended

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

179

Amenl" and for
ban DriscoU was

foddy, what yo«
irried Miss ElUe

y and looked him
, and she seemed
It even if she had
)een beard in the
agues which were

ity sharp on our
of cutting irony;
the j;ra88 growin'
? — now in earnest,
1, an' I hope you'll
fforld put Mr Fitt

)ddy agral" cried
id energy of expres-

happened as good
1 what the heav&ril
^at's nearer to thirty
it's what you'd be
self or Aileen there
nadam that does be
;h her in the dead of
r or see them t"

an air of offended

dignity that had deep feeling in it, too, " Vara I
don't be talkin' that way — I wouldn't sit by and
listen to my own mother makin' free with the mis-
tress's name. No I wouldn't ! — and more betoken,
I hope she's at better rest than all that comes
to."

"Musha, then, but it's thin-skinned you are, hon-
est woman 1" said Vara, putting her arms a-kimbo
in an attitude that denoted no pacific intentions ;
" much about your ould quality and far less I"

Wiiatcver the feelings of the audience might
have been no one dared to find fault with Vara, and
moreover, it was well understood that she had her
match to deal with on that occasion, though it we,g
a great word to say on behalf of Noddy. It might
well be, on the whole, that the majority of those
present slyly enjoyed in anticipation the clash of
two such keen-edged weapons as the respective
tongues of the old dames. If it were so, their mali-
cious curiosity was not destined to be gratified,
owing to a singular delicacy of feeling on the part
of the Gal way beggar.

" Vara Halliday I" said she, afler a visible strug-
gle with her naturally hot temper, " I lave it to
your own dacency if this is a fit time for a quarrel !
— you and me both h%<\ o. wish for them that's lyin'
there stiff and cowld foraest us, an' let no one have
it to say that we'd disrespect her so far as to fall
out at her wake. If it was your own house wc were
in, I might act differently an' make myself scarce,

3
I

180

UAUREBN DHC,

but I came to Judy Driscoll'd wake, an' it'd not
your bad tongue that'll send me away. Say wbat
you like now, au' I'll keep it all in store for you but
mind you'll not get a cross word out of me for ibis
iiigbt, anyhow !"

"Wisha, then, Noddy, bat it's you thats got
mighty sensible on our bauds— howsomever, I'll
give in to you this time on account of the time it is
—but don't keep harpin' on the quality, I tell you
—the quality, maghl—Wi enough to make a body
sick to hear the likes o' you goin' on about them
the way you do !"

«'I towld you I wouldn't answer you,' said JNod-
dy, with disdainful emphasis, "an' I won't— go on
now as fast as you like !"

But Randal and some others of the ancients in-
terposing, succeeded in making peace between the
angry potentates, and Maureen was ready at Nod-
dy's elbow with a freshly-lit pipe of fragrant tobac-
co, and a whispered petition on the part of all the
youngsters that she'd t«ll them another story.

"Well! I'll not refuse yon, Maureen !" said the
old woman, looking kindly down on the beautiful
supplicant: " I'm thinking it would be hard to do
it " she added in a lower voice ; " but as your granny
r '^esn't like to hear about the quality, I must only
think of something that'll be more to her taste."

'•But, Noddy, /like to hear about the quality,"
said Maureen, with a pouting Up; "don't mind
granny— she's only makin' fun."

reasoi

was ]

mainc

Bolicil

Btorie

first 1

ward

younj

choir.

ful ao

adveri

creeki

Cladd

Even

turn

relate

wreck

* Iti
"8ln(;e]
chanbin
comiuc

THE admiral's DAUOHTRR.

181

ke, an' it'd not
iray. Say wbat
,ore for you but
t olf me for ibis

you that's got
owBomever, I'll
of the time it is
lality, I tell you
to make a body
' on about them

you," said Nod-
I won't — go on

the ancients in-
ace between the
kS ready at Nod-
f fragrant tobac-
a part of all the
jther story,
ureen !" said the
on the beautiful
d be hard to do
ut as your granny
ility, I must only
to her taste."
lOut the quality,"
,ip; "don't mind

"The sorra that I am now, Maureen! au' I'd
thank you not to say it, miss !"

"Never mind, ma colleen dhasi" said Noddy,
bending down her head till it almost touched Mau-
reen's, " some other time Til tell you all about the
old times and the old people that I used to know.
Anything else 'ill do as well now !"

Maureen's countenance brightened, and a glow of
satisfaction overspread every feature. For some
reason best known to herself this voluntary promise
was particularly agreeable to her, and for the re-
mainder of the night nothing could exceed her kind
solicitude about Noddy, although her subsequent
Dtories were far from exciting her attention as the
first had done.

About midnight the Rosary was said, and on to-
ward morning some hymns were sung by certain
young men and women who belonged to the chapel-
choir.* Aftei that another round of stories, wonder-
ful accounts of "hair-breadth 'scapes," and perilous
adventures amongst the isles and in the surgy
creeks and inlets of the Bay, whither the hardy
Clflddagh men were wont to follow the fiiiny tribes.
Even Shan DriscoU had to tell bis story when his
turn came, and at Maureen's request, old Aileen
related, for Noddy's special entertainment, the
wreck of the Spanish vessel and the all but niracu-

• It is a common custom in tlio rural distrit ts of Ireland for tlio
"sinKers," to attend wakos and celebrate tiie solemn occasion by
chanting the liyrans of the Church. It Is a beautiful and highly
commendable practice worthy the primitive ages of Christianity.

182

KAOBKKW DHtT,

louB escape of Bome of the crew. Noddy listened
^ith a half-attentive ear, until Vara, taking np thr
tale, told h.wthe Spanish gentleman lay sick at
her father's house for many long w. .ks-how they
cared and tended him, and how generously he would
have rewarded them, had they chosen to accept hw
gifts. By this time the beggarwoman's attention was
fully awakened and she swallowed every word with
greedy interest. Not a trace of her recent anger
remained either in voice or manner.

« Ah then, Vara astorel how long is it since that

happened?" ,

" Well 'tisn't. to say very long, either— let me
see now-it'B just about five-and-twenty years come
next fishery-it was about the days of UoUandtide,

I'm I'most sure."

" And what kind of a man was he, agra ?
"Wisha, then, but you're enough to puzzle any
one with your questions, 80 you are, but 'f you
must know all about it-he was a middle-sized,
black-avized man, with a pair of rolUn' black eyes
that you never seen thebeatof-our Maureen 8 there
wouldn't hold a candle to them, an' then h« hair
was as curly an' as silky as a water-dog's."

"Well, to be sure," muttered Noddy, to herself,
"it was about the very time, an' just as I seen him
—may be it wasn't his ghost after all."

"And may be Miss EUie's husband didn't make
away with him," whispered Maureen, with an arch
smile.

ebe
<(

«{
scioi
pres<
ofhi

^oAAy listened
taking up the
an lay sick at
eks — how they
ously he would
m to accept his
B attention was
very word with
er recent anger

r is it since that

either— let me

jnty years come

oflloUandtide,

;,agra?"
h to puzzle any
are, but if yon
a middle-sized,
oUin' black eyes
'Maureen's there
an' then his hair
r-dog's."

foddy, to herself,
iBt as I seen him
all."

)and didn't make
■en, with an arch

THE ADUIIUl's DAUOHTKR.

183

"Why, Lord bless me, « hild, I think you're a
fairy or •something that way I" and Noddy fixed
her distended eyes on the smiling face that was
looking up to her.

" Never mind what I am, >'oddy a<;ra," Maureen
whispered again ; " you see I'm good at readin'
riddles, anyhow; ask Brian Kineely there if I'm
not!"

Then: was evidently more iioant than mei the
ear, and poor Brian's face flushed to a scarlet hue
as he encountered Maureen's sportive glance to-
gether with an enquiring look f.-om his old grand-
mother, who sat "on her aunkors " near the hob,
inhaling tho aroma emitted by her well-seasoned
dhudeen. It was at all times easy to raise a bi j«h
on Brian's dorid cheek, but on thin occasion he was
positively abashed and looked as sheepish as coul.l
be. At last he ventured to glance at Maureen, and
was still more confused when he saw her laughing
outright. As if in answer to his reproachful look,
however, she jumped from her seat, and daitcd out
on the floor saying :

" Who's for a play— we're all tired sittin'." As
she passed Brian, she whispered softly :

" Be up and alive, now, or I'll tell Sally I"

"Sally be— ducked!" said Brian angrily, uncon-
sciously elevating his voice so as to make every one
present stare ; " you're enough to set a fellow out
ofhis mind, Maureen O'Hara— that's what you are!"

The laugh which followed recalled Brian to a

^Jt^M'-d.^MliiiiaSM.'a.

JLi

184

UAVREEN OHtT,

sense of the ludicrous pusition in which he had
placed himself, and after a vain attempt to recover
his composure, he darted out of the cottage, regard-
less of Maureen's earnest entreaty that he would
wait and have his share of the sport.

An animated discussion followed amongst the old
women on Brian's peculiar qualities, his grand-
mother descanting with the garrulity of age and the
exaggeration of a doting parent on his never-to-be
told goodness, and calling on Vara so often for con-
firmation of what she advanced, that even the
Borrov* -dulled ear of Shan caught the frequent ap-
peal, and he snubbed the old woman in a way that
made the others laugh heartily. More's hearing
was none of the sharpest, however, and as she bare-
ly heard the sound of Shan's voice, she took it for
granted that he, too, was " putting in his good
word for Brian, and indeed it was more than could
be expected of him." This raised another laugh,
and so the general good-humor was no way disturb-
ed by Shan's sarcasm— though it was bitter enough

too.

Next morning the funeral took place, Mass being
•previously celebrated in the house according to the
time-honored custom of the people. Then the
corpse was carried out and placed on the shoulders
of four elders, one of whom was Randal More him-
self. Shan walked immediately after the coffin with
his drooping head and downcast eyes. After him
came the oldest matrons of the community wrapped

^WWfffTf^''' "•'""'"'*'''""'''*'- •''''''^'"'"•'^'"-

Q whioh he had
empt to recover
cottage, regard-
r that he would
t.

amongst the old
ities, his grand-
ly of age and the
n his never-to-be
, 80 often for con-
, that even the

the frequent ap-
ian in a way that
More'8 hearing
, and as she bare-
e, she took it for
ing in his good

more than could
;d another laugh,
8 no way disturb-
vas bitter enough

place, Mass being
according to the
ople. Then the
I on the shoulders
landal More him-
ter the coffin with
eyes. After him
mmuuity wrapped

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THB AOHIBAL's DATieHTBB.

185

from head to foot ia their long blue cloaks. These
were the caoiners whose loud impassioned wailing
echoed and re-echoed over the wide expanse of the
Bay, making known far and near along the shore
that some of the Claddagh people was being borne
to the ancient Cemetery on the hill-top. The
morning was grey, and still and breezeless, and no
sound was heard along the line of march save that
wild funeral cry as it rose fitfully and by starts on
the dull, calm air. At rare intervals, too, were
heard the low, half-suppressed moan of filial sorrow
bursting from the heart of the bereaved son, as
busy memory placed before him all that his mother
had been to him.

The funeral was long, so long, indeed, that when
the corpse was carried into the Cemetery-gate the
rear of the procession was still winding through the
lower parts of the village, the route chosen being
according to custom, the most circuitous one pos-
sible. One of the Fathers from the Convent having
then blessed the narrow house wherein the Chris-
tian body was to await the Resurrection, the coffin
was lowered into its final resting-place.

Up to the moment when the last shovelful of
earth was heaped on the grave by the hands of
friends and kinsmen, nothing was heard, nothing
wast seen but the most decorous gravity, and in
mantf instances the unfeigned heartfelt sorrow that
follows the rupture of human ties strongly cement-
ed biy years and years of kindly intercourse. That

186

HAURSEH DHU,

last office of affection once done, however, the scene
was entirely changed. The cloud instantly vanish-
ed from every brow, even Shan's recovered much of
its wonted character, as though the load were well-
nigh lifted from his heart when his parent was
snugly " laid by." It was nothing amongst the »
men but one inviting another to " go and have a
treat," and off they all went to the several public
houses or taverns through the village to render
what they consid» »'ed the very last honors to the
memory of the lately dead. The women, old and
young, went home to their respective dwellings,
with the exception of a few of those strong-minded
females to be found in every community who will
not be debarred from their lawful share of whatever
is going on amongst '' the lords of creation." There
is no denying that the Claddagh had o certain num-
ber of these energetic matrons who could empty a
glass of the right sort in as good style as any one
might wish to see, and these to a woma?i insisted
on "pouring their libation" to the memory of so
honored a member of their community. These
funeral festivities * occupied the remainder of that

* " Had this custom beon known to the lato General Vallan-
cey," says Mr. Hardiman the excellent historian of Galwfiy, " it
in probable it miji^bt have afforded him an opportunity of tracing
some affinity between oar Claddagh friends and the Arabs, who,
it is said, also rejoice on the death of their fHcnds and relatives,
How far this incident would have sapported an hjrpothesis for the
learned antiquary this la not the place to conjecture." — jHisijry
of Ckdway. note on the Claddagh.

The custom allnded to is by no moans peculiar to the Clai'ldagh ;
it was even very recently common in other remote parts of Ihe
country. It is happ''.y disappearing, and will soon, I trust, bfl
naml>ered wit'' ♦*"- i,Dlngs that were.

DHIT,

lone, however, the scene
) cloud instantly vanish-
ban's recovered much of
ugh the load were well-
j when his parent was
I nothing amongst the^
her to " go and have a
,t to the several public
1 the village to render
irery last honors to the
i. The women, old and
ir respective dwellings,
of those strong-minded
2ry community who will
lawful share of whatever
ords of creation." There
dagh had o certain num.
rons who could empty a
3 good style as any one
!se to a woman insisted
" to the memory of so
leir community. 'These
d the remainder of that

nrn to the late Qcneral YoUan-
jllent historian of Galwtiy, " it
hiin an opportunity of tracing
;h friends and the Arabs , who,
1 of their friends and relatives,
npported an hypothesis for the
place to conjecture." — /iisu ry

leans peculiar to the Clai'ldaffh ;
I in other remote parts of the
ing, and will soon, I trust, bo
re.

Jr^

THB admiral's daughter.

187

day, indeed, some hours of the night. The great-
est shrew in the village would find no fault with
her rough mate for " keepin' Shan company till he'd
get over his trouble, poor boy !" Any one who
grudged time or money on such an emergency
would have been set down as "good for nothing,"
and " a disgrace to the place." It hardly ever oc-
curred, however, that any such backslider was found,
the entire community being under the influence of
the popular fallacy that the more money they spent,
the better. they proved their respect and esteem for
the dead. Yet the whole passed off without either
quarrel or disturbance of any kind, as indeed gene-
rally happened on such occasions.

Evening was drawing on and Maureen Dhu, all
alone in the house, sat " spinning her wheel " in the
sun-lit porch, thinking of anything and everthing if
one might judge by the clear reflex of her thoughts
on her fine, intellectual brow. Her father and her
brothers were, as a matter of course, amongst the
noisy revellers whose laughter and loud talk came
soflened by distance from a tavern in the next
street. All at once a shadow darkened the arched
doorway, and Maureen looking up saw Brien Kineely
standing with his shoulder to the door-post. Mau-
reen's first inclination was to laugh in her coy,
coquettish way, but a second glance showed her
something in Brian's face that was altogether un-
usual and surprised her not a little, so she waited
for him to speak first, which he soon did.

188

HADRREM DHD,

" Maureen 1" said he, in a very gerious tone, " you
know I never cared for drinkin' or boozin', so I
thought I'd come and have a talk with you in regard
to something that's heavy on my heart ever since
the night of poor Judy's death, rest her soul in
peace."

At another time Maureen would have laughed
in his face and given him some saucy answer, but
there was something so touching, so earnest in his
tone and in his looks that she could not bring her-
self to speak lightly to him. Encouraged by her
silence he went on, while his changing color and
faltering voice denoted his agitation :

" Ever since Sunday evenin'," repeated Brian, " I
can't get it out of my head that you have some
notion about me and Sally Kirwan~I wish the same
Sally was in England beyant, or some place where
she'd be away out of this, so as no harm came on
her — and sure that time you seen us talkin' at the
door I was jist tellin' her about two boys that I seen
boxin' on her account a while before that, down on
the Fair Green. But when I heard the bould jade
what she said to you, and, the turn she gave my
bein' there, I declare to you, Maureen ! I didn't care
if the earth opened and swallowed me, I was that
through-other.* What killed me out an' out en-
tirely was you makin' fun of me about it last night
before all that was at the wake. Now, Maureen !

* This is a Bln|ralar and yet very common form of expression in
Ireland— its derivation can liardly be ascertained, ft means con-
fused or extremely agitated.

y serious tone, " you
in' or boozin', so I
k with you in regard
ny heart ever since
.h, rest her soul in

ould have laughed
s saucy answer, but
)g, so earnest in his
iould not bring her-
Encouraged by her
ibanging color and
ition :

' repeated Brian, " I
bat you have some
an — I wish the same
r some place where
s no harm came on
sen us talkin' at the
two boys that I seen
efore that, down on
eard the bould jade

turn she gave my
ureen ! I didn't care
wed me, I was that
me out an' out en-

about it last night

e. Now, Maureen I

ion form of oxpression In
ertalned. It meanB con-

■.■a-.jj..jj.-i'

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

159

answer me one question — do you think I have any
notion of Sally Kirwan V"

There was a momentary flush on Maureen's cheek,
and a slight, a very slight tremor in her voice, as
she replied, without raising her eyes from her wheel :

" Wiaha, then, Brian liiueely, do you think I'm a
fairy or a witch, that I could know what was in your
heart, or anybody's heart but my own — I'm sure it's
little I know about it."

" An' it's little you care either," said Brian, with
more bitterness than Maureen thought him capable
of. She looked up at him with some surprise, and
was just going to make some satirical remark on the
wondrous change in his manner, when Shan Dris-
coU's taller form stood beside him in the doorway,
his face flushed with drinking, and his dark eye
gleaming with the lurid light of passion. Maureen
with diflicutly suppressed a scream, and starting
from her seat she put back her wheel into the house,
then faced the young men again.

" Ha I ha !" laughed Shan, taking no heed of Mau-
reen, but fixing his flashing glance on Brian, " you
didn't think I had my eye on you — I guessed what
you were at, you see, with your sneakin' underhand
work !" and before Brian could say a word in reply,
ho struck him on the side of the head with his
clenched fist with such force that he staggered back
a pace or two and was barely able to recover his
ground.

"Ahl shame, shame on you, Shan!" said Mau-

SESS

mmm^

190

HACmiKN DBtT,

reen, and taking Brian by the hand she placed him
on a seat within the porch and rested her arm on his
shoulder, well knowing that no provocation would
cause him to cast it off.

At this Shan was wild with anger : « It's just like
you," said he, in a hoarse voice, "to take shelter
under the petticoats when there's any danger -"

" Shame upon you again and again, Shan Dris-
coll !" cried Maureen, pale with excitement, " ho
didn't take shelter under pettic.ats, did he, when he
jumped on the Sassenach's boat to save your life?"

« Never mind him, Maureen !" said Brian, and he
tried hard to keep down his passion, "that is just
the return I might expect from him— let him go on
—ho may strike me if he pleases, an' I'll not do or
say him ill — now /"

" God bless you, Brian 1" said Maureen with deep
emotion, "I'll not forget this to you— indeed I'll

not!"

By this time Shan was somewhat sobered, and he
stood regarding the two with a tierce and lowering
aspect. Gradually there came a smile, a strange
mirthless smile, that might be called a sneer, and he
spoke in a slow measured tone : " Don't be afeard,
Brian ! I'll not harm you now— there's time enough
—time enough— I suppose you think you're near the
winnin'-post now, but mind I tell you, you're as far
from it as I am. Lonely and lonesome I am this day,
but I'd rather be as I am than have Maureen's pity
— I want her love, or nothing — if she hates me —

-U-

TBI admiral's dadohter.

ro,

I hand she placed him
i rested her arm on his
DO provocation would

anger: "It's just like
oice, " to take shelter

ere's any danger "

and again, Shan Dris-
wilh excitement, "ho
icoats, did he, when ho
aat to save your life ?"
n 1" said Brian, and he
passion, "that is just
)m him— let him go on
eases, an' I'll not do or

laid Maureen with deep
lis to you — indeed I'll

aewhat sobered, and he
Lh a lierce and lowering
ime a smile, a strange
je called a sneer, and he
>ne: "Don't be afeard,
w— there's time enough
on think you're near the
I tell you, you're as far
I lonesome I am this day,
lan have Maureen's pity
ing— if she hates me —

191

well be it so — better that than have her butterin'
me up as she does you I"

On hearing this Maureen colored to her very tem-
ples — there was something in Shan's haughty inde-
pendence that found an echo in her own heart. She
raised her eyes to his for a moment and then dropped
them again. " Why, then, I declare, Shan I you
have a good opinion of me when you think I could
hate any one — and you, Shan ! what for would I
hate you ?"

" Well ! I don't know, Maureen, barrin' the wild-
ness that they say is in me, an' I'm sure it's enough
to make any one wild to see what I see at times."

Brian began to feel uneasy, and standing up he
said : " I think it's time to be movin', we must all be
up by the peep o' day the morrow. I'm thankful to
you, Shan ! for what you said, an' I'm bound to do
you a good turn for it."

But Brian, notwithstanding his hurry, did not
move an inch, for Shan manifested no intention of
going, and he had little notion of leaving him alone
with Maureen. The latter herself was somewhat
puzzled ; she could easily have got rid of both, but
she feared to have them go off together, fearing a
renewal of the quarrel. Great, then, was her satis-
faction, and Brian's too, when Vara was seen ap-
preaching on her return from the town. Brian ac-
cepted the old woman's invitation to " go in and sit
down," but Shan walked away, muttering angrily
to himself.

l fVTf l <ITh'n i *r^l iri i i V irri M r n i f>S)W^^^

loa

MAUREEN DHU

CHAPTER X.

Sngtoarink ^o,», through fear of M.ureeu^

ai.Dlea.tTO, a gentleman from town, a good on.-

tit of hi., appeared unexpeetedl, before h.m.

«' A good evening, Shan." , . *v „:,

« A good evenin' kindly, sir-is it taking tbe air

vou are out this way ?" .

^ ««Partlythat, Shan, and partly on business with

von Are you going out to-morrow?"

^ "'well, I b'lieve so-it's three or four days since

we done anything." u t oq

« I know that, and we have suffered for it, I as-
sure you. But never mind, the worse luck now the
better again. Now, Shan, I am going to have some
friends to dinner, day after to-morrow, and I want
you, if you happen on a g°«d frbot mind I say a
load one, to keep it for me. If you shouldn t have
one yourself, you know, you can speak to some of

the others." , „ . , o,,„„

*. 1 don't know about that, your honor, said Shan

doggedly, "I can't promise."

Shan, Btill Bmarting
1, paced up and down
his now lonely dwell-
from the friends and
5 high festival in the
•cent loss, and yet un-
igh fear of Maureen's
,in town, a good cus-
ectedly before hina.

iir_i9 it taking the air

)artly on business with

morrow ?''

hrce or four days since

ve suffered for it, I as-

the worse luck now the
am going to have some
to-morrow, and I want

od turbot, mind I say a
If you shouldn't have

lu can epeak to some of

, your honor," said Shan

THB admiral's OAUOHTER.

198

" You can't, eh? and why not, pray ?"

" Why just because it's my belief that you'll not
get e'er a turbot at all in thoCladdagh, if there was
fifty o' them in it."

" Well, really ray good fellow, you surprise me—
whal do you mean ?"

" Why, io regard to the difference you had with
Brian Kineely about that salmon — you never paid
him for it since, did you ?"

"Pay him! wliy certainly not — he was over-
charging me for the fish when I came to pay him
for it, and wouldn't take what I knew to be a rea-
sonable price, so I told him to make his best of it.
I thought he'd have summoned me to the court, and
then he'd have to take what the magistrates con-
Bidered a fair price."

"Humph!" said Shan, in a most contemptuous
tone, "what have your magistrates to do with us?
when did you ever know a Claddagh man to go be-
fore them ? No, sir I we wouldn't do it for a score
of salmons, or turbots either. But that debt is on
you still. Mister Hampton, and till you pay Brian
Kineely his full price, and make up the quarrel with
him, there's no fish for you in the Claddagh."

" But, Shan ! what have you to do with it? I'll
pay you whatever you ask, if you get me the tur-
bot. Why I heard for certain the other day, tliat
you and Brian were not the best of friends your-
selves."

" No matter to you what we are, we may quarrel

^agffii&ilf'ii

ai£i4£2^iSsj

'■^s^wmm^^'f*''^'*'--'-^**"''^'^^'"'^'*''-^^-^

194

MAURMK one,

i !

.mong ourselves at times, but .e always take one
another's part with strangers.* .„ „ive the

"But surely you cannot expect me to give in
fellow his own price now. after all that has passed.
I tell YOU. it was out of aU conscience. ^,.,.,

' "So ;« say. but you're out there. T- J^f ^ ;
for we mostly have ono price on e-rythmg^ At

1% rate, go to ^^^^^^^ r^here-wS
!::n y'u^h^t^u-Cay Cal. and mind I tell
ACp a civU tongue in your ^e^^^ ^f^/^^

what yoli bave dono on Bmn.

Hampton had "J'-' "^.X^rX'thr^C
,be prospect ol havmg the ^'^°'; '"Xo^ ^^ „„.

-:r;rr°r.^:"re;,ded-n-»

V «» T^rmn's orieinal stiffness m his regara. x

mv,

it we always take one

I.*

ixpect me to give the

;er all that has passed.

)nBcience.

at there, I'm thinkin*.

ice on everything. At

re-or stay, I'll bring
you'll -wait here— he'll
Brian, and mind I tell

n your head and don't
you, or you'll find him

jrill he has a little sup

a it again you, besides

m."

de his appearance, Mr.
, up his mind to give up
turbot, rather than allow
as he considered he was.

.n, as regarded money, a
well known, and it is al-
Ireland. Hampton was,
t the Claddagh men, and
fness in his regard. The
r brow and flushed cheek
[ce in his sentiments, and
le to the terms laid down

, vv Mrs- Hall in her verv Intcr-
of ^altay. U to Bttikingfy iUua-
iiese people.

TBI admiiul's daughter

195

by the crusty Mayor of the Claddagh, in whose
hands be deposited the price of Brian's salmon,
and having obtained the promise of a turbot, made
the beet of his way out of the village, internally
vowing not to return there in haste.

Some six or eight of the fishermen had gathered
together during the brief discussion of the question,
and the discordant chorus of laughter which greeted
his departure made Mr. Hampton quicken his foot-
steps. Nor was ho at all tempted to imitate Lot's
wife, having no hankering whatsoever after the
Claddagh, which it is pr ible he wished some
fathoms down in congenial brine.
. On his way home to Eyre square, where his house
was situated, Mr. Hampton was accosted by the w j11-
known voice of Noddy Kinsbela, asking charity for
God's sake.

" Go about your business, woman !" was the mer-
chant's stern answer, and he walked on with the rir
of a man who defied all the beggars in Galway to
get a halfpenny out of his pocket.

"Wisha, then, it's short enough but not very
Bweet," said Noddy, still following ; " sure I well
enough knew I wouldn't get it for charity, anyhow,
but maybe you'd give me something if I'd tell you
a little sacret."

" Secret ! what secret !" and Hampton half turn-
ed his head, but still walked on.

" Why, then, how can I tell yon anything, man
dear 1 if you go on at that rate- -how do you know

r^^ii

196

MAnREKN DHU,

but it's what I'm gola' to tell yoa,now iMt the 1.-

, • • 1 n ^lint" of her eve to strike home, lor
the quizzical " glint ol ner «jre AT^tpri" as

Mr Hampton was, "blessed be the Maker! as
Noddy and others used say, « as ugly a man as e
Ipt in shoe leather." The consciousness of his
X^ deficiency, in point of P-o-l att.ac^^^^^^^
rendered Mr. Herbert Hampton P^^'^^^^ ^'^^ ^'^^^^
on that score, a fact which was well known to

""^^Get out of my sight, you old beldame 1" and be
raised his walking-stick, "or I'll give you the

^tt:l s'll:?: yo";:^ould't be so cmel, M. Ham^
ton, dear 1 sich I purty face couldi^t hideaba^d
heartl" and the faster Hampton walked on in his
r^"g passion, the more pertinaciously Noddy kep
UD With him, to the infinite amusement of the
;LsSy, to most of whom both parties with their
peculiarities were well known.

"So you won't listen to me," said Noddy at
length, when the merchant was turning a corner to

his own house, . .^

» Go be-hanged I tell you-I'U give you up to

the police if you say another word."

"Vein I see you'll not pay me for the saci. -

well! listen hither. Hearty Hampton,* and thats

• ThU irontol nickname 's often given amongst the IrWi
peoj^ to penons of a niggardly disposition.

ffi 8 . CTinrray% ^

., „.-!

you.now that the la-
's words needed not
^e to strike home, for

be the Maker!" as
as ugly a man as ever
consciousness of his

personal attractions,
,n particularly touchy

-was well known to

old beldame !" and he
)r I'll give you the

(e so cruel, Mr. Hamp-
couldn't hide a hard
pton walked on in his
naciously Noddy kept
,e amusement of the
both parties with their

, me," said Noddy at

w&s turning a corner to

ou— I'll give you up to
r word."

pay me for the sacret —
Hampton,* and that's

en given amongst the Irish
sposiUon.

J .

THE admiral's DAUGHTER,

197

■what you are, God he knows I That dandy daugh-
ter of yours may set her cap at somebody else be-
sides Mr. Fitzstephen as soon as ever she likes, for
a ring he'll never put on her while her name is
Emily Hampton !— d'ye hear that now ?"

It was now Hampton's tarn to hurry after the old
beggarwoman, requesting, in a wonderfully civil
manner, to know the meaning of her words. But
Noddy, wrapt up in her offended dignity, had no
mind to answer his questions, so on she trotted, pre-
tending not to hear. At last she burst out laughing,
it was a strangely shrill laugh, too, — and partly turn-
ing round told Mr, Hampton she wondered he wasn't
ashamed of himself to be seen talking to an old beg-
garwoman. " If you want a policeman," said she,
" there's one — only say the word an' you'll see how
nately he'll do the job. Why don't you call
him?"

" Nonsense, Noddy ; I was only joking — come tell
me what you meant— or rather — come up to the
house this evening, and you'll be nothing the worse
for it, I promise you."

" I suppose not, bat still an' all, I'll not go —
Miss Hamptci. is got to be mighty proud an' disdain-
ful of late, an' I'd be sorry to affront her with a visit.
Go home yourself, sir, an' tell her what I tould you —
but stay — here's a message for her, tell her from me
that the ring isn't made, nor ever will be, that's to
make her and Giles Fitzstephen man an' wife."

Before Hampton had recovered from his speech-

.;«»

198

XATJBeEN DHQ,

leBB astonishment, Noddy had dived into a dark
gateway where he could not think of following her,
BO he had nothing for it hut to walk home and sum-
mon his daughter to a private conference on the
Bubiect of Noddy's inuendo which was, in feet, that
nearest his heart. To get his daughter married into
the Fitzstephen family had been his ambition for
years and years, inspired and encouraged by Giles s
early penchant for the fair Emily. Although his
fortune was now considerable, thanks to his shrewd-
ness and assiduity, together with some fortunate
speculations at the outset of his mercantile life, yet
Herbert Hampton had somehow never obtained a
footing in the higher circles of Galway society.
This was partly owing to his being a jjart,«nt. of
comparatively recent date, and ^«^«7*^l\7^f ^'^i' *
drop of the old blood in his veins, and partly to that
Bhabby and contemptible peculiarity to ^^hichhe was
indebted for his best known so«6m»i€<. The *itz-
Btephens, on the contrary, were of the purest blood
of Galway-that rich and genial stream which had
coursed In turn through the veins of all the tribes of
Galway. Add to this that the family character
Btood a« high as its lineage in public estimation.
Wherever Galway merchants were spoken ot, the
name of Fitzstephen was known and respected, for
honor and probity were hereditary virtues in the
race handed down unsullied from one generation to
the other. The present head of the house wac also
known to be in affluent circumstances, but even if it

101

1 dived into a dark
link of following her,
> walk home and sum-
te conference on the
hich was, in feet, that
daughter married into
been his ambition for
encouraged by Giles's
Emily. Although his
, thanks to his shrewd-
with some fortunate
[lis mercantile life, yet
ehow never obtained a
38 of Galway society,
is being a parvenu of
id worse still without a
cins, and partly to that
uliarity to which he was
asoubrivmt. The Fitz-
ere of the purest blood
enial stream which had
veins of all the tribes of
t the family character
re in public estimation.
Its were spoken of, the
oown and respected, for
ereditary virtues in the
1 from one generation to
id of the house wae also
umstances, but even if it

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

199

were otherwise, Hearty Hampton, with all his close-
ncRS, would have willingly overlooked the deficiency
of fortune in consideration of birth, character and
position being all of the most desirable kind for a
son-in-law. The delusive hope of being one day
Mrs. Giles Fitzstephen had early taken possession of
Emily's mind, notwithstanding that the gentleman
was several years her senior, and it was this hope
that had induced both father and daughter to try the
effect of an English boarding school in giving the
last polish to an expensive Irish education. The
!^mount of execution done by this last gun mounted
on the battery of Emily's charms is already known
to the reader, but it was not as yet known to either
father or daughter who still dreamed on in tliat ig-
norance which is bliss, according to the poet. The
effect, therefore, of Noddy's taunting insinuation
was positively startling. Not that it was deserving
of much attention, for Mr. Herbert Hampton and the
two Miss Hamptons, aunt and niece, were decidedly
of opinion that it was simply ridiculous to heed what
Noddy Kinshela said, especially as the family was
known to occupy no very high place in her esteem.
Still from Noddy's well-known and yet most unac-
countable connection with the old families, her
words had a certain oracular character en all that
concerned them, and hence the Hamptons were
more annoyed than they chose to own to each
other.
Next day the Oladdagh men were out all day long

200

UAnRKRN DHU,

fishing, ana at evening when the boats came dro.-
ping hi it was a pleasant and cheerful Bight to see
^vi. daughters, and sisters, crowding the bea^
welcoming the return of all in general, and their
Iwn in particular. Shan Driscoll's heart was sad
Td hea^ as his fine hooker neared the shore, as he
thought^f the mother who was cold in her grave
whose loving smile and kindly voice should welcome
birL morl He raised his hand to ^^^ ^^^ *°
w^e away the trickhng tear, -^en -^f\°°«J';^
X. softer and more melodious than that whose
lilence he mourned, fell upon his ear like balm in the
rankUng wound. It was that of Maureen Dhu. who.
with outstretched hand, awaited hiB landmg.

..God and the Virgin be praised. Sha« ! yon re
welcome back to shore !" and the girl seized his hard.
Totgh hand, and shook it as she had never done be-
fore There was a tenderness in her voice, too. that
^k sweetly and soothingly ^-^oil..yon.,ra.r..
heart and solaced him as no other earthly thing
co"d. There were many others to g-et Shan
Sul after they had spoken to their own. but Man-
^'greeting was the first, and that it was bo was

'^I'sattrnrtobein trouble at times." cb-
served Brian Kineely to his friend Yeman, as they
eTed on shore together ; «'see how Maureen made
upTo Shan-she has a feelin' for him. the darUn . on
account of what came across him.
Brian threw out this as a feeler, being by no meanB

.^aiiiN

THB ASHIRAL's DAUOHTER.

aoi

the boats came drort-
cheerful sight to see
crowding the beach,
in general, and their
riscoU's heart was sad
leared the shore, as he
ms cold in her grave,
I? voice should welcome
18 hand to his eyes to
r, when, all at once, a
a'ious than that whose
his ear like balm in the
t of Maureen Dhu, who,
ited his landing,
praised, Shan I you're
the girl seized his hard,
she had never done be-
ss in her voice, too, that
^ into the young man^J
no other earthly thing
others to greet Shan
a to their own. but Mau-
t, and that it was so was

a trouble at times," ob-
is friend Yeman, as they
« see how Maureen made
in' for him, the darlin', on
IS him."
feeler, being by no means

satisfied with the appearance of things, but Yeman,
not being in love himself, had little sympathy for
those who were.

" Bother to you, Brian ! let Maureen alone — I wish
she was tied on your back, and maybe you'd soon
tire of the load — como here and lend a hand to haul
up, will you? — there's my father making signs to
us to hurry !"

Brian willingly " lent" the required " hand," but
still he kept hammering away on the subject nearest
his heart, regardless of Yeman's careless indiffer-
ence. "Well! I think, after all, she might have
said a civil word to others besides Shan. There's
me now, that hasn't mother or sister to meet me
more than he has. Poor granny isn't able to come
down in the day at all. Well ! no matter — we must
only live without her— it'll be all one to us in a hun-
dred years !"

All particular sounds were by this time swallowed
up in the confused clamor of male and female voices,
so that Brian's philosophic soliloquy passed unheeded
even by Yeman, to whom it was partly addressed.
Men and women were all engaged in selecting from
their respective boats a few of the finest and most
esteemed fish, to be taken up to the Convent, ac-
cording to the immemorial custom of the villagers.
Each of the women having placed her offering in a
basket trotted gaily up the hill to deposit it in the
capacious kitchen of the Convent, where the Bro-
ther-cook received all under protest, declaring that

202

MAOBKKN DHTJ,

he didn't know what to do with t. ^ut bxa wa«
only a little pious piece of affectation on the part ot
good Brother Stephen, who was rubbing h« hands
right gleefully all the time as he thought of how
many poor hungry claimants he would be able to
Sy out of the superabundance of the Claddagh

^' A'fev of the women waited behind the others to
ask Brother Stephen for various little matters which
They were in the habit of obtaining at tbc Convent
Among these was Maureen Dhu, who had brough
a fine 'salmon, with a positive ^f-^-" ^^^^ ^^
father that it was to be cooked next ^J «/ ^^^
refectory. "Now mind, Brother S^P^ ^J^ J^^^
Maureen, « it's not to be given away this time-the
Ust salm'on we brought you we know whje it -nt
to and something else 'Id just do them as well as a
t'eX salmon, my father says. But that's true. Bro-
ther Stephen I have you the plaster ready for poor
More Kineely? Her back is very poorly with her
these times. If it's ready, give it to me.

The plaster was ready, and. having received it,
Maureen tripped joyfully down to More Kineely a
to put it on. not forgetting, however, to go into the
chapel first and offer up a P«a«er and ^«e.

iaer putting away his fish, so as to be ready for
the fishwomen that would buy it of him in the
morning to sell again in town, Brian K-^^^y ^^^
to see how his grandmother was getting on, hoping
but hardly expecting that she might have his supper

jith it. But this was
elation on the part of
ras rubbing his bands
18 he thought of bow
he would be able to
ance of the Claddagh

a behind the others to
,U8 little matters which
aining at the Convent.
Dhu, who had brought
e injunction from her
5ked next day for the
rother Stephen l" said
en away this time— the
we know where it went
tBt do them as well as a
But that's true, Bro-
} plaster ready for poor

is very poorly with her
rive it to me.
md, having received it,
own to More Kineely's
however, to go into the
h,ter and Ave.
Lsh, so as to be ready for

buy it of him in the
wn, Brian Kineely went
r was getting on, hoping
he might have his supper

THK admiral's DAUQHTER.

203

ready. Great was his surprise to see Maureen there
in the act of applying "the poor man's plaster" to
the old woman, who was hitting on a low stool with
her back to the fire. A trencher of nice " mealy"
potatoes was just placed on the table, smoking hot,
and the noggin of milk stood ready close at hand.

" Why, a thousand blessings on you, Maureen I ia
it here you are now ?" cried Brian, in a joyful tremor.
" Sure it's no time since I seen you below at the
quay."

" I was up at the Convent since then," said Mau-
reen, " so I'm thinkin' it is that you lost count ol
the time."

" Yis, an' she has your supper ready for you, too,
ahagur 1" squeaked old More. " Ugh ! ugh 1 ugh 1
this cough 'ill be the death of me, so it will ! — she
came in an' put on the potatoes as soon as the boats
came in sight, for, says she, * poor Brian 'ill be hun-
gry comin' home ' "

" Well ! an' what of that !" said Maureen, very
shortly, though she blushed, too, as she encountered
Brian's delighted glance ; " sure I knew you >;"^rn't
able to lay a hand on anything. I was down at Shan
DriscoU's an' done the same, before I came here at
at all." Brian's countenance fell, and he forgot to
peel the laughing potato which he had just taken
up. Hungry as he was, the meal was no longer so
tempting when he reflected that Shan, too, had
his supper prepared by the fair hands of Maureen
Dhu.

■K1

aoi

MAUREEK DBU,

«I mtiBt be goin' now, More," said Maureen, M
Bhe pinned the shawl around the old woman's neck ;
"I'm only keeping that boy of yours from his sup-
per I wish to goodness," she added, in a voice that
was only audible to Brian, "I wish to goodness
you'd bring homo a housekeeper here at onst.
There's Sally Kirwan would be glad to be asked,

I'm full sure "

"Maureen!" said Brian, very earnestly, as he ac
companied her to the door, "Maureen! there'll
never be a housekeeper in this house of the sort you
mane, except you're in it— well! don't be angry!"
he added, in a sorrowful tone ; "I'll say nothing about
that if you wish-but, for God's sake, let me alone
about Sally Kirwan-l'U bear anything from you,

only that I"

His voice trembled and his lip quivered with emo-
tion and Maureen saw that his gentle heart was
stirred to its very depths. Perhaps she was more
moved herself than she cared to own, but whether
or not she made a specious show of indifference, and
telling Brian that she hoped he'd soon change his
mind for his granny's sake if nothing else, she hast-
ened home, where a good scolding awaited her for
gadding about amongst the neighbors when the
supper was to be got, and a world of other things
besides. It was characteristic of Vara Halliday,
that with all this she had a good cup of tea " well
drawn," waiting for Maureen, in a little black tea
pot beside the fire. The Admiral and his eons

e," said Maureen, an
lie old woman's neck ;
f yours from his sup-
added, in a voice that
"I wish to goodness
keeper here at onst.
be glad to be asked,

ry earnestly, as he ac
, " Maureen 1 there'll
I house of the sort you
ell 1 don't be angry 1"
"I'll say nothing about
od's sake, let me alone
iir anything from yow,

lip quivered with emo-
, his gentle heart was
Perhaps she was more
d to own, but whether
aow of indifiTerence, and
1 he'd soon change his
nothing else, she hast-
lolding awaited her for
e neighbors when the
world of other things
itic of Vara Halliday,
good cup of tea " well
len, in a little black tea
\.dmiral and his sons

THK admiral's DACOHTRR.

205

were at their supper of potatoes and milk, in high
good humor after " the lucky day they had had
of it."

" Did you take up the fish to the Convent, Mau-
reen ?" asked her father.

" Wisha, to be sure I did, father."

" Did you think of askin' how Father Terence's
rheumatics was?"

" Well, then, I don't know what came over me,
father, that it never came into my head !"

" Oh ! I'll go bail it did'nt," said the fond father,
with something less than his usual gruffness ; «' it
isn't rheumatics you do be thinkin' of, I'll warrant !
Is that good tay of Trainer's, Vara?" The Ad-
miral seldom took tea himself, and in general ho
affected to despise its use. It was to be inferred
then from his present question that he was in the
very best possible humor, and prepared to do or say
" whatever was pleasing to the company."

"Sorra better ever was wet," said Vara, in reply;
"what do you think if you'd try a cup, Randal
agra ?"

" Pooh ! pooh ! woman, don't be makin' a fool of
yourself— sure you know well enough I wouldn't
give a traneen for all the tay in Galway town — but
that needn't hindher you and Maureen from takin' a
cup in comfort. Were you in town the day ?"
" Faix, then, I was, Randal !— I went to see about

that money that the Kerrigans owed us "

«• Well ! an' did you get it ?"

mmM

206

MAURBKN DHCj

"The sorra that I did, Tlandal I times are purty
hard with them, for there's not much doin' in the
shop, an' the wife's down with the dhropsy, to her-
self be it tould. So / couldn't be hard on poor Der-
mot when the hand of the Lord is heavy on him."
"Just like you, granny," said Barney, with a
laugh, as he stretched his long legs out one side of
the tire in luxurious rest, while his father took hiB
accustomed seat on a kind of settee on the opposite
side ; " you were to do the world an' all on them
people if it was true to you for keeping' us so long
out of the money, and troth myself was pityin' them
on account of the tongue-thrashin' that was afore
them but it all went off in smoke as soon as they
made' a poor mouth to you. Your bark is ever an'
always worse than your bite !"

"That's you for us, Barney ! you never open your
mouth but you say something. You'll be goin' m
for a counsellor some of these days, you have the
gift of the gab so well. You had a good run, the

day, Randal." , ,,

" Middlin', Vara, only raiddlin'. We done as well
as we could, anyhow, though not as well as wed
wish, maybe !" And so saying, he took his dhudeen
from his waistcoat pocket, and began to clean it for
action with a twig drawn out of the heath broom
which stood resting itself in the chimney corner be-
yondthehob.

"Father!" said Maureen, more timidly than was
her wont, « I'm jist thinkin' that, after all, it's a pity

1 1

THB ADMIBAL'9 DAOOHTKR.

aot

imes are purty
ch doin' in the
Ihropsy, to her-
ird on poor Der-
heavy on him."
Barney, with a
8 out one side of

I father took his
5 on the opposite
an' all on them
?ping' n« 80 long
was pityin' them
i' that was afore
e as soon as they
• bark is ever an'

II never open your
fou'U be goin' in
ys, you have the
d a good run, the

We done as well
1 as well as we'd
I took his dhudeen
gan to clean it for
the heath broom
himney corner bo-

( timidly than was
ifter all, it's a pity

you wouldn't try the trawling— they say you'd have
twice as much fish with less trouble than you have

now.

Barney and Yeman opened their eyes very wide
and looked very fierce. Vara came near letting the
tea-cup fall out of her hand, in her first impulse,
which was to box Maureen's ears for her. Second
thoughts are best, however, at least Vara thought
80, and she contented herself with giving her grand-
daughter "a look that was as good as a pross,"*
together with a threatening motion of her clenched
fist. But Randal's anger was not to be got over so
lightly, and even Maureen quailed from the stern
contraction of his brow and the fire that kindled in
his eyes as he looked full in her face.

«' I thought you'd be the last one livin', Maureen,
. to do even such a thing to us. If any of these new-
fangled notions are gettin' into your head, I'd advise
you to go clear an' clean to the Sassenachs— it's a
burnin' shame to hear a Claddagh girl talkin' that
way, an' I tell you now, onst for all, that you'll be
no child of mine if ever I hear you say such a thing

again."

«« What wonder is it," said Vara, « when you let
gentlemen from town come an' go as they like
among the girls, an' dance with them, too, as if they
were born Claddagh men— fifty times I tould you

that their breath is unlucky."

• Promproc««B,aclvil-bm Buramons to a conH o» jUBtlce The
Wooe«-Ber»er, Vho»e business and profit it s to serve these no-
f^ or citations, Is, like most other subordmatc mmio.m of the
law a most unpopular character amongst the Irish peasantry.

908

MAURCBH OHU,

Randal was just going to say something very
severe, judging by his looks, when the latch of the
door was raised and in walked Noddy Kiushela with
a " God save all here I"

" God save you kit:dly !" replied Randal and Vara
in a breath, whil ■ Mauvnen, much relieved by this
seasonable interruj'.ion, 'lastened to place a seat for
Noddy near the fire. For this purpose she dis-
lodged Br I . ^ irora hib comfortable quarters, telling
him to "get up out of that an' let the decent
woman sit down," a mandate which he cheerfully
obeyed.

" Put some more tay to draw, Maureen !" said her
grandmother ; " Noddy 'U be nothing the worse of
a cup, for the night's chilly abroad !"

" ikiusha, it's a friend would ask me," said Noddy »
" an' you know," she added with a smile, quoting %
popular saying, " I never say ' no' to my tay 1"

" What's the news. Noddy ?" inquired Randal.

" Well ! not much, barrin' what happened Nick
Sullivan — I don't know if you heard of it."

" Musha, no— what is it ?"

" Why, he's taken on suspicion of killin' an' rob-
bin' that strange man that was found in the river
the other day."

" Good for him," observed the Admiral ; " he was
a graceless vagabond all his days, and left his ould
mother to shift for herself when he might have kept
her comfortable as long as she lived, on account of
the good trade he had. It's as like as not that he

y Bomething very
n tbo lalch of tho
ddy Kinshela with

(1 Randal and Vara
jh relieved by thifl
to place a ueat for
a purpoBO she difl-
Aq quarters, telling
in' let the decent
hich he cheerfully

Vlaureeu !" said her
thing the worse of
id!"

cme," said Noddy »
a smile, quoting %
o' to my tay I"
nquired Randal,
lat happened Nick
lardofit."

n of killin' an' rob-
found in the river

I Admiral ; " he was
IB, and left his ould
be might have kept
ved, on account of
like as not that be

TBK ADVIRAL't DAVOHTCR.

209

done the deed, an' if he swinga for it the town '11 be
well shot of him."

•' Trne for you, Randal, but still an' all it's a poor
thing to Bee a tender rearin' comin' to such an end.
Ochone! it's a blessin' that the ould couple are
under the sod, anyhow! God rest their sonls this
night 1 Vara, acushla! don't be in any huiry. I
think I'll slip over to Aileen Rhua's while the tay
Ib drawin'."

Maureen started up and offered to accompany her,
and the ould woman made no objection till they got
outside the door. Then she said in a low whisper •

"There's no occasion for you comin', ma ooUo.- a
dhas, for you know the night's the same to me as
the day, an' besides I have a little private business
with Aileen that I don't want any one to know but
•ourselves ; I tell this to you, because somehow I
think you can keep a secret — some day or another I
mane to tell you what I wouldn't tell to a livin' bein'
but yourself."

" I'm entirely obliged to you. Noddy," said Mau-
reen, in a low tremulous tone ; "I'd give a great deal
to hear some of your ould scheanachm, an' I'll give
you my hand an' word never to open my mouth
about them to man or mortal."

" Well ! child," said Noddy, after a short pause,
" there's something about you that I can't get over
—dear knows I don't wonder now at what I won-
dered at before

«« What did you say. Noddy?"

:^mH

wiitiiittiiiwiiimiiiiwiiiiiiffl

210

MinBEBN DBU,

" Och ! nothing worth repeatin'. Ahem ! — could
you manage to come in an' stay an hour or two with
me some day in tny castle ?"

" Well I I think I can— the first day that my
granny doesn't go to town, I'll make some excuse
to go in. My father or nobody 'd be angry at me
goin' to see you.''*

" I'll be watchin' for you, then, an' mind don't dis-
appoint me, for there's something on my mind that
1 want to tell you — an' that before the week is out.
Go in now, ma colleen dhas, an' jist tell them that
I said there was no occasion for you comin'."

After treading the many purlieus of the village
for some ten minutes, talking to herself all the time
as was her wont, Noddy arrived at the little mud-
wall cabin where Aileen dwelt, and knocking at the
door was told to " come in."

She found Aileen in bed, and little Nanno Kenny
watching some oatmeal gruel which was simmering
over the embers of a turf fire. The usual saluta-
tions having passed between them, and an infallible
cure recommended by Noddy for Aileen's asthma,
the beggarwoman drew her seat close to the bed,
and asked the other in a whisper if her hearing was
good.

"Well! I can't complain of it, the Lord be
praised 1"

"I'm glad of it, Aileen astore, for I want to have
a word with you — in private.''''

" Wisha, then. Noddy there's no need for tirin'

i'. Ahem I — could
n hour or two with

irst day that my

make some excuse

' 'd be angry at me

an' mind don't dis-
y on my mind that
re the week is out.

jist tell them that
j^ou comin'."
lieus of the village
herself all the time

at the little mud-
nd knocking at the

ittle Nanno Kenny
ich was simmering
The usual saluta-
n, and an infallible
ir Aileen's asthma,
it close to the bed,
if her hearing wad

r it, the Lord be

for I want to have

no need for tirin'

THE admiral's DADOHTER.

311

yourself whisperin' that way,— sure there's nobody
here but the child."

" Don't I know that myself as well as you ? I
tell you I want the place to ourselves ?"

"Take that pitcher, TSTanno," said the invalid,
" and go down to Oonagh Kirwan for the sup o' milk
she promised me." The child was gone in a mo-
ment to the no small surprise of the visitor.

" Musha, Aileen, isn't she afeard to go so far by
herself and it pitch dark ?"

" Is it her ?— why, I think she has no fear in her—
she'd as soon be abroad at the dead hour of night as
any other time. But what were you going to say?"

Whatever Noddy did say it had a strange effect
on Aileen Rhua, for when Nanno came back with
the milk some fifteen or twenty minutes after, she
found the old woman sitting up in her bed, rocking
herself to and fro like one in deep sorrow, while
the tears trickltd down her furrowed cheeks. Nod-
dy was gone, and the only answer Nanno could get
to her repeated inquiries was a passionate caress,
anc? a low heart-wrung moan.

"mm-

-^•^ff^tt'-S^'^ '

•^

212

KAURBKN DHU,

CHAPTER XL

When Vara waB going to market on the following
day, Maureen begged permission to go with her, as
she had not been in town, she said, for a long, long

time.

" You'll not go now, then, not one step !— stay at
home and mind the house, and get the dinner ready."
Maureen's countenance fell, but luckily there was

help at hand.

" Why, then. Vara," said Randal, who sat at the
door repairing one of his nets, " what needs you
snap at the child that way— let her go, can't you ?
an' I'll get the dinner for one day— it's not hard to
do. An' as for mindin' the house, let it mind itself,
there's no one goin' to run away with it, is there ?"
« There it is again now !" cried Vara, from the
top of her cart, for she was already mounted ; "that's
the way you've spoiled her, and God sees it's no
wonder she'd be as she is !"

" Nonsense, Vara ! we were all young ourselves
once in our day— don't be hard on Maureen, an' her
has no mother but you."

This last stroke told well, just as Randal expected.
The old woman look askance at her granddaughter,
and smiled a grim smile. " Well ! well ! it's a folly
to talk," said she ; " some people will never have
gense— here's a man that has ruled the Claddaghfor

^ ►

-''-i fl*** laifji^oSff '

rm ASuiR/x'a oauohter.

213

•a the following
go with her, as
for a long, long

s step ! — stay at
ic dinner ready."
ckily there was

, who sat at the
what needs you
r go, can't you ?
-it's not hard to
et it mind itself,
ith it, is there?"
. Vara, from the
nounted ; " that's
God sees it's no

young ourselves
Maureen, an' her

Randal expected,
r granddaughter,
well ! it's a folly
I will never have
the Claddagh for

>! ►

O'l

twenty years, an' he can't rule, or doesn't want to
rule, his own child. I suppose I may as well give
in. Get up here, Maureen 1 if you are goin', an
don't be keepin' me all day."

Before Maureen mounted the cart, however, she
went over and whispered something to her father,
who smiled aud nodded.

"So I may stay all the evenin', father, and you'll
send the boys for me !"

" I will, machree, I will — it'll be clear moonlight
— ^but go — go — your granny's gettin' outrageous!
you can tell her as you go along, an' coax her into
it!"

At the outset of the journey Vara was in very
bad humor and could hardly speak a civil word, but
she really loved Maureen, perhaps better than any
living thing, and could never long resist her win-
ning ways when she set about smoothing her down.
By the time they had reached the fish-market, the
old woman was as agreeable as she ever could be,
and had cheerfully acceded to Maureen's request,
which was neither more nor less than that she r -ght
be permitted to spend the day with Noddy Kinahela,
after making some purchases for the house at home,
the largest item of which was tobacco, together
with a liberal allowance of "Traynor's good tea"
afore-mentioned. The principal ingredient for the
men's "gi'og" was by right of privilege purchased
of a Claddagh man who drove a thriving trade iu
that article.

214

I1A0REEK DHt7|

« Well, granny 1 I'm goin' now," wWspered Man-
reen to her grandmother, when she had bronght her
last purchase to her to the fish-market to be stowed
away in the cart; "you'll not forget to send the
boys in for me about nine o'clock."

« No danger," said the old woman, impatiently,
for she was selling a large cod-fish at the moment ;
« be ofiF with you, and don't be botherin' me any

more."

As Maureen tripped away, who should come up
but Mr. Hampton with his daughter on his arm.
They were going to price some fish, but perceiving
Maureen, they stopped short and both looked after
her with curious eyes.

"La, papa," said Emily, in a low voice, " what a
graceful creature that is !— who on earth is she?"

"I shouldn't wonder, my dear, if she were the
Maureen Dhu of whom we have heard so much—
you see she is a Claddagh girl, and there cannot
possibly be two of that stamp about the village. I
Bay, Vara !" raising his voice, " who is that girl ?"
pointing to the receding figure of Maureen.

« My granddaughter !" replied the old woman,
very shortly.

« Bless my soul ! what a pretty girl 1"

" She's jist as God made her, Mister Hampton 1—
she wasn't behind the door like yon an' me when
beauty was a givin' out 1"

« I see you're still the same," said Hampton, en-
deavoring to keep down his anger.

" whispered Man-

) had brought her

rket to be stowed

trget to send the
I)

man, impatiently,

h at the moment ;

botherin' me any

should come up
rhter on his arm.
sh, but perceiving

both looked after

>w voice, " what a
n earth is she ?"
p, if she were the

1 heard so much —
, and there cannot
out the village. I
who is that girl?"
f Maureen.

L the old woman,

jTgirir

lister Hampton! —

e yon an' me when

said Hampton, en-
r.

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

216

« Jist the ould six an' eight pence, sir !— fine cod
and mackerel the day, Mister Hampton !— look at
that cod-fish, now !— isu't it a beauty ?" ^^

«« Well 1 I can't agree with you there, Vara !
8aid Hampton, with a sickly smile, being evidently
desirous ot cultivating a good understanding with
the queen of the fish-market; "still I think it's

fresh " ,

" Fresh, sir I why it was in the Bay late yesterday

evenin'."

So the fish was deposited in the basket carried by
a servant man, and the stipulated price being duly
handed over to Vara, Hampton and his daughter
walked on, well pleased to have for once escaped

Vara's tongue.

Meanwhile Maureen had made her way through

moldering arches and fragments of broken masonry

into Noddy's castellated dwelling, the door of which

was only secured by a latch. The mistress of the

mansion was absent, and the old gray pussy who

sat in feline dignity, and most philosophic repose,

on the well-swept hearth, seemed no ways inclined

to do the honors— neither puiT nor mew greeted the

coming of the stranger, and there was no small dash

of contempt in the stare of her great green eyes.

A grim, ill-favored cat she was, and Maureen could

not help thinking as she looked around on the

gloomy walls that she should not like to have her

for a companion in snch a scene. Still she resolved

to make friends with her if possible, seeing that she

216

MAUREEN DHIT,

was the only living thing in or about the rnin, and
80 well did she succeed in her attempt, that by the
time Noddy came in — it might be a couple of hours
afler — madam pussy was purring her best on Mau-
reen's knee, while the girl sewed away on some
mending which she found under way.

"Why the blessin' o' God on you, ma colleen
dhas !" cried Noddy, as she entered and threw down
her well-filled wallet, " is it here I have you, and
sewin' away for me as hard as you can ? Are you
long in it, acushla ?"

" A couple of hours or so," said Maureen, with a
smile ; " I came in with granny when she came to
market."

" An' I see you have a fire on, too, an' the kettle
boilin' I"

"To be sure — ^I couldn't sit here doin' nothing,
you know. Have you e'er a grain of tea in the
house ?"

" 'Deed an' I have, then, as good as ever was
wet." Unlocking a small deal box of a reddish
color, which stood in a dark corner on the lagged
floor, she handed the tea to Maureen with a kindly
smile, and then took from a little alcove near the
fireplace a small black tea-pot, which was soon sit-
ting on the hearth distilling the precious weed
which was Noddy's summum bonum of comfort,
while Maureen's busy hands ranged the two blue
tea-oups with their usual accompaniments on a tiny
round table, the gift of Noddy's lamented patro-

out the rain, and
»mpt, that by the
a couple of hours
her best on Mau-
l away oo some

you, ma colleen

: and threw down

I have you, and

. can ? Are you

Maureen, with a
Then she came to

90, an' the kettle

re doin' nothing,
in of tea in the

}od as ever was
ox of a reddish
sr on the lagged
en with i kindly
I alcove near the
ich was soon sit*
I precious weed
«m of comfort,
ed the two blue
tments on a tiny
lamented patro-

>■

THK admiral's DArOHTER.

211

ness, the former lady of the mansion. The history
of this table, with a detailed account of the circum-
stances under which it was given, seasoned, while it
lengthened con8iderably,the social repast, and while
Noddy dispensed to her charming guest, " the cup
that cheers," she regaled her ears with the simple
reminiscence which formed a bright speck " on me-
mory's waste."

" Old and withered as I am now," said Noddy,
'• I was young, and maybe well enough to be seen at
the time, an' though I hadn't as many after me as
some one you an' I know, still there was one or two
that would have answered me very well. Myself
an' a dacent boy, a carpenter by trade, had made it
np to be married, an' there was a hand promise bet-
ween us, but, you see, the ould madam was bad with
the rhumatis at the time, an' we had to put it off
till she'd be better, because I couldn't lave her.
Still we were gettin' little things in readiness, an'
among the rest, the madam, God rest her sowl in
glory, gave me this little oak table, an' isn't it a
rale beauty ? — on account o' the conceit she knew I
had in it. Well ! Cormao was in a great hurry, to
be sure, for the mistress to get well, but lo and be-
hould you ! long before she did get well, he was
knocked down himself with a plurisy an' lived only
nine days."

The old woman's voice trembled, and she suddenly
stopped short, then put a turf or two on the fire,
took a pinch of snuff, and finally answered Maureen's

^M-J

218

■AURBRD DBV,

pitying " thu 1 tha I thu !" with a long sigh and a
longer look.

" Well I God has his own ways of workin', sore
enough," said she, when she could again command
her voice. "Cormao died, for all bo strong and
hearty as he was, and the ould mistress got well.
Ugh ! ugh 1 ugh I bad manners to this cough I have
— isn't it a quare thing Maureen ! to see an ould
body like me troubled about such things as these.
But sure, sure, if we're as ould as the hills we can't
keep away the thoughts that rise up athin us — the
thoughts of them that made our hearts glad in the
days that are gone for ever. Well ! well 1 may they
all rest in peace, amen ! But I was tellin' you about
the table— as long as the family kept together, I had
it in my own little room alongside my bed, an' when
ruin and destruction came on everything, an' the
master an' mistress were taken out of this wretch-
ed world, an' Master Edward went abroad to seek
his fortune, an' myself was turned out on the wide
world to shift as I could, didn't I take my little table
with me wherever I went, from one lodgin' to an-
other, till at last I had to turn to beggin' an' myself
an' it landed back again to th ould place. Ochone I
bat it's the poor, lonesome place now to what it
was ! but still I'm more content in it than I'd be in
the king's palace. I like to sit in the fine summer's
evenings an' watch the sun shining in on the floor
through the ould arches, an' at night when the wind
whistles through the bare walls, it makes me both

T-r

>ng Bigh and a

f workin', Bare
tgain command
80 strong and
BtresB got well,
is cough I have
to Bee an ould
LhingB as these,
e hills we can't
p athin us — the
Eirts glad in the
well I may they
ellin' you about

together, I had
ly bed, an' when
rything, an' the
of this wretoh-

abroad to seek
Dut on the wide
:e my little table
e lodgin'to an*
ggin' an* mysell
)lace. Oohone !
now to what it
it than Td be in
le fine summer's
g in on the floor
it when the wind

makes me both

TBI admiral's daughter,

219

glad an' sorry, somehow, for whiles I think it's the
voices I used to hear about the house, talkin' to me
from the other world."

Maureen listened entranced to the old woman's
dreamy recollections, and her beautiful eyes were
moist with tears at the visible emotion which the
remembrance of half-forgotten aifections awoke in
her still active mind. The tea-things were put away
in the little alcove, some fresh fuel was heaped on
the fire, and the glare of its flickering light struggled
with the thickening shades of twilight throughout
the limits of the old kitchen. The light without
grew dimmer and dimmer, while that within blazed
up merrily, revealing every object in the quaint
apartment, from the great oven whieh had once
baked the daily bread for the Lynch household to
the tiny ark-shaped box which contained Noddy's
Blender stock of salt. In the chimney corner, just
within the wide chimney, was seated Mrs. Grimalkin,
watching with half-closed eyes the fantastic wreaths
of flame ascending from the turf-fire, and in front
of the hearth, with the light falling full on their
faces, were the strangely-contrasted pair who were
drawn together by some invisible chord of sym-
pathy, the nature of which it was not easy to
understand.

"Maureen !" said the beggarwoman, out of a deep
reverie, " you Claddagh people haven't much notion
of the wickedness that's in the hearts of men. I
know you're fond of stories, so I'll tell you one

220

XACREEM DBTT,

:ii

that's as true as the Gospel. It happened here ia
Galway, an' in my own day, too."

The story tliat Noddy told was of a young girl
whose extraordinary beauty made her the admira-
tion of the whole city, although she was only the
daughter of a poor huckster.* Her parents, proud
of her beauty, wanted to make a lady of her, all
out, and so they pinched and almost starved them-
selves at times in order to give their idol all the
learning which they thought necessary to tit her for
the high station to which her beauty was to raise
her. And sure enough there was every likelihood
of her making an extra " good match," one that
would raise her and all belonging to her out of
poverty, for amongst her admirers were some of the
first young men in the city, as far as birth and for-
tune went. Una, thought, to be sure, and so did
her father and mother, that their fine speeches were
in downright earnest, and maybe they didn't all
carry their heads high on account of it. There was
one of the young gentlemen especially that was
night and day after Una — he followed her like her
shadow, and the old people were so proud of his
company that they never put a watch on the pair,
but let them go in and out together as they wished,
Blill thinking it would all end in marriage. Some
of their friends made bold to advise them to keep
Una in a little more, but it's what they were highly
offended, and asked wasn't their daughter able to

* A vender of provUlons on a small scale.

THK admiral's dauohter.

221

ppened here in

•f a young girl
ler the admira-
j was only the
parents, proud
ady of hor, all
t starved them-
leir idol all the
ry to tit her for
ity was to raise
very likelihood
atch," one that
to her out of
ere some of the
18 birth and for-
ire, and so did
) speeches were
;hey didn't all
it. There was
lially that was
red her like her
!o proud of his
tch on the pair,
as they wished,
larriage. Some
3e them to keep
»ey were highly
aughtcr able to

take care of herself— if she wasn't she ought to be,
and all the money that was spent on her. The
neighbors all knew well enough that Una was not
able to take care of herself, for she was a proud,
vain creature, with a head as light as a feather.
Still they all took the hint, and meddled no more
with the matter. " One fine morning," said Noddy,
"just when the thing was likely to take a favorable
turn, my chap set off somewhere away far beyond
seas without as much as bidding good-bye to Una,
an' then, my dears ! there was nothing but ruin
and misery in the house, for Una was from one
faintiu'-fit to the other, and it turned out that she
had good cause to grieve, for she was lost and
ruined entirely. The ould couple never held up
their heads after that, an' when Una had a child
some months after, they turned her out herself an'
it, an' I seen that girl with my own eyes Iteggin'
from door to door, for the way she was brought up,
you see, she could neither work nor want. The
father and mother both died within the year, an'
the whole family went to desolation. Wasn't that
a sorrowful story an' a poor hearin', Maureen ?"

" It was, indeed," said Maureen, and she wiped
away a falling tear; "but still an' all, I think both
Una an' her people were very foolish — mightn't they
know very well that the likes of him was no com-
pany for the likes of her ?"

There was the slightest possible tremor in Man*
reen's voice, but still she spoke with her usual calm-

222

MADRKBN OHU,

new, and Noa.ly was evidently at a loss. She
turned and fixed her sharp eyes on the face of her
companion, but there was no blush, no emotion ot
any kind. There was a strange sort of smile curl-
ing the thin lip, but Noddy did not perceive it.
She muttered some words to herself, still with her.
eye on Maureen, and at last she gave expression to
her thoughts aloud :

« Now, Maureen, you're as well to be seen as ever
Una Scanlan was-what would you do, if a gentle-
man was makin' love to you ?"

Maureen laughed. " Well I it is not very likely
that such a thing Ml ever come to pass r
« But if it did, what would you do ?"
"Why I wouldn't listen to him!" said Maureen,
soraewha't more earnestly ; « for the man isn't born
that'll make a fool of me-with God's help!

" Take care, Maureen ! take care," said the old
woman with increased solemnity of voice and look,
" I know these quality better than you do, an mark
well what I say, acushla ! it's the only way for
poor people's honest rearings to keep them at arm s
■ length." She paused-looked at the Hre-strokcd
down the pussy's back-then looked again at her
companion who sat watching her motions with a

curious eye , . , ,

" Maureen, astore macbree ! I don't know how it
is that I come to have such a liking for you-but
however it is I have it, an' it's in my heart-there s
nobody else now that I feel for as I do for you, and

■^sJ^'

TRI ADHIiUL'a DAUCnTER.

223

,t a lots. She
1 the face of her
I, no emotion ot
rt of Broile ourl-
not perceive it.
If, still with her .
ve expression to

a be seen as evei

I do, if a gcutle-

s not very likely
)a88 !"
lo?"

!" said Maureen,
e man isn't bora
d'9 help !"
re," said the old
f voice and look,
you do, an' mark
,he only way for
aep them at arm's
the fire — stroked
>ked again at her
r motions with a

lon't know how it
dng for you— but
my heart— there's

I I do for you, and

God knows what I'm goin' to say is for your good.
I do be often thinkin' of you, agra gal 1 when maybe
it's little you're thinkin' of me, an' there's something
troublin' me, about you !" She stopped and looked
bard at Maureen.

" About mo. Noddy 1 why what in the name o'
goodness do you mean ?"

«' I don't like to tell you plain," said the old wo
man, averting hor eyes, " for I have a likein' myself
for them that I want to warn you against "

Maureen's anxiety was now thoroughly awakened,
but still there was no confusion, no embai-assment,
no shrinking consciousneBS in her startled look.

" Wisha, then. Noddy, what's got into you, at all,
at all, of late, that you talk this way. Where does
my danger lie ?"

"In them killin' eyes of yours, machrce, and that
purty face— there's more than the Claddagh boys
thinkin' of my darlin'. Ay ! them that you wouldn't
expect, an' it's hard to get over the likes of them
when they want to come round a simple girl— but
mind yourself, achorra 1 and keep out of the way of
temptation, an' when it comes in your way, as como
it will I think of Una Scanlan and the old beggar-
woman's words, an' shut your ears, an' close your
eyes— neither look nor listen, my own darlin', for if
you do it 'ill be exposin' yourself to sin, an' you
know what we often hear from the altar : ' He that
loves the danger shall perish in it.' "

The old woman was silent, and so was Maureen.

i4-

224

KACRGBN DBtr,

Pale and thoughtful was her face, yet still calm and
passionless as she sat gazing on the fire. Unwilling
to disturb reflections that might be salutary, Noddy
arose, and gliding softly to the door, slept out int "
the now raoon-lit court. At first Maureen was nn-
conscious of her absence, and sat musing in what
was evidently no pleasurable frame of mind, judging
by the contrpction of her finely-arched brows and the
firm compression of her lips. All at once she was
roused from her reverie by the sound of whispering
voices just outside the door, and then for the first
time she missed Noddy. The latter in drawing the
door after her had unintentionally left it the least
thing in the world open, so that the slightest sound
without reached the listening ear within.

" I have been waiting for you this some time be-
hind this pillar," said a soft musical voice, " for when
I looked in at the window I saw some person with
you, so I couldn't go in."

" It's Maureen Dhu, ma'am, that's in it "

" What ! she whom you told me was so kind to
the little orphan child ?"

" Herself an' no other, ma'am."

" Why, what brings her here ?"

"Well! just what brings many a one else. She
thinks I'm made of stories, I b'lieve, an' she's so
fond of hearin' them that she'd go from here to
Arranmore to hear one "

" Arranmore !" said the other quickly, *• and why
to Arranmore more than any where else?"

still calm and
. Unwilling
atary, Noddy
3tept out int ^
ireen was nn-
ising in what
lind, judging
)row9 and the
onco she wae
»f whispering
1 for the first
I drawing the
I it the least
ghtest sound
n.

ome time ba-
se, " for when
person with

it "

IB 80 kind to

le else. She
an' she's so
rom here to

7, " and why

3?"

THE ADUIRAL's DAUGHTER.

225

"Why, just because there's so many ould stories
tould about it— that's all."

"Well! but what about the child?— what did
she say ?" and the soft voice sank to a still lower
pitch.

" She's not a drop's blood to her — she wasn't
willin' to own it, for she's afraid of her life of havin'
to part with the weeny crature, but I made as if I
knew all about it, an' at last she had to give in."

There was dead silence foraftw moments, and
Maureen thinking the mysterious visitor was gone,
suddenly opened the door, and there, with Noddy,
fully revealed in the silvery light, stood a lady
whom she knew at a glance — the bright fair sister
of Mr. Fitzstephen. It is' hard to say which of the
three was the most confused for the moment, but
Noddy was the first to recover her presence of mind,
and when Mrs. Behan drawing down her veil would
have retired, she dropped a low curtsey and said :

" May God reward you, ma'am, for all your good-
ness to mo !" (Mrs. Behan had really given her
some money, as she often did.) " I'll bring up that
herb for the mistress as soon as I can lay my hand
on it. Here's Maureen Dbu, ma'am, all the way
from the Claddagh. She came on her caillt/ this
evenin' to hear some of our ould s/ienachus."

" Good evening, Maureen," said the young widow
with a stretch of condescension that v/as not at all
usual with her ; " I'm glad to meet on<3 of whom I
have heard so much." Thrcving up hf:r veil again,

226

HATTRIIK DBTT,

Bbe looked at Maureen, and there was an earnest-
ness in the girl's eye when it met her's.an intensity,
aa it were, that attracted her she knew not why.

«• Your fireside looks so tempting. Noddy," said
the lady, looking in at the open door, " that I think
I will sit down and rest awhile — that is, if you
and Maureen have no objection !"

Of course Noddy was delighted, and Maureen
smiled her satisfaction, so in they all three went.
Mrs. Behan knew but little of the Claddagh dialect,
and Maureen was not much better with regard to
English, yet by Noddy's occasional intervention,
they managed to understand each other tolerably

woll

" So you are fond of stories, Maureen," said Mrs.

Behan, as she drew oflf her kid gloves and warmed

Ler hands over the fire. " I should think you would

have plenty of good story-tellers in the Claddagh."

" So we have — there's Aileen Rhua can tell stories
from night till mornin'. But I like Noddy's better."

"Aileen Rhua," repeated the lady, and she and
Noddy exchanged glances ; "who is Aileen Rhua?"

" Oh I an old neighbor of ours that lives all alone
by herself, with nobody but little Nanno "

"Little Nanno," exclaimed Noddy, "why, my
pet, you talk as if the lady knew all about these
people. Can't you say her grandchild ?"

" Wisha, how could I say that when she isn't a
drop's blood to her, for all we call her by her name ?"

The question that hovered on Mrs. Behan's lips

^^^^^^^^^'•'tiiWB*

iM<l ^ i 'W?! ii ' » :

THE admiral's DAUORTER.

997

ts an earnest-
),an intensity,
T not why.
Noddy," said
" that I think
at is, if you

and Maureen
il three went,
idagh dialect,
irith regard to
intervention,
Lher tolerably

en," said Mrs.
1 and warmed
nk you would
le Claddagh."
can tell stories
>ddy'8 better."
, and she and
\ileenRhua?"
lives all alone

nno "

y, "why, my

1 about these

i?"

len she isn't a

by her name ?"

B. Behan's lips

was anticipated by Noddy, who made a sign to the
other to say nothing.

" Well ! I suppose she's some near friend anyhow,
or the old woman wouldn't be for keepin' her ? I
know she's dependin' herself on the charity of the
neighbors."

" She's not a drop's blood to her, that we know
of," said Maureen quietly, with a side glance at Mrs.
Behan, whose face was pale as ashes, and her very
lipa trembling — " But sure," Maureen went on, "the
child would be no burthen to any one, for she's sich
a gainin' little creature in herself that everybody
loves her."

The young widow drew a long breath, as though
giving vent to some strong inward emotion that 8he
might not express in words — " Maureen !" said she,
with forced calmness, " is that the little girl I saw
in your arms the Sunday we went to St. Mary's
Church ?"

" The very same, ma'am."

" Well ! really it would seem that there is some-
thing peculiar about the child, for I remember my
brother spoke of her many times since. He also
spoke of your extraordinary affection for the little
one. For my part, I did not pay much attention to
her at the time."

" It was bad ahanagh* then, ma'am," said Maureen
quickly, " for she took such notice of you, in particu-
lar, that she couldn't get you out of her head. I
• Very nngratefol.

228

MAURGET? DH0,

■r

! ':

b'lieveshe took you for an angel, or something like
that, for she said ehe often dreamed of you a long
time ago."

Maureen certainly said this to try whether or not
Nanno was the child of whom she had heard Mrs.
Behan speak to Noddy outside the door, but she did
not expect to see lier words take such effect. The
blood forsook Mrs. Behan's face and so sudden a
faintness came over her that before any one could
prevent her she fell back against the wall, motion-
less but not insensible.

"Maureen, astore! astore ! what made you say
that?" whispered Noddy in Irish as they both bent
over the lady.

" Why, then, what harm was in what I said ?"

"Husht! husht! she's comin'to!" With a long,
deep sigh, Margaret opened her eyes, and fixed
them on Maureen who was supporting her in her
arms.

" Maureen I" said she, in a low tremulous voice,
"there's some one that child reminds me of— some
one I once knew and loved — and I think it strange
that she also should have some memories octnnected
with me. There !— I'm quite recovered now— sit
down, my dear!"

"My dear/" repeated Maureen to herself, with
a flushed cheek.

Noddy was going to say something, but Mrs.
Behan with a smile placed her hand on her mouth.

"Not a word now, Noddy! not a word— I see

1^^

"- 1^

THE admiral's DACOHTGR.

229

iraething like
f you a long

liether or not
[ heard Mrs.
r, but she did
effect. The
80 sudden a
ly one could
wall, motion-

ade you say
ey both bent

t I said ?"
With a long,
s, and fixed
g her in her

lulous voice,
me of — some
nk it strange
es connected
red now — sit

herself, with

ig, but Mrs.
her mouth,
word — I see

there's something in Maureen Dhu that's not in
most other girls. My brother has confidence in her
prudence and discretion — so have I now, although
I laughed at him before. Maureen I I see you sus-
pect something with regard to that child whom you
have pitied and caressed in her loneliness — did you,
or did you not, hear what passed between Noddy
and me outside ?"

" Well ! I did, ma'am, — since you put the question
that way — but don't be uneasy about it, for it'll go
no farther, — you may be sure of that !"

" I believe you, Maureen I— and now I suppose I
must tell you more !"

"I'd rather you wouldn't, ma'am !— unless it's
pleasing to yourself— I know that the child was
taken up out of the river by one of the Claddagh
boys "

"Who was he?" cried the lady, with startling
vehemence.

" Why, Shan Driscoll, ma'am, a neighbor boy of
ours!"

"Oh I I have heard of him — he is one of some-
body's humblest servants— a fine fellow, I believe he
is, too!" and she looked very archly at Maureen.
The latter blushed and smiled, but said nothing.

"It was him that saved the child, ma'am, at any
rate, down somewhere about the Arran Islands — who
or what she is Shan doesn't know, nor none of us,
an' we don't care to fiad out for fear we'd be losiu'
her."

230

UAURBGN DHn,

" Well I this much I will tell you," said Margaret
rising; "Zknow whose child she is, and she is
neither the oflkpring of sin nor shame 1" She stood
erect and looked Maureen full in the face as though
challenging her scrutiny. "Noddy can tell you
that as well as I, but more you are not to know now.
The day may come— and that sooner than you think,
when you shall know all. Meanwhile continue your
kindness to the poor creature — trust me she is a
fitting object for your charity— but as you value
my friendship, never mention her and me in the same
breath to any one"— she laid her arm on Maureer's
shoulder so as partly to encircle her neck, and
whispered softly and significantly: ''above all to
Giles FitzstephenI" Did she kiss Maureen's cheek,
or did Maureen dream it ? Whether or no when
the astonished girl recovered her composure and
looked around, she and Noddy were alone. Seeing
her bewilderment the old woman smiled and drew
her in silence to a seat, but before either could
question the other, Barney O'Hara and Brian
Kineely made their appearance. They came to
fetch Maureen home.

iPMiw-

lid Margaret

and she is
' She stood
le as though
an tell you
I know now.
Q you think,
utinue your
ne she is a

you value
in the same
1 Maureer's

neck, and
bove all to
en's cheek,
r no when
[)0sure and
le. Seeing

and drew
ther could
and Brian
r came to

THB AOIORAL's DADOHTER.

981

CHAPTER XII.

The following weeks were a season o^glad bustle and
excitement in the Claddagh. Some members of every
family were all day long employed making and mend-
ing nets, while all the spare hands among the men
were at work on the boats. A sudden influx of life
and animation seemed to have taken place in the vil-
lage. The houses, the streets, the quays, were all alive
with a busy, industrious population, all intent on
the work of preparing for the great herring-fishery
already annonnced by the numerous sea-fowl, hover-
ing over the Bay. The season had arri<red. October
with its mists and fogs, its clouded, mellow sunshine,
and its wailing winds was drawing to a close. The
weather was dry, but grey and lowering, just such
weather as usually brought the long-expected shoals
within reach of the Claddagh nets.

It was Hallow-Eve, the last day of the month,
and the youngsters of the village, boys and giris of
all ages, had been out from eariy morning on the
strand digging for worms. It was truly an anima-
ted scene; the many-colored garments, the blithe
and cheerful face8,the light-hearted, noisy clatter of
youthful tongues, as each pair or group chatted
away on their own engrossing topic. And yet, not-
withstanding the absence of that restraint usually
arising from the presence of older persons, and the

-00^

232

MADRSBN DHD,

hilarious atate of mind incidental to the occasion,
there was not an obscene word to be heard, nor oath,
nor imprecation. Wild and rude was the mirth of
the young Claddagh people, but at its very wildest
it had nothing to oflfend modesty. Their speech
was curt and sharp, with now and then a strong
mixture of irony ; the naked truth was told at times
where, in more pretentious society, it would have
been either concealed or glossed over; flattery was,
in fact, BO little known or practised that politeness
hid her head abashed, but still the Christian pre-
cepts were so well observed that one could not help
overlooking a roughness which was, after all, but
superficial.

The preparations for the grand opening of the
fishery were all completed. The phosphoric light,
sparkling on the waters far and near, gave indica-
tion that the shoals had arrived. Had it been at
another time the Claddagh men would have been
out in full strength on the following morning, but the
next day was Hollantide-Day,* and of course, the
wealth of the broad Bay would not tempt one of
them to put out a boat. So the fishing was post-
poned till the following day.

On that Hallow-Eve, however, there was another
sort of businjBS to be done in the Claddagh, pend-
ing the capture of the multitudinous visitors on the
coast. All the young men and maidens had to take

• The Feast of All Saints, so called amongst the lower olaaes all
over Ireland.

^ar*memm■^y>t*•^j!^^

WAJMMWiaiMWttMl

JSSSi

) tho occasioii,

leard, nor oath,

18 the mirth of

;9 very wildest

Their speech

then a strong

as told at times

it would have

r; flattery was,

that politeness

Christian pre-

s could not help

8, ailer all, but

opening of the
hosphoric light,
vr, gave indico-
Had it been at
juld have been
doming, but the
I of course, the
t tempt one of
ihing was post-

sre was another
!;!ladd8gh, pend-
s visitors on the
.lens had to take

, the lower closes all

THE AOMIRALS DAUGHTER.

233

a peep into futurity by means of some one of the old-
established " tricks," or ppells which were supposed
to command the services of the fairy host whose
duty it M'as on that fateful night to reward the
patience and perseverance of those who worked the
Bpells.by a sight of the future partner of their life,
whether male or female. The various devices re-
sorted to by the curious it is unnecessary here to
describe. Most of ray readers are well acquainted
with them, and I question if there are many of them,
at least those whose youth was past in Ireland,
who hav. ot, in their time, had their fortunes told
by the fairies on Ilallow-Eve night. Who knows
not the strange, prophetic and most dubious forms,
typical of trade or calling, into which the molten
lead falls when poured through the ring of a Icj ?
Who has not slept on a red-cheeked apple in v/hich
nine new pins were stuck, or is any one ignorrnt of
the virtue that abides in the thimblefuls of salt cor-
responding to the number of the family ? Have we
not all witnessed, too, the careful sweeping of the
hearth, and the raking up of the ashes, which rite
was generally performed by an ancient matron on
Hallow-Eve night ? Wonderful tales have we all
heard of footmarks being seen on the smooth ashes
in the morning, some turned inward, some outward
— none of them have we ever seen, I'll be bound, for
it is one of the peculiarities of these spiritual ;nani-
festations that they were always heard of, never
aeen. Still these harmless superstitions, vt .. h the

--~~*s««iS«5(ljpCSlff»»g^gSt-

AMI

231

MAUREEN DHC,

temporary excitement they occasioned, were in
keejiing with the character of a poetical, imaginative
people, whose life on earth is beautifully interwoven
with " the unseen things." Their very superstitions
are of a social and genial kind, partaking largely of
the poetic fervor of their own temperament.

The general custom was for a number of the
young people of both sexes to gather together in
those houses where there was fun to be expected.
Of this class was Randal Mere's, because of the
three young people who dwelt there, and still more
because of Vara Halliday's great skill in the fairy
lore peculiar to the season. Vara was the priestess
of those mystic spells wrought for the sounding of
each one's destiny, and whether she really had faith
in the oracles or not, she certainly made it appear
as if she had. On the night in question, some ten
or twelve boys and girls were assembled round the
Admiral's fireside. Both Brian Kineely and Shan
DriscoU were of the number — so, too, was Sally
Kirwan, to the no small annoyance of Brian, who
had latterly shunned her company with very re-
markable care, all the more so, that the girl evi-
dently sought his, and that with greater eagerness
than the Claddagh girls usually displayed on such

occasions.
For some reason best known to herself. Vara was

particularly anxious that night to have Maureen try

her fortune, but Maureen, with her usual caprice,

appeared to take no sort of interest in what was

ssmm^

TBI admiral's DAl/GHTER.

286

ed, were ia
, imaginative
y interwoven
Buperetitions
ng largely of
aent.

ruber of the
r together in
be expected,
cause of the
ind Btill more
I in the fairy
the priestess

sounding of
ally had faith
ade it appear
ion, some ten
ed round the
ely and Shan
o, was Sa"'y
if Brian, who
vith very r -

the girl evi-
ter eagerness
layed on such

lelf, Vara was

3 Maureen try

iiBual caprice,

in what was

going on. Even when she was placed on the hearth
in the form of a hazel-nut side by side with another
representing Shan Driscoll, she watched the pair
with a half-unconscious eye, nor shared in any degree
in the intense excitement with which not only Shan,
but Brian, too, awaited the result. Great was the
mortification of poor Shan when, after divers threat-
ening motions, Maureen's nut fairly jumped away
leaving its mate to burn on in lonely constancy.
Brian was just as elated as Shan was depressed, and
his heart beat high with blissful expectation as
Vara placed another pair on the hearth, designated
respectively after himself and Maureen. The two
young men now watched Maureen's face with as
much anxiety as they did the emblematic nuts, and
to the utter dismay of Shan, and the secret exulta*
tion of Brian, there was a degree of earnestness in
her gaze and a flush on her cheek that they had not
seen there all the evening. There was another, a
fourth pair of eyes, watching the progress of that
particular pair of nuts, and that was Sally Kirwan.
In fact the whole circle, including Randal Moro
himself, were now engrossed by that one pair of
nuts, and for some moments they actually seemed as
if animated by the spirits that ruled the hour, »o
capricious were their pirouetteSf and so inexplicable
their motions generally. At last they settled down
very quietly together, promising a fair share of con-
nubial happiness and contentment. Shan DriscoU'a
brow lowered, and hb dark cheek grew pale, while

^;m^^^i'^-^!miiMi*iiA*i'^'=^

XACRSEX OH?,

Brian's g'owod like one of the turf-coalu ?)efore him.
Even old More, who occupied a low stool next to
the hob, was roused fronn the torpor of age, and
clapped her hands right glecsfully at the nuts, indi-
cating her nnqualiiled approval of their very sensi-
ble conduct. All at once the nuts began to quiver
and the hearts of the interested parties were agitated
with them.

" She's going !" cried Shan.

" Sorra that she is," said Randal, with much com-
placency.

"There now! you see how it is !" cried Maureen
with a burst of laughter, as Brian's nut made a dart
in the direction of the fire, " Brian's gone at last I"

There was a general exclamation of surprise at
this most unlooked-for termination of the experiment.
Sally Kirwan took no pains to conceal her satisfac-
tion, and Slian took good care to point the triumph
in her direction, for which he was sharply rebuked
by Brian, who bluntly told him to mind his own
business.

Affecting a discomposure which she did not feel,
Maureen was rising from her seat, when little Nanno
caught hold of her skirt as usual, and said in her
low, bnsky voice : " Stay, Maureen ! till we try some-
body else — they didn't put down the right one yet !"

" What does she say ?" asked one and another.

" Nothing at all that's worth sayin' over again,"
baid Maureen, very composedly, but at the same
time she took care to draw the child after her.

iiiiiiiMiiitiiir if iiTiffiiifiiy

aal* J)eforo him.
r stool next to
lor of age, and
l the nutR, indi-
:heir very seniii-
began to quiver
SB were agitated

with much com-

cried Maureen
nut made a dart
's gone at last I"
1 of surprise at

the experiment,
eal her satisfac-
int the triumph
harply rebuked
) mind his own

»he did not feel,
ben little Nanno
and said in her
till wetrysoine-
! right one yet !*'
I and another,
in' over again,"
it at the same
. after her.

THE ADUIRAL's DAnORTER.

287

"Wliere on eailh are you goin' to, girl ?" cried
Vara, from her seat of honor on the settle in the
corner; " we're jist goln' to melt the lead."

"Well, granny, you can try my luck as if I was
here — I think you've tried me well enough, at auy
rate I promised to go over a while to sit with poor
Aileeu — you see she sent Nauno for me."

Randal looked as if he was going to forbid her
going out, and Vara said it was a shame for her to
go on with such vagaries, so Maureen made a hasty
retreat, regardless of the supplicatory looks which
met her on every side.

"Maureen," whispered Nanno, as they crossed the
floor together; "why don't you wait till they'd try
you and "

A look from Maureen silenced the little creature,
and made her heart sink within her at the same time,
for such a look she had never seen in those beautiful
eyes which ever beamed on her with tender affection.

On the way to Aileen's cottage Maureen took
occasion to warn her little companion that she must
never mention the name of any stranger to her that
way — " maybe it might do a deal of mischief to me
and others if you did. I don't know who you were
goin' to speak of at that time."

" An' why did you stop me, then?" said the keen-
witted child, looking archly up with a furtive side-
long glance.

" No matter to you," returned Maureen sharply ;
" I tell you I'm not pleased with you, Nanno, and if

^■tyizaasta-! r.nmwwim**. .

338

UAUREKl? DHU,

ever you speak to me so again, you and I'll fall out,
depend upon it."

This threat touched the child's loving heart, and
she burst into a passionate flood of tears, whereupon
Maureen applied herself to soothe her, which she did
with no small difficulty, just in time to escape
Aileeu's sharp old eyes.

After sitting half an hour or so with the aged
crone who was now bed-ridden, listening patiently
to her querulous and fretful reminiscences of de-
parted joys and pleasures, Maureen made up her
chaff bed for her, a task which she had imposed on
herself ever since the old woman had been unable
to doit herself, and then bidding her and Nannogood
night she set out for home with that light and
springing step peculiar to her own graceful self.

Coming near her father's door, she knew by the
obstreperous laughter and other noises from within,
that the guests were still there, and taking with her
Bran, the big water-dog, Randal's prime favorite,
who had been waiting her company outside the
door, she walked down towards the water, whose
glimmering scintillating surface had tempted her
from afar to go and pay homage to its beauty.
Seating herself on a stone with Bran at her feet, she
looked out on the broad expanse of water which
appeared in the darkness as though spangled all
ever; the sky above was of the deepest, darkest
blue, and from its depths shone out myriads of the
brif^htest stars Maureen had ever seen, at least bo

1
I
e

\
a
h

tl
n
S:
tc

or
an
sh
he

.»*^

THE admiral's daughter.

[1 fall out,

leart, and
thereupon
tih she did
to escape

the aged
patiently
ses of de-
ie up her
iposed on
en unable
anno good
light and
rul self.
!W by the
m within,
g with her
e favorite,
ntside the
ter, whose
mpted her
t8 beauty,
er feet, she
iter which
langled all
3t, darkest
ads of the
It least 80

239

she thought. The opposite shores were only visible
in outline, with the lighthouse glaring and flicker-
ing through the gloom, like some earthly planet of
large pretensions. Galway city, though so near,
was barely discernible, its taller masses of masonry
appearing in relief against the darkened sky The
sounds from the city, and even those from tlie viU
lage, came softened on the ear, making the silence
as It were deeper, just as the rav from the light-
house opposite increased the surrounding gloom.
Yet there was something in all this which Maureen
relished. Most girls of her age and station would
have shrunk appalled from the solitude, the silence
CBU the gloom, but not so Maureen Dhu. There
was something within her, and she felt it, too, which
assim^iAled with the wild, lonely grandeur, the deso-
la..e vastness of the scene, and she sat lost in
thought, dreaming, it might be, till a slight move-
ment of her canine companion arrested her attention
Seeing no one near, she patted the dog's head, and
told him to be quiet. .

"Maybe you see some of the spirits. Bran !» said
she, playfully, «or the good people that they say are
a-foot the night." J- y aie

Her caresses seemed to have lost their usual effect
on Bran, for he sprang to his feet with alow growl -
and Maureen herself quickly rose, for a voice which

htr s^ir **" ^^ ^^"^ ""^ ^'' ^'^'^^'*^«P'^^"» «P«J^« at
" Your dog is sharper than his mistress, Maureen !

240

MAURBEN DB0,

_-he is a faithful friend, however, and I forgive him

'^«m7}nLed,i.^

Mr. Fitz8tephen!-do wn Bran!-be qmet, good dogl

and stooping she laid her hand on the aoima -hag
gy neck, for Bran was, at times, somewhat fierce
fjpeciall with strangers. " I-'t ^^ ^^^« r '^
abroad, an' me thinkin' you were m Scotland ?

»I only got home to-day, and hearmg that the
fishing was about to commence the day after next
I thought I would profit by the fi"e"««« f ^^«
evening to walk out and see you about what you

"Well it's mighty strange to me, sir," said Mau-
reen, drawing herself up, "that you found me out in
this lonesome place, where I thought there was no-

body but myself and Bran 1" , ^ r ,„.i

« Are you angry, then, Maureen, that I found
you out. as you say ? Cold and proud, and distant
Lyou are, I thought you would have » word of
welcome for a friend who has been weeks-long

weeks away 1'

There was a mournful tone in Fitzstephen's voice,
at all times full and musical, that went straight to
Maureen's heart, and she felt as though she would
have given much more than i.ae possessed to clasp
his hand and tell him she was glad to see him But
the counsels of age, and the P"df"««J^"'^, dis-
tinguished her from most other girls, .^like forbade
Buoh astep, and she coldly answered:

J
I
t

rt
P<

th
so
li

ter

I forgive him

>th be started,
et, good dogl"
animal's shag-
aewhat fierce,
t late you're
jotland ?"
iring that the
ay after next,
ineness of the
)out what you

sir," said Mau-
found me out in
; there was no-

, that I found
ttd, and distant
lave a word of
en weeks— long

zstephen's voice,
fent straight to
)ugh she would
ssessed to clasp
to see him. But
ience which dis-
rls, Rlike forbade
5d:

THB admiral's daughter. 241

JLf 7v """' ^'■'"' '^''^^'' «f "« ^«"Jd»'t beany
great things to you, Mr. Fitzstephen. I think I

njustbeb^ddin' you good-night, slant's tU"^^^^^^

"Maureen O'Hara !" said Fitzstephen, and he
la.d hxs hand on her arm, as if to detaL her. "La
going to speak of the communion which you Jem
o hold wuh nature-the mysterious insti/ct which
leads you to seek her in her sternest moods"-he was
going on, ,t might be forgetful of the mighty void
of Ignorance m poor Maureen's mind, when shesud-
aenly interrupted him with :
"Such talk isn't fit for me, your honor 1-1 don't

teZ t"' ''","^"' •" '^^^^^ -« '^ touching sad!

than 1 ""''' *"' " ^^« *^"«' *^*^ '-'^ f- more
than Maureen was aware of, and Fitzstephen had to

pause and make a strong effort before he^ould ans-
wer witli composure f

"Pardon me Maureen 1 I believe I wa, forgetting
-the place-the time-the stars above and the night
•est ng hke a veil on the earth-and-the spirit o
poeuy oy one's side-yes, yes, I was forgott ng I"
"The spu-itl" said Maureen eagerly, taking iL

thing in the darkness of night that speaks to my
sou . I think ,t IS the voice of God, and I feel while
I sit here alone at such a time as if I were dead
—away from the world altogether."

The breathless silence with which Fitzstephen lis-
tened speedily recalled Maureen from her momentary

^•'"f ^mmimmim mr:. .

242

HACRSBN DEC,

abatraction, and she felt her cheeks glow at the
thought of her own boldness.

" Well now, if that isn't a funny thing," said she
laughing, "to hear me talking that way to you, sir 1
—an' I'm sure it's newens for me to speak so to any
one— God be with you, Mr. Fitzstephen 1"

" Just one moment, Maureen 1 Did you speak to
your father about the fishery ?"

" I did, sir."

" And what did he say ?"

« Nothing at all that'll be pleasin' to you to hear,

your honor I"

"Nevertheless, you must tell me just what be

said !'

« Well, sir ! he said if ever I'd speak to him again
about any such thing that he an' I'd fall out"— here
Maureen's voice faltered at the remembrance, " an'
that was hard enough on me, Mr. Fitzstephen I for
it was the first time he ever said a cross word to me.
But no matter for that— he soon got over it. But
you see, sir, it's ji 3t as I always told you. A body
might as well try to move Mutton Island there
abroad as move our people from their own ways—
and m/ father especially !"

"If that be so, Maureen, I must only take the
matter into my hands." ^^

" What do you mean by that, your honor ?

"It would be no use to tell you now, Maureen !
When the Claddagh men refuse to hear reason, we
must only try some other means— they shall see be-

d
fi

h
f(
b

ai
w
tl
in
tl
in
b(
fo

V€

sij
no

;low at the

y" said she
to you, sir !
,k 80 to any
1"
ou speak to

you to hear,

list what he

to him again
1 out" — here
brance, " an' "
Stephen 1 for
, word to me.
ver it. But
ou. A body
Island there
own ways —

nly take the

lonor ?"
iw, Maureen !
it reason, we
shall see be-

THB admiral's DAUOHTER.

243

fore many days go by that when I have made all
the necessary arrangements for a lucrative business,
I am not to be driven from my purpose by their
blind folly 1"

" Take care what you say, Mr, Fitzstephen !— yon
ought to know by this time that it isn't safe to med-
dle with the same Claddagh men. I ask you again
what it is that you mean to do ?"
" Well 1 Maureen, you are the strangest girl" —
" I'm a Claddagh girl, Mr. Fitzstephen, and the
daughter of Randal More — doyoumeanto brave my
father out for it ?"
" I certainly do."

Maureen drew up her slender form to its fullest
height, which was considerably beyond that of most
females, she made a step or two backwards, and fixed
her flashing eyes on Fitzstephen :

" If you do, you'll have but once to rue it, sir,
and that's the longest day you have to live." There
was a fearful distinctness in her voice and utterance
that made every syllable tell, and Fitzstephen gazed
m mute astonishment on the still, calm features and
the statue-like attitude of the girl, clearly revealed
in the starry light. There was a startling contrast
between this living, breathing stillness of face and
form, and the burning light of the dark eyes whose
very depths were stirred with passion. Fitzstephen
was at once attracted and repelled by the strange
sight, but his mind was so disturbed that he could
not all at once get his thoughts into words.

344

lUURXKN DEC,

Before he had framed an answer for Maureen's
most emphatic warning, a third voice spoke; it was
the harsh and dissonant voice of "Vara :

" My soul to glory, now, Mister Fitzstephen ! If
I'll put up with this any longer; what is it that
brings you to the Claddagh so often— and by night,
too ?— why, if you be huntin' Maureen this way
she'll get a bad name as sure as my name is Vara
Halliday— and that's what never happened to one
belongin' to her in the memory of man 1"

" Me get a bad name, granny !" said Maureen
haughtily ; "and how would that come ?— sure it's
not my fault if Mr. Fitzstephen comes at times
when I happen to be out about the doors ? Take
my word for it, he has an eye to business— he's net
losin' his time, anyhow I though in one way he is

too!"

"Well, really," said Fitzstephen, with some em-
barrassment, and he winced more from Maureen's
contemptuous manner than from her grandmother's
presence, unwelcome and unexpected as it was, "well,
really, I must beg to retire— I find I am not able for
the pair of you. As for my business, good Mrs.
Halliday I your granddaughter may use her own
discretion in making it known to you. My visits—
either by night or day— will, in all probability, never
trouble any of you again. I regret that, on the
present occasion, I was not aware of your being
near, as I might then have paid my court to you in-
stead of Maureen !"

t
i

I
I

n
I

8!
Sl
01
t(

h<
li

St
01

oi
to

fo
th
sp

Bt(

re!
a (
if

or Maureen's
spoke J it was

zstepben ! If
lat is it that
-and by night,
een this way
name is Vara
ipened to one

said Maureen
me ? — sure it's
imes at times
doors ? Take
less — he's not
)ne way he is

irith some em-
om Maureen's
grandmother's
18 it was, "well,
im not able for
!88, good Mrs.
J use her own
. My visits —
ibability, never
it that, on the
of your being
ourt to you in-

THB admiral's DAtTOHTER.

245

Vara's discordant laugh grated harshly on Pltz-
Btephen's auricular nerve, as the old woman replied
fiercely :

"Ay ! I know well enough how it is with you— it
would have answered you mighty well if I hadn't
been near— but if I hadn't ! master, thero'd be some-
body still worse for you. Do you think we'd let
Maureen Dhu out here alone at a time like this with-
out some of us havin' an eye on her— especially a
night like this? Whatever you may think of her,
I'll tell you one thing— though maybe I shouldn't
say it to her face— that there's eyes on her wherever
she goes— lovin' eyes, Mr. Fitzstephen; ay! an'
careful eyes, too ! — come along home, girl !" and she
took the unresisting Maureen by the shoulder ; « I
hope this night will be a warnin' to you all your
life." ^

" Whatever I may think of her !" repeated Fitz-
stephen, as they walked rapidly away from him, with-
out either looking back even once, "what I think
of her is of little consequence. I have other things
to think of at the present time,"

Lost in his own reflections, Fitzstephen stood with
folded arms looking out on the luminous waters of
the broad Bay, disturbed only by the occasional
splash of oars, and th| rapid passage of some tiny
steamboat. Maureen and her granddame were al-
ready out of sight, yet there he stood motionless as
a statue. He doubtless thought himself alone, but
if so, he was mistaken, for all at once a heavy hand

MATTBEEN DffO,

was laid on his shoulder and a Claddagh voice spoke
in the Claddagh pa/oii close to his ear :

" A word with you, if you please, Mr. Fitzste-

^^He turned quickly, and in the tall, robust form,
and darkly frowning face before him, recognized
Shan DriscoU. " What I you here, Shan ? "

"Your servant, sir," said the young fisherman, m
a dry, ironical tone ; " I see I don't need to teU you
my name. I'm not willin' to disturb you if it could
be helped, but I want to have a word with you in
private, an' I thought this such a fine opportunity
that I couldn't let it slip."

" Well, Shan, say quickly what you have to say,
for it's wearing late."

" You weren't in such a hurry a little time back.
Mr Fitzstephen 1 but, to be sure, the company was
more pleasin'. But if your hurry wae tmce as great
as it is, you'll hear what I have to say. There a one
girl in this viUoge I have set my heart on ; her
father an' the rest of her people are agreeable—-

"And what have I to do with all this?" asked
Fitzstephen, haughtily.

" I'll soon tell you that, my master 1 You know
Maureen Dhu-you know, maybe cus udl as 1 do,
what it is to have the chance of winnin' her, out
maybe you don't know W-here his voice sank almost
to a whisper, he made one step in advance that
brought him close to Mr. Fitzstephen, and his eyes
gleamed with a wild, fierce light that would have

al
"r
"f

St(

Fii

chi

]

pal

woi

bur

rep

Btrs

Fit;

mer

a til

sam

broi

blue

und

well

bek

1 voice spoke

Mr. Fitzste-

robust form,
i, recognized

tan?"

fisherman, in
sed to tell you
^ou if it coold
i with you in
a opportunity

have to say,

tie time back>
company was
B tunce as great
'. There's one
beart on ; her

.greeable ''

L this?" asked

irl You know
s wdl aa 1 do,
innin' her, out
lice sank almost
1 advance that
n, and his eyes
lat would have

THE admiral's dapohtbr.

alarmed most men under similar circumstances-
"maybo you don't know mc," repeated Shan, slowly'
"for It you (lid, you'd know that the man doesn't
step m shoe leather that could go between me and
Maureen."

"If you're so sure of her," said Fitzstephen, with
stern composure, "what need is there for all this talk ?
I give you joy of the girl's favor, since you appear
to think so much of her."

" None of your mockin' or scoffin' now, Mister
Fitzstephen 1 I know well what you're about this
while back. I know what brought you hero at this
untimely hour, but I tell you it won't do .'—if you
were hangin' with diamonds, man ! you'd have no
chance 1"

Fitzstephen's lip quivered, and his dark cheek
paled. A tremor shook his whole frame, and the
words he might not utter swelled his heart almost to
bursting. Yet so great was his self-control that he
replied in a calm, passionless voice: "It were a
strange tale to be told in Gal way streets that Giles
Fitzstephen had a quarrel with one of theCladda^h
men. For myself I should be doubly sorry for such
a thing to occur at the present time, and that for the
same reason that brings me hero to-night, and has
brought me some few times before. I forgive your
blustering, Shan ! because I know you are laboring
under a mistake of some kiud-you are in luck, be
well assured-make the best of it, then, and don't
be knocking your head against the rock like a great

948

MACREEIt DH1T,

fool. If you run fast now, you may overtalce some
that you'll be glad to seo.-well for you that insure
to be well received 1 Good night 1" ^

There was something in the tone of Fitzatephen 9
voice that Shan did not like, and he was more than
half inclined to give him the weight of his fist on
the side of the head. But then had he not said it
was all a mistake, and no one ever doubted his word ?
—had he not said that the business which brought
him to the village should soon be known, and had
be not stood by the Claddagh when it many a time
needed his powerful word in Gatway ? Shan's anger
must have cooled down considerably when he could
reason in this way, and Mr. Fitzstephen, as was na-
tural, dreading a rupture just at that time with any
of the fishermen, and especially with Shan Driscoll,
was only too glad to take advantage of his quies-
cent state, and bidding him once more good night,
he turned his steps homewards. Shan stood for a
moment looking after him with a surly, discontent-
ed look, but whatever were his thoughts he did not
follow him, although he kept muttering angrily to
Mmself all the way home ; "I'll have my eye on
him for the time to come," said he, as he raised the
latch of his solitary dwelling, 'he's worth a watchm,
that same gentleman, -but he met his match when
he met me-ha! hal-l'll be up to him, or my name s
not Shan DriscolU-if it wasn't for him, this house
wouldn't be as it is-an' och ! but it is the lonesome
place now '.-hard fortune to him !-oh God forgive

b:
tl
r<

in
of
rcj
&i
w«
wr
ho
at

gli
J
rea
ed,
arn:

goii
to n
an' :
you:
youi
it wi

rcen,

fat XDXlRAL'a DADOHTBR.

948

ivertake Bome
3U thatiHBure

Fitzstephen'B
was more than

of his fist on
he not Baid it
bted his word ?
vhich brought
lown, and had
t many a time
Shan's anger
when he could
len, as was na-

time with any

Shan Driscoll,
e of his quicB-
re good night,
an stood for a
rly, disoontent-
ightB he did not
ring angrily to
ive ray eye on
18 he raised the
rorth a watch in',
lis match when
m, or my name's

him, this house
, is the lonesome
-oh God forgive

me, what am 1 8ayin'-i« it cur.a,' bim I'd bo heaoin'

Bin ou my own soul, an' it to do no go.d eith;r It^

he unlucky night for any one to bt a-foot, an' Mau

reen k„owB it well-still an' all see how she went

actenstio of the people that no evil suspicion of
Maureen's vtrtue ever crossed the young mark's mL
>rntated as u was by jealousy anL gfowin.dTsika
of Fuzstephen. Anxious to make an^other ^trial t
regarded h.s matrimonial prospects, Shan put dow"
a salt herring on the embers to broil, and when^t
was about done he, with much "mouthing', and :"".
wry faces, contrived to swallow it body and bones
hop^g thereby propitiate Queen Ma'b and obta n
a the hands of her pigmy majesty an auspicious
glimpse of the future. «»piciou8

Meanwhile Vara and her granddaughter had
reached their own door, but, before they enter-
d. the old woman laying her hand on Maureen's
arm, told her to "stop a minute."
" Well I gra nuy. what is it ?"
"Don't be afeard of me, avourneen ! I'm not
goin' to say an ill word to you Ms time-but^istei
me Maureen !-I had a dream a little while ago
an It troubled me very sore. I thought I was trWn'
your mother's ring on you. an' it wouldn't go'on
your finger-that was bad enough, achorra 1 but
It was nothing to what I dreamed last night of all-"
And what was that, granny astore?" said Mau-
reen, eagerly. ***

MAnRcni DM,

.. I drcamea. agra machrec 1" and Vara fix d h

piercing cyeB on ihoso of her granddaughter I

Sreald Jat I -eon a ring put on yo^rjn.er ^J

.» „» T ,1nn't wan't to mention— but me ruiK

Wtyour mo"!;, ring-nor t.,0.. «■« P«t it o«

■Maureen's face ; but as ii wi»«, «"'= . .

Wd an thing'to remove or confirm her Bu«p.c.on«
for at that moment, Randal opened the ^oo^ »"J
eelng bom there burst into a loud laugh and asked
Z. U plotting mischief they were, nr what.

.•»]■
th
to
sp
cl(
wl
au

BUJ

rec

tht

lea

api

par

gra

the

veil

plai

gen

froi

tun

THE ADMIBAL'a DAUOBTZI.

Vara fixed her
iddaughter, " I
our finger by
—but the ring
I tbat put it on

Id have Been a
•ning blush on
neither eaw nor
nherBuBpioions,
I the door, and
augh, and asked
or what.

CHAPTER XIII.

The Feast of All Saints passed off as such days
always do In the Claddagh. The morning, or rather
the forepart of the day, was scrupulously devoted
to the sacred duties of religion, and the evening to
sports and merry-making. The earlj twilight was
closing with a cold, clear frosty uir that denoted
what is called a "clearing up" of the weather, and
augured favorably for the morrow. There was still
sufficient light to distinguish objects M'hen two fe-
male figures approached the Claddagh from the di-
rection of the city. Under the hood of the gray
knapped cloak of one, it was very easy to discover
the shrewd, sharp features of Noddy Kinshcla, who,
as usual, trudged along with a heavy yet rapid step,
leaning ou a stout oaken staff,which,frc>ra its venerable
appearance, might have doneduty in the days of Old
Noll, or "the Forty-one War." Who Noddy's com-
panion was, it was not so easy to say, for the small,
graceful figure was wrapped in a large cloak, and
the face was carefully concealed by a long, thick
veil. NotwithstandirifT her strange company it was
plain that the cloak or mantle enveloped a person of
gentle breeding, for there was that about her figure
from head to foot that betrayed the delicately-nur-
tured.

252

MAUBBKN DHU,

Little conversation pasaed between the pair as
tliey wended their way through the twisting twin-
ing, bewildering little streets of the Claddagh.the
lady drawing her veil closer as they went; an occa-
sional remark from the beggar-woman was either
answered not at all or in a low whisper on the part ot
her companion. On a sudden Noddy stopped and
peering down a narrow opening through which the
misty waves of the Bay were visible, she exclaimed

almost aloud : j r»n„

« Ahl there she is, the darlin' 1-herself and little

Nanno !" • , , , n • i

"Where-where, Noddy?" and the lady raised

her veil and looked in the direction indicated by

Noddy's finger. .!,„„ g

"There they are, ma'am l-don't you see them?

-daunderin' about like ghosts all alone on the beach
-that's always the way it is with Maureen-she
keeps by herself, you see, an' doesn't even care to be
with the other girls an' boys."

« A strange lancy for one like her; was she al-

^*^Ever an' always, ma'am ! ever an' always-from
the time she was the height of little Nanno she was
just as you see her now, in regard to playin' her lone,

an' the like o' that !" ., . ^ -u r

"Isn't it curious. Noddy, the liking she has for
Chatty -I mean that poor child!" observed the
Jady after they had stood for some moments look^
ing atthe strangely-mated companions, who were

8
1

h
O

a,'
ir

til
((

ki
be

Sh;

yo
no
abi
do
ths
saj
the
wh
Ma

( 1 .^^^^r^f^f^V*"**!* jC!*

"~1

en the pair as
twisting, twin-
Claddagh, the
went; an occa-
oan was either
ler on the part of
[y stopped, and
)ugh which the
}, she exclaimed

lerself and little

the lady raised
on indicated by

you see them ?
lone on the beach
h Maureen — she
't even care to be

ler; was she al-

m' always — from
e Nanno she was
playin' her lone,

king she has for
1 !" observed the
e moments loot
anions, who were

THE admiral's DADOHTER.

253

strolling along the strand, the child every now and
then stooping to pick up a pebble cr a shell which
she placed in her blue linen bib, gathered up in her
little hands.

"It's a pretty picture," said the lady when they
had got near enough to see clearly what was going
on ; « Noddy, don't you think that girl handsome?"
"Handsome!" repeated Noddy, and she looked
at her favorite with a mixture of pride and fondness
in her old eyes that would have become Maureen's
mother; "faix, then I do, ma'am! an' more than
that, I think j's a born beauty !"

The lady smiled— it was a sad smile, too— as she
turned and fixed her soft eyes on her companion.
" Noddy !" said she in a low, earnest tone, "you that
knows 80 much about our family— past and present
—need not be told that the witchery of that girl's
beauty has enchanted them that should never have
come in its way."

" I know it, ma'am dear!" and Noddy's usually
sharp voice sank to the same undertone, "but I .see
you're trimblin'- sit down on this bench— there's
nobody within hearin', so you needn't fear— they're
about their own sport in-doors, except the pair that's
down before us. I know what you mean— an' now
that you broke the ice, I suppose I may make bould to
say a word to you about it. Before we go any fur-
ther in the business, I wan't to find out from you,
whether you think she's in any danger?" pointing at
Maureen as she spoke.

im^,i-^;fm

254

MACBBBH DHtr,

There was a dead pause, darin? which Mrs. Be-
han-fcr Bhe it was-seemed agitated by some
strong emotion, but at last, clearing her throat once

or twice, she replied '^^ ^^^l^^'^l^^n.^e^^^^ I

«In the presence of God, JNoaay iv
think not. Jknow-oh,ye./ I do well-what a
ioble heart she has to deal with-a b.|h-^P-vted
generous heart, full of the kindliest and tendere t
f f feelings-tha^t heart may break m tne struggle
between pride and affection-but pure fj^^f^
H will be while its pulse beats-good Lord 1 the
chUd the child !" and with a wild scream she was
Bta tin. towards the beach, but Noddy catclung her
IrmdeUined ber, begging her to -^^ f -/J:
was. " Don't you see she only missed her foot on
le beach-there Maureen has her up in her "msl

«The Lord be praised I I thought she feU in the
^ater pocr unfortunate creature! and if she did
The m ght not again escape-we could not expect a
second miracle !-but hadn't we better go on now?
iToddyl Noddy! don't you find a great change

"r^o'r the better I do, ma'am! glory be to G.d 1
_och! och! but it's the true sayin' ^o^he ^^ «
Man that said it : ' Out of evil comes good ! -are
vou able to walk now, Mrs. Behan, dear ?-if you
L: itt t be movin', for I'd wish to be in, and have
a word with Aileen before they get there.

Cbariry was the ostensible object of Mrs. Behan s
vist to Aileen. and it was not all affected, for her

t!
ft
h

n(
fc
tl
ac
vi

VT'

U
da

icb Mrs. Be-
jel by some
r throat once
le:

Kinsbela! I
well — what a
high-spirited,
and tenderest

the struggle
5 and giiileless
od Lordl the
Bream she was
I y catching her
lain where she
d her foot on
1 in her arms!"
t she fell in the
nd if she did,
Id not expect a
,er go on now?
, great change

ry be to God I
' for the Wise
les good!' — are
, dear?— if you
be in, and have
there."

of Mrs. Behan's
.fifected, for her

THB AD1IIRAL*8 DAUOHTKh.

255

heart was really good, although vanity had for
years obscured its excellence. She regarded this
Inendless old woman with more than ordinary pity,
and had been turning over in her mind sundry plans
for her permanent relief. Great, then, was her
surprise— not unmingled with disappointment, when
on reaching Ailecn's little cabin, she found it empty
—even the few little aiucles of furniture which
Noddv had been wont to see there were all gone,
and tffe place was cold and desolate.

"Dear me. Noddy ! what can this mean ?— what
has come of Aileen !"

" God knows, ma»am, God only knows— but I'll
soon find out from the neighbors."

To this Mrs. Behan was forced to assent, and
Noddy having dived into one of the adjacent cot-
tages, returned in a very few minutes with the in-
formation that Shan Driscoll had taken Aileen and
her grandchild home to his house where they were
now as comfortable as they could wish themselves,
for there was no one in the village better able to keep
them than Shan ; "an' sure that same's no wonder '»
added Noddy, "for you see he has the heart to di-
vide what God gives him !— I wish— I wish Maureen
would take him. for I know well he'd make her the
best of husbands— and, indeed, it 'id be only kind
daddy for Jiim, for a better husband than the father
pf that same boy never broke bread. Poor Connor !
a wild, stirrin' f How he was, too, jist the moral of
Shan I God be good an' marciful to his sowl !"

2S6

HADREEN VBXS,

" Pray Heaven she may take him !" ejaculated
Mrs. Behan. Aloud she said :

«' Shan Driscoll ! Shan DrisooU ! ia not that the

young man who saved

" Exactly, ma'am ! it's himself an' no other 1—
you see he has a likin' for the weeny creature ever
since, an' a care over her— but what are we goin' to
do, ma'am ?— Aileen doesn't stand in need of chari-
ty now, you see, an' so we have no excuse— at least
you haven't— to go and see her."

Mrs. Behan hesitated. She was unwilling to go
without seeing Aileen, and her fair face brightened
into a smile as a happy thought occurred to her.
" Can we not still go, and make a merit of our good
intentions ?— you know we have only to tell the old
woman how we went to her house, and hearing of
her being removed, called to inquire how she is ?"
« Why, then, to be sure we can do it, easy enough !
—what came over me at all that I didn't think of
it? Step out now, ma'am dear ! for you see it's pitch
dark on us, an' I have business to see to the night
yet." So she stumped on towards the Driscoll
mansion, ably supported by her "trusty," as she was
won't to call her staff, muttering audibly as she
went : " Dear, dear ! see that now ! the cuteness of
these quality bates all— mind your steps, Mrs. Be-
han, dear !— it isn't on the flags of Gal way you are
now— stoop your head, ma'am !— that's the way-
dear knows but it's the quarc place all out this same
Claddagh— it doesn't answer for you townspeople,

!* ejaculated

not that the

' no other ! —
creature ever
ire we goin' to
need of chari-
tcuse — at least

nwilling to go
ice brightened
curred to her.
rit of our good

to tell the old
,nd healing of

how she is?"
t, easy enough I
iidn't think of
ousee it's pitch
e to the night
is the DriscoU
sty," as she was
audibly as she

the cuteness of

steps, Mrs. Be-
lalway you are
at's the way —
ill out this same
lU townspeople,

THK admiral's daughter.

257

especially by night. Here we are, anyhow, at Shan's
door, glory be to God!— let us have a peep before
we venture in !"

Having taken a reconnoitering glance through the
small window, Noddy raised her finger and whis-
pered her companion to look in. She did so, and
the scene which presented itself was one which she
could not help admiring, prejudiced as she was
again|t the Claddagh cora||finity. Propped up in
a high-backed wicker chair right opposite the win-
dow, sat or rather lay Aileen llhua,and close beside
her stood little Nanuo, her head barely reaching to
the arm of the chair, and her large, soft, dreamy
eyes fixed in wonder on the old woman's face, at-
tracted, no doubt, by some weird story of the past.
In front of the fire on a low stool sat Maureen,
the delicate outline of her face seen in full profile
and her small head, with its weight of dark, glossy
hair, reminding one of the chiselled creations of
Grecian art. She was knitting, and the needles,
rapidly impelled by her taper fingers, glanced and
danced in the bright fire light, the only light in the
room. It was indeed a scene for a painter. The
wrinkled and emiaciated features of Aileen, the elfiu
loveliness of the little hunchback, and the gipsy-like
face and form of Maureen Dhu, all tinted with the
warm glow of the turf embers.

"Well! I declare that's purty— now isn't it,
ma'am ?— just look at the child !"
Noddy's whisper was superfluous, for the lady's

-. 'fW^ifflf

WSi^S^:^^>^'^t^-€:

258

KAURKKIT DHU,

eyes were fixed on the little creature with an inten-
sity of feeling that made them moist with tears.
" She's like— somebody you once knew, Noddy I

is she not ?"

" Well ! indeed, ma'am, I never thought so be-
fore—I suppose because I never took right notice of ♦
her— but I think so now. Isn't it the thousand
pities to see her as she is "

" What matter," r^brted the lady, quickly, "if
her life is to pass in the Claddagh 1"

" But it isn't, ma'am !— please God ! we'll bring
it about that she'll have her rights— I've managed
as hard matters as this in my time, and you know
it, too ! Lord bless me ! here's Shan— let us turn
that other corner, for I'm sure you wouldn't like to
meet him at the present time !"

" Not for the world. Noddy I— hurry, hurry for

God's sake!"

Noddy would have been well pleased to keep her
station at the window, if it could be done with
safety, in order to see the effect o: *he meetmg on
Maureen and Shan, the former being most probably
under the impression that Shan would not be home
till much later in the evening, while the young mas-
ter of the house had little notion of who was sitting
by his hearth at that hour, keeping Aileen and her
grandchild company. But she had promised to see
Mrs. Behan home again, and in any case she could not
allow her to go alone, on such a journey at such a
time.

1
1

r
t
s

SI
SI

a
tl

ss
lo
in
bi

with an inten-
with tears,
knewr, Noddy I

,hought 80 be-
right notice of*
t the thousand

dy, quickly, "if

-1"

,d! we'll bring

-I've managed

and you know

m — let us turn

rouldn't like to

lurry, hurry for

.sed to keep her
be done with
*he meeting on
y most probably
uld not be home
I the young mas-
who was sitting
; Aileen and her
promised to see
lase she could not
Durney at such a

IHK admiral's dauqhtbr.

259

After seeing the lady safely housed by the front
door, Noddy made her way round to the kitchen,
and asked could she see the mistress, or Mrs. Behan
or any of the ladies, ' *

"Well! Mrs. Behan's just come in, Noddy!"
said the servant who had opened the door ; "and I
think she's gone up to her own room, but I'll teU
Miss Fitzstephen."

" I'd as soon see the Mistress, Betsey ! for it's
about one of her pensioners I want to speak to her.
Tell her, if you please, that Noddy Kinshela would
he entirely obligated to her if she'd let her speak a
word to her in regard to the poor woman that was
brought to bed of twins the other day."

"Deed an' I tell her no such thing," said the pert
mmcmg housemaid, casting a coquettish glance on
the grinning coachman ; "do you think I'd deliver
such a message, and the master himself to the fore."
" Dear me ! how modest we are !" observed the
sarcastic beggarwoman, "if you're too shame-faced to
say what I tell you, I'll go up the back-stairs here,
an' you can whisper the mistress that there's one in
the hall wantin' to see her."

This was done accordingly, but when Mrs. Fitz-
stephen came to the head of the kitchen stairs and
saw who it was that waited there, she quietly fol-
lowed the motion of Noddy's finger, and showed her
into a small room or closet in connection with the
butler's pantry.
" Well, Noddy, what is it you want ?" inquired

360

MAURIBK DHU,

Mrs. Fitzstephen ; "I eee there's mystery in yonr
looks," and she smiled pleasantly.

" The blessing o' God on that bright face of yours,
Mrs. Fitzstephen darlin' ! sure it's what I forget at
times when I'm talkin' to you that it's not Miss EUie
French I have in it still, dear knows 1 but it's
younger you're growin' every day, and I think
Master Juan himself would think so, too, if it was
the will of God that he could see you '."

This drew a sigh from Mrs. Fitz8tephen,and banish-
ed the smile from her face. Just as Noddy expected,
she became disturbed and uneasy.

" Noddy ! Noddy !" said she, " why will you per-
sist in these allusions to the past— idle they are, and
vet mischievous, for they recall to my mind doubts
'and fears and misgivings, which made me miserable
for years and years of my life, and which it is my
interest to forget for ever. Why do you torture
me, No^dy Kinshela?"

Mrs. Fitzstephen had been standing, but she now
sank into a chair, and covered her face with her
hands. Noddy placed herself before her, and rest-
ing both hands on the head of her staff, bent down
so that her whispered words might reach the ear of
her auditor : " I don't wish or want to torture you,
ma'am ! God forbid !— bat what would you say
if I had comfort to give you instead of anything

else?"

« Comfort !" ejaculated Mrs. Fitzstephen, suddenly

removing her hands from her face, and peering up

t
I

V
V

in
le

tfl
th
an
eh
th(
cei

WTl

tbii

the

lystery in your

ht face of youre,
jrhat I forget at
'8 not Miss EUio
knows I but it's
ly, and I think
JO, too, if it was

phen,and banish-
Noddy expected,

if by will you per-
dle they are, and
my mind doubts
ide me miserable
i which it is my
do you torture

ling, but she now
er face with her
)re her, and rest-
staff, bent down
; reach the oar of
nt to torture you,
, would you say
stead of anything

[Stephen, suddenly
3, and peering up

THK AD1H1UI,'8 DAUetTTKR.

261

eagerly into the old woman's eyes—" what comfort
can you give me ?"

" Would it lighten the load on your heart to know
that nothing had happened to Master Juan that
night— that he left the city safe and sound ?"

"Would it lighten the load on my heart? ^a
Noddy J need you ask the question when you know
who they were that were suspected of making away
with him?— but what— what— have you heard ?"

" I'll soon tell you that, ma'am dear I if you'll only
try an' compose yourself— you're tremblin' all over

"Well ! well I I'll do my best-there now-don't
you see how composed I am ?» and she looked up
m Noddy's face with a sweet smile, while her blood-
less lips still quivered with emotion.

Noddy smiled, and nodded, and her old eyea
twinkled with fun as she spoke again in that oracular
thrilling whisper that pierced the very soul of the'
anxious listener. « You thought, an' many a one
else besides you— that poor Master Juan never left
the city with his life-now I know, an' know for
certain, that he was alive six or seven years after

^ " But how — how do you know it ?"

" Did you ever hear of a Spanish vessel that was
wrecked in the Bay about eight and twenty or
thirty years agone ?"

"No— but yet— let me think a moment !"— and
the lady raised her hand to her burnhig brow; "yesi

mm " .-J*^*

MAURICBH DBC,

262

yesl I he J of it, I remember now— but wbat—

what of that?" „ ,

Mr* Fitz8tephen'8 piercing glance gave fearlul
earnestness to her question, and the beggar-womua
looked into her eye. with equal signiacance, as she
replied in slow and solemn accents :

"Juan Gonzales was aboord that Malaga

Bbip '' . , ^ „

" Great God ! and he perished

"No he didn't—mofii every one on boord went

down for it was a fearful storui-but Master Jua.i

and a few others were saved by a boat from tno

' Claddagh that put out when it was agamst nature

to run the risk."

" Brave fellows 1 it was just like them I ex-
claimed Mrs. Fitzatephen.

" Oh ' to be sure," said Noddy, witli no ^mall biL-
ternesH of tone ;" they're ever so^ goud wheu you

hear the likes o' that of them "

"Well! well! never mind, but tell o how u
was-how can you bo sure that it was Juan ?-who
was it that recognized him?-8peak ! Noddy l-why

don't you go on ?"

"Why list because you'll not give one tune,
ma'am !-it 'id take me to have three or four
tongues to tell you all at on ^t. You want to knoj
first an' foremo8t,how it happened I tould you al-
ready that it was a couple of the Claddagh men tha
put out in a boat an' saved the Senoro as you u^ed
to call him, an' four or Bve o' tho crew. Afther

n
d
m
ei
bi
n<
ai
d<
Ji
hs
ta

ow — but wbat —

,nce gave fearful
beggar-womuii
rrnifioance, as »bo

(1 tliat Malaga

e on boord went

-but Master Juan

a boat from the

as against nature

like them!" ex-

witb no small bit-
guud when you

at tell i/io how it
t was Juan?— who
ikl Noddy !-"wby

ot give one time,
ave three or four
You want to knov,'
id. I tottld you al-
Claddagh men that
Senoro as you uije>l
the crew. Afther

THK ADMIRAL, a bAuGHTKR.

ses

that, he fell sick, an' was minded an' tended for
weeks an' weeks at the house of Oyney UaUiiian, ,
the man that saved him— at least him an' his bod." '

"But did he never tell'who he was— did he never
speak of— of us ?"

"Weill I b'lieve not, ma'am! he only sai,. he
was from Spain, an' the Claddagh people made a
great wonder at him speakin' English as well as
anybody "

"So he did— well he spoke it and oh! how

sweetly I"

Noddy pretending not to notice Mrs. Fitzste-
phen's emotion went on : " He said he knew Gal-
way very well, ma'am ! an* had some acquaintances
in it, but he didn't want to see any of them "

"Merciful (JoodnessI can. it be ?— was Juan so

near me at that time— so long, too — and he sick

depending on the charity of rude fiHhermen— and I
not know it ! But, Noddy I" and she laid her hand
emphatically on the old woman's shoulder, " what
brought him here then— or, being here, why did he
not make himself known V— why did he not make
an effort to—" she stopped, colored, and looked
down— " But what am I saying?— it could not bo
Juan— no, no, it, could not— he would have come
had he been su near— no ! no! it was all a mis-
take !"

"Was t, indeed?— did you ever see that cross
before?" ■

One glance at the cross was quite sufficient to

964

M*raKKV n«n.

convince Mrs. Fitwtephen. Palo and trembling she
fell back in her chair, her eyes fixed on the little

reliouaire. . , ,

"8ee it before ?-oh!y«*, I did-.t is the same
-I'm sure it is that Juan used to wear. Where-
how— from whom did you get it?"
"The Se-nore."
"The Signor?"

"Yes, the Senore gave it to the daughter ot
Oyney Hallinan-she was a young widow-woman,
then, but she's a'raost as ould as myself now. Her
father and brother are both dead many a year

ago

"Do I know her," interrupted the lady?
" Well ! then, there's few in or about Galway
town that doesnH know her-it's Vara Ilalhday, ^

Mrs Fitzstephen'B countenance fell. " Oh, if that
be 80 Noddy I I fear I have little chance of getting
the cross, she is so testy that I should not like to
ask it of her, even to buy it ?" ,. , a

"I suppose, ma'am, you'd give something hand-
some for it ?" said Noddy, musingly.

" Any price she may choose to set on it— tell her

80 from me."

« It wouldn't be the least use in life, ma'am dear I
if Vara had it still, but-I think them that owns it
won't keep it from you."

" How is that, Noddy ?— who is the owner of it

now?"

s
a
i]

it
w
ot
ot

shi

bei
oui

yoi

fro

lau
Ma
mio

trembling she
i on the little

it is the same
Bar. Where—

,e daughter of
widow-woman,
self now. Her
. many a year

lady?

about Gal way
Vara Ilalliday,

1. « Oh, if that
banco of getting
uld not like to

omcthing hand-

t on it — tell her

ifo, ma'am dear I
em that owns it

I the owner of it

THK ADMinAL's DADOBTIR.

968

"Why, Manreen Dhu, ma'am! Vara'a grand-
daughter— the old woman gavw it to her to guard
her from evil. I'll toll you what I'll do, Mrs. Fitz-
stcphen, thon 1 I'll bring the girl here to see you,
and I'm Huro she'll not say again you, if you ask it
Irom her."

"Hush! there is my daughter, Mrs. Behan, com-
ing down stairs, and I hear my son moving in the
parlor. I must leave you now, Noddy ! but one
word more before you go— what brought Juau
here ?"

" Vara can tdl you that, ma'am I I partly guess
It myself, but she knows it— she's as close as can bo
when she likes, an' I often done ray best to get it
out of her, but not a word— she gave me a hint of it
onst, and that was all. Well, ma'am! I must be
goin'."

" But how am I to see Vara ?"

Noddy made a show of serious reflection, before
she replied: "I'll tell you what I'm thinkin', ma'am
—I'll coax the ould Trojan to tell it all to Maureen
between times, and when she comes, you can get it
out of her." ^

"Why, Noddy! I'm surprised at you!— would
you have toe speak of such things, or hear them
from a mere girl."

" A mere girl ! Ha ! ha ! I ask your pardon for
laughin', ma'am, but you know nothing at all of
Maureen Dhu, or you'd know very well that you
might trust your life to her— she can keep a secret

266

MACBBBH DHU,

a« well as if she was fifty-olx never fear .0
trust Maureen, ma'am! for them that has seen
her from she was the height o' my knee conld
tell her any th5ng-any thing at all, maam! Bu
that's true-I was forgettin'-I wanted somethm
for that poor creature that had twins the other

^lirs. Fitzstephen was really very kind and chari-
table, and had many pensioners amongst the poor
of the neighborhood. In many cases as m this one.
Noddy was her almoner, and a very efficient one,
too, and Mrs. Fitzstephen, glad of an excuse for the
old woman's visit, in case it transpired, went direct-
W to the parlor, and told her daughter, who was
also interested in this poor woman. Between them
thev filled a small basket suitable to such an exi-
gency, and when it was handed to Noddy m the
hall, she thankfully stumped away, after heanng
Mrs. Fitzstephen's whisper : , a.

"Send the girl to-morrow atternoon-towards
evening if possible, as my son and daughters will be
from home-if the weather is sufficiently fine, they
are to dine with some friends a couple of miles out

in the country." .,

Noddy gave a consenting nod, trammed heavily
down the steps with her basket, Mrs. Fitzstephen
insieling on letting h':r out by the front door

When his mother returned mto the parlor Fitz-
stephen looked up n his book with a sigmficant
Bmilo The traces of tears were still plainly discern-

J
t
«
I

e<
n
a
3!
t(

THB admiral's DAUOHTER,

267

lever fear to
ibat has seen
ly knee, conld
ma'am 1 But
ited somethin'
rim the other

dnd and chari-
ongst the poor
s as in this one,
y efficient one,

I excuse for the
ed, wentdirect-
ghter, who was

Between them
to such an exi-
» Noddy in the
y, after hearing

srnoon — towards
laughters will he
siently fine, they
jple of miles out

tramped heavily
Mrs. Fifczstephen
front door,
the parlor, Fitz-
(rith a significant

II plainly discern-

' YouVe had a visit from Noddy,

ibie on her face,
mother."

" Yes 1 she came for something I promised her for
another person."

"I don't know what you would do, you ladies
without Noddy."

Both mother and daughter started and changed
color. Affecting not to notice their embarrassment,
Giles went on: "If Goldsmith's 'gaping rustics'
admired the.fathomless depth of the village master's
erudition, truly we may well stand aghast at the
mnount of intelligence locked up in Noddy's cranium.
Never was beggarwoman or any other woman the
repository of so many secrets. Eh, Margaret, what
say you?"

"Well! I really can't say much on the subject
Giles !" replied the sister, making a great effort to
appear indifferent; « I presume you speak from ex-
perience—can't you bear testimony yourself, now,
to Noddy's oracular powers ? See there now, moth-
er I I leave it to you if his face does not betray him.
Hal ha! you set traps for others, take care that
you are not caught yourself!"

" Nonsense, Margaret ! how your tongue does run
on! But I think you'll have the laugh all to your-
self this time;" and he glanced significantly at their
mother, who bent with an air of abstraction over
a portfolio of engravings which lay on the table.
Margaret made no answer, and finding it difficult
to keep up an appearance of composure she soon

iWMMi

268

IfAUBGES OHU,

after left the room, muttering something about a

headache.

For some moments after her departure not a word
was spoken in the parlor. Fitzstephen was appar-
ently engrossed with his book, and his mother with
the contents of the portfolio. This did not last
long, however, for Mrs. Fitzstephen was restless
and uneasy to a degree that she could not conceal.
" Giles 1" said she at last, with more petulance
than she ever before manifested, " I wish you would
lay aside your book— can you not devote a little
while to your mother ?"

" Certainly, my dear mother, if you wish it, but I
thought you were better pleased to see me intent
on>e book just now. You know I am always de-
sirous of doing your will— if I only knew it."

«' Giles," said his mother, with an emotion which
she was no longer able to conceal, " you have been,
and P.ce still, the best of sons— may God requite you,
and He will, for has He not promised His choicest
blessings to the obedient child? yes! you have been
my chief solace for many a weary year, but, tell me I
have you not, in your heart, accused me of coldness
and reserve, because there were subjects connected
with my early life on which I never talked to you ?
—tell me, my son was it not so ?" and sittting down
besi'le him, she threw one arm around his neck.

" Well ! mother, if truth must be told, I have had
from time to time some such undutiful thoughts,"
replied the son, in a tremulous voice, " but still I nev-

c
a
f
k

al
m
F

re
pa

ething about a

ture not a word
den was appar-
118 mother with
18 did not last
jn was restless
lid not conceal,
more petulance
wish you would
devote a little

ou wish it, but I
,0 see me intent

I am always de-
knew it."

n emotion which
" you have been,
God requite you,
sed Ilia choicest

I I you have been
rear, but, tell me 1
id me of coldness
bjects connected
r talked to you ?
and sittting down
md his neck,

3 told, I have had
lutifu) thoughts,"
e, " but still I nev-

THE ADMinAl/s DAUGHTER.

269

er blamed you, because I knew you must have had
some sufficient cause for a reserve so different from
your ordinary habits."

"Bless you, my son ! bless you for doing me so
much justice !? Giles, I have this night received in-
telligence which will, I think, justify me in speaking
to you of matters which I was, heretofore, obliged
to keep to myself "

"To '^urself and Noddy," said Giles, with a
smile which he could not repress.

" Precisely, my dear son, precisely— and that be-
cause Noddy was all along acquainted with the whole
affair— I never would have made her a confidante
from choice, although I must confess I have never
known her to betray the trust reposed in her."

There was silence for a few moments, during
which Mr«. Fitzstephen was evidently making up
her mind to what was still a painful task.

" Giles !" said she at length, "for the present it is
only to yourself I mean to open my mind— I may,
aaer a while, extend my confidence to the girls, but
not just yet. I suppose I need not tell you, Giles
Fitzstephen! that your father was not my first love?"
"I have long suspected as much, my dearest
mother."

"And tJe mysterious picture in the drawing
room—" she paused and looked into her son's face!

" I have further suspected it, too, madam, as rep-
resenting some one who had played an important
part ia the drama of your life !"

-JkiHk.

270

XACREEM DB0,

«« You arc right, my son, quite right ; the original
of that picture was Juan Gonzales, the plighted
lover of my early years-you look surprised, and
no wonder, for his name never crossed your lather a
lips or mine since the day we were married. 1 am
now going to tell you what part he J/(^play inmy
drama, as you say '.-there is still a cloud of mys-
tery overhanging his fate, but to-morrow may clear
it up a little further, and 1 will now tell you all I
know myself."

t
c
i

t
t
t

s]
d
e
e
S
tl
ai
fc

THK ADUIRU,'a DAUGHTER.

271

it ; the original
I, the plighted

Burprised, and
sd your father's
married. I am
did play in my

cloud of mys-
rrow may clear

tell you all I

CHAPTER ^.IV

The late dawn of the following morning found
the Claddagh all in commotion. Men, women and
children of every age were "alive and stirring," all
in the best possible humor with themselves and
others, all eager and expectant, in anticipation of
the glorious "take" awaiting every household net in
the still waters of the Bay. Tom Flaherty and
three or four others had been out all night, by Rivn-
dal's orders, coasting around in a small hooker, in
order to prevent trespassers from encroaching on
the fishing grounds until all should have a fair start
together.

"'Yhen day began to break, the waters and the
shores were alike enveloped in a dense fog, but this
did not at all trouble the fishermen, who, from long
experience, were "weather-wise," and could foretell
every atmospheric change with unerring precision.
So on they went, stowing on board what provisions
tliey required for their uncertain voyage — uncertain
as to its duration. Oaten cakes, fish and potatoes
formed the staple articles for every larder, vith a
quantity of spring water, which forms the only
drink of the Claddagh men during their aquatic ex-
cursions. On shore they are fond of something
stronger, it is true, but when at sea, they never per-
mit themeclves any, even the smallest quantity of

272

UAURSEN DHU,

"grog," or any other intoxicating liquor. The wo-
men were all in a state of excitement, very busy in-
deed, but appearing to be still busier. Running
messages to and fro, conveying the provisions and
other requirements for the voyage down to the boats,
halloing to their mates on board the boats, jostling
each other on shore in the fog with their respective
baskets and bundles, they were^*ws« in their element
and would have desired no better fun. On board
the boats the men were equally busy, and as the
various craft were provided with necessariee for
the expedition, they moved out to give place to oth-
ers, their movements being performed with an ease
and a quickness which were truly surprising, consid-
ering the density of the fog.

When the preparations were all completed, Ran-
dal sent a messenger up to the Priory to say so, and
only a few moments had elapsed when one of the
fathers was seen making his way down to the quay.
By this time the sun was rapidly dispelling the au-
tumnal mist, and the noble features of the scene
gradually coming into view, illumined by the hazy
splendor of the mellow sun-light.- The waters were
gleaming and glancing through the wreathing mist
which still lingered above them, and their rippling
Burwe made glad the hearts of the bold fishermen as
it broke against their tiny craft with a wild musio
all its own— and theirs. When at length the sun
shone out fairly above the horizon, and the last
shreds of the misty curtain vanished from eaith and

e
d
e
o
h
ei
m
ta
su
us

A(
trc
ad
iisl
th(
gei
alo

wai

blei

•rat adjiiral'8 daughter.

273

quor. The wo-
it, very busy in-
isier. Running
provisions and
)wn to the boats,
B boats, jostling
their respective
in their element
fun. On board
lusy, and as the
I necessaries for
ive place to oth-
led with an ease
irprising, consid-

completed, Ran-
ry to say so, and
vhen one of the
3wn to the quay,
impelling the au-
es of the scene
ned by the hazy
The waters were
6 wreathing mist
id their rippling
)old fishermen as
;h a wild music
length the sun
on, and the last
id from earth and

sea, a cheerful shout burst from the Claddagh boats
and was re-echoed from every surrounding height
where numbers of people were already stationed,
waiting to see "the start."

And it was a sight well worth seeing, and one not
easily to be forgotten. About that time the Clad-
dagh fleet numbered over five hundred boats of ev-
ery size, from the large, handsome hooker of thirty
or forty tons burden to the frail skiff, in which less
hardy sailors would fear to venture around the near-
est headland. Conspicuous amongst all was the Ad-
miral's hooker, with gay streamers floating from its
tall mast, and its white sail reflecting the roseate
sunbeams. The sails of all the others were of the
usual dull greyish color. Randal's alone was of
"full bleach," that being one of the prerogatives,
as It was also the distinctive mark, of his high office.
On the prow of his gaily-decked boat stood the
Admiral himself, his blue rug jacket, and coarse
trowsers, and glazed hat of a flat round shape, ex-
actly corresponding to the costume of the other
fishermen. Still there was a sort of rude dignity,
the effect of conscious power, in the attitudes and
gestures of the hale old man, as his quick eye glanced
along the line, and his stentorian voice directed the
motions of the different boats.

"Now, father," said Randal, when everything
was arranged to his satisfaction, "now, father, your
blessing before we start !"
Instantly every one of the fishermen bent a knee,

274

MArREEK DHtT,

and the good Dominican, raising hie voice and his
right hand, made the Bign of the cross over the
flfet and pronounced a blessing on the undertaking^
Faliara'sthesight was to ^m, Father Edward
was moved by the simple piety and earn««tjavth of
the sturdy fishermen, and his voice sank almost to
a whisper as he reached the last words of his pater-

°^;r::^:;::nce,overlookingtheBay^aboutmn^
way between the city and the Claddagh stood M
Fitzstephen with his mother on one arm and Char
lotte on the other, while Margaret was PW-S ««
her airs and graces for the especial benefit of Cap-
tain Hamilton, who had o^^ ^^ -"j ^^^^d
occasion, well pleased to have the Bpngj^^^y^"^
handsome young widow under his charge. That
the satisfaction was mutual, Margaret's sparkling
laity sufficiently indicated. The whole party
lere watching with the keenest interest the anima.
Ted sole before them, when a violent puffing, was
heard in the rear, and with it the shrill voice o
Hearty Hampton, declaring the sight wasn't worth
falf the trouble it cost. It evidently had cost Am
some bodily exertion, for chilly as the day was he
waTwipinghis face at a prodigious rate, as though
Te were very much incensed at it for perspiring so

unreasonably. . v, „a

»Well' well!" said be, "if ever you catch me

acrain undertaking two feminines when I go up a

hm to see sights-there now, Cecily !" to his sister,

ni
Pl

sli

re
an
an
an
po
ad
no
pr
he
siv
III
his
tol
nei
tl\(
f.'ja

i ^

THE admiral's DADOHTBR.

275

voice and his
cross over the
he undertaking.
Father Edward
earnest faith of
sank almost to
fds of his pater-
Bay, about mid-
iagh, stood Mr.
) arm and Char-
was playing off
[ benefit of Cap-
fa is arm for the
,e sprightly and
8 charge. That
raret's sparkling
he whole party
terest the anima-
)lent puffing, was
le shrill voice of
wht wasn't worth
itly had cost him
, the day was he
18 rate, as though
for perspiring so

rer you catch me

when I go up a

ily !" to his sister.

" I'm sure you may let my arm go now — why, bless
my soul ! Emily, my dear ! here are all the Fitzste-
phens !"

Emily affected to be much surprised, but the truth
was that her keen eye had detected that identical
group from the roof of a neighboring house, and very
slily indeed she had persuaded her father that there
was a much better view from the height in question.
Hampton's ill-humor quickly vanished, and with it
went his fatigue. He was, of course, very glad to
see the Fitzstephens, and one of the Fitzstephens
was very glad to see him. As for Giles and Marga-
ret, they, lam sorry to say, wished the new-comers
anywhere in the wide world but where -they were,
and that for reasons which to themselves appeared
amply sufficient. Fitzstephen, however, was far too
polished to appear disturbed or iucommoded by the
addition to the party, and Margaret's pride would
not suffer her to manifest any misgiving as to the
probable effect of Emily's more youthful charms on
her gay cavalier. Mrs. Fitzstephen was so exces-
sively rejoiced to see her very good friend Mr.
Hampton, on that occasion that, in order to enjoy
his cliarming company (-yhich, if truth must be
told, she usually set down as "a bore"), she must
needs take his arm, saying to his fair daughter at"
the same time, with a gracious and truly maternal
(tmile :

"There, cara mia, as I feel particularly good-
natured this morning, I will do both you and Giles a

276

UAURREN DBn,

favor;" and Bhe pointed to the vacant arm, which
her 801., of course, presented to the lady with a most
bland and courteous smile. It is hn- lly nocessary
to state that the offer was cheerfully accepted, but
It may be well to ol .rve, e» /Ja8«a«<, that whiUi
Emily stood there leaning on Fitzatephen's arm, she
was much more intent on looking out for laiiy-frienda
and acquaintances amongst the lookers-on, than m
watching the movements of the Claddagh fleet.
Her motive will be understood, doubtless, by all
young ladies who have ever been placi 1 in a similar
position on a similarly public occasion. As for the
Captain, he did certainly turn his head oftener than
Margaret wished, in the direction of la belle TTamp-
ton, as he styled her, but seeing hef after a while
hanging on Fitzstephen's arm, he said philosophi-
cally, and indeed legally concluded, that there was
little' use in poaching on another's preserves, and
that other Giles Fitzstephen, of whose stern reserve
and lofty ..earing the gallant Captain, tall as he was,
had a sort of instinctive awe that compelled him to
keep his distance. Besides, if th<; lady on his arm
was not quite so young, she was certainly quite as
attractive in other respects, ai*d in manner had de-
cidedly the advantage, and somehow she had already
obtained a hold on HamUton's heart of which he was
not himself aware. So on the whole, he was well
content to leave the new-comer to Fitzstephen, so
long as the merry little widow fell to his own good
keeping.

g
n

b«
in

w]
rei
ca
yo

"It

St.'

fro
<

eer
del
po6
tic<

i__

THK ADMIRAl/8 DADOHTER,

277

iai arm, which
idy wilb a most
! Jly noceBBary
accepted, but
ant, that whil«
•phen'fl arm, she
forlaily-friends
terfl-on, than in
Claddagh fleet.
oubtlesH, by all
ac( ^ in a similar
ion. As for the
jad oftener than
Ha belle Tlamp-
it after a while
Baid philoaophi-
, that there was
3 preserves, and
ose stern reserve
in, tall as he was,
iompelled him to
lady on his arm
ertainly quite as
manner had de-
w she had alread y
t of which he was
lole, he was well
3 Fitzstephen, so
I to his own good

"There— there, Charlotte!" cried Fitzstephert,
"Bee, there's the admiral's boat in motion— see tlio
fine old man how well he looks, standini^on the prow
with his two noble boys beside him !— be has just
given the sii^'nal for t..'iiliM5r!__;vliat hooker is that

next to his V ha ! th a; . >au DriscoU's "

" What a splendid-looking young fellow that is to
be sure I" observed < Charlotte, in her cool way; "and
so th is Shan Driscoll, who is to marry the flower
of the (Jladdagh!"

" Nonsense, Charlotte I one would think you had
been taking lessons from Noddy Kinshela, yon speak
in such an oracular tone."

" Why, w!.at harm did I say, Giles '—but tell me
Where's Brian Kineely ?— somehow 1 have a great
respect for that young man ever since I aw ' m
carry his aged parent to the church— do .eil me if
you see him ?"

■' Brian Kinoely !" repeated her bi '^er slowly,
"let me see!" and he cast his eyes alon^- the now
moving line; " I fear I shall not be able" to satisfy
your curiosity, Charlotte, for I really cannc see him.
Stay— yes, I do— there, there he is— the fourth boat
from Randal's on this side."

" What a crowd of women and children !" ob-
served Emily; "wild-looking creatures, I protest-
dear me I Mrs. Fitzstephen, only look at them 1 why
positively they are quite primitive in their red pet-
ticoats and blue jackets."
"There's one, Miss Hampton!" said the Captain

278

MACREBN DHC,

suddenly, and ho pointed with hi. finger, one that
uught Hervo as a model for painter or sculptor-
ncilher Grecian chisel nor Italian pencil over exceed-
ed that naiad.-' , ,, . • „„,i »
Fitzstephen turned short on the Captam and a
cold smile curled his thin lip. " You speak warmly.
Captain ! I dare say you have recognued m that
naiad, as you call her, your partner m the ^ance on

Midsummer Night ?" ^m^^^'a

The slightest possible flush suflfused the officer s
brow-his face was an English one, and had at all
times, a sufficiency of color. "Well, upon my honor
Fit^stephen I I did 7iot recognize the girl, but, it ap
pears, others were not so."

«' And yet you had good cause to remember her,
persisted the other, regardless of Margaret's imp or-
ing look, and Charlotte's gentle pressure of his arm,
"you clnnot surely have forgotten your fo.ced
march into town that night, and the cold bath ad-
ministered by Brian Kineely yonder, not to speak of
anything more serious-you will not easily persuade
us that yon have forgotten Maureen Dhu ?

The an..ry response hovering on Hamilton's lips
was prevented by Mrs. Fitzstephen, who, bearing
Maureen's name, came eagerly forward asking :
«' Where ? where ? which is Maureen Dhu {

"Why there she is ma'am!" said Emily Hamp-
ton- " a conspicuous object she is, too, in her oriental
coslume ! See where she stands, a little in advance
of the other women looking for all the world hke

'mi^-

m^m.-

**:• '!f

[ngcr, " one that
sr or Bculptor —
ncilevorexoeed-

3 Captain and a
m speak warmly,
(Cognized in that
■ in the 'flance on

nBed the officer's
p, and bad, at all
1, upon my honor,
be girl, but, it ap-

to remember her,"
(Iargaret'8 implor-
pBSure of his arm;
tten your forced
the cold bath ad-
ler, not to speak of
lot easily persuade
en Dhu ?"
)n Hamilton's lips
ihen, who, hearing

forward, asking :
•een Dhu ?
said Emily Hamp-
, too, in her oriental
, a little in advance

all the world like

ssmji^iL^.

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut canadien de microreproductions historiques

THE ADMIBAI.'a DAUGHTER.

279

Bomet.liing fixed in a field to frighten crows ! She
wants to show off that fine figure of hers, to turn the
heads of the young fishermen. I think she miffht put
something around her shoulders such a day as this.
It makes one cold to look at her, she's so long and
thin."

Fitzstephen turned a withering glance of scorn on
the envious belle that brought the red blood to her
peachy cheek. What he was about to say might
for ever have annihilated Emily's hopes, but the
bitter words were left unsaid, for just at the mo-
ment a diversion was made that sent anger to the

winds.

"Is this yours, Miss?" asked Noddy Kinshela,
from behind, holding out to the disengaged and
mortified young lady, one of those elastic machines
ingeniously contrived for the disfigurement of
nature's fair handiwork, the female form.

" Get away out of that with it !" cried the fair
Emily, pale and red by turns; «' its none of mine V

" But I tell you, it is Miss ! Didn't I see it drop-
pin' from you as you came up the hill ?"

The Captain and Fitzstephen turned away their
heads partly from politeness, partly in order to con-
coal the smile which they could not repress. This
Emily perceived, and her distress increased accord-
ingly. Her father, hitherto engaged in conversation
with Mrs. Fitzstephen, had not noticed the occur-
rence, but Emily quickly challenged his attention.

" Father, do send this nasty old woman away !"

280

MAUREKH DHD,

« What I what is it. Emily ?" said Hftmpton, cora-

'" " Whv'sir. I'm doiu' no harm in life," said Noddy
very innocently ; « I'm only givin' Miss Emily back
Bomethin' I found belongin' to her. Bedad myself
doesn't well know what to call it," and Noddy hold-
ing it up 80 that all might have a good view, affec -
ed to examine it very attentively ; " I b'heve itB
something that the ladies wear to make hips on
them, like-Miss Fitzstephen, I needn't be askm if
its yours," said the malicious old woman, for i see
you'r shaped sometUng like that girl be ow on the
beach that Miss Emily was makin' so little of in re-
gard to her bein' a whippin' post, or a scarecrow, or
something that way. 1 suppose, now, it 8 some o
the English fashions Miss Emily brought over to us
—well! well! it's no wonder my head is gray, any-

^°A gentle "hush, Noddy, hush!" from Charlotte,
and a sharper rebuke from her mother were, alike,
unavailing-the old woman's caustic humor was
welling out in yet more bitter sarcasm when Emily
unexpectedly reached out her hand, and snatching the
unlucky bwale from the shrivelled hand that held it,
pitched it as far as its own lightness would permit it
to go in the direction of the water.

« It won't do, you see," said the imperturbable
beggarwoman; "it won't leave you so easy as you
think-i«'« not ashamed 6f its owner, though its
owner is of it I'

IHftmpton, corn-
life," said Noddy
Miss Emily back
•. Bedad myself
and Noddy hold-
good view, afFect-
j " I b'lieve it's
to make hips on
jedn't be askin' if
ivoman, " for I see
girl below on the
' so little of in re-
or a scarecrow, or
now, it's some of
)rought over to us
head is gray, any-

['» from Charlotte,
nother were, alike,
aastic humor was
rcasm when Emily
1, and snatching the
i hand that held it,
ess would permit it
ter.

the imperturbable
ou so easy as you
owner, though it's

THE admiral's DACOHTKR.

281

" I'll tell you what it is, my old dame !" said
Hampton, taking her by the shoulder, "if you don't
march from here in double quick time I'll hand you
over to the police."

*' Arrah I you wouldn't be so cruel. Hearty honey!"
said Noddy, with a mocking laugh; "is it to send me
to the black-hole you'd do, avourneen, forgivin' back
your daughter's what-dye-call-it ? — why ! man alive,
here's Mister Fit2Btephen, your son-in-law that's to
be — ahem ! — sure he's a magistrate, now, an' knows
the law well, an' I'll lave it to him if I misbehaved
myself in any one way."

Fitzstephen turned and assuming a sternness of
manner that his smiling look belied, he ordered Nod-
dy to "take herself off, or he would be under the
necessity of showing her that some articles of pro-
perty are not t -^ be returned when found, any more
than truth ii, always to be told, which you know.
Noddy ! my good woman ! is not always the case !"

" Well, sir," said Noddy, in a very deferential
tone, and with a gravity assumed, like his own; "well,
sir, I'm agreeable to whatever you say — but sure you
wouldn't hinder me from seein' the sight, more than
another !"

" Certainly not — if you'll only keep— the peace."
And he turned again to look at the boats. They were
just sailing, and a hearty cheer from the spectators
on every height rang out over the waters as a " God-
speed," to which the fishermen replied by another
cheer, in their own peculiar fashion.

•m

282

MAUREEN DBC,

Fitzstephen and the Captain took off their hats
and joined in the cheer, for there was no resiBting
the inspiration of the moment.

"Why. Captain r said Mrs. Behan, with a g»y
laugh, "do I live to see you take off your hat to the

Cladd ashmen?" „^

"Upon my honor," replied the officer, "I must
plead guilty to a sort of liking for those fellows
rough and all as they are. I may well afford o
tatf off my hat to them, for I should not be here to
do it were it not for one of them. What is that ?-
what are they about now ?"

No answer was returned, for every eye was fixed
on one of the large hookers which, breaking from
the line, was making for the shore.

"WhoM that?" cried Fitzstephen, as a young
man darted from the boat to the land, and bent one
Tnee to the ground. « As Hive, itisBnan Kmeely
_and-what ! he kneels to Maureen 1

«No, your honor," said Noddy Kinshela from
behind: "he does no« kneel to Maureen,-though
^a'be it isn't his heart 'id hindher him^ It's his
ould granny, sir, that's stannin' close to Maureen,-
don't you see now?-ah I may the Lord mark you
tith g'race,Brianastore ! it's you wouldn't go a hout
her blessin' 1 He forgot to ask it, you ^ee, goin out^
as it's customary with them all, an' he put in agam
when he thought of it." vr >»«a?^

« That is the very fellow that saved my life, said
the Captain, "and see-the girl gives him her hand.

THE ADUIRAL's DIDQHTER.

288

)ok off their hats
■was no resisting

ehan, with a gay
off your hat to the

e officer, " I must
for those fellows,
lay well afford to
)uld not be here to
What is that ? —

very eye was fixed
ich, breaking from

re.

ephen, as a young

) land, and btnt one

jitisBrianKineely

iveen !"

Idy Kinshela, from
Maureen,— though
dher him. It's his
close to Maureen,—
the Lord mark you
u wouldn't go athout
it, you see, goin' out,
, an' he put in again

; saved my life," said
gives him her hand."

" I say, old lady !" addressing himself to Noddy,
"you who seem to know these people so well, what
the deuce is there about yonder damsel that fascin-
ates all tbe beaux of these parts ?" And he glanced
furtively at Fitzatephen.

" Well, the sorra know myself knows, Captain 1"
returned Noddy with great apparent simplicity; " it
isn't the bustle she wears, anyhow. Faix I'd advise
you to keep out of her way yourself, your honor, or
maybe the bird-lime that's about her 'id catch you
too. Here's Misther Hampton, for all so sosh an'
'sponsible lopkin' as you see him, I'll bet my ould
cloak again your honor's fine blue coat that he got
a blink afore now from that same evil eye. To him-
self an' the green stone be it tould."

Every eye was, of course, turned on Hampton,
and the blank astonishment visible on his homely
features was only equalled by the drollery of Noddy's
grotesque countenance, as she looked from one to
the other with eyes full of mischief.

"Is it I?" cried Hampton, almost choking be-
tween anger, horror, and confusion; "why, you unfor-
tunate old wretch ! I never — I never "

" Oh I that is easy said, Mr. Hampton 1" said
Fitzstephen, with difficulty refraining from joining
in the general laugh. " But you know Noddy is
quite an authority in these matters."

"Mr. Fitzstephen " said Hampton^ solemnly, " I
pledge you my word of honor, I don't know the girl
from Adam 1"

3>*

284

MADBBKN DHIT,

"Bah Mr. Hampton!" Baid Noddy, as she gath-
ered her' oUl cloak'about her for a Btart. "sure what
ese ^ouldyou «ay-doeBn't your own pur y face
t ladiffereL Btory?-ah then. Miss Em.ly don t
be throwin' Bich sour looks at me, if you plase!-
keeo thl all for Mister Fitzstephen !-^c, now,
avourne" an' don'tbemakin'littleof sich asweet.
Tarlh " pa" as they are. tryin' to turn an old beggar-
tomau into vinegar with them! Mrs. Behan
TaW it's proud an' happy I am to see you m
Schloa company-hut take c^re o the captatn
rXmdearlXsworthawatchin' mmditely u^

-though. I b'lieve he's about the best of the tnbe,
7^TS Mr. Fitzstephen! my advice to you .s.
sk to ke P clear of the busttes-il^ej Ba.l too fast
vou honor !-I mane them that wears them-wel !
Tb' ieveTt^ time I wasn't here!-this 'ont get the
Lainl'tay or the Bmoke o' tobacco for me-my
f^Z to you all, genteels !" And with a very pre-
lioas cu'rtsey. Noddy and ^er trusty staff wer
moving off in Indian file, when Fitzstephen laugh
r/he!rtilv at the general "rub" she had so inge-
isyg^^^^^^^^ roL, drew himself away from be^
weel Charlotte and Emily and following the o d
woman placed a piece of silver in her hand tellmg
Cr in a low voice : " That will get you both."
'^:/i::ni so.your honor! may the YrnvTa^U
vou! for many's the time you supplied my wants

I fo e^ike a rile gentleman, as yo;-^ '•" j^r "!
her voice, Bhe added in a tone of deep feeling, I

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

286

ly, na 8he gath-
art, " sure what
own party face
98 Emily! don't
if you plase!—
phml— do now,
e of sioh a sweet,
rnanoldbeggar-
[ Mrs. Behan,
n to see you in
•e o' the captain,
, mind I tell you 1
best of the tribe,
advice to you is,
ley sail too fast,
ears them— well !
•this 'ont get the
icco for me— my
i with a very pre-
trusty staff were
Itzstephen laugh-
• she had so inge-
self away from be-
foUowing the old
a her hand, telling
et you both."
the Lord reward
luppUed my wants
ouare!" lowering
)f deep feeling, " I

wish I knew what was for your good, an' I'd wish it
to you with all my heart — but go back, your honor !
don't stand a minute, there's sharp eyes on you there
behind ! — you have my prayers an' good wishes,
anyhow! — more power, Captain ! I always tuk you
for a sprig of the rale quality I" and she stooped to
pick up a silver shilling which the officer threw after
her with a good-natured laugh.

Hampton looked as if he were almost shamed into
bestowing a trifle on the satirical beggar-woman, but
still his heart hindered him, and he stood irresolute,
rattling the silver in his breeches pockets with both
hands. Even this did not escape Noddy, and after
she had pocketed the Captain's gratuity, she made
an ironical curtsey to Hampton.

"Mushin, thank you kindly, Misther Hampton!
sure it's what I didn't expect from you, anyhow.
Oh 1 then, I beg your pardon, sir, sure I thought it's
what you were goin' to reach your hand to me for
onst in your life — but never mind, budJagh aroon !
never mind ! sure I know what a grip the money
has on you — it's hard to part you an' it !"

" Really, papa !" said Emily, when Noddy was
out of hearing, "I would give that old beldame up
to the police, if I were in your place ! — it was but
the other day she insulted you on the public street,
just because you refused her charity ! "

A look from the prudent father silenced the
amiable daughter, and from that time nothing mora
was said to disturb the general peace. The Clad-

286

MAOnEBK DHU,

daffli fleet was now Bomo distaneo down the Bay
imnff on Bteadily together, for as yet jt had m>
Sd the fl^hing grounds, whore -h^- ;^^-
its own way in quest of the finny tribes, following
trntl/reelcs'or coves, -^-ver they .ay ta e
shelter. It was a sight of great beauty and no
sma ntere8t.and the highest aristocracy of the
r and 'ts vi inity derived as much pleasure fro.n
Hching the vast flotilla of fishing-boats moving
Tawa d^rom the shore, as though it had been the
Jayestand most briUiant regatta ever planned for
fhJir amusement. The semi-annual eo«oe -
of the great herring fishery at the Claddagh is al
ways a'cene of public interest, and for that day at
Teast. the citizens are proud of their marme suburb
and the eallant show it makes.

Some % our party on the hill would -^1 -S^^ ^-J
walked along by the sea-shore under P-^-^^f ^"^
7ovinff the fineness of the day and the beauty of the
tceneTbut Fitzstephen had an appomtment, U ap-
Tared which demanded his speedy return to town,
Td hil mother all at once remembered some shop-
ping which must be done that afternoon. It is prob
K that if Giles had consented to remain, the shop-
;bt m^ht not have been of such pressing moment
bu °wTen he was willing to resign the fair Emily to
the pate^al arm. the good lady bad no inducement

'^TlTstorWinter's day was drawing to a close,
and the Claddagh women had all betaken them-

THR ADUIIIAL's DAUGIITKR.

287

J down the Bay,
IS yet it had not
3 each boat takes
tribes, following
rer they may take
,t beauty and no
n-istooracy of tho
ich pleasure from
ling-boats moving
»h it had been tho
i ever planned for
lal commencement
he Claddagh is al-
nd for that day, at
leir marine suburb

ould willingly have
ider pretence of en-
d the beauty of the
appointment, it ap-
ed y return to town,
jmbered some shop-
ternoon. It is prob-
to remain, the shop-
jh pressing moment,
gn the fair Emily to
r had no inducement

drawing to a close,
i all betaken them-

selves to tho preparation of the evening meal, al-
though there was little cliauce of " tho bread win-
ners " being back " in any time to eat it." They
were all busily engaged, however, in their culinary
avocations, wlien Vara Ilalliday and her grand-
daughter might have been seen conferring together
at the east end of the village, being that nearest the
city. They were both wrapped in largo woollen
shawls thrown over the head and partly shading the
face. Maureen had on her best merino dress, of a
dark crimson color, and her small feet, plainly visi-
ble, were encased in prunella boots, a thing by no
means in common use amongst even the belles of
the Claddagh. It was pretty evident that the girl
was attired with more care than usual, and her
grandmother, moving back a step or two, surveyed
her with a look of mingled pride and fondness that
one could hardly expect from so stern a nature.

♦' Well, acushla !" said the old woman, " you had
best be goin' anyhow. It's one thing they can't
make little of you as you stand— my own darlin'
needn't hang her head afore the best lady in Galway
town. But listen hither, avourneen I Noddy tells
me they have his picture somewhere in the house —
if we could only get a sight of it, I'd be well pleased
— I'd know him any whore I'd see him, and Noddy
says it's tho born image of him. Maybe some of the
sarvants 'id get us a peep at it some time when the
qiiality's out of the way."

" Maybe so, graimy ! — I'm sui'o I'd have a wish to

MACRKEM one,

fee it rnyHelf on account of buarin' bo much about
tlie gentleman." _

"Don't ask the raadnm, anybowl" said Vara,
calling after Maureen ; "just «ay aa little as you can.
When she asks to see the cross, show it to her, an
mind you turn your back while she's lookiu' at it.
An' another thing, Maureen! see an' bo nice an
mannerly, an' not let the lady have it to say that
Kandal Moro's daughter didn't know bow to behave
herself decently. God bless you, avourneen ! 111^
be in, God wilUn', about an hour after dark, an
you'll find mo waitin' at Noddy Kinshela's below!
I declare to my heart, here's Nanno. creepin' along

like ft Bnail !" „ . ,

"Run! run and bring her back, granny, saul
Maureen walking rapidly on ; " I wouldn't have her
follow me, poor thing ! for a mint o' money !

"Vara!" said the child, as she and the old woman
trotted along together, " I'd like to go with Mau-
reen-maybe she'll see the fair lady with the curled

"What lady is that, alanna maohree ?— sure
there's many a lady like that in Gal way town."

" Oh why ! sure I mean the purty lady that came
in the coach that Sunday with the dark gentleman
-oh! I'd like to see that lady, for all she never
looks at poor Nanno."

" Well ! I don't think Maureen 'H see her this
time, anyhow. But listen to me, Nanno," and the
old woman bent down over the child; "Maureen

THE admiral's DAUOnTBR.

289

n' so much about

now I" 8ft»<l "Vara,
aa little as you can.
Hhow it to her, an'
she's lookiii' at it.
;o an' bo nice an'
mve it to say that
now how to behave
n, avourneen ! I'll
^ur after dark, an'
Kinshela's below!
inno, creepin' along

lack, granny," said
I wouldn't have her
nt o' money 1"
) and the old woman
lie to go with Mau-
ady with the curled

ina maohree? — sure
Galway town."
party lady that came
the dark gentleman
y, for all she never

reen '11 see her this
me, Nanno," and the
Lhe child; "Maureen

wai at your house last night, an' I'd wish to know
what passed betwixt herself an' Shan."

" There diiln't much pass, then, that I seen," said
the little girl, with an air of recollection that sat
strangely enough on one of her years; " my granny
done her best to get Maureen to talk, but she
wouldn't, all she could do, when oust Shan came in.
When Maureen was goin' away, Shan said he'd
leave her a piece — an' when ho came back a good
little while after, you'd think he wasn't the same
man he lotjced so joyful."

"Do you' tell me so, Nanno?'' ejaculated Vara,
in a tone of astonishment.

" Well, I do, then — an' — stoop your head lower
Vara!"

Vara took the child up in her arms, anc* . '.en she
whispered : " He asked mo how I'd like to have
Maureen come an' live with us."

"He did now?"

" He did, indeed ! — them's the very words he said,
an' then he began to talk to my granny in the Sas-
senach tongue, so I couldn't know what he was
sayin'. Oh ! loouMiiH I be glad if Maureen 'id come
to our house !" — and the elfin child clapped her little
hands with exuberant glee ; " still an' all — " she
stopped.

" What were you goin' to say, achorra ?"

"Well! it jist came into ray head about some-
body else that maybe wouldn't like it over well."

290 ■ iiATJBBKN nntj,

"Kit's Brian yoa mane, davlin', you might swear

that!" , , , , , ,

"No, it isn't Brian I mane, hut— look 1 look !

Vara isn't that Borneo' the boat's corain' in?"
« I'delare to ray sins hut it is, child ! an' I must

v.nrry home to get the supper, raaybe it's Randal

iiimself."

you miglit swear

but— Icok! look!
3 comin' in ?"
child ! an' I must
naybe it's Randal

THK admiral's DAUGHTER. 291

CHAPTER XV.

Mrs. FiTzsTEniEx's elegant parlor was a scene al-
together new and strange to Maureen O'Hara, and
during the few moments that she was obliged to
wait, she was busily occupied taking notes of what
she-saw. The approaching interview she looked
forward to with anything but pleasure, having a
very natural dread of the presence of " a lady." It
may be liere premised that in Ireland, as in all the
other old countries, ladies are by no means so com-
mon as they are on this western side of the Atl"ntic.
There certain properties are required to constitute
a lady ; for instance, birth and breeding, with the
accident oi fortune — the latter, in Ireland especially,
is not absolutely necessary, but the two former are,
to a certain extent, and one of them, viz. : breeding
or education, is so essential to the character, that
failing it, the other two are comparatively valueless.
The term, indeed, in those older countries, has a
signification — a positive meaning — which in this
New World is wholly lost sight of, and the conse-
quence is that it is here falling into disuse and the
general terra woman applied as more honorable and
more distinctive.*

* In Ireland or any other E^'opean country, tou would never
hear of " the lady next door who takes in waslilnsc," *' the younjf
lady vrUo docs the chamber-work," or " the gentleman round the
corner who mends boots."

M^^^S^s^S<j^

■ . viiUiini—MMJ»'i>ii'i "i wM^il^s^-^'i^iMiSmAS^.i^.i^-^^i^i^img^

292

MAUREEN DHU,

To Maureen's simple mind, then, « a lady" was a
great, personage, placed at an awful ^iBtance above
her in the social scale, and, moreover, she had early
invbibed so exalted an idea of the f'itzBtephen ele-
vation generally that each member of the family
was surrounded with a halo of dignity. Being in-
troduced to the interior of their dwelling m nowise
lessened, but rather increased this feeling, and i
was. therefore, with a sort of mysterious awe that
the young Claddagh girl awaited the entrance of
Mrs. Fitzstephen. When she did make her appear-
arce there was something so affable, so free and
easy, as it were, in her demeanor, that a very few
minutes sufficed to restore to Maureen a portion oi
that modest, and yet firm self-reliance which was

"inhe^h'ort conversation which took place, an
unforeseen difficulty arose. Neither spo^e enough
of the other's language to convey or receive much
information. The advantage was on the side ot
Maureen, who knew more of the English tongue
thanMrs. Fit7.8tephendidofher8.

« I understand you have got a cross,' said the
lady going right into the subject, « which was
gVvei your gLdmother by a Spanish gentle-

lan "
« i have the cross, ma'am !-you like to see it-

to see if you know it 1" " ,

MaureL drew the relic from ^-^^^^^.^^^^^^

capping asunder the black cord on which it huug

' a lady" was a
distance above
r, she had early
Fitzstephen ele-
r of the family
lity. Being in-
elUng in nowise
feeling, and it
erious awe that
the entrance of
lake her appear-
)le, 80 free and
that a very few
een a portion of
iance which was

I took place, an
If spoke enough
or receive much

on the ftide of
English tongue

cross," said the
set, " which was
Spanish gentle-

II like to see it—

her bosom, and
)n which it hung

THi admiral's daughter.

293

handed it to Mrs. Fitstephen who at sight of it
turned pale and her hand trembled as she took it.

" Ah ! my God !" she sighed as she sank on a seat
with her eyes fixed on the little silver crucifix, a
curious specimen of antique workmanship; "ab, my
God I it is indeed the same ! his heart must have
been overflowing with gratitude when he gave that,
for I know — I know he valued it highly. Ah Juan !
friend ! companion of my happy youth ! never,
never forgoLtea ! why did I not know that you
were so near me — sick, lonely and deserted ! — oh !
that I had but known — even Arnold Fitzstephen
could not have objected — for shame he could not
— to my ministering to you then ?" She had for-
gotten for a moment the presence of Maureen, till
a slight noise made by the latter caused her to start,
and then checking by a sudden effort the tears
which were falling thick and fast from her eyes,
she said without raising her eyes :

" Girl ! this belonged to a dear friend of mine —
\tnll you sell it ?"

" No, ma'am !" said Maureen, with a hauteur that
made the lady glance toward her in surprise ; " no,
ma'am ! I give it to you, but not for money — it was
given to us, we wouldn't sell it."

" Do you mean to say, my girl ! that yoa will
make me a present of it ?"

" Yea, ma'am, my granny said so and I'm will-
ing."

" Well, really, I am at a loss how to thank you.

294

MAUREEN DHTJ,

It is a thing I could not cxpoct from strangers
U deepl/sensible of your WndnesB and would
wish to do something in return, ^^ P^-^^^^J .. ^^^^
«0h ma'am 1" said Maureen with a smile the
daddach people have a liking for you all-Mr
Fzste;hen is agood friend to the C ^f f ^/,
can't do much, but we know our ^-d- J^^^^J
goin',if you please, ma'am, for it 11 be darKV y

''«But, Maureen!" said Mrs. ^itzstephen. rising
u>f difficulty from her seat, "is there nothing 1
•with dimcuiiy n^^ aiii>__i want to do

can do for you-nothing at all?--l want

Bomelhing, if yon'U only ^Uow me

.c There is something, ma'am ! but 1 m ateara

too much to as^l" . ,__j. ^^^ to ask,

♦'Tell me, my child 1 what it is . lear
for I promise beforehand to grant your request
''u\?H mi'am!" said Maureen, « somebody old

„.y Iranny about a pioture-a picture of him that

gave the cross— and

::« uS""'! it-it i' -" p"»<" •"* "'"■

. TkSa. a«» certain.;, cH.d. ,on .Wl ^
it Comemth me.b«t mind you m.k« « Wile

.totpea .nd ,a. taVmg off her Aoee. She »e,e

from strangers,
dness, and would
possible !"
ith a emile, " the
for you all — ^^r-
eCladdagh. We
■ friends. I'll be
t '11 be dark very

'itzstepben, rising
8 there nothing I
17 — I want to do

e."

jut I'm afeard it's

} I ^fear not to ask,

,t your request."
in, "somebody told

picture of him that

pleasin'," said Mau-

child, you shall see
you make as little

1."

I staircase Maureen
jr shoes. She never
,he said. Mrs. Fitz-
•od and yet she could

THE admiral's DACGHTKR,

295

hardly keep from smiling. But still she did pre-
serve her gravity, and succeeded in convincing
Maureen that it was only necessary for her to wipe
her feet on the mat. She then conducted her to the
drawing-room, and having pointed out Juan's pic-
ture, whispered that she would leave her alone for
a few minutes.

The few minutes, as it happened, turned out to
be a full half-hour, or more, but Maureen did not
mind the lapse of time, for if the parlor had excited
her admiration, the drawing-room filled her with
amazement. Her imagination had never conceived
anything so grand, so beautiful as the scene around
her; and as she gazed on the rich furniture, the
countless ornaments of taste and value, the gorge-
ous colors of the Persian carpet, the graceful dra-
pery of the windows, and all the rare trifles which
go to make up the decorations of a modern drawing
room, she almost believed herself transported to
another world — such a world as little Nanno used
to dream of. At last her eye returned to that Span-
ish portrait, and her lips parted with a bright smile,
and her dark eyes beamed with sportive animation,
as it were, reflecting the character of the sunny
face on the canvass.

" Well ! I'm sure it's no wonder she loved him —
that Miss Ellie 1" she said, within herself ; ** Miss
EUie, indeed ! — sure I partly guessed who it was all
along — avoch ! avoch ! wasn't he mighty pleasant
an' well-favored I — I'm tbinkin', Master Spaniard,

296

MAnSBKN DRTT,

your purty facewasuotalwayaaa bright as that— bad
manners to them eyes of yours, but they'd make me
laugh whether I would or no !"

Having given sufficient attention to the picture
which sh° had been so anxious to get a sight of,
Maureen moved stealthily on— as though fearful of
detection— to another portrait and then to another,
making her comments on each, sometimes half audi-
bly till at length she reached that of Arnold Fitz-
Btephen, and there she stopped. A sudden change
came over her beautiful features— a glow, as it were,
of glad surprise ; she clasped her hands together
and stood looking up into tlie pictured face with a
dreamy, thoughtful air that was neither sad nor joy-
ful, though it partook of both. The light was, by
this time, waxing faint, giving a shadowy, misty
look to the dark face on the canvass, and Maureen
felt as though the eyes were animated, yet she
shrank not from their cold, fixed stare. Like the
basilisk that picture attracted her she knew not
why, and though her cheek lost its rich hue, and
her lustrous eyes grew dim and glassy, still she

looked on. . , , . vi j

All at once she started, blushed, and trembled ;
between her and the portrait glided the living form
of Giles Fitzstephen. his fine face radiant with
smiles and his hand outstretched to greet Maureen.
Almost mechanically she gave him her hand,
though it was withdrawn almost as soon as given.
«I don't believe I ought to shake hands with

I
r
I
I

■V

e
ft

ir
It
oc

tb
ca

w!
all
fai

Fi
sii

W^^f^Mfiri^^

IiiiiiirTiTiffiimffiifTf"'--

THE admiral's daughter.

297

I'M as that— bad
they'd make me

n to the picture
I get a sight of,
though fearful of
then to another,
etimes half audi-
of Arnold Fitz-
^ sudden change
I glow, as it were,
r hands together
tured face with a
jitbersadnorjoy-
rhe light was, by

shadowy, misty
ass, and Maureen
.nimated, yet she

stare. Like the
ler she knew not
, its rich hue, and
L glassy, still she

3d, and trembled ;
ed the living form
face radiant with
to greet Maureen.
J him her hand,
as soon as given,
shake hands with

you here," he said, "when you have more than once
refused to shake hands with me in the Claddagh.
I see you are surprised by mj sudden appearance—
I have no time now to explain it, for my mother
will be here in a few minutes. Tell me only, Mau-
reen ! why I found you gazing so earnestly on that
picture— my father's ?"

" Your father's," Maureen repeated, slowly, her
eyes again rivetted on the picture; "so it's your
father's, sir!— well! I don't know— there's some-
thing in that face that I like to look at. Oh yes! I
could look at that for hours !"

Fitzstephen turned for a moment to the window
before he spoke again, and when he did speak his
voice was low and tremulous. "And what is there
in that face to attract one so young, so full of life?
It is a dark face, Maureen ! dark, and stern, and
cold, there is passion there," ho added in a still
lower tone, as if to himself; "but you cannot see it,
Maureen ! why do you like that picture more than
the others ?"

" Well ! I can't tell you that, sii- !— maybe it's be-
cause I'm fond of the dark lonesome night, and the
storm, and the thunder,— I like them better than
what's bright an' sunny. But that's a fine picture
all out !— wisha. Mister Fitzstephen ! wasn't your
father mighty like yourself?"

" Or rather J'm mighty like my father," said
Fitzstephen, with that smile which gave such a
singular charm to his countenance ; " but never

298 MAnRKKN DHU,

.•;„d the picture now.Maureen t I wanted to «p^ak
to you for the last time about the fishery,
think there is no hope of our succeeding ?

At the same time he took a seat "---;j"^f 7;.
and motioned for Maureen to take one at bc,- d.
tance Maureen, however, remained «tandmg, be
r«nwilUn.r to sit in such a place and m such a
pri nle Sl.e also moved nearer the door, so that
r the deepening twilight, her figure alone was

" « Wdl I I don't know, your honor '-there's some
of them beginnin' to come round a Uttle, an' them
we thouffht the worst, too.'

« Why, how is that, Maureen ? Does your fath-
pr bewin to hear reason ?"

"«0l no I sir, my father's just the -me as ever-
you know he forbid me ever to speak to bxm aga n
Ibout it, so I daren't do it after that-oh 1 no. sir.

^^'^L^nilnSThlsi^et. ..ShanDris^U"
he exc med, "can it be POB-^le ?-and pray Mau-
reen! how did you bring him round, h.m of all
^Twlll! -,itwasn'tmethatbroughthimround
at all, only when he seen me so eager for t he be
L anftpn a bii —poor Shan did, sir! an ne
^ M he II d-" Bhe pa'used, fingered at her shawl.

remaining.

Bte
yo

lig
ast

ful

oc<

m(
tw
an

Fil

vo
sai
wl
yo
hu

th^
Ms
ad

THR admiral's DAUOHTRR.

299

wanted to speak
e fishery. You
eding ?"
near a -window,
one at some dis-
ed standing, be-
ce and in such a
the door, bo that
igure alone was

or '.—there's some
a little, an' them

Does your fath-

,he same as ever—

peak to him again

that — oh ! no, sir,

"Shan Driscoll !"
3 ?— and pray Mau-
round, him of all

brought him round,
eager for it he be-
lt did, sir! an' he
gered at her shawl,
she need not have
y a gleam of Ugbt

"Go on !" said Fitzstephon, in an imperioun tone,
"what did he say?"

" I'm not goin' to tell you now. Mister Fitz-
Stephen !" said Maureen, proudly; " what right have
you to order me that way ?"

Before any answer could be returned, the door
was flung open and Mrs. Fitzstephon entered with a
lighted candle in her hand with which she lit an
astral lamp on the centre table. The light flashed
full on Maureen's face and figure, but the other
occupant of the room was still in shade.

"My poor child 1" said she, "how cruel it was ol
me to forget you so long — it is true it is only about
twenty minutes or so, but still you being all alone,
and standing, too ! — bless me, Maureen ! why did
you not sit down ?"

" She was not alone all the time, madam," said
Fitzstephen, laughing; "every one is not so forgetful
as you."

Mrs. Fitzstephen started at the sound of her son's
voice : " Why, Giles, you do astonish me," she
said, turning towards him; " I am sure I had no idea
when I told you who was in the drawing-room that
you were going in. You said you were in a great
hurry to join the girls !"

" Well 1 you see I changed my mind — on second
thoughts I came to the conclusion that I would see
Maureen, before she left, in order to ascertain how the
admiral's pulse beats."

His mother looked him steadily in the fade for a

300

MAtJR«16N DHO,

moment, but there was nothing there that couhl at
all tend to strengthen her suspicion, if suspicion she
had. Calm and self-possessed war, Giles Fitzstephen
as he returned his mother's firied gaze, and it was
with a feeling of relief that the lady turned to
Maureen, who had been a silent observer of the
scene which she was, however, very far from under-
standing. ,, -, -ri-i k„
"Maureen! my good girl!" said Mrs. F.Uste-
phen, "you have conferred a favor on me which 1
can never, never forget. You have refused money
in lieu of what you gave me-can I do nothing

for you?" . ,,

"Nothing at all, madam," said Maureen, quickly;
"thanks be to God we want for nothing.^ But I
think it's time I was raakin' my way home."

Mrs. Fitzstephen requested her to wait a moment,
and going over to her son asked him in a low voice
what she ought to do. " Do you think," said she
"the girl would like to be employed about the house i
Marcraret and Charlotte could teach her a great
many useful things, and she could just wait on them.
I should think Buch a situation would be very pleas-
ant for her." , .

" For your life, mother, don't hint at service to
her 1" said Fitzstephen, eagerly, in the same low tone;
"vou don't know how proud these people are, and
Maureen-oh mother! look at her-did nature in-
tend that girl for a servant ?-no ! no ! the fire of
intelligence is in her eyes-stately she is, and no

a
a

s
a

t
n
n

E
c

t(
1(
ii

re that could at
>, if Buspicion sho
Siles Fitzateplien
gazo, and it was
lady turned to
, observer of the
J far from under-
bid Mrs. Fitzstc-
: on nie which I
iQ refused money
san I do nothing

Maureen, quickly;
r nothing. Bat I
ay home."
to wait a moment,
him in a low voice
1 think," said she,
d about the house ?
teach her a great
I just wait on them,
ould be very pleas-
hint at service to
tthesame low tone;
386 people are, and
\xQr — did nature in-
QO ! no ! the fire of
tely she is, and no

THE admiral's DArOHTKR.

801

wonder, for she has all her young life ruled as a
queon — knowledge she must have, but not here —
not to this house, mother, shall she ever come as (i
servant I" Then, changing his tone, he added with
a smile. " I should not like to hear you mention such
a thing to her father or grandmother."
" Well, upon ray word, Giles, you speak strange-

*y — "

*• Maureen," interrupted Fitzstephen, raising his
voice to its natural pitch, " Maureen is my accredited
agent in the Claddagh — everything there would go
wrong without her."

" Well, child, you may go now," said Mrs. Fitz-
stephen coldly, "but are you not afraid to go home
alone ?"

"No, ma'am, not the lea8t,bnt anyhow,my granny's
to meet me at Noddy Kinshela's. Good night,
ma'am I" and she dropped a low curtesy. "A good
night to you. Mister Fitzstephen !''

" Good night, Maureen ! but how do you think
you are going to get out ? I suppose, mother, you
don't want any of the servants to see your visitor."

A freezing negative was the answer, but Mrs.
Fitzstephen motioning for her son to remain behind,
conducted Maureen herself to the hall-door, and
telling her to come some other time and see her, she
let her out into the street. Returning to the draw-
ing-room, fully determined to have some serious talk
with her son, she was much surprised to find him
already gone. Leaving her to "chew the cud of

jiJfc

MADRBItK DHC,

.weet and bitter fancy" in the J"""-' "^If^J^V,'
her own chamber, we will, with the reader 9 leave,

'llTr fhrgZ' aa .he left the Fit«tephen mansion
were a^ythfngbut pleasant. She had not.ced.^nd
now keenly felt the coldneaa d«played by Mrs.
Sstephen^uring the latter pa,t of the. .nter^^^^^^^

and could not help contraain.; .. ^nth the kindly
warmth of her previovs demeanor. Unable other-
wise to account for tU «n-^den change, she was
;^rtobel.v.^.owi^«W-^^^^^^^^^
Fitzstephen h,..v ii^d, and she was ju b

with a burning cheek : " It's long then before P
Tay anything again /iim." when Fitzstephen h.mself

was at her side. ^ ♦!,-»

u Maureen I" said he, in a low. burned tone, that
was however, both deep and earnest; " Maureen I
Tant toknow'what it was that Shan Dnscoll saul-
Tell me quickly, for I cannot be seen with you here
—don't refuse me now, Maureen I

« Well, I won't refuse you. sir, when you ask me
as you ought-he said if I'd consent to-to

«« To what. Maureen?" , .

«To marry him, your honor, that he'd take to the
trawl^rhilf. -<i ^«'^ -«*8e he'd soon get my
father and the rest to do the same.

«Ha' I thought 80-and what-what did you
.ay.Maureent Of course, you consented, and-and
we are to have it all our own way-« it not so.
Maureen?"

t<
ii

ft
11

[uriout Bolitude ol
he reader's leave,

itastepheii mansion
} had noticed, and
lisplayed by Mrs.
t of their interview,
^. frirh the kindly
or. UnaV)le other-
n change, she was
imething which Mr.
was just thinking
ing then before Pit
FitMtephen himself

r, harried tone, that
irnest; " Maureen t I
Shan Driscoll said—
I seen with you here

ir, when you ask me
nsent to — to

that he'd take to the
age he'd soon get my

ime."

ffhat— what did you
I consented, and— and
n way — is it not so,

ran ADuiliAfa dauohtir.

808

-but still then

" Well 1 I don't know that it is, sir !-
uiy father's at roe, too "

" And your grandmother — a host in herself—
eh ?■'

" No, no, sir, my granny's all for Brian Kineely
— she says my mother's ring 'ill never go on my
forger, if I take any one else — I'm sure," she added
with touching sincerity, "it's not easy for me to
please thorn all "

*' And yourself at the same time," said the deep,
low voice at her side.

" Oh 1 as to myself, your honor, it isn't much mat-
ter — but arn't you glad to hear, sir, that Shan's com-
ia' round — before now, he'd a'most knock one down
that 'id speak of trawling."

" Maureen !" said Fitzstephen, "stoponQ moment!'*
for they had just reached Noddy's dilapidated dwel-
ling; "will you do one thing for me ?"

" I don't know, your honor, until I hear what it

is."

" Will you just drop this trawling business alto-
gether, never say another word about it to any
one ?"

Maureen turned her face toward him, and endeav-
ored, as well as the dim starlight would permit, to
read his countenance. As that was impracticable,
she merely replied :

" If you wish it, I will, sir, but I thought you
were bent on it."

"So I am, Maureen!" He stepped through the

804

MAUREEN DHU,

roined doorway into the court, and the girl mechani-
cally followed. Once screened by tha walls from
the observation of the passers-by, Fitzstephen re-
Bumed : " I have made up my mind to wait no

longer,"

«• And how will you mend yourself, sir ? said
Maureen, with sudden animation.

"It would be no use to tell you now, Maureen.
It might only bring blame on you hereaaer, if you
knew it beforehand, I'll only say another word be-
fore I go. The Claddagh men are obstinate, Mau-
reen, when even you could not move them, but they
shall find others as obstinate as themselves, and so
you may tell them from me, I will do them good
againB^ their will, and they will thank me in days
to come. Farewell, Maureen ! we meet no more as
we have met— such underhand doings, longer con-
tinued, would not serve either of us."

« Mr. Fitzstephen !" eaid Maureen, earnestly, and
for the first time in her life she laid her hand on his
arm, evidently forgetful of what she was doing ; " Mr.
Fitzstephen 1 take the 8.dvice of one who wishes jou
veil— don't meddle witd the Claddagh men ! don't
an' you'll have nvy blessing !"

Fitzstephen took hold very gently of the hand
that rested on his arm, and pressed it between his
own. Fcr a moment it seemed as if he were about
to set Maureen's mind Jit ease, but the struggle was
only momentary, and dropping her hand as it were
coldly, he said in a low but determined tone :

c
e
t

t
f
I

E
I

G
1

e
e

sxsimmie^«KM.t'iWS!»:

THE admiral's DACOH'FKB.

805

the girl meohani*

the walls from

, Fitzstephen re-

lind to wait no

arself, sir ?" said

a now, Maureen,
hereafter, if you
another word be-
j obstinate, Mau-
/e them, but they
emselves, and bo
11 do them good
lank me in days
meet no more as
)ings, longer con-
is."

en, earnestly, and
id her hand on his
e was doing; "Mr.
ne who wishes you
dagh men I don't

sntly of the hand
ed it between his
I if he were about
b the struggle was
er hand as it weve
mined tone :

" It cannot bo, Maureen '.—fare you well ! I owe
you many thanks for all your trouble, and al-
though it has proved unsuccessful, I thank you
none the less."

He was gone before Maureen could utter the
cutting retort that rose to her lips, but she mutter-
ed it to herself, as she stood looking after his re-
tiring form :

" So you are all alike, you gentlefolk. Kind mo-
ther for you to make light of anything that's done
for you. You'll turn on the boys, will you ?— ha !
ha! you'll get the worst of it, if you do — that's one
comfort I I'm sure it's well rid I am of you, appear-
in' to me like a ghost every time I went out after
nightfall !— there's more than me will be pleased,
I'm thinking I"

With a heart full of mingled emotions which she
could not, herself, have analyzed, Maureen raised the
latch of " Noddy's Castle" with a tolerably compo-
sed " God save all here !" which was promptly re-
sponded to by the hostess.

" "Why what in the wide \7orld kept you so long,
aiaureen ?" said her grandmother, sharply; " I was
afeard something happened you."

Noddy said r-othing, but she looked sigmficantly
at Maureen &s though she could have answered if
she would. Maureen's reply amazed them botli.

" I'll tell you what it is now, granny," said she
"if you ever want a message sent to them quality
you can go yourself, or send Noddy that has such

V]l

806

JIAUBBBN DHU,

a liking for them. My heart's sick of them, so it

ia !"

The two old women looked at each other in mute
surprise. Noddy, especially, could hardly believe
her ears. " Why, Maureen, in the name o' goodness,
what's wrong with you?" „ -i*

"Oh, then, sorra thing's wrong with me, said
Maureen, with a strange hysterical laugh, "oniy^that
I don't like the ways of your grand friends, an 1 11
have nothing more to do with them."

« Did you see Mrs. Fitzstephen ?" asked her grand-
mother, anxious, if possible, to get at the cause of
the girl's nervous excitement.

"See her! to be sure I did, an' I gave her the
cross, an' she made ever so much to do about it,
but mighty little about me. I asked her to let me
Bee the picture, an' she takes me up to a great grand
room on the loft above, an' well becomes her she
leaves me there all alone an' goes off with herselt
somewhere, an' sorra sight I seen of her for as good
as half an hour, an' it dark night on the ground.

"Well?" ^., ,

« Well Mr. Fitzstephen came in while she was

gone an'he took a start out of myself, only I didn't

let him see that I was frightened, an' he got a ques-

tionin' me about things, an' when Iris mother came

' back with a light, she said she forgot all about me,

but when she seen her son there, my dears ! she was

ever BO angry with him, an' she could scarce afford

myselt a civil word, an' I declare I thought Id

ik of tbem, bo it

sich other in mute
d hardly believe
name o' goodness,

g with me," said

1 laugh, "only that

ad friends, an' I'll

sm."

'"asked her grand-

et at the cause of

in' I gave her the
h to do abottt it,
iked her to let me
lip to a great grand
,1 becomes her she
es off with herself
i of her for as good
it on the ground."

3 in while she was
myself, only I didn't
I, an' he got a ques-
sn liis mother came
[brgot all about me,
, my dean 1 she was
I could scarce afford
jlare I thought I'd

THE admiral's daughter.

307

never get my heels out o' the house — so I came off
lett them "

She paused and hesitated, then went to the door
and looked out, and asked her grandmother if they
hadn't best be moving home.

" Time enough, astore ! time enough — so you left
them there, and that's all !"

" No 1 it wasn't all ! — Mr. Fitzstephen overtook
me before I was far from the house, an* was with me
to the door "

Vara started to her feet, and a lurid light shot
from her eyes: "Ha! I knew it I" said she— "I
knew it all along. But he had best keep his distance
for the time to come, or I'll — I'll raise the town about
him."

" Granny I" said Maureen, coldly, "don't put your-
self in a passion about nothing at all. Mr. Fitzste-
phen was about his own business every time be came
after me, an' to-night it was just the same. But the
business is all a one-side now — at least he says so —
an' so I may tell you before Noddy Kinshela. He
was all along wautin' me to coax my father an' the
boys to try the trawlin' — he said if they would they'd
soon be rich themselves an' serve him well too.
Now, granny ! there's the whole of it."

" Well I I partly suspected that, Maureen !" said
the old woman, considerably cooled down; "but
will you put your hand on your heart now, and
say again that that was all that ever passed between
you?"

808

ItAXJRKEN DHU,

Noddy moved silently from her seat near the fire
and stationed herself a little behind Vara, where
she had a full view of Maureen's face. It was pale,
but calm and composed, andthe beautiful eyes stead-
ily encountered the double scrutiny that pierced to
their very depths.

«' I tell you again, granny I that Mr. Fitzstephen
never spoke to me about anything but what I tell
you— at least he never said anything that— that I
could take ill."

" Well t well, child I I never knew you to say
what wasn't true, but I'm glad there's goiu' to be
no more such work, an' while you live again, achora
machree ! never listen to the likes of him in private.
I'm old and you're young, Maureen, an' I tell you

no good can come of the like "

A heavy sigh from Noddy smote on Maureen's
ear, and great was the girl's surprise to see her old
friend's eyes suffused with tears.

" Why, my goodness. Noddy ! what's the matter
with you?" Bhe said, gaily; "I thought you were
goin' to give ns a cup of tea before we start, but I
think you're forgettin' all about it."

But Noddy was not oblivious to the tea which
was already in a state of preparation, and although
Vara was unwilling to wait, she could not get over
Maureen's wild gaiety, and her laughing determi-
nation to have a cup of Noddy's tea before she
went. " Sure we'll drink Brian's health in it, gran-
ny I" she added, with an arch smile that, together

THE ADUIRAL'S DAUGHTER.

809

seat near the fire
hind Vara, where
'ace. It was pale,
autiful eyes stead-
ly that pierced to

at Mr. FitzBtephen
y but what I tell
hing that — that I

knew you to say

there's goin' to be

I live again, achora

\ of him in private.

reen, an' I tell you
_>»

note on Maureen's
prise to see her old

what's the matter
thought you were
fore we start, but I
it."

) to the tea which
ation, and although
could not get over
r laughing determi-
y's tea before she
's health in it, gran-
smile that, together

with the gracious words, delighted her admiring
duenna.

"Ah! then, that's true," said Vara, "did I tell
you, Maureen, that poor Brian had to put in again
he got BO sick ?"

" Why no, granny, you did not," and Maureen's
cheek turned ashy white ; "Lord bless us ! what ails
him?"

" I don't know, avourneen, I don't know, but it's
all in his head, whatever it is. Poor More is fright-
ened out of her wits about him, an' no wonder she
would, for a better boy never broke the world's
bread !"

" What are you about, Maureen ?" said Noddy,
seeing her drawing her shawl around her.

"I'm going home. Noddy, whore else? — it isn't
here I ought to be when Brian ICtneely's sick, with-
out e'er a one to mind him but his poor old granny
that's like a child herself. Granny, aren't you
comin' ?"

"God's blessin' on your tender heart, avourneen !"
was Vara's fervent prayer, as bidding Noddy good
night, they set out together.

" It's the hard heart I'd have, granny, if I didn't
feel for him, for there's no one in this wide world
would have more feelin' for me if anything ailed me.
Hurry, granny, hurry !"

None of the other fishermen got home till the
next morning, and Maureen and her grandmother
spent the night in Brian's cottage — to the great

»a*tet?W i3i > n wi ii

310

UAURGKN OBC,

comfort and relief of both ita inmatea. It was a
heavy cold of a catarrhal form that had been hang-
ing on Brian for some days, and his malady was so
much increased by the keen sharp air of the sea that
morning, that the young man had not been many
hours out before he was forced to return home. IIo
was hot, restless and feverish all night, but happily
never lost his senses, and the presence of Maureen
made him forget his pain. Nectar never was so
sweet, so soothing to the Olympian deities as the
mint tea prepared and given by Maureen's hand to
Brian Kineely, and when she raised his aching head
on her arm to administer the potion, he felt as
though he could have wished to die then and there
with those pitying eyes looking down upon him, and
that heart for whose love he would have given
worlds, softened thus to tenderness— for him.

Many were the joyful nods and winks exchanged
between the two old women, as they marked the
untiring solicitude of Maureen, but Maureen's own
thoughts and feelings were a mystery to all, even
Brian himself.

inatea. It was a
had been hang-
B malady was so
ir of the sea tliat

not been many
eturn home. Ho
ight, but happily
mce of Maureen
;ar never -was so
an deities as the
laureen's hand to
1 his aching head
)Otion, he felt as
lie then and there
wn upon him, and
ould have given
8 — for him.
winks exchanged

they marked the
ut Maureen's own
rstery to all, even

TBI ADUIRAL's DADOHTXR.

CHAPTER XVI.

311

By noon the next day Brian Kineely was so much
better that Vara pronounced him out of danger,
"if he only took proper care of himself, an' didn't
make too free." Towards evening he got out of
bed, and sat by the fire while his grandmother
crouching on the hearth watched the progress of a
certain pottage intended for their evening meal.
All at once the latch was raised, and who, of all
people, should step in but Shan Driscoll. He had
come, he said, to inquire after Brian, and when in-
vited by More to take a seat, complied with the
utmost alacrity. He appeared to feel sorry for
Brian's illness, wondered to find him "so mnch
pulled down," and asked More what she had given
him to cure him so soon.

" Well I the Borra thing / gave him, at all, at all,
Shanl" replied the old woman, in her wheezing
voice ; "it was Vara and Maureen that doctored him
betwixt them, an' glory be to God for it 1 they've
brought him around finely. The two o' them sat
up with him last night, an' I declare if he was their
own a thousand times over they couldn't do more
for him than they did."

Brian's eye was on Shan, at the moment, and he
could see a dark shadow settling on his brow as
he listened. The blood lefl his cheek, then rushed

312

UAURKCN DHC,

back again, crimsoning cheek and brow, and the
glance which he cast on Brian was like the lurid
flash bursting from the storm-darkened sky. ^^

«lt's little wonder you got over it so soon, said

he, with suppressed anger ; " it's you that has the

■ knack of gettia' sick in the right time, Brian

Kineely!"

"Sickness comes and goes when God pleases,
Shan!" said Brian whose natural gentleness was
increased by bodily weakness; "but anyhow Im
thankful to you for comin' to see me."

" Oh 1 never mind the thanks," said Shan, dog-
gedly ; "I want you to get well soon, so as to be able
to dance at my weddin',"

"Your weddin'?" questioned Brian with some
surprise, " an' when is it to be ?"

" Well 1 1 can't tell you that— I must ask herselt

first." , „„

"An' who is herself, if it's no harm to ask?
There was a tremor in Brian's voice that did not
escape the other's notice, and he smiled maliciously

as he answered : ^. , « v

"Why,«/»o would It be, Brian Kineely? You
know well enough there's but one in the Claddagh
that I'd put a ring on."

Brian turned pale- pale as death. "Why, sure
it can't be"-he gasped for breath, " sure it can t be
Maureen 1" The tone, the look, the gesture betray-
ed the gaping wound that Brian would fain have
concealed.

t<
n
n

i T i ft i Wftf"'v'''"''""'~

THK AnillRAI.'a DAUGHTKR.

818

brow, and the
like the lurid
led sky.
t BO flooii " said
ou that haa the
ht time, Brian

n God pleases,

gentleness was

»ut anyhow I'm

B."

said Shan, dog-
1, 80 as to be able

Jrian with some

must ask herself

harm to ask?"
ice that did not
niled maliciouBly

I Kineely? You
in the Claddagh

ith. "Why, sure
, " sure it canH be
le gesture betray-
i would fain have

"Sure who else would it be, aviok?" said Shan,
with cruel mockery. "We've everything a'most
settled barrin' the day— but what's wrong with you.
Brian ?"

" Nothing, nothing !— granny 1" raising liia voice
to reach her dulled hearing, " I'll take some of that
drink Maureen left for mc I" A sudden faint-
ness had come over him and he leaned back
against the jamb wall. Shan, forgetting for a mo-
ment all bitter feelings, snatched the tin cup from
the trembling hand of More and held it to Brian's
lips. Inatpad of taking it, the young man raised
his languid i'\ ( s to his rival's face, and murmured :
" Not from you, Shan ! not from you I you've
torn away the heart from within me, an' you want
me to drink my own heart's blood !— no ! I tell you
no!— give it to ray granny an' let me alone !"

The vehemence with which Brian spoke startled
even Shan, and made the old woman stare from one
to the otlier in wild affright. Her obtuse faculties
had failed to detect anything xinusual in the de-
meanor of the two young men towards each other,
and as former scones now flashed upon hor mind she
turned on Shan with the glare of impotent wrath.
Just then the door opened and in came Mauree i
Dhu, her eyes beaming with the kindest sympathy,
and the bloom of the healthful breeze glowing on
her cheek. She was somewhat surprised on seeing
Shan, but his presence made no difference in her
treatment of Brian. Taking the cup from More's

814

lUDBKBN DHC,

hand Bbe bent down and held it to hU UpB Ull^e
nuenched bU thirBt, then softly inquired how he felt.
Cnteyes filled ;ith tear., and his heart was too
fr^or Jords. Shan was galled to the qmck. for
Maureen had hardly noticed him. . • „i

ton., "till 1 ..e how people »il: »«"» <"'■ „
"Doo'tcrudge mo thi. poor comfort, Sl,an, Mi4

always— <i'»<iy»—"> »"»*>" !'"" . , „ ,„„

..wU-athat you .ay, Brian?" orred Maureen,

rrising l,er.elf up with a "■""■"S eV''

•' A.k Shan tliere— />e oan toll you.

Moreen turned quickly, and fi.ed J. glaBce o
ha^htTin^uiry on Shan that made h.m ,»..! for

*• rZly iokln- when I eald it, Maureen l"

..WeU mind I tell you, never make .uch a joke
agarsh- Dri-colJ-you an- me are t«o-and

'CtoftjtnC* with which Maureen uttered
.h!,t wor/. out Shan to the heart, yet h»Serce."d

Pr^r^ri^ghu:;.^:™"-.""-

his lipfl till he
iredhow he felt,
ia heart was too
o the quick, for

he in an ironical
•Be me,"

ifort, Shan," said
n't you have her

' cried Maureen,
eye.
ou."

xed a glance of
de him quail for

it, Maureen !"
nake such a joke
me are two — and

Maureen uttered
;, yet his fierce and

her grief or morti-
tallformtoitsful-
q'b look -with one

O'Hara 1 never say
[ a mate in him"
m "is no match for
te' after all, Brian

Tint ADWRAI/S DAUOHTRR.

815

Kineely, for whatever notion she had in her head,
she as good as gave in to marry me, an' that only a
couple of nights ago. But now, I'll leave her to
you, an' much good may she do you ! Give us your
liand, old woman !" (to More) " I gave you an un-
lucky 1)low onst, but I know you forgave me long
ago. God be with you all I an' I hope you'll take
care of yourself, Brian ! — good people's scarce, you
know !"

" Wisha what's your hurry, Shan ?" said More,
who by no means understood what was going on;
•'can't you sit and rest you ? sure it's altered times
with you, if Maureen frightens you away I"

A derisive laugh was Shan's an8wer,and a contemp-
tuous glance at Maureen and Brian as he passed them
to the door.

What strange impulse was it that brought Mau-
reen 80 far out of her way home half-an-hour after
as to pass Shan DriscoU's door, and why did she
stop, when she saw Shan himself stretched at full
length on the bench outside, his face buried in his
folded arms ? No sigh or groan escaped him, but
there he lay motionless and silent, as if death had
stilled the pulses of that impetuous heart.

As Maureen stood there, but a few yards distant,
her mind involuntarily placed before her what Shan
DriscoU was wont to be — what he would still be but
for her. She thought how many girls in the village
were ambitious for a glance from the eyes that ever
dwelt on her with fond devotion, and murmuring to

^ffl

816

MAnRCRM DBO,

lifiself " It's little I thought to Bee you thia way,
Shan, after the anger that was on you a while ago!"
ttho unconsciously moved a few Htepa nearer, with
words of kindness on her lip, when between her aiid
the recumbent form of Shan glided a figure whoso
noble proportions aud stately bearing were not to bo
mistaken, any more than the pale, stern countenance
which confronted Maureen in the dim and misty
moonlight. A strange sensation tingled through
Maureen's frame. Her very heart was chilled, and
her tongue clave to the roof of her mouth so that
Bbe could not utter a word, although she tried hard
to get out an exclamation of surprise. And there
before her at the distance of a few feot stood the
Btatue-like figure with its glassy eyes— oh, how
changed! fixed on her own, and the cold impassable
lace, unwarmed by the breath of life. Faint and
sick at heart, with an undefinable sense of awe, Mau-
reen would have fallen to the ground had not Shan
started up, at the noment, as though actuated by
some sudden emotion. Who can picture his aston-
ishment whan he beheld Maureen standing motion-
less within a few feet of him, her eyes fixed on va-
cancy, as it seemed, and no tinge of color in that
cheek which half an hour before bloomed like the

rose. .

«' Why, then, Maureen," he cried, approaching h<!r,

••is it you that's in it, at all ?"

At the sound of his voice the girl began to re-
vive. Drawing a long breath, she felt the glow of

) you tbU way,
ou a whilu ago !"
,ep9 nearer, with
btitwutiu her and
i a figure whoso
ug wero not to bo
Item countenanoo
(lira and misty
tingled through
was uliilltid, and
er mouth so that
gh she tried hard
)riBe. And there
V feet stood the
!■ eyes — oh, how
lecold impassable
' life. Faint and
lense of awe, Mau-
ind had not Slian
lugh actuated by
picture his aston-
standing motion-
eyes fixed on va-
of color in that
bloomed like the

I, approaching h<!r,

girl began to re-
,e felt the glow of

THt adhiral's daughter.

817

life returning to her fear-chilled frame, but still sho
could not speak.

Shan was alarmed, he knew not why. " Maurecnl"
he said, taking her unresisting hand, " Maureen,
pulse of my heart ! why don't you speak to me ? —
what are you lookin' at, Maureen ? — speak to me,
astore machree ! if it's only one word I I can't bear
to see you that way !"

" Don't you Bev> him, Shan ?" whispered Maureen,
in a thrilling tone.

" See who, darlin' ?— I see no one but you— an' I
want to see no other, surely 1"

Maureen heaved a deep sigh and then raised her
eyes to Shan's face with a look that made his heart
swell with joyful emotion. Sho was evidently recov-
ering the use of her faculties.

" Didn't you see Mr. Fitzstephen ?" she asked,
still in a low whisper.

" Mr. Fitzstephen ?" repeated Shan; "why, Lord
bless me, no !— where is he "

"He's gone now, but he was here a minute ago —
just on that spot I "

" Lord save us I"

"Come with me, Shan!" eaid Maureen, faintly,
"there's a weakness on mesothatlcanhardly stand
—it was his fetch I seen, I know well !"

Shan was of the same opinion but be afiected to
think it all imagination, and even went so far as to
laugh at Maureen's nervous fears. At heart he was
nearly as frightened as herself for brave and light-

hearted as be was.he had -^o.^^^^^^r^^^^J^^^^
the Bupernatural. Bat it would nover do to let
Maureen soe his trepidation.

"ifltcA here or/^.'cA there," «aidhe,with a forced
lau.b" I'd advise him to keep frombetwxxt you an
'^rMaureenl But that's true, bo. d.d yourseh

e.;e there, ^^^y^^^:":^!.^

There was the slightest possiDie
in Maureen's manner as she replied : ' J^^ ^^
over to your house to see Aileen and the child
overwjuu oi„„v" Thev had iust reached

won't vou come in, Shan i mey "*" J"
Cr father's door. U the hum of cV-f^ --«
from within gave strength and courage to Maureen.
oTJZ th! invitation was not to be refused, and
Sie hearty welcome which greeted Shan on -ey
side made his heart bound and his eyes sparkle es
;elu when he found himself seated next to Mau-
reen by a good natured sign from her father. One
would naturally expect that the recent apparition
: :;d have been the first thing told to ears whi h
• ever opened eagerly to the marveUous, but no such
thing. Maureen merely mentioned having met Saan
at Brian Kineely's. and strange to -7. ->ther one
nor the other alluded to what had blanched the
iiheek and disturbed the very soul of each.

That same night, and it might be about the same
hour. Giles FitLphen and his sister Margaret s^
togelherinthe front parlor of the.r dwelling en
gaged in conversation on what appeared to be some
fopic of absorbing interest, judging from iU im-

THE ADUIRAL'a DAMQHTER.

819

belmlng dread of
aover do to let

[he,with a forced
m betwixt you an'
10 V7 did youraeli
b, anyhow !"
le embarrassment
i : «' I was goin'

and the child—
y had just reached
3f cheerful voices
urage to Muureen.
to be refused, and
id Shan on every
3 eyes sparkle, es-
sated next to Mau-
n her father. One

recent apparition
told to ears wbich
ellous, but no such
ed having met Shan
10 say, neither one

bad blanched the
ul of each.
, bo about the same
sister Margaret eat

their dwelling, en-
.ppeared to be some
Iging from the im-

pressive aeiiousnesa of the brother, and the unusual
agitation of the sister. It was seldom that Marga-
ret manifested deep emotion of any kind, for though
at all tiiues lively and animated, she had so great
control over her feelings that people suspected her
of having few or none. Certain it is that whatever
sensibility she had was all in connection with self,
the afiairs of others giving her at any time very lit-
tle concern. It must be something which concerned
her very closely that aifected her now so deeply,
and it was pitiful to see how her color came and
went, and her features worked almost convulsively
as she listened to tho words which Giles was say-
ing ia a calm, deep, earnest tone. How timidly her
eyes sank beneath the searching glance that was
fixed on her.

" I say again, Margaret, as I said before, that eva-
sion will no longer serve your turn. Captain Ham-
ilton will expect an answer, indeed I promised him
one — by to-morrow or next day — and if you are
willing to accept his proposal, as I believe you are,
I have not the slightest objection, provided you ex-
plain to me tne mystery in which s, certain portion
of your life is enveloped. Remember you have no
time to lose, for my mother and Charlotte may be
in any moment, and then you lose the opportunity
which I managed to give you. Speak now, Mftrga-
ref ! — of what are you afraid ?"

" Oh Giles ! Giles ! you of all people — you so stern
— I cannot — no, I cannot !"

820

MACKEBS DHU,

"Upon ray honor, Margaret !" said Fitzstephen,
BmiUng, notwithstanding all hia seriousness, "you
are more candid than polite this evening-to hear
you talk, one would be apt to think me a very ty-
rant-but I give you my word you shall not find me
Btern on this occasion. Come ! come 1 let me hear
this secret whatever it is-why, Margaret 1 how
strangely moved you are-surely, my sister t it can-
not be 80 very, very bad— ^"

» It is bad, Giles ! bad and very bad-oh 1 that 1
should have to tell it-and to you-stiU I can do it
now better than I could a few weeks since. bhe
looked up with something of her wonted archness.
«' And why so, Margaret ?"
"Why, because I have found that more than my-
self have hearts of flesh "" %

It was now her brother's turn to change color, and
for a moment his eye fell, but it was only for a rao-
ment-the emotion passed like a summer cloud and
Richard was himself again, calm, cold and passion-
less Yet even the momentary confusion he had be-
trayed was a source of encouragement to Margaret.
Rising from her seat she removed the lamp from the
centre table to one just behind her, so that her la.e
was iu deep shadow, and this done.she felt as though
her task was somewhat lightened . ^^

" Giles " said she, after a moment's pause, 1 am
about to humble myself before you, and I trust the
humiliation which I am to undergo may serve to ex-
piate the sins of which I have been guilty. Believe

I
1
i

a
t
c

I
I

h
ii
n
1;
ii

■w

tl
tl

g
tl

r(
tl
ra
w

g.as.««a»iwKii;

Id Fitzatephen,
iriousness, "you
rening — to hear
; me a very ty-
shall not find me
oe ! let me hear
Margaret ! bow
my sister! it can-
bad— oh ! that I
— Btill I can do it
eks since." She
(Tonted archness.

It more than my-

change color, ana
as only for a rao-
ummer cloud and
cold and passion-
nfusion he had bc-
aent to Margaret,
the lamp from the
r, so that her lace
i,8he felt as though

int's pause, "lam
)u, and I trust the
fo may serve to ex-
'n guilty. Believe

THE admiral's DAUOHTBR.

sai

me, I was not alone to blame. Edmund Behan and
myself had hardly one feeling in common, except it
might be the desire of outdoing every one else in
house, furniture, equipage, dress, and all the other
items which go to make up a fashionable 'appear-
ance.' In this, Behan went even beyond me, may
the Lord forgive him his sins ! ind I verily believe
every faculty of his being was absorbed in that one
passion. Love for me he never really hcd— he was
proud of my personal attractions, just as he was of
his horse Brutus and his Dublin carriage and all the
rest. I am q ite sure he thought fully as much of
that set of porcelain vases which he bought at the
Marquis of Ely's sale as he did of me or any other
human being. This I early discovered, and having,
in reality, much more sensibility than the rash judg-
ment of the world gave me credit for, I felt it keen-
ly at first, for I did love Edmund until love became
impos8ible,and even pity was changed into contempt.
The worst of it was, however, that tlie associates
M'hom he drew around us were ill calculated to make
things better. Tlie world at large, seeing no farther
than the surface, thought Edmund Behan and his
gay wife a very happy couple, because we dashed
through thick and thin, and lived in a constant whir!
of giddy excitement that left us no room for sober
reflection. But there was one who penetrated below
the surface, and saw that I, at least, wore a smiling
mask before the world, and that there were depths
within my heart unseen to mortal eye. Much know-

322

MADREKN DHU,

ledee had he of the world and of human nature ; I
ittle very little, and he applied himself to gain my
e fiS knowing well the natural effect of BU.h
a connection on a mind so vain, so giddy, and with-
al so deeply piqued as mine was. He was hand-
some, witty, Li of polished manners-subtle and

LsTdious. y^t to all appearance ^r^^^.^^^^l^'^irZ
ed. Ah 1 Giles! I did not know him then- she

stopped, much agitated. „a j„„

"MarUret!" said her brother, starting sudden-
ly from his quiet attitude of attention "you mus
Ian Richard Dalton-there could not be two such

specious villains I" , . j ,\,„, "

^. Of course I do mean him-him and no other-
« Then how can you say you didn't know him ?
said Giles, angrily; "did not 1 myself warn you
again and again, to keep him at a distance ?

« Would that I had taken your advice r These
words were half choked with sobs, yet Margare s
visible distress had lost its effect on her brother^
Stern and more stern grew his face, and when he
spoke l)is voice was thick and husky.
^" Say on !" he said, "let me know the worst-and
yet-and yei-Marffaret FitzsHphenJ if you have
i lower depth of degradation to reveal, be^si^lent I

could not hear of your shame, I think, and jive !

"Giles-brother!" said Margaret, suddenly re-
moving her hands from before her face and stand-
ing up with all the dignity of her proud race; " Bro-
ther ! of what do you suspect me ? Beware of sup-

cai

bl(

be
mi

an
tic
wl
se-
be
cil
fie
til
cli

g'
in

TriB ADMIRALS DAUQHTRR.

823

human nature ; I
nself to gain ray
•al effect of Buch
giddy, and with-
He was hand-
ners— subtle and
ik and open-heart-
him then—" she

starting eudden-
ention, "you must
d not be two euch

n and no other — "
idn't know him ?'
myself warn you
, distance ?"
r advice!" These
3s, yet Margaret's
t on her brother,
face, and when he
sky.

ow the worst — and
p/wn / if you have
reveal, be silent. I
think, and live !"
garet, suddenly re-
er face, and stand-
;r proud race; " Bro-
e ? Beware of sup-

posing even for a moment that the daughter of
Arnold Fitzstephen— I speak not now of religion-
could or did forget her lineage !"

" Thank God 1" said her brother, fervently; " I
can bear anything and everything now — then there
is nothing to prevent me from accepting an honora-
ble man's pi-oposal for you ?"

" As to that you shall be the judge. You remem-
ber my little girl, the only child I ever had— owing,
may the Lord forgive me ! to the dissipated life I led
— you remember her, ot course."

"Ah! poor Chatty! how could I forget her?"
and Fitzstephen's moistened eyes attested his affec-
tionate remembrance of the little helpless creature,
who, during her short existence, he had but seldom
seen, for, weak and infirm from her birth, she had
been kept out at nurse at so safe a distance from the
city that her fashionable parents were never morti-
fied by having her come under the eyes of their es-
timable associates. "That was the poor forlorn
child, and, to tell you the truth, Margaret I I was
well pleased when the Lord took her. There were
many who considered that she was taken in mercy!"

" Go on, Giles ! heap it on plentifully !" said Ma'r-
garet, with sL smile like that which we might imag-
ine on the face of a Red Indian at the stake ; " I
know I deserve it all, but, as it happened, God was
more lenient to me than my fellow-creatures."
"How is that?"
" I am going to tell you. Now that the wound is

,i'

.. -, ..' -iriiMfrnlTT*'

HAHRSEM DHC,

open we may as well probe it to the quick. You
tnow how strenuously you persuaded me to go spend
that fatal summer at Arranmore with my little girl.
Tou thought, of course, and so did my mother and
every one else, that that was the beat plan to get rid
ofDalton.and you even condescended, during one of
your visits, to congratulate me on having sent my
hangers-on adrift. You did not understand the smile
with which I listened, and you little thought that I
T^as secretly exulting in the power of my own attrac-
tions which could draw the fashionable and admired
Dalton after me to the wildest of wild coasts amid
the surging waves of the Atlantic. Edmund Behan
did not often trouble me. A visit to Arranmore, he
used to say, was the greatest bore imaginable, and
it always took him a full week to get over the ef-
fects of it. ButDalton's visits were frequent, and,
I am ashamed to say, but too welcome; for he always
brought me a budget of news, some new music, and
everything that was most likely to minister to ray
amusement. He never came, however, without some
company, generally that conceited sister of his and
their cousin Fred Staunton, both chips of the same
block. One day in the early part of October the
three of them came down in Staunton's yacht, and I
was easily prevailed upon to take my guitar and go
out with them for a sail. The gentlemen had
brought a flute and a clarionet, and as Honora
Dalton and myself both sang, we had quite a plea-
sant concert of it to the great delight of poor Chatty

mmtsmm

MSK^wwsmt-

THK ADUIRAl/a OAUGHTKR.

825

the quick. You
ded me to go apeuil
with my little girl,
lid my mother and
best plan to get rid
aded, during one of
n having sent my
nderstand the smile
ttle thought that I
•rof my ownattrac-
>nable and admired
f wild coasts amid
c. Edmund Bchan
lit to Arranmore, he
re imaginable, and
o get over the ef-
were freqiient, and,
Icome; for he always
>me new music, and

to minister to my
ivever, without some
ted sister of his and
,h chips of the same
part of October the
lunton's yacht, and I
ke my guitar and go
Che gentlemen had
let, and as Honora
we had quite a plea-
slight of poor Chatty

whom I had taken with me that day as a special
favor. Suddenly, very suddenly, the scene was
changed. The weather, which had been remarkably
fine for the season, all at once became dark and
cloudy, so dark, indeed, that objects were barely dis-
cernible. Fierce gusts of wind swept in through
the narrow channel between the islands, and the sea
boiled and surged around us with fearful fury.
Several fishing boats from the Claddagh and from
the islands, whose motionless forms we had so lately
seen reflected in the calm water, were now drifting
to and fro at the mercy of the winds, and our own
frail craft, nutshell that it was, danced, and rocked
and quivered to every bieath of the storm. So sud-
den was the rise of the tempest that we had not
time to go below until the mad waves were tumbling
over the deck. We could not even speak, but each
one clung to whatever came within reach. The
violence of the first shock was so great that it seemed
as though destruction awaited us, and occupied
solely with the horrible thought that I was about
to be hurried before an angry God, I forgot my
child, All at once I heard a faint cry, and my heart
sank within me for I knew it was her voice. For the
first time I missed her. I called her again and again.
There was no answer. I dared not let go the post to
which I was clinging, but I cried to Dal ton that I
feared the child was gone. His answer, when he
could speak, was very cool. He didn't know but
she was, but, of course, it couldn't be helped. It

326

KACRERN DHn,

was every one for himself. Oh my God ! the tor-
ture of that moment. The sharp pang of remorse
that pierced my soul, and the dread, the overwhelm-
ing, the annihilating sense of the tremendous judg-
ments of God. 1 felt, as though like Jonah, I, by my
sins had been the cause of that awful visitation, and
I was half-tempted to fling myself into the depths
of the sea after my poor unhappy child. Still I
hoped she might have crept below before the storm
commenced, and I believe it was this hope that saved
me from eternal ruin. I never valued the poor child
while I had her, but then I felt as though her loss
would overwhelm me with sorrow. Faith that had
been well nigh dead for years sprang up at once into
life and vigor, and I prayed, oh I how fervently!
that Mary the Star of the Sea would save me from
a death so sudden and unprovided, that I might have
time to repair the evil I had done. It could not
have been my unworthy prayers that were heard
above yet certain it is that at the moment a still-
ness came upon the waters, and the dense black
clouds above us were rent asunder as by a mighty
hand, then sank to the rim of the horizon, leaving
the mid-heavens clear and blue. Down I rushed to

the little cabin No Chatty was there " ^^

" Good Heavens, Margaret 1 she was lost

"Ay I lost— lost she was, Giles!— lost in the
twinkling of an eye-so it seemed, at least, and
amid all the terror and confusion of the moment, the
dreadful thought was uppermost that I, by my crim-

f^ssmmmmm

THK ADUIRAL'S DAUOHTKR.

827

■ God ! the tor-
ang af remowo
the overwhelm-
'emendous judg-
Jonah,I,bymy
il vibitation, and
into the depths
r child. Still I
before the Btorm
I hope that saved
ed the poor child
though her loss

Faith that had
g up at once into

how fervently!
ild save me from
that I might have
e. It could not
that were heard
I moment a Btill-
the dense black
r as by a mighty
horizon, leaving
Down I rushed to

here "

1 was lost •'*

les! — lost in the
ned, at least, and
if the moment, the
hat I, by my crim-

inal levity and folly, had drawn down on myself this
fearful scourge. You will, doubtless wonder, as /
often did since, how it was that I lived through the
horrors of that dark hour when I found myself child-
less — and by my own fault."

Fitzstephen listened to the sad story with a low-
ering brow that had little of compassion initw stern-
ness, and when his sister paused here he started and
appeared much excited. " And yet you gave m to
understand then and ever after that the child died
of croup "

" I did— to my sl'-'nae I own it — and I took advan-
tage of the rough settled weather which lasted
for some days to kei ^ the knowledge of what had
happened from you all "

"Yes! I remember how much we admired your
considerate kindness in not letting us know anything
of poor Chatty's death until after she was buried !
—ah, Margaret ! Margaret !— and the little grave in
that lone churchyard near your house which was
pointed out to us as hers "

" And the pretty monument which you — not Behan
—placed over it !"

"Why Margaret! you really appear to take it
very lightly now, whatever you did at first. This,
I take it, is the worst of all— this heartless levity of
tone and manner — judging from present appearances,
I suppose you soon got over your remorse and — your
good resolutions !"

"No, Giles 1 I did not— heartless or whatever else

828

MAVAREM DH0,

I may be, I never got over my remorse— nor broke
through my good reBolutions— at least as regarded
Dalton. From that hour I never received him in
Behan'a absero*, nor gave him the slightest en-
couragement of any kind. As soon as I possibly could
I cut the connection altogether both with him and
his sister. I received two letters from him, it is
true, since Edmund's death, but both were returned
unopened, and he soon gave up the pursuit as hope-
less. As for Behan, I am quite sure he was much
relieved by the child's death, for he never concealed
his unnatural dislike of her, and her infirmity was a
constant source of mortification to his vain, egotisti-
cal mind."

«' Well, renlly, Margaret I you don't seem over-
bnrthened y oursel f with feeling for her. My opinion
is that God was singularly good and merciful in
taking her from such unnatural parents." Fitzste-
phen pronounced these words with unusual asperity,
but Margaret's incorrigible levity was proof against

all.

"Perhaps so," she said with a light smile and k
toss of her head; " I fancy we should have made sad
work in the way of education. But now you havt
«the head and front of ray offending'-what do you
think of it? Do you know / feel much the better
for the confession, and now that it is over, I declare
I bec»in to wonder at myself for being so much
afraid of ym in particular. It is to be hoped that
you will report favorably to Hamilton after all I"

it
b

y
d

ii
r

8
8

I
f

tree — nor broke
iBt as regarded
eceived him in
le Blighteat en-
I possibly could
h with him and
fVora him, it is
h were returned
pursuit as hope-
re he was much
never concealed

• infirmity was a
lis vain, egotisti-

on't seem over-
ler. My opinion
and merciful in
rents." Fitzste-
nnusual asperity,
ras proof against

ight smile and .
d have made Ba(i
it now you hav>
g' — what do you
much the better
is over, I declare

• being so much
to be hoped that
Iton after all I"

THE admiral's OAaOHTBR.

" Margaret Bohan !" said the brother with touch-
ing solemnity, " you have acted in a manner wholly
inexcusable — you have been, I tell you plainly, a
bad wife — you have been accessary to the death of
your own and only child, by going out boating un-
der such circumstances— you practised a grievous
imposition on us all by making us believe that the
child had died a natural death, but I tell yoo plainly
that your present levity is the worst feature of all,
inasmuch as it shows you dead to feeling— dead to
remorse. How can you think of that mocking tomb-
stone — that monumental lie — on the bleak island-
Bhore,without a feeling of shame and degradation ?

" Here lies the body of Charlotte Ellen Behan,
aged three years and six months,'' ejaculated Mar-
garet, in a sepulchral tone and with a face corres-
ponding to the lugubrious sentence. Before Giles
could give vent to his horror and disgust, his sister
had stalked out of the room with a most ghostly

air.

" Good God I" said Fitzstephen to himself, as he
paced up and down the room in meditative mood,
looking aa much in sorrow as in anger, " good God !
how revolting is this levity 1— to repeat 'he. very in-
scription on the stone in mockery ! If Hamilton
takes my advice he'll have nothing to do with you,
my good lady ! Well ! really, my penetration has
been egregiously at fault in your regard— here I
have been giving you credit for mourning in secret
—mourning, indeed !— if you did mourn I suppose

880

MADRKKN ORO,

it was because yoa couldn't get another dashing
husband with a fortune to get through 1"

He was launching out into a fierce invective
against the ruinous vortex of fashionable dissipation,
when his soliloquy was brotight to a close by the
entrance of his mother and Charlotte who had been
spending the evening at Mr. Hampton's. They
were both full of Emily's perfections, Mrs. Fitzste-
phen especially— Emily's singing, Emily's playing,
Emily's drawing as exhibited in the contents of a
portfolio on the drawing-room table, Emily's charm-
ing manners, and all and each were enthusiastically
dwelt upon, until Giles could stand it no longer.
He fairly burst out laughing.

"Well, on my word, mother 1 you would make

an excellent matrimonial agent !— assuredly it is not

your fault if Emily still bears the honored name of

Hampton ! There's Charlotte laughing slily behind

hacks— suppose now you try your hand in getting

her disposed of, and leave Emily Hampton's praises

to her father and truly eloquent sister I Seriously,

my dearest mother! you will confer a favor on me

by doing so— it frets and annoys me to hear you

blowing the trumpet for those whose fair semblance

is as hollow as * the tinkling brass.' For God's sake

—for my sake, let me alone about this piece of painted

pasteboard— this heartless, soulless puppet !"

" Giles ! Giles !" cried his mother, using her fan
at a prodigious rate, although no one but herself felt
over warm, " Giles ! you are both unjust and un-

ri«^ic«»-^B -•

another dashing
)UKh l"

fierce invective
nablediHsipation,

a close by the
;te who had been
impton's. They
)n8, Mrs. Fitaste-

Emily's playing,
he contents cf a
le, Emily's oharra-
■e enthusiastically
and it no longer.

yon would make
■assuredly it is not

1 honored name of
ghing slily behind
r hand in getting
Hampton's praises
lister! Seriously,
ifer a favor on me
s me to hear you
ose fair semblance
.' For God's sake
his piece of painted
BS puppet 1"

iher, using her fan
one but herself felt
th unjust and un-

TRK ADHIRAl/S DAnaHTKII.

881

grateful— it would be well for Emily if she were
only half as blind to your perfections as you are to
hori-. It is ungenerous of you to speak so harshly
of one who, whatever her faultd may be, loves

yon "

"Loves >««/" repeated Fizstephen with bitter
scorn ; " say rather that she loves my position, and
has a yearning atlur our family honors — such love
as her's is not worth the drop ot dew that melts be-
fore the first sunbeam — good night ! my dear mother!
— good night ! Charlotte ! I have much business on
hands for to-morrow and must try to secure a ffood
night myself!" With his own peculiar smile he left
the room. Not so his mother and Charlotte, who
sat talking till the night was far advanced. /

382

r4TIREG2I DHV,

CHAPTER XVn.

The next day was one of uninterrupted sunsbine.
From early morning till the close of day the Gal-
way praters ehone like burnished gold: the river,
swollen by the autumn rains, dashed boldly on
freighted with the waters of Lough Corrib, and the
surface of the basin without heaved and surged and
pulsated like a huge thing of life. Multitudes of the
finny tribes were sporting in its depths, darting up
at times to the surface, their bright scales glittering
in the sun's ray amid the sparkling waters. Little
fear had they of the numerous craft that flitted to
aad fro, hither and thither, over the Bay, for they
knew well in their piscal wisdom that the Claddagh
men would not touch one of them that day for love
or money. It was set down as an "unlucky day
in the Claddagh, but out in the Bay it was quite the
contrary, for the tribes of the deep weie free to en-
ioy the bright sunshine, without fear of net, hook or
line. lu and about the Claddagh a more than Sab-
bath stillness reigned. Most of its inhabitants, both
men and women, were within doors, or somewhere
about their houses, the former washing and scrub-
bing with that exactness which makes their domestic
neatness proverbial, the latter mending and other-
wise arranging their fishing-tackle for the morrow'b
use. Here and there at the quay might be seen

g'
in

lei

fie

ke
sb
th
pe
an
th
w<
up
H
fo
th
"i
pa

ag
of

"I
wa
Vt
evi
Ar
do

::i^M^^B

IRK ADUIHAL'S nACCBTER,

333

upted sunsiiine.
of day the Qal-
;old: the river,
shed boldly on
Comb, and the

and surged and
ilultitudesof the
ptbs, darting up
scales glittering

watera. Little
ft, that fiitted to
le Bay, for they
lat the Claddagh
Lhat day for love
. " unlucky day "
r it was quite the
> were free vo en-
If of net, hook or
a more than Sab-
inhabitants, both
rs, or somewhere
ishing and scrub-
ces their domestic
inding and other-
) for the morrow'b
,y might be seen

groups, or individuals, as the case might be, repair-
ing and cleaning boats, mending sails, and other
such professional jobs, all in that qu'et, easy, care-
less way characteristic of the Claddagh men in a
otate of repose.

Many of the women were in town disposing of the
fish taken on the previous day, and amongst them
was Vara Ilalliday. Maureen was, accordingly,
keeping house, and, contrary to her usual custom,
she went through her household duties with a dreary,
thoughtful air. Silent she was, and sad she ap-
peared to be, starting at times from deep thought
and looking around with a half-frightened air aa
though fearful of seeing some strange sight. She
would listen, too, at times, with head erect and hand
upraised as though expecting some unwonted sound.
Her father and her brothers were all out most of the
forenoon, and as soon as they had get their dinner
they went off again to the quay, where, they said,
" a couple of the boats " were badly in need of re-
pair. Maureen felt relieved when she found herself
again alone, but, as the afternoon wore on, her fears,
of what kind soever they were, became intolerable.
" Well, whatever it is that's on me," she murmured,
"I can't stand it any longer, I feel as if something
was for draggin' mo down to the water side, though
I'm sure I have no heart to go anywhere — God save
every one from harm this day, for an ill day it is 1
And, still, sure there is no one in harm's way. I
don't know that^ either — maybe there la — God

ig^.-

834

UAURZBN DBU,

knows ! at any rate, I'll take a stroll down an' see
what's goin' on. Ochone ! I wish my granny was
home— it 'id be something to have her to talk to.
I'd like," she said again, as she wrapped her heavy
shawl around her, and took her knitting in her hand,
•I'd like to know, now, what's Shan about?" and
then she sank again into a deep reverie, nor raised
her head, even to answer passing salutations, till she
had reached the wharf. The sight of the water,
and the ships, and nearer, the Claddagh men scat-
tered at work along 8hore„brought her quickly back
to a sense of security, that was probably owing to
the life and animation pervading the scene. The
Admiral was there hard at work in his shirt sleeves,
in defiance of the chill November blast that from
time to time curled the bright waters far and near.
He and his sons were keel-hauling their best hooker,
■which lay in a slanting position on the strand.
Casting her eyes around in search of Shan, Maureen
perceived him sitting, mending sails, at no great
distance, with Tom Flaherty and old Ulick Kearna-
han. Shan's back was turned towards her, and some-
how she felt glad that his eye was not on her. It
was just as well that he should not know of her
being there.

Maureen, with her stocking on her arm, stood for
a few minutes near the spot where her father and
brothers were at work, her eyes wandering with a
half-conscious glance over the sunlit scene, beyond
the water, where the blue mountains of Clare

(

1
(<

8
8
V

b
n

g
h

Ti
C(
W

b<
at

:^Jl^E-CS--^-:ELu ■!■*'■>

oil down an' see
my granny waa
'e her to talk to.
•apped her heavy
ittinginherhand,
ban about?" and
everie, nor raised
alutations, till she
ht of the water,
iddsgh men scat-
t her quickly back
irobably owing to
; the scene. The
a his shirt sleeves,
)r blast that from
.ters far and near.
; their best hooker,
n on the strand.
I of Shan, Maureen
sails, at no great
old Ulick Kearna-
ards her, and some-
as not on her. It
not know of her

her arm, stood for
Bre her father and

wandering with a
mlit scene, beyond
ountains of Clare

THB admiral's DAUOBTKR.

335

stretched away into shadowy distance, their sum.
mits traced on th»: far horizon in many a graceful
curve and tapering cone. But Maureen was not
thinking of the fair page of nature's book that lay
before her. Other thoughts were in her mind, all
tinted with the gloom— the supernatural gloom, at-
tendant on her last night's adventure. All at once,
she was roused from her musings by the voice of
little Nanno calling out to her with childish glee :
" Look, Maureen, only look who's here I"

Turning quickly, Maureen was much surprised to
see old Aileen hobbling down to the beach, partly
supported by her little grandchild, partly by her
stiflk. It was a strange sight to see the ghastly and
withewd old crone bent almost c >uble, as it were,
sustained by the e!6n creature, who was herself
bowed down by the weight of her own pitiful infir-
mity. Aileen's hand rested on the child's misshapen
shoulder, and it was easy to see that the pressure
gave pain to the gentle creature, for her cheek had a
hectic flush all unusual to it, and her large, gazelle-
like eyes were filled with te^irs. Yet on she tod-
dled, bearin<>; up bravely heraelf and cheering the
old woman with many a kind word. Now if Mau-
reen had seen a veritable ghost at the time she
could not have been more -astounded, for the old
woman had not left her bed for many a long day
before. ^

« Wisha, then, Aileen ! la it yourself that's in it,,
at all?" she cried as she hastened to her, anci with

336

MAURBKN DI"^!

rj;, ,„,..„ know >v*p"^„:„?r;.rrrt:.t

aPfmed quite content, iter woruo «

seemea qu ^^^g^^^ ^,^9

Bne lau uco" »" j , . » __. jjg one

power seemed in no w»y « • *:!„„„

Laity wbi»h h.a of tote come upon Uer. AUecu
Rhualhelples. ..a inta,.nd half Wiofc .s.l.e

THE admiral's DAUCHTKR.

337

broad etona or
above the sand,
put a foot under

you for an ugly
' sure I'm fine an'
an' we'll not have
ugbt I'd struggle
I ugh 1"

mean, Aileen as-

bye, avourneen!
)on't ask me to tell
36 it's chokin' I am
gh! ugh! — sure I
More down ?"
Teen, pointing him
n could hardly dis-
i to be present she
»rd8 troubled Mau-
true her reason was

she gave utterance
■which startled the
m the other world.
red and respected in
that is to say as one
lings, und this weird
mished by the blank
ae upon her. Aileeu
d half idiotic as she

had Decome, was still looked up to by her simple
neighbors as a semi-supernatural being whose eye
could at times pierce the veil which conceals the
world of spirits from mortal ken. Her mysterious
words, then, gave rise to a strange tumult in Mau-
reen's mind, giving as they did, a sort of confirma-
tion to her own undefined misgivings. Aileen, it is
true, had spoken of "fun," but Maureen knew her
too well to expect anything good or agreeable from
that, for there was a biting irony in her tone that
meant anything rather th&nfu)i.

It was about one o'clock, and the sun was just
bending its course downward, when little Nanno,
who bad been watching with childish interest the
graceful motion of the various ships and boats pass-
ing up and down, to and fro, on the river and the
Bay, suddenly observed in her low, asthmatic
voice :

"Why, then, Maureen, isn't that a fishing-boat ?"

"A fishing-boat !" repeated Maureen, in some per-
turbation, "why, surely no I — there's no fishing-boat
out the day. But, Lord bless me ! it is — och, wir-
ra! wirra!"

" Sure I tould you there was goin' to be fun 1"
said Aileen with her shrill, cackling laugh, "an'
there will, too — he 1 he ! he ! — wheie's Randal Morel
why don't he stir himself! — run, Kanno — no, you
Maureen — vau an' tell him ! — he ! he ! he I I knew
we'd have fun ! I knew it bravely ! — whereabouts
is the pirate now, children ?"

338

MAnRKRN DHV,

"For God's sake, Aileenl let us alone," cned
Maureen, with a querulousness that was all unusual
with her, "my father 'ill get sight of her time
enough 1-ah 1 I knew," she muttered to be"«"l/. -
knew it wasn't lor nothing that I saw what I did
last night. It's him-l'm full sure it is-didn t he
as good as tell me he'd do it ! Blessed &t Nichol-
as 1 what a beauty of a boat he has l-an' I dedare
she's bigger than either the Sheelah or the Nora
Creina^well if that isn't a sight anyhow !-ah! it

took him to do it I" ^ . i

Lost in her instinctive admiration of the large
and handsome boat, Maureen almost forgot the
danger which awaited her venturesome crew, when
a wild shout from the Claddagh men along the
Bhore-a wild, vengeful nhout-announced that the
strange craft was noticed by them. Maureen s
heart sank within her as she heard the stentorian
voice of her father raised high in command, and
saw several boats instantly in preparation.

"Who and what is she?" cried Randal More.
"She comes from the city-here, boys !" to his sons,
"get out the Nora at oust -don't have it to say
thatt^e'U be hindmost. I thought there wasn't a
man in Galway that 'id venture out fishin' the day
in sight of the Claddagh l-an' she's a tight bit o
wood-well put together-more's the pity that she
^U8t go down-Shan DiiscollI man alive I make
ready— is Brown Bess in proper tnm ?

"Safe and sound she is, I'll go bail I" returned

D
W

,iiaaC^,

THE admiral's DACOHTKR.

889

a alone,"" cried
was all unusual
It of her time
ed to herself, "I
saw what I did
it is — didn't he
ssed St. Nichol-
1 1— an' I declare
lah or the Nora
anyhow ! — ah 1 it

tion of the large
most forgot the
some crew, when
I men along the
inounced that the
hem. Maureen's
ird the stentorian
in command, and
paration.

ed Randal More,
oys !" to his sons,
m't have it to say
rht there wasn't a
)ut fishin' the day
he's a tight bit o'
B the pity that she
man alive I make
trim?
go bail I" retm-ned

Shan at the top of his voice ; " but can you guess
who that is ?"

" The sorra a guess — it's little matter, anyhow —
well, I vow to God that's an aggravatiu' omadhaun
whoever he is ! — all ready, boys ?" |

«' Father !" said the soft voice of Maureen at his
side, "father do you know who that is ?" pointing
to the noW distinct figure of a man standing on the
prow of the boat. *' I'll lay my life it's Mr. Fitz-
Btephen."

"Mr. Fitzstephen !" repeated the old man, sharp-
ly, "why, you're ravin', child, what 'id bring him
out vhat way— do you think Ae'd come out again us
in broad daylight?"

"1 think he would, father," said Maureen earnest-
ly, still holding her father by the arm, "because it's
partly for your own good, that's hi8 notion."

"Shanl" shouted the Admiral, "do you hear
that? Maureen says its Mr. Fitzstephen, an' after
all, maybe it is, — , my soul to glory but I b'Ueve
it is!— don't you see she's a trawler ?— jump in,
boys I jump in ! more power there, Shan, you're al.
ways first out 1"

Maureen made no attempt at expostulation, for
she well knew that no earthly power could turn her
father at that moment from his purpose. Shan
DriscoU and Brown Bess were already under weigh,
and the Nora Creina's white sail was flung to the
breeze by the stalwart hands of the two young
O'Uaras, themselves as excited as any, in fact too

MAUREEN DHU,

much excited for talk. Several other boats were
Blarting ia rapid Buccefesion, all making for tlie ob-
noxious hooker, their crews all armed with such
weapons or misailes as came within their reach.
Yet all this threatened display did not appear to
intimidate those on board the strange crall. Still
she kept her onward way steering right for the
fishing-ground. Steadily on she went as though
wholly unaware of the volcano over which she
passed. Even the wild cheers and halloos from the
advancing boats appeared to have no other effect
than that of giving increased power to the graceful
craft, which moved over the waters like a creature

of life.

But where was Maureen Dhu all this time, for no
sooner had she seen the first boat put off than she
turned her back to the shore, and fled like an ante-
lope to the centre of the village? On and on she
ran, without stopping to look behind. Was she
anxious to get out of seeing and hearing of the trag-
ic scenes which she knew to be at hand ? They knew
but little of Maureen O'ilara who would suspect her of
Buch puerile weakness. Two minutes had hardly pass-
ed since she left the beach when she stopped breathless
and well-nigh exhausted at Brian Kineely's door,
where she had left him an hour before "sitting in the
Bun,"pale and languid after his short but severe illn'^ss.
He was still there, but no longer listless or inani-
mate. He had heard the tumultuous cheers from
the beach, and catching the inspiration, though

:At^ii:'2XMiSii'M^^- -^?^ ■

THE admiral's daughter.

841

jther boats were
laking for the ob-
irraed with such
ithin their reach,
lid not appear to
range cral'l. Still
ng right for the
went as though
I over which she
d halloos from the
,ve no other effect
irer to the graceful
}r8 like a creature

ill this time, for no
It put off than she
d fled like an ante-
j ? On and on she
behind. Was she
hearing of the trag-
hand ? They knew
would suspect her of
ites had hardly pass-
e stopped breathless
ian Kineely's door,
>efore "sitting in the
jrt but severe illness.
;er listless or inani-
ultuous cheers from
inspiration, though

ignorant of what was goinj? on, the poor fellow
was eagerly watching for some intelligenae from
the sliore. More than once he had tried his limbs,
impelled by a curiosity which became every mo-
ment more painful, but as oflen did those refractory
members refuse to bear him. He had seen people
hurrying past through the cross streets, and a
vague rumor of what was passing below had reach-
ed his straining ears from a distance, but as no one
chanced to pass within hearing of his weakened
voice, he was compelled to remain in that state of
ignorance which is not bliss. Like some beautiful
spectre Maureen suddenly appeared before him, and
he had not time either to express his surprise or ask
a question when she grasped him by the arm.
"Brian Kineely! you must put out after the

boats !"

" What boats, Maureen ?— sure there's no one 'id
venture out the day 1 but anyhow, I'm not able,"
he added, in a melancholy tone.

" You are able, Brian I — you will be able ! Come
off this minute, an' God will give you strength, for
it's to save life, Brian ! an' sure isn't that His own
work? Come! come! come! I tell you — don't you
hear the shouts— we'll be late !"

« Well, Maureen ! I'll do your bidding in God's
name. Can't I speak to granny, jist to tell her
where I'm goin', for fear she'd be throubled when
she misses me ?"

«Not a word— you'll be back soon please the

842

■AURZEM DBU,

Lord in heaven-there now, you boo you can walk
well enough-I knew it I" And in reality Brian did
find himself 80 much stronger under the impulse of
Maureen's earnest solicitation and the contagious ex-
citement which he could not resist, that to his great
and joyful surprise, he hardly needed the support
of Maureen's arm as she hurried him along in the
direction of the beach. There was no more time for
questions. " You'll know it all time enough," said
Maureen, in smothered accents, as ihey reached the
beach, and she pointed to the strange boat. One
glance was enough for Brian's practised eye, but
still he turned an inquiring eye on Maureen.

«' Who is it, Maureen ? and what would you have

me do?" he said. tj • ,

"Make them get out a row-boat— Brian ! Brian I
brother of my heart I it's Mr. Fitzstephen— if you
love me, Brian 1 out at once, or there'll be bloody
work this day— there's ne'er another in the village
I'd depend on now but your own self."

There was a ghastly paleness on Brian Kineely's
brow and on his cheek, but he leapt into a boat
and motioned for one or two fellows who were
lounging near to jump in after him and take up the

"How can I save him, Maureen?" demanded
Brian, with a tremulous voice; "only tell me what I'm
to do, an' if I lose my life I'll do it !"

At this moment and before Maureen could an-
swer, a carriage dashed up at a headlong speed, and

w
U

ss
*'(
tl

a
tu

ki
m
lo

h(
ag

be
wi
Qi

)o you can walk
reality Brian did
jr the impulse of
le contagious ex-
that to his great
ded the support
lim along in the
no more time for
ne enough," said
they reached the
ange boat. One
ractised eye, but
Maureen,
t would you have

t— Brian! Brian I
zstephen — if you
here'U be bloody
her in the village

lelf."

n Brian Kineely's
leapt into a boat
fellows who were
m and take up the

•een ?" demanded

ly tell me what I'm

itl"

laureen could an*

sadloug speed, and

THK admiral's DAUOHTGR.

848

out of it rushed Mrs. Fitzstcphen and her daughter
Charlotte. The half-frenzied glance which the
mother cast around enabled her tO( bserve Maureen
to whom she at once addressed herself.

" Daughter of Randal O'llara !" she cried, " is hia
life in danger, as they tell me !"

" It is 1" was the stern and, it seemed, sullen reply
of Maureen.

" Great God ! can nothing bo done ?" and the
widowed mother wrung; her hands in anguish as she
saw the boats from the Claddagh nearing her son's.
"Oh! I told him to have nothing, nothing to do with
them."

" So did I, ma'am," said Maureen, in what seemed
a quiet tone. Quickly and fiercely Mrs. Fitzstephea
turned on her.

"Girl! girl! how coolly you take it — do you
know that he is my only son — ob, Charlotte
my daughter ! is there no one to help us — look !
look I"

" Lady !" said Maureen Dhu, " have patience and
hope in God ! — you tell me I am cool — don't say it
again, for I'll save his life for you or lose my own."

She had been standing on the prow of Brian's
boat, and as she said these words she turned to him
with a crimson cheek and bade him push out for
God's sake and hers.

" Has he a medal or cross or anything ?" she
asked of the amazed lady on the beach.

*' He may — I think so — I'm not sure."

ilijf

844

MAHRKKM DHO,

j V

««Givo me that cross I gave you-if you have it

about you?" „.^

The croBi was handed over by a young man ^ho

leaped with it to the boat and then back agam to

the beach. , „»-„

•'Now Brian! for life or death pull out— stay,
don't you touch the oars-you're not able-give that
one here to me !" As if laboring under some strange
.pell, Brian handed her the oar in silence, and
seating herself near the prow with her lace turned
to the other boats, Maureen threw off her shawl and
plied the long oar with a lightness and ease that
were surprising in one so young and so delicately

^Ty thi8 time the Claddagh boats had come with-
in hail of the bold trawler. If the fishermen had
been in doubt as to the offending party, their doub
was now removed. Fitzstephen himself stood on
the prow in Bight of them all. Whatever uneasi-
ness he might have felt, he suffered none of it to ap.
pear, but kept watching the approach of the boats
with a calm smile as if apprehending no danger.

"Good morrow to you. Kandair «1 ^ Fi zste-
phen cheerily; "how is all with you?" Wuhov^
Siting for the answer which he well knew wodd
have been a gruff one, he went on quickly: You
see I'm going to try the trawling for you, when
rc;uld'n't ge! you to doit yourselves. Just see
how it works now, and if you don't like it, Admi-
ral, why, then, I'll give it up."

tat ADUIRALS DAUOBrER.

845

,n — if you have it

a young man who
len back again to

bh puU out— stay,
not able— give that
under some strange
ar in nilence, and
th her lace turned
w off her shawl and
ness and ease that
r and BO delicately

lats had come with-
the fishermen had
5 party, their doubt
sn himself stood on
Whatever uneasi-
red none of it to ap-
)roaoh of the boats
iding no danger,
lall" said Fitzste-
ith you?" Without
he well knew would
on quickly: " You
nrling for yon, when
ourselves. Just see
don't like it, Admi-

This easy self-posscHsion and good humor quite
disconcerted Randal. lie was prepared to encounter
oppoaitiun, and had made up hiH mind to show no
mercy, but this new turn of affairs he had not fore<
seen, and it bafUed all his calculations. Still he had
a duty to perform, and that ho would do no matter
how things went.

" Mr. Fitzstepben !" said the Admiral, in his
roughest and gruffest voice, giving his trowscrs a
hitch-up at the same time ; " Mr. Fitzstephon, don't
try to come it on me, now — you tried your hand on
it afore now, an' even made so little of yourself as to
collogue with that geraha of mine about it — all was
no use, sir, an' still you wouldn't give in. It's for a
taunt an' an aggravation you're out hero now, an*
you needn't think to lay any of your soft soap to me,
A fish you'll never catch in that net !"

"Nonsense, Admiral! we've some scores in it^
now, I think, though it's not long since we lot it
down. Do look at it, man !"

" Down with the pirate !" shouted Shan Drisooll,
impatient at this delay.

"Down with the pirate!" was echoed by all the
others, and grasping their varioun weapons, they
placed themselves in threatening attitudes on the
deck of each boat while they still kept moving in on
the more stately trawler.

Fitzstephen made a sign to his own crew to move
backwards, while planting his feet more firmly on the

346

MAUREKK one,

prow, he tbrust his hands a.ep i»lo th» poclet. orhU

^".Ct-oZtt" s.,d he, in . firn.. callected
voice, "what is it you mean to do ?

« To sink your boat !" was the stern reply.
«' Then you're bent on murder !"
u^nl o'r swim, .a'll not lay aband on one of you
but down the boat goes as sure as yo«'re aboard ot
her Kyou go to the bottom the fault's your own

- what business had you here? " .>,«„;„<,

"Randal O'llara! this is a poor way of showing
your gratitude." .aid Fitzstephen; « I think I oiten

served the Claddagh men

"This does r^way with all, an' you know that well.
TheJe'sLyou. Sha'nl this is no time for palaver.
Do your will, boys ! into her at once 1

"Advance o.e step and you're a dead man ! said
TTitzfteuhen with stern determination, and from each
! h iptr;: he drew a double-barrelled pistol, one

: whi'ch he handed to one of b^-- -\--^,t
to his as«istan.e. The other he J^^^ »*J^ J^^^^^^
ooll, who was the most active and the most forward
of his assailania. . .

A derisive laugh was Shan's answer and with a
Jden stroke of a long iron.piked pole which 1^
rrasoed by V.e middle, he dashed the pisto ^rom the

|oatman'/b.nd. It went off in the fall with a lo«d
boatman ^^^^^ ^^^^ f.^,„t,y

;rrs::;l; ol'n,>e «,, wa.he.rdn...r,

ir
n

si
ft
tl
li

b
C
1}
I
t
t
c

the pockets of hia

a firm, collected

tern reply.

md on one of you,
, you're aboard ot
5 fault's your own

>r way of showing
i; « 1 think I often

ou know that well,
time for palaver.

>nce I"

a dead man I" said
ition, and from each
)arreUed pistol, one
8 crew who rushed
aimed at Shan Dris-
,d the most forward

answer, and with a
ked pole which he
id the pistol from the
i the fall with a loud
terror came faintly
y was heard nearer.

THB ADMIUAI.'S DADGHTRR.

847

hut all were too intent on the pending contest to think
of looking from whence it came.

" Must I fire ?" cried Fitzstephen, whose cheek
blanched for the first time as he saw one of his pis-
tols dashed thus into the water; "back, I tell you,
or your blood be on your own head !"

Shan made no answer, but a blow of his handspike
instantly descended on Fitzstephen's shoulder. Al-
most stunned by the force of the blow, Fitzstephen
still had power to discharge his pistol. But the
fearful handspike again interposed, and knocked up
the pistol BO that the ball merely grazed Slian's up-
litled arm.

"Now, boys, coiue on!" cried Shan, with a flour-
ish of his formidable weapon, it's plain saitin'now
—down with the pirate trawler ! Scuttle her !"

There was a rush to the side of all the Claddagh
boats. Foremost in the attack were the two young
O'Haras, but somehow the Admiral himself hung
back, contrary to his wont, and he made a sign to
Barney to wait a moment. There was something in
the depth of his honest heart that made him sympa-
thize with Fitzstephen, whose gallant resistance
commanded his admiration. He had at bottom, too,
a sincere regard for the generous and high-spirited
Galwagian, and although he blustered so loudly
against his daring attempt at innovation on the an-
cient customs of the Claddagh, and incroaching on
their cherished rights, still it was not without pain
that he saw his life in danger. He felt that duty

348

IIATJEKBJ* DHO,

demanacd of him to make an example of bo danng
a trespasser, and he also feared the reproaches of his
people if he even appeared to fail them at such a
LLnt, but still his rough cheek lost >tB jo^/' -^d
ins heart sank within him at the t^^oughts of Fit
.lephen's imminent peril It was the first an 1
perhaps, the only time in his long career of offi o
Ihat he wished he had not been Admiral of
Cladda^h. Every eye was turned on him, and the
fishermen, wrathful and impatient as they were
would not strike a blow until he gave the v'ord o
the signal. ShanDriscoll was furious at tins, and
in his wrath he forgot even his habitual respect for
be Admiral's high office. Turning his eyes back
on him, he called out in a tone of cutting irony :
"That's it, Randal! keep them back all he gef
clear away. We all know you have a gra for him
Keep close, boys! move after her-if the Admuul
is afeaid to boord her, we'll go without him 1

Almost maddened by this insolent taunt. Randal
More aimed a blow at Shan which, had it struck him
would have sent him right over, but Yeman caught
the blow on his own weapon, Pnd glancing reproadi-
fully «t his father, made a thrust at the exposed side
of the trawler by way of commencing the assault^
His father said not a word, but raising hi» heavy
pole in both hands struck it right through the traw-
L's stem, yet so that the hole it made ^^'^^'^^^^
water. Fitzstephen's crew came manfully to bis
succor, armed with whatever missile they could hnd.

.jgf^jn-T'tliTiTil"'-""'™"'^''-

ample of so daring
lie reproaches of his
111 them at such a
ik lost its color, and
> thoughts of Fitz-
was the first, and,
mg career of office
en Admiral of the
led on him, and the
ient as they were,
) gave the vord or
furious at tliis, and
habitual respect for
•ning his eyes back
e of cutting irony :
m back all he get-
have a gra for him !
her— if the Admiral
without him !"
Solent taunt, Randal
ch, had it struck him,
r, but Yeman cauglit
nd glancing reproacli-
,st at the exposed side
mencing the assault,
ut raising hia heavy
ght through the tra wr-
it made was far above
lame manfully to bis
nissile they could find.

THE ADHIBAL8 DAUGHTER.

349

and himself had his finger on the trigger. But even
supposing he did shoot one of his assailants with
the only ball which now remained, what was he to
do then ? There he was, wholly defenceless, almost
surrounded by the vengeful and excited Claddagh
men, whose angry passions now thoroughly aroused
were beyond all control, save that of their own com-
mander, from whoio nothing was to be expected.
Bent ou the destruotion of his boat, the fiery assail-
ants would hear nothing, stop at nothing, and for the
first time, Fitzstephen blamed himself for attempt-
ing to force instruction ou those who would not be
instructed. But as often happens, repentance came
too late, and Fitzstephen had only to brace his mind
so as to meet his fate as became a Christian man.
Breathing a prayer for his own soul and for those
whom his probable death would leave so desolate, he
grasped his pistol still more firmly and stood waiting
for the moment to use it to the best advantage.

" Now, God have mercy on my soul I" said Fitz-
stephen to himself, as he saw the terrible handspikes
again in motion, and more formidable still, many a
hatchet flashing in the sun as desperate hands T'^'-'^ed
them around to give greater force to the meditated
stroke.

Suddenly a shout was heard from the trawler's
steru, and Brian Kineely was seen lifting Maureen
on board. Brian's appearance would have been
easily accounted for, and the Claddagh men raised
an encouraging cheer, supposing that he had, by a

880

MACRKET* nn'Ji

manoeuvre, taken the trawler in the rear. The sight
of Maureen Dhu, in that position, however, was
something both strange and unaccountable, and
when she advanced to Fitzstephen'a side with a firm
step and that queenly air which she could so well
assume, everv soul on board the Claddagh boats
was, as it were, spell-bound for the moment. The
gleaming weapons remained aloft as though suspen-
ed in the air, and every eye, distended with amaze-
ment, was fixed on Maureen. Fitzstephen's fc-ehngs
would be hard to describe, as Maureen, with a smile
and a blush, handed him the Spanish cross and de-
sired him to hang it round his neck. _

" Take that, and throw the pistol from you, sir .
she said, in a low voice; "they'll not hurt you now,
never fear !-thank God I'm not too late 1

« Maureen!" cried her father, "what, in Gods
name, brought you there ?"

" It was Brian brought me, father," said Maureen,
calmly "and I eame to save Mr. Fitzstephen's life,
and keep you from doiu' what I know you'd rue the
longest day you have to live."

"Randal Morel" said Shan Dnscoll, with the
dread calmness of desperation, "Randal More!
bring your daughter off that boat or she'll go down
in it,--for down it goes before I'm many minutes

*" "T^Tcare what you say, Shan!" said Barney
O'Hara, turning on him fiorcely; "you'd best not
threaten harm to Maureen !"

, ^tijmmi<m t m -< i»i *

le rear. The sight
ion, however, was
ipiccountable, and
sn's side with a firm

she could so well
le Claddagh boats

the moment. The
[I as though Buspen-
itended with amaze-
itzstephen's ft-elings
aureen, with a smile
anish cross and de-
leck.

stolfrom you, sir!"
1 not liurt you now,
t too late I"
er, "what, in God's

ither," said Maureen,
[r. Fitzstephen's life,
I know you'd rue the
»

a DriscoU, with the
on, *' Randal More I
loat or she'll go down
re I'm many minutes

Shan!" said Barney
lely; "you'd bsst not

THE ADH.RAL's DADORTBR.

851

" Take her out of that, I tell you ! or you'll see
what I'll do as well as threaten i"

"Shan I Shan!" said Yeman, -ently, "think of
what you're sayin', my poor fellow !''

" I see there's no use in talkin'," said Shan, "so I'll
do it myself when nobody else 'ill do it ! — be ready,
boys I as soon as I get back with that mad girl be-
yant !" So saying, he jumped on board the trawler
and made a grasp at Maureen, but Fitzstephen, with
ineffabli! dignity and coolnesB,placed one arm around
her slender waist and with the other pointed the
pistol to Shan's breast.

" Back, young man 1 back, I say I or I shoot you
dead !"

" Back yourself, son of the stranger I" cried Shan,
in a suffocating voice, while his face grew purple
with rage ; "back with your pistol — I care nothing
for my life, but the girl I'll have !"

"Never!" said Fitzstephen, with preternatural
calmness, "never/ mine she is, and mine she shall be
—in life or death she can never be yours !"

A groan of anguish from behind made Fitzste-
phen turn his head for an instant, when Shan, with
the fury of a maniac, threw himself on him, and at-
tempting to force the pistol from his grasp it explo-
ded, and a cry of pain from Maureen told that she
had been wounded. In the twinkling of an eye the
Admiral and his sons held Shan as with a grasp of
iron, and a chorus of execration arose from the fish-
ermen, whose wrath was now turned on Shan. The

863

UAURKEK OHIT,

unhappy yonng man was insensible to their cries—
insensible to the reproachful voice of the heart-
struck father who was now bending over his child
•where she lay in Fitzstephen's arms pale and faint,
yet still conscious.

•'Don't be frightened!" said she, when her own
fright permitted her to speak, "it's only my arm, I
thinkl— father!— Mr. Fitzstephen!— I'm not much

the worse !"

•'Oh! Maureen, Maureen!" whispered Fitzste-
phen, "why did you risk a life so precious— if you die
what will become of me. ?"

« If I did what matter— sure it 'id be for you !"
The words were hardly spoken when Maureen, faint
and bleeding as she was, regretted having spoken
them, and she stretched her arms to wards her father
■with an imploring look, while her death-like face
was suffused with a momentary flush. Fitzstephen
resisted the old man's attempt to take her. " No,
no, Randal ! I must see what injury she has sustain-
ed before lean give her even to you. I presume
there is peace between us now."

"I don't know that, Mr. Fitzstephen," returned
the Admiral gruffly, "this, by right, only makes
things worse— if I lose my child by your means, do
you think it'll make peace !"

"Father, father!" murmured Maureen, "what
makes you speak that way to him? don't you hiow

it wasn't his fault ?"

"No, Maureen I the fault was mine," said Shan,

TRR admiral's DADGHTBR.

363

e to their cries —
ice of the heart-
nii over his child
ma pale and faint,

ae, when her own
8 only my arm, I
il — I'm not much

whispered Fitzste-
recious — if you die

t 'id be for you !"
hen Maureen, faint
,ed having spoken
, towards her father
her death-like face
flush. Fitzstephen

take her. " No,
iry she has sustain-
,0 you. I presume

zstephen," returned
right, only makes
by your means, do

id Maureen, "what
m ? don't you know

1 mine,' ' said Shan,

" it was I done it— it was I done it— an' if it had
only struck him, or myself, or any one but you,— I
wouldn't be sorry— but you, Maureen \—me to spill
your blood !— ok! Mother of Heaven 1 what's come
on me, at all ? "

"Here's my hand, Shan! I'm not angry with
you," said Maureen, making an eflTort to speak.
Wildly and eagerly Shan seized the outstretched
hand and sank on his knees as he passionately mur-
mured :

"If God only spares your life, Maureen! I'll
give you up to him, or any one you choose— an'
och ! but that's the hard sayin', pulse of my heart

you were ! "

"God bless you, Shanaroon!" said Maureen, as
her brothers forced him away ; " don't be hard on
him, boys, the worst is his own! Father dear!
take me home !— there's a weakness comin' over
me I~oh !— sure, sure ! you'll not let them harm

him?"

" Achorra machree, no 1 — don't be afeard — if you,
wish it, we'll not cross you ! " said the old man,
bending fondly over her, and his tears fell warm
on her beautiful face, that was every moment grow-
ing valet and more death-like. "Sure there's
ne'er 'a man in the Claddagh, darlin', let alone your
father, that wouldn't do your biddin'."

" Go and get them away, then," whispered the
girl, " I'm in dread for him while they're so near ! "
The fishermen, hearing from their Admiral what

■Mm

354

MACREEH DHtJ,

they considered Maureen's last request, one and all
prepared to comply, and that with a heavy heart.
Slowly and sadly they turned their prows home-
wards, leaving the luckless trawler to follow with
its precious freight. Fitzatephen sat on the deck
with Maureen's head resting on his bosom, while
Randal, on bended knees beside his daughter, held
her hand in his and watched every change in her
color, every motioa of her features, with a tender
nesB which could hardly be expected from him.

Fitzstephen said little, but many thoughts and
emotions were at work within him as he gased on
the marble face that lay all but motionless on hiB
arm. When the boat touched the strand, and his
mother rushed to clasp him to her bosom, he barely
returned her fervent greeting, then said in a low
earnest whisper, as he pointed to Maureen : "Mother,
I bring you another daughter 1— She has purchased
• my love with her blood, and from this day forward
she is the dearest thing on earth to me 1— Pray that
she may be spared to me I"

"I acknowledge her claim, my son," said the agi-
tated mother, aud stooping she kissed Maureen's
cheek. The girl opened her eyes and a faint smile
passed over her wan features.

All at once there rose from Fitzstephen's boat a
wild and piercing cry. Maureen, as if some fearful
presentiment struck her heart, raised her head and
looked up wildly in Fitzstephen's face. "It's Brian,
sir!" she almost shrieked; "It's my poor Brian— A«'«

THE admiral's DACRHTGR.

355

uest, one and all
\i a heavy heart,
eir prows home-
r to follow with
sat on the deck
his bosom, while
is daughter, held
py change in her
es, with a tender
ted from him.
iny thoughts and
m as he gaeed on
motionless on his
he strand, and bis
• bosom, he barely
ten said in a low
[aureen : "Mother,
She has purchased
a this day forward
to me I — Pray that

son," said the agi-

kissed Maureen's

IS and a faint smile

i'itzstepben's boat a
I, as if some fearful
msed her head and
s face. "It's Brian,
my poor Brian — A€'«

dead — or something bad has happened him I — wait !
wait ! — I can't kave him ! — oh ! how could I forget
him ?"

Fitzstephen strove to soothe her but all in vain.
She struggled to free herself from his grasp, and he
was obliged to summon her father and brothers to
his aid. They bore Maureen to her home, faint and
exhausted with her recent emotion, and well for
them that they got her housed so soon, for in a few
moments the lifeless body of Brian Kineely was
carried past — not to his own cottage but to Shan
Drisooll's, for fear of the shock being as fatal to poor
More as Maureen's supposed death bad been to him.
Weak and wasted as the brave fellow was, tljp sud-
den annihilation of his dearest ho^es in regard to
Maureen chilled his heart's blood, and when the
pistol went off and he heard her cry of anguish echo-
ed from all around, that faithful heart broke ; on the
instant he made one step toward her whom he had
loved so well, but that step was his last — he gasped,
his head reeled, and he fell on the deck, unheeded by
cU in that moment of awe and terror and confu-
sion.

•' Ho ! ho ! ho !" croaked old Aileen,a8she gather-
ed herself up and toddled along after the last mourn-
ful procession ; "ho ! ho ! ho ! didn't I know it brave-
ly that there 'id be a stir the day ! — hould your
whist, Nanno I what's the use of cryin' ?— -sure we
all have to go some day or another ! — Brian and
Maureen ! — Brian and Maureen ! well it's quare, too,

856

MACUEN DHU,

if they have both gone together 1— Nanno !" raising
her voice as sb" saw the child hurrying along after
the crowd. But Nanno did not choose to hear her.
Frightened and grieved, she hardly knew why, her
only anxiety was to get a sight of Maureen aid
know what it was that ailed her.

TBK ADJtTRAL'a DAUOBTCn.

867

Nannol" raising
ryiug along after
10080 to hear her.
ly knew why, her
of Maureen aid

CHAPTER XVIII.

That was a mournful day in the Claddagh, for
Brian Kineely was beloved by young and old, and
his death threw a gloom over the entire community.
Then Maureen Dhu, the pride and darling of the
village, was said to be almost dying, and her mis-
fortune was laid at the door of Shan Driscoll, who,
strange to say, was more heavily blamed than Mr.
FitMtephen. Excuses were now made for the latter
and people all at once discovered that there might
be no harm in trying the trawling, and that the
gentleman was for their good. Even Randal More
was never, after that day, heard to inveigh against
the fcystem, and long before the year was out he
himself gave the example, which was taken up by
several others of the principal boat-owners. Shan
Driscoll alone doggedly adhered to his own method,
and to the last day of his life could never be in-
duced to adopt the new one. Indeed he left the Clad-
dagh soon after in a pout and took up his dwelling
on a distant part of the Clare coast, where a lonely
and deserted cottage tempted him to settle, far
away from his kith and kin, where the name of
Maureen Dhu nev r reached his ear, nor her fatal
beauty met his eye. Lonely he lived in misanthro-
pic seclusion from his fellow-men, in the more con-
genial company of rooks, and winds, and waves.

858

MACRKKl* OHO,

ThU move ho did not take, however, unt.l he had
heaped the last Bod on the ^^'o\-ie olA ore.i.^
tbo'mhetad taken to his home, and a ^eauUf t^^-^
in his otherwise rough character was his almost fiha
devotion to the comfort of that half-crazed queru
t:::Z woman. Onoother glimpse tbe reader -1
have of poor Shan before the curtam falls on our

^^ThT:::. of Bnan. hapless fate was studiously
kept from his aged parent for many d^yB after he
wTlaid in the grave, and when at last she discover-
Id t tuth from little Nanno she neither wept nor
lamented. Her feeble mind gave way, "reason top-
ped rom it. throne," and she quiet y remarked
^tt an idiotic smile that she knew her boy wa

gl somewhere, but she ««PPO««\^« ''"t^nt
, «««, from her In this state she was taken to
Sdarhous;whUe Maureen was still suffering
from the effects of her wound, and there the lonely
Sd woman found a peaceful and comfortable home
during the year or two that she remained on eartk
Va"a took her under her special V-^ro..s^'-f,^
tenderly did she soothe and minister to the helpless
er a^ that she conceived an extraordinary attach-
ment for her, and would, if permitted, follow her
like a child wherever she went.

But how am I to describe the state of Berce ex-
cit!ment In which Vara arrived breathless at her
TomTL that memorablealternoon, just as Maureen
had been laid on her bed in what seemed to her the

VKS^F^Bf^^S^Si-riH^S^i: -^'~'

ver, until bo had
late old creature
d a beautiful trait
as hiB almost filial
lalf-crazcd, queru-
)8e the reader will
irtain falls on our

ite was Btudiously
aany days after he
t last she discover-

neither wept nor

1 way, "reason top-
I quietly remarked
knew her boy was
Bed he wouldn't be
te she was taken to

was still suffering
ad there the lonely
I comfortable home

remained on earth.
I patronage, and BO
ister to the helpless
xtraordinary attach-
irmitted, follow her

ae state of fierce ex-
a breathless at her
oon, just as Maureen
at seemed to her the

THK admiral's DACOHTRR.

869

sleep of death. What no one else did, she bitterly
reproached Fitzatephen, and declared she bad always
thought and said that no good would come from his
lianging about the village. "Sure the black curse is
on you an,"8aid she as she wrung bor hands in tearless
sorrow, " over since ould Shamus Dbu* put the rope
round liis sou's neck and hung him— the haythen !
— it's easy knowin' the black drop's in you all !"

The scathing taunt would at another time have
galled Fitzatephen to the quick, but then his heart
was too full of sorrow and remorse to have room for
anger, and bis only feeling was one of thankfulness
that his mother and Charlotte were gone home be-
foie it was uttered. For himself, family pride and
all personal considerations were swallowed up for
the time in the sense of Maureen's danger. As be
hung over her motionless and senseless form, and
thought of her heroic act, and the love unconsciously
revealed in the few half-uttered words she had spo-
ken to him after receiving her wound, and as memory
brought b'ack the girlish art with which she had so
modestly concealed that love, he felt that the posses-
Biou of such a heart was more precious to him than sil-
ver or gold, or ail the ships that ever sailed the Spanish

♦ James Lynch FItaatephen, whoso hapless story is familiar to-
many o? our readers. While Mayor of Qalway, he was obllKed to
hariir his own and only son who had coraniittcd a cruel and
treacherous murder. The stern father, who has been justly called
the Irish Brutus, unable to find any one who would execute the
sentence of the law on his unhappy son, who was much beloved
by the populace, was under the dread necessity of doing It him-
self.

860

MAURKBN DHU,

Beaa freighted with the wealth of his father . The
though that she might die was too homble to be
dwelfupon,and he resolutely kept it away fromhim
LexpreSle. then, were his joy and gratitude when
r doctor whom he had himself sent for an old
friend of his family, after ^^'^^'^';^^^% .""T^Jl
clared that there was no danger of her life, although
her recovery might be tedious. ^^

"Even so," said Fitzstephen M^^^^^^^f -^

«ame tone. " surely you jest, my dear sir I

«TJpon my honor, I do «°* J-\°^\!' T*!,^ ^y
In earnesJ-if that girl lives she shall be my

"'?Welll I confess," said the doctor, "she is fit to

.e a^y man. wife as far ^ rrtr/'gt^lln
chamn h son goutr and the wo" y^
shrugged his shoulders aB he lo^^^^^^'^fj ^,„.
kindred of the intended bnde. By this u

v,o^ vpaained her senses and a brigui nu»
reen had regamea u« Fitzstephen still

suffused her wan cheek as she saw r iv^ F
f u • 1. And there he remained most of the
by her side. And tnere ue confess-

evening to the great surprise "^^^f^^^^^^^^ ^et

ed to Noddy Kinshela, --J f ^^f^^^.^re was
her at the door comrg in, that, aiter au,

* Quoting a French provotb. wWch meaus. "every man to hU
Mte7'

his fathers. The
too horrible to be
tit away from him.
ind gratitude when
If sent for, an old
ingher wound de-
,{ her life, although

joyfully, "provided

«r your skill now, if

nder tone, " for my

sry."
the doctor in tne

dear sirl"

-I never was more
she shall be my

ioctor, "she is fit to
uty goes, but still-
worthy gentleman
ooked roikid on the
By this time Mau-
, and a bright flush
saw Fitzstephen still
imained most of the
)f Vara, who confess-
at nightfall she met
It, after all, there was
means, "every man to hU

THK admiral's DAUQHTKR.

361

more feeling m the quality than she thought there
■was. " Now there's Mr. Fitzstephen within," said
she, pointing back over her shoulder, " an' I declare
if Maureen was his own sister, in a manner, he
could'nt have more feelin' for her."

" I'll go bail he couldn't," said Noddy, with em-
phasis, "and he wouldn't be the man I take him for
if his heart and soul wasn't in her. Stand a one
side, avourneen, till I get sight of her — ochone I the
beauty of the world she was, isn't it pale and washy
she is now ! But still an' all, ma colleen dhas ! it's
well you're in it, at all ! — God save your honor V"
and she dropped a curtesy to Mr. Fitzstephen.

Noddy's appearance gave real satisfaction to
Maureen, who motioned for her to sit down on the
bed-foot. The old woman complied, after turning
aside to wipe away her tears. She saw that Mau-
reen was both weak and feverish, and she motioned
to Mr. Fitzstephen that it was best for him to retire.
Unwillingly he complied,but he saw that his presence
in reality only agitated the poor patient, and he made
it a duty to leave her.

" Noddy 1" said he, " I am going now, and I give
Maureen in charge to you. See that she does not
talk too much during the night 1" That grave sweet
smile of his was full of meaning, and Noddy eculed,
too, as she replied :

" Never fear, sir, never fear 1 we'll keep it all for
another time !"

This implied preference roused Vara's ire: "Wisha,

862

MAUREKM DHO,

then, Mr. Fitzstephen, do you think there 8 nobody
here but her fit to mind tlie gersha f I'd have you
to know that there'8 people to the fore that b sent
for far an' near when there's sickness or anything
that way 1 Gl-e her in charge to Noddy Kmshela,
inacb, our own colleen dhu !"

A few kind words of explanation from Fitzstephen,
however, served to soothe the professional jealousy
of the old woman, and this done he bent down and
whispered "good night" to Maureen. The girl s eyes
filled with tears as she held out her hand. Fitzste-
phen held it for amoment, while his lips moved as li

in prayer.

"Here is something in exchange for your cross,
Maureen !" said be, and he laid one hand gently on
her forehead, while the other continued to hold hevs;
«mv cift has a meaning which you will, I hope, un-
derstand, or if not-your tri.nd here will explain it !
-once more 'good night,' and keep as quiet as you

''^Randal and his sons, grateful for his attention to
Maureen, although it was nothing more than she
deserved from him, insisted on seeing him home
When they were gone, Maureen held up her right
hand and on its fore finger sparkled a jewelled nng.
Her own lustrous eyes rivalled its brightness as she

glanced at Noddy.

Vara looked at the precious bauble with the eye
of a connoisseur, then turned away with a grunt
of doubtful meaning. " It's a purty ring, said

THE ADIURALS DAUOHTKR.

363

(link there's nobody
ha ? I'd have you
the fore that's sent
ckness or anything
to Noddy Kinshela,

on from Fitzstephen,
professional jealousy
ie he bent down and
•cen. The girl's eyes
t her hand. Fitzste-
e his lips moved as if

ange for your cross,
i one band gently on
)ntinued to hold bevs;

you will, I hope, un-
\ here will explain it !

keep as quiet as you

111 for his attention to
thinw more than she
)n seeing him home,
ien held up her right
irkled a jewelled ring,
i its brightness as she

8 bauble with the eye
i away with a grunt
8 a purty ring,''

said

she, "but it's not worth a drop of Maureen's
blood."

" And sure Mr. Fitzstephen knows that well,"
said Noddy, with glistening eyes; "and that's the
reason why he gave bor a ring instead of anything
else."

Vara looked at her with eyes of wonder. " Ah,
then, Noddy ! isn't it a shame for you that's a sen-
sible woman to be evenin' such foolish things to the
girl 1"

" Well ! ti.ae will tell !" said Noddy, with a saga-
cious nod ; "but I'll wager my ould red cloak agiii
your new blue one, that that very ring is tlie luckiest
gift ever the child got. Don't you mind the dream
you were telliu' me oust about your own ring, how
it wouldn't fit Maureen ? Bu! whist ! whist !" she
quickly added, in an under tone, noticing the in-
creasing flush on Maureen's cheek and the fiery lustre
of her eyes; "not another word about it now. Go to
sleep, darlin', an' your granny an' me 'ill sit by you.
You're in need of rest, avourneen !"

When the girl's eyes did at length close in a fe*
verish slumi>or, the two old women made themselves
comfortable by the blazing hearth over that
social cup of tea which they both loved so well.
Vara spoke feelingly and with many tears of the deatlx
of Brian Kineely, whom she had loved as a son and
always "laid out for Maureen."

"An' ochi ochl if he hadn't been taken away
BO suddenly, without priest or prayer," she added,

364

JIAURKKN DHC,

« I wouldn't think 80 bad of it. It's the only com-
fort we have that he never neglected his duty, poor

fellow!" ., ^r AA •

"Do you know what, Vara!" said Noddy, m
her solemn way, " I'm thinkin' it was a great bles-
sin'he didn't live to see that ring on Maureen s

finger." n A'

« Well, maybe so, avourneen 1 maybe so ! Uoa is
good, an' does everything for the best, but still an
all I'm neart sorry for him to die the way he did,
an' I know it'll be a sore crush to Maureen when she
comes to hear of it ! I'm sure and certain she thought
more of him than she let on I"

"Don't think any such thing, then, aroon ! said

Noddy, "she liked him, I know myself, but not well

enough to be his wife. Somehow I never could

brincr myself to think that she'd marry any one

hereabouts. I got notions in my head about her that

I couldn't anj ways account for, an' now you see it

was a foresight I had all along." ^^ ^

« Well it's quave, sure enough," said Vara, an

I suppose people 'ill be sayin' we've the best of good

luck but it's not my notion. I want to have nothm^

to do with the quality-let them keep their place an

us ours. Still an all -"

" Still an' all," said Noddy, with a smile, you 11
not be sorry to see our colleen dhas a lady, drest out
in silks an' satins, an' ridin' in her own coach, with
sarvants to wait upon her, an' every!.hing fine and
granu.'

TBB admiral's DAUOHTRR.

365

It's the only oom-
cted hia duty, poor

i!" said Noddy, in
it waa a great blea-
ring on Maureen'a

maybe ao ! God ia
e beat, but atill an'
ie the way he did,

Maureen when she

1 certain ahe thought

;, then, aroon !" said
myaelf, but not well
jhow I never could
le'd marry any one
y head about her that
r, an' now you aee it
>

gh,"aaid Vara, "an'
re've the beat of good
[ want to have nothiu'
n keep their place an'

with a smile, "you'll

ihasa. lady, dreat out

her own coach, with

every!ihing fine and

«' Nonsense, woman I" said Vara, with more than
her usual aharpneas; "I'd rather see her trudgin' on
shank's mare, an' dreat as her mother was before
lier — she'll never be the same to ua after it, but
God's will be done!" she added with edifying res-
ignation.

Noddy was amused and yet somewhat nettled by
Vara's contempt of honora and riches, but she knew
by experience that there was no such tmng as rea-
soning the old queen mother out of her whims, so
she all at once discovered, or pretended to diacover,
that Maureen was stirring, and so put an end to a
discussion which might soon become rather hot for
her liking under present circumstances.

When Randal and the boys cRme back, Vara said
she would go over to the wake, "for," said she,
«' Maureen is not so bad as to need more than one or
two aittin' up with her, an' besides it's Noddy that
has her in care." This proposal waa willingly agreed
to, and as the young men were going, all three star-
ted off in company, leaving the Admiral and Noddy
to mind Mauieen.

When once out of their father's hearing, Barney
and Yeman both gave expression to a feeling of an-
ger against Fitz8tephen,whom they considered as the
unlucky cause of Brian's death, Shan's disgrace, and
Maureen'a mishap. The only thing that aaved him
from their revenge waa hia love for Maureen, and
hera for him. " If it waan't for that," said Barney,
" I'll go bail we'd soon bring his nobles to nine pence.

366

MAUREEK DEC,

Not but I'd sooner see her married to ShanDriscoU,
but still an' all, if she has a likin' for him, an' him
for her, I'd sooner cut my right hand oflf than do him
hurtorharm— on Aer account."

A fortnight from that night had only passed when
Maureen was able to walk abroad, and it was only
then that she was told of Brian Kineely's death.
Her grief was so excessive, that those who loved her
had cause to repent of having told her even then,
for she was still far from being quite recovered. It
was well for them that they had entrusted the sad
tidincs to Father Dominick, for nothing less than
his ptous exhortations could have reconciled her to
life. She had loved Brian ao a very dear brother,
and his loss would, at any time, have grieved her to
the heart, but now she accused herself, and not un-
justly, of being accessory to his death. At first
Bhe refused all consolation, and said she would
henceforward devote her Ufe to the care of poor old

More.

"Well! child!" said the priest, " I have no ob-
jection to that— you may marry old More instead of
Mr. Fitzstephen, if you like— that is, if you think
you cannot otherwise discharge your duty to her.''
There was a sly smile on the placid face of the woi-
thy pastor ti>at did not escape Maureen, and, with
all her sorrow, she could not help smiling, too.
But Randal, who was also present, soon settled the

matter.

" Now don't be botherin' us, Maureen, honey,

THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

867

ed to ShanDriscoll,
i' for him, an' him
land oflF than do him

id only passed when
id, and it was only
an Kineely's death,
those who loved her
bold her even then,
quite recovered. It
d entrusted the sad
r nothing less than
ve I'econciled her to
, very dear brother,
, have grieved her to
. herself, and not un-
his death. At first
and said she would
> the care of poor old

iest, " I have no ob-
y old More instead of
that is, if you think
re your duty to her."
acid face of the woi-
B Maureen, and, with
ot help smiling, too.
'sent, soon settled the

us, Maureen, honey,"

said he, half kindly, half gruffly, "with your odd
notions. Sure Vara and myself are goin' to take
More home, an' keep her as long as God leaves her
with us. Mind your own business, aohorra, an' leavo
More to us."

This was satisfactory even to Maureen, and helped
considerably to lighten the load of her affliction. A
week or so after, when she thought herself able to
venture so far, she stole up, one clear, frosty evening,
to visit Brian's grave, taking Nanno with her to show
her the spot where he was laid. She need not have
done so, for one of the first objects that met her eye
on entering the churchyard was a wetty headstone
inscribed in the Irish language with the name of
Brian Kineely, hia age and the date of his death, to-
gether with the usual prayer for the repose of his
soul. There were not many such in the cemetery, and
Maureen, in great surprise, asked Nanno who it was
that had it erected.

" Wisha, then, who would it be but the gentleman
— he got it up the week after poor Brian's death, an'
everybody says it was very good of bim to do it.
But look here, Maureen ! see the nice little bush
that Shan DriscoH planted at the foot — there's no
flowers on it now, but Shan says there'll be plenty
on it in the summer, when he'll be ever bo far
away."

The mention of a name once so familiar, but for
weeks long studiouely kept from her ear, awoke
some thrilling memories in Maureen's heart, and she

XAURKBN DHU,

waB softened to tears by this new trait of more than
womanly tenderneBS in one bo wild and reck eB.
Many a strange and undefinable emoUon stjrred he
heart and made her pulses throb as she knelt by the
grave of him who had loved her even unto death for
fhat he had died for her she was fully sensible
Prayers long and fervent ascended from her breast
^ tL throne of mercy on his behalf, and there she
ruight have knelt for hours had not a cry from Nan-
no made her start, and raising her eyes she sav bhan
Driscoll standing motionless before l^^-'^f; JP?;^
sit. Bide of the grave. His face was pale and sad, and
the tears were in his eyes as he gazed on the al e ed
lineaments of her who had been the ^nn;;««"^ ^^
of all his misery. Starting to her feet the pale girl
almost involuntarily extended her hand and bhan

took it, but without any ^^ »^i« f<>^T T' k^ ^^
proud spirit was evidently crushed and subdued^
The eyes of the two met. and then both glanced
downwards ou the brown heap between them

« You're a happy man, Brian Kineely !" said Shan,
mournfully, "and I wish I was in your plac^jthis day
to have Maureen kneelin' at my grave You re at
rest, poor fellow I but Pm not-an' God knows when

^ * Shan "dear, don't be talkin' that way, an' lookin'
«o Borrowful,or you'll break my heart." said Maureen,
with touching earnestness.

« No fear of that. Maureen !" replied Shan, very
softly; -my sorrow sits light on you. It's thankful

THl ADSnRA!.'3 DAUOimCR.

369

1 trait of more than
wild and reokleae.
emotion stirred her
as she knelt by the
jven unto death, for
was fully sensible,
led from her breast
ehalf, and there she
not a cry from Nan-
>r eyes she saw Shan
fore herontheoppo-
vas pale and sad, and
gazed on the altered
n the innocent cause
her feet the pale girl
her hand and Shan
former fervor. His
■ushed and subdued.
I then both glanced
p between them.
Kineely !" said Shan,
in your placo this day
ly grave. Fow're at
-an' God knows when

' thatway,an'lookin'
heart," said Maureen,

I" replied Shan, very

in you.

It's thankful

I am, anyhow, to meet you here, for I couldn't meet
you anywhere else. Don't take away your hand,
Maureen ! let me keep it as long as we're together,
and that won't be long. It's a fittin' place for me
to bid you a long farewell, with Brian Kineely's
grave between us, an' no one liatenin' but the dead
— if they can hear !" Little Nanno had wandtred
away amongst the graves, lilting a wild and wailing
air which came fitfully on the breeze, to the young
man and maiden who stood with their right hands
locked in each other across the sepulchral heap.

" Maureen !" said Shan, "they tell me you'ic goin'
to be a lady — tell me one thing — is it for that you're
marrying ?"

" Oh, Shan ! how can you ask me such a question!"
said Maureen, passionately; "do you think the riches
of the world would buy my heart, or that I'd marry
a being if I didn't love him ?"

" Then you do love Mr. Fitzstephen ?"

Maureen did not answer, but her downcast eye
and the tell-tale blush on her cheek were more than
sufficient to extinguish the last gleam of hope
which might have been lingering in Shan Driscoll'a
heart.

' " Maureen !" said he, with a heavy sigh, and in a
Rtill lower voice than before, "Maureen ! do you for-
give me for bein' the cause of that wound you got ?"

" From my heart I do, Shan ! an' I hope you'll
ne^er say a word more about it — for the time to
come we'll be like brother an' sister !'*

870

MAUREEN DHU,

A wiia. bitter laugh was Shan's answer.and a flash
oflh! li fire shot from his eyes. Maureen u.^ -
u„t Ily shrank from his impassioned ga- - ;'
sudden pressure of his hand on her. On this be
;aughed'again,buthislooicsoftened> osaduessand

♦,he tears rushed to his "yes !
"So you're afeard ol me, Maureen 1-well, that

'IL breath, and a deadly p.le„e.. overspread J,^
a,ie manly feature., "»l>en you're-g.i>.«fronihe.e
r be gone, too. I oonldn'tU- where M be n
danmr of .eein' yo«-the wife of another! Ihe
tt Jord. he uttered with de.per.te energy a
though ro.olved to get them out at any eo.L Ju.t
then'the gate wa, heard to open, -•! ^h n ' ^; c^„
eve caught the advancing form of ™""i'''™
Tough the twilight gloom. Wring.ng Mau,-een
hand witl. convuLive energy, he ...d in a vmceth.t
was barely audible:

"Here he comes. Maureen 1 the happiest man on
earth-he's oomin''to look for hi. darlin'-oh Mau-

:!. Maureenl pity ^^ ^^^./^^^l^'Z^^
don't-I never wanted your pity, an' 1 11 not have
now— forget me— that's all I ask l"

Se was gone before Maureen could speak a word
and when Fizstephen's well-known voice calling hei
Idrhe^ heart thrill with pleasure, she was still un-

admiral's DACOHTEB,

871

uanBwer.aiidaflash
8. Maureen invol-
oned gazo and the
1 her" Oil U>i« ^«
nedi oRadueBSanJ

aureon 1— well, that
,8 whether any one
, still an' all, maybe
It you very long an'
J—" hepauB(Ml,gasp-
.eness overspread bis
I'l-e—guiiofrorn here,
ive where I'd bo in
a of another !" The
desperate energy, as
ut at any cost. Just
pen, and Shan's quick
form of Fitzstephen
Wringing Maureen's
he said in a voice that

[ the happiest man on
r hits darlin'— oh Mau-
,8 night— but don't—
,ity, an' I'll not have it
askl"

en could speak a word,
cnown voice calling hei
eaaure, she was still un-

able to answer. But he saw her as she stood and
his supporting arm w;- instantly around her. Ten-
derly chiding her inipr idence in being out so late
nnd she still so feeble, ho was hurrying her away
from that melancholy scene, but she told him little
Nanno was somewhere in the churchyard. Fizste-
phen called several times before the tiny bulk was
seen creeping imong the graves, and when they all
left the churcliyard she went on ahead down the
road, croning still the dirge-like song.

"Wl, a a strange child that is, Maureen !" ob-
served J^ it/.8tephen, when he ha*; wrapped Maureen
in her heavy cloak ; " and still there's something
about her that makes me like her !"

•• I am glad to hear it, sir "

"Sir!" said Fitzstephen reproachfully, «« la there
still such a di^tanoe between us^ — "

" Well, somehow, I can't forget the dist ce !"
"Unkind that you are— lean hardly tell .ouhow
how long it ia since I forgot it— but w -/ are you so
glad that I hav<! a liking for Nanno?"

" Because— oil ! just because I like her myself—
but how did yon find me out up there?"

"Why, as soon as I camo and found t? at you
were out, I inquired, of course, which way you had
gone, and I partly suspected what you were about.
How do you like the head-stone ?"

"How do I like it!— oh! Mr. Fitzstephen, you
don't know how thankful I am to you for puttin' it
up !— God reward you for all your goodness."

87a

maurres DllC,

<. Ana you'll reward me too, will you not ?" Baid

Filzslephen softly. ^ ^

.'Kit 19 in my power— but dui you f

during the recent interview. ^^.^^

« I hope you're not sorry for giv ing mm p,

Fitzstephen in a tremulous voice. ^^

« Sorry!" repeated the g^^^ P^^^/^^'^'^^.' /,'^

Unow we' 1 rm not sorry for giving him «P, but I m

fore he spoke again. .^.'^'^//^^y ^orry, for no

^*'**'" u„4 ti,o Admiral's house where

Thev had now reached the Aamirai »

drive, out to «» Mr''lilv--o pro"a of tl.eir
between the strangely-mated pair. This, y.

1 you not ?" said
il you meet popr

1 at Brian's grave,
m altered bearing

iving bim up," said

paesionately, "you
mg bim up, but I'm
to beart."

lertone made Fitz-
i some moments be-
•y fo^bim,too,Mau-
, very sorry, for no
llue of wbat be bas

amiral'B bouse wbere
arlotte who bad just
t was strange to see
^__po proud of their
. position— lavishing
young Claddagb girl
themselves. But the
,n'8 praise-bev heroic
in every one's mouth,
n levelled the distance
pair. Tins, certainly,

^ ?!d!iii'-fi-^''fM;m Mm"fa'!^f-

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1.6

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Coiporation

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THE admiral's DAUGHTER.

873

had its weight with the whole family, but Mre.
Fitzstephen and Charlotte were influenced by the
Btill higher motive of gratitude, and rightly con-
sidered with Fitzstephen himself that Maureen had
dearly purchased his heart and hand. As for Mar-
garet, she was inclined to laugh at the whole affair,
her notions of the family dignity being much less
strict than those of any other member of the family.
It might be, too, that she had other reasons (which
she chose to keep to herself) for giving Maureen a
gracious reception. Still the ladies felt anything
but comfortable in the society of Maureen's family,
and their visit was, therefore, a short one.

OONCLUSIOX.

" Miiureen 1" said Fitzstephen, when they were
about to leave the house, "where did that queer child
hide herself a while ago ? She disappeared soon af-
ter we left the churchyard ?"

Maureen smiled and said no one minded where
Nanno went. " She likes to come and go without
any one heedin' her, an' I think she's out at all
hours of the night — she loves lonesome places, and
creeps about like a spirit through the dark silent
night."

"There's something strange about that child,"
said Fitzstephen musingly; " did lyou ever see her ?"
addreseiing his sisters. *

]bf either of them had, at least they did not remem-

JoiSt.li^^^i^i^^^^-'i^^^f^li^i^-

374

HAOREEM DBV,

ber whereupon Maureen reminded them of the Sun-
day 1 whl tbey came to Mass to the friary chapel

Charlotte began then to have a faint recollection of
the singular child, but Margaret's memory fai ed
her cSetely. Still shehad a curiosity to see the
child and nothing wculd serve her but some one
should be sent to show her Shan DriscoU's dom.c.U
tharshe might get a sight of the httle creature
that sne mig g ^innine gentleness were

whose strange ways and wmmng g
the theme of many a tongue about the Claddagh

..You'll come with me, Giles," she said to her
brother, « and Maureen will show us the way.

..She shall do no such thing, Margaret," said F.t^
Stephen, nettled at the cavalier >^»y ^° ^^f ^ ^^^
spoke of his intended bride. " She has been but too
much exposed to the night air already this evemng^
K^ever, I can be your guide as I happen to know

''r;;,tC surely you won'i go in there,, said
Maureen' turning pale as she remembered the fe ch
which had glided between her and Shan ; I think
;^ must biforgettin' what's past," she added in a

low beseeching tone.

..Well I confess I «>a« forgettmg," said FiU-
stephen, fixing his eyes thoughtfully on the beautiful
focfthit wa? overshadowed with fear at the bare
possibility of danger to him.

.. Perhaps it is as well for Barney or Yeman to go
and you, CharioUe, can go too-although Confess
I don't understand this whim of yours.

THE admiral's DADGHTRR.

875

them of the Snn-
the friary chapel.
lit recollection of
s memory failed
riosity to see the
er but some one
)riBCoirB domicile
le little creature
; gentleness were
i the Claddagh.
' she said to her
us the way."
irgaret," said Fitz-
way in which she
le has been but too
eady Ibis evening.
I happen to know

igoin there?" said
lerabered the fetch
mi Shan ; " I think
,8t," she added in a

letting," said Fitz-
uUy on the beautiful
ith fear at the bare

ney or Yeman to go,
—although I ttonfesB
yours."

" I don't want you to understand it," said Marga-
ret playfully, " but come with me you must and
shall. What is it you're afraid of may I ask ?"

" Mr. Fitzstephen," said Barney, "there's no dan-
ger of your findin' Shan within, for I saw him goin*
down past the Fair Green there awhile ago, an' I'll
go bail he'll wander along shore till all hours of the
night. It's a fashion he has these times."

This decided the matter, and Fitzstephen with
his two sisteis left the cottage. Maureen made a
sign to Mrs. Behan and whispered to her as she
lingered on the threshold behind the others : '^What
are you about, ma'am ?"

" I'm going to tell him all — he knows part of it,
an' I couldn't keep the secret much longer do as I
would — even what I did tell eased my mind, and I
find it wasn't so hard to do as I thought." Then
raising her voice she said :

"Good night, pretty one ! I hope you are not
angry with me for robbing you of such good
company?'* Maureen only smiled and whispered.
"God speed you — I'm glad you're going to do it at
last — better late than never."

It was something altogether unaccountable that
the vain and selfish young widow, the affianced
bride of Captain Hamilton, should so far forget her
ancient and honored lineage as to smile on the hum-
ble maiden whom her stately brother was about to
introduce into tlieir family. And yet it was not so
very strange, all things considered, for Margaret

* 376

MADRBBMDHC,

had never been remarkable for lamily pride Oo
the contrary, she had always laughed at her broth-
er and sister for that loftiness of manner which she,
in mirthful mood, used to call "the FiUstepheii
airs " Had Hamilton been disposed to find taalt
with his brother-in-law elect for the ultra-plebeian
match he was about to make, it would have altered
Margaret's views considerably, but it so happened
that the Captain, on the contrary, entirely approved
of I'itzstephen's conduct in regard to Maureen, and
had repeatedly told Margaret that no man of spirit
would or could act otherwise. Far in the depth ot
Margaret Behan's heart there was another feeling
that still more efficaciously pleaded for Maureen.
Mrs Fitzstephen and Charlotte were far more
averse to the step Gaes was taking, but with them
gratitude for his preservation mastered all other
feelings, and they were fain to persuade themselves
that the singular alliance about to take place would
leave no permanent stain on their escutcheon, inas-
much as it was a debt of gratitude lawfully due by
the present head of the family. .

Just as Fitzstephen and his sisters were leaving
Randal's cottage, intending to have tho carriage re-
main there till their return, who should come up
but Aileen Rhua, asking at the door, in her cracked,
wheezing voice, if the child was there.

"Wisha, then, she's not, Aileen," said Vara from
within, whereupon the old wotnan became alarmed,
and Maureen tried in vain to pacify her, remmding

ir family pride. On
,uglied at her broth-
>f manner which ehe,
lU "the FitMtepheu
isposed to find fault
or the ultra-plebeian
t would have altered
r, but it BO happened
iry, entirely approved
rard to Maureen, and
that no man of spirit
Far i^ the depth of
e was another feeling
►leaded for Maureen,
lotte were far more
baking, but with them
»n mastered all other
J persuade themBelves
ut to take place would
their escutcheon, inas-
litude lawfully due by

is Bisters were leaving
have tho carriage re-
, who should come up
be door, in her cracked,
vas there.

dleen," said Vara from
rotnan became alarmed,
o pacify her, reminding

TBI ADMIRAL'S DADOHTBR.

877

her of how many times tho little girl had been out
much later than that.

"I know that," said Aileen, "to be sure I know it,
but there's something tellin' rae now that I'm not
to have her long — boys, dear ! won't you go an*
look for her— maybe it's away to the rath she'*
taken — I'm sure them thievin' fairies I — Christ save
tis 1 what am I sayin' — I mean the good people, an'
that's what they are, dear knows ! — but I'm sure
they have an eye on my weeny darlin'."

Although no one shared the old woman's fears,
yet in order to relieve her anxiety, Randal and his
sons hurried away in different directions to seok the
child. The Fitsstephens, finding how matters stood,
l^ad returned to the honst^, and Margaret taking
Maureen apart from the others, asked if she really
thought any harm had befallen the child.

"Why, then, didn't I tell you, ma'am!" said
Maureen, "that she has a &shicn of ramblin' about
in dark, lonesome places — don't be uneasy — see
they're all watchin' you."

"Oh Maureen I if anything did happen her now
of all times when I had my mind made up "

"Never fear, ma'am ! never fear — put your trust
in God, an' you'll see she'll be here safe and sound
in no time."

Aileen was sitting on a creepy stool near the fire,
with her e^^s fixed on the flickering blaze, her
hands clasped on her knees, and she njiuttering to
herself in a low, wailing tone, while her plaintive

37«

mahmbh dhc,

moans made one's heart ache to hear them. A
dreary, woe-begone picture she was of desolate old
age in its feeble dotage, and Fitzstephen was moved
even to tears as he looked on her.

"God help her!" he said to Vara, "how her heart
is wrapped up in that helpless creature."

"Well ! it's wonderful sure enough, sir," return-
ed Vara, "especially as she's not a drop's blood to

her."

" Not a drop's blood to her I" he repeated, m sur-
prise ; "why, I thought she was her grandchild."

"She's not then "

"And, my God I who is she ?"

««Ohl Nannol Nanno T' moaned the half-con-
BciouB AUeen, "I know they'll take yOu from me-^^
an' sure you're all I have, an' it's hard of them to
do it when God sent you to me the way he did !"

"Who is the child?" repeated Fitzstephon, but
Vara had got a sign from Maureen that closed her
mouth. Mrs. Behan in great agitation, now pale,
now red, was still endeavoring to appear composed,
and the effort was more than she could bear. This
Maureen saw and she whispered soRly: "Come
into my little room, ma'am dear, and he down a

minute." , i. j u ji

They went in accordingly, but they had hardly
entered the room when a joy'ul exclamation from
Maureen drew the others all Kfter them, and there
on Maureen's bed lay Nanno Kenny fast asleep.
The chUd had stolen in unobserved aid lay down

I
I
t

s
t
I

h
h

d
d
e

to hear tbem. A
was of desolate old
zstephen was moved
ir.

ara, "how her heart
reature."

jnough, sir," retum-
it a drop's blood to

he repeated, in sur-
I her grandchild."

loaned the half-con-
take you from me-
lt's hard of them to
I the way he did I"
ted Fitzstephon, but
iireen that closed her
agitation, now pale,
to appear composed,
he could bear. This
jered softly: "Come
[ear, and lie down a

but they had hardly
♦\il exclamation from
Kfter them, and there
Kenny fast asleep.
)8erved a'fed lay down

^tm

THE AOUIRAl/s DADOHTER.

8T9

as she had once or twice done before of an even-
ing.

" Thank God I" murmured Margaret, but that
was all she could say, while old Aileon, falling on
her knees beside the bed, sobbed, and cried, and
laughed by turns. Maureen bent down and kissed
the pretty, although worn little face of the sleeping
child.

"Well! I'm really glad to see her safe," said
Fitzstephen, laughing, "but I cannot at all under-
stand how deeply some of you wore afincted by the
temporary disappearance of the little creature."
His eyes were on Margaret as he spoke, and Char-
lotte, too, fixed a scrutinizing glance on her sister's
agitated countenance.

"She was all I had," whimpered AUeen, " could-
n't you leave her to me as God sent her I"

"Don't be botherin' us with your foolery," cried
Vara, as she seized the old woman by° the shoulder ;
"come out to the kitchen an' let her take her
sleep."

Maureen went over to Margaret and throwing
her arm around her neck whispered something in
her ear, whereupon the young widow stood up, and
saying, "I'll do it, Maureen ! with God's help — I
deserve blame — and shame too — Giles I Charlotte,
don't look at me so. I can't bear those piercing
eyes — doii't look at me if you want to hear "

She stopped, approached the bed leaning on Mau-
reen's arm, and when close beside the sleeping child

880

MADRBCN DBU,

she paused, drew a long br jatJi, glanced Bideways
at her brother then slowly articulated :

"jy«r« lies the bodi/ of Charlotte Mien Jiehaji^
snatched by Shan Driscoll from a watery grave !"
MyBterions as the words were they were very intel-
ligible to Fitzstephen, who had for the last half hour
been partly prepared for such a revelation. Char-
lotte, on the contrary, having no previous acquain-
tance with the occult portion of her sister's history,
was altogether confounded and amazed.
" «« Merciful goodness !" she exclaimed, "what does
this mean ?— are not these the very words inscribed
on poor Chatty's tomb ?"

Margaret could not answer. The extraordinary
effort she had made exhausted both her strength
and courage, and, burying her face in her hands, she
sank on her knees, murmuring : "Tell her, you Giles!

—but not now !'*

«Ha! ha!'» laughed Aileen hoarsely, as Vara al
most carried her out of the little room, "it's hard for
them to part me and Nanno !"

That was a strange and startling revelation to the
Fitzstephen family, and yet it was far from being
unwelcome, for the spiritual character and the loving
heart of the helpless child more than made amends
for the deformity which had gradually come upon
her in the long and painful sickness which had fol-
lowed her immersion in the water. It was thought,
too, that she might have been dashed by the waves
against the boat-side when washed overboard.

THE admiral's OAUGUTBR.

381

I glanced suleways

lated :

lotte Mien JSehan

a watery grave !"
ey were very intel-
)r the laBt half hour

revelation. Char-
[) previous acquain-
her Bister's history,
amazed.

jlaimed, "what does
cry words inscribed

The extraordinary
I both her strength
ice in her hands, she
"Tell her, you Giles!

hoarsely, as Vara al
a roona, "it's hard for

ling revelation to the
was far from being
.racter and the loving
e than made amends
gradually come upon
ikness which had fol-.
ter. It was thought,
dashed by the waves
washed overboard.

However that might be, little Chatty's indrmily
made her only the dearer and more welcome to the
family, and in proportion to their compassionato
tenderness for her was their secret indignation
against the unfeeling parent who, in her seliihh fear
of bfiug disgraced, had so long neglected her, even
after she had discovered her escape. Still they ab-
stained from reproaching her who was already sutB-
ciently humbled. Her groat trouble was that, for
some time at least, Captain Hamilton should be kept
in ignorance of her culpable conduct. To this, how-
ever, neither Giles nor his mother would lor a mo-
ment consent, and the former made it his business
to lay the whole matter before the Captain. Fortu-
nately his love was proof against the report of what
he considered youthful indiscretion, and, although
he was in his heart no little disappointed to find that
his pretty Margaret had ever been capable of such
criminal levity, still his honor was plighted and his
love was strong enough, as I have said, to make him
overlook what, at worst, was only folly.

Chatty was, for some days, like one in a dream,
and received the caresses of the ladies and Mr. Fitz-
stephen with a timid, doubting air, that was not all
shyness. "When they were gone she would say to
Maureen that she supposed it was like one of the
dreams she used to have long, long ago. It was
with difficulty that Maureen could get her persuaded
that what she looked back on as dreams were really
faint remembrances of her infant life in Arranmore,

~fr

MAURXEN DRU,

It was long before even her naolher oonld get her to
Rpeak freJly in her preBcnoe. Indeed her grand-
mother was the first of the family who gained her
confidence, and many a time Margaret chose to leave
the room in a pout when the child, regretting her
advances, took shelter with her mother and eyed
her askance as one to be carefully avoided. But
Bobcr reflection always brought the conviction that
the child had never had much cause to love her, and
that her instinctive coldness was but the natural
penalty of her heartless neglect.

When they came to remove Chatty from her aged
friend they found it impossible to separate them.
Leave Aileen the child would not,and neither would
the old woman leave the Claddagh. Threats and
persuasions w-re alike uselt , for, with the obsti-
nacy of confirmed idiocy,J she clung to her own
fancies. Shan Driscoll, too, protested vehemently
against her being taken from him, and on hearing
this, Maureen joined in requesting that Chatty might
ho left with Aileen for the little time she had to
live This proposition was very agreeable to Mar-
garet who was, after all, well pleased to have the
child out of Hamilton's sight as long as possible—
at least till the honeymoon was past and gone.

When, at length, the day arrived that saw Mau-
reen Dhu the bride of Fitzstephen, it was not before
the altar in her own chapel that the pride of the
Claddagh was united to him who had so long, un-
known to herself, held the thread of her destiny.

er couUi gfit her to
Indeed her grand-
ly who gftined her
;aret chose to leave
lild, regretting her
mother and eyed
illy avoided. But
the conviction that
lURe to love her, and
as but the natural

hatty from her aged
) to separate them.
)t,and neither would
iagh. Threats and
for, with the obsti-
clung to her own
otested vehemently
lira, and on hearing
ig that Chatty might
tie time she had to
ry agreeable to Mar-
pleased to have the
I long as possible —
I past and gone,
ived that saw Mau-
iien, it was not before
,hat the pride of the
who had so long, un-
read of her destiny.

Tn« AOMIRAI,'« DAUOnTKR,

388

Fearing some outbreak on the part of poor Shan
DriscoU, and anxious to spare his t'eelings as far an
poBsible, Maureen requested that the ceremony
might take plane somewhere out of his vicinity. IJy
a singular fancy on the part of Fitzstephen, it was
in the chapel on Arran of the Saints that they were
married with the consent of their respectivt paMlorin.
Mrs. Filzstephen was not present but her daughters
were, and the bride elect was conveyed to the island
by her father and brothers in the pretty Nora Creina,
jauntily adorned for the occasion. And Vara was
there, too, and when the bridegroom produced the
ring, she snatched it from him, and handed him the
heavy old-fashioned one which had done hymeneal
duty in the family for more generations than Vara
could count.

"To the sorra with your new-fangled bits o' jew-
elry," said she ; "do you think we'd let you put any
other wedding-ring on Maureen than the one that
belongs to the family. Come now, Mr. Fitzstephen I
none o' your black looks ! if you don't like our ring
you may go elsewhere for a wife — an' welcome too !"

This, of course, settled the matter, and the mar-
riage went on without farther interruption. By
another obstinate whim of Vara's, Maureen was mar-
ried in the approved Ciaddagh oostulb ; yet her
beauty was none the less conspicuous, and Fitzste-
phen himself was forced to admit that however an-
noying was the old woman's perverse fancy, no dress
could have been ohosen more admirably adapted to

884

HAURKKM DHU,

Bhow off the face and form of bis youthful bride,
vhom Muri'lo or Velasquez would have ohosen for
a model of Spanish grace and beauty.

The Admiral's boat returned to the Claddagh with-
out Maureen, and Vara cried the whole way baoK,
nor were liandal's eyes dry, for, as they all agreed,
♦' Buoh a' marriage as that was next to death, and
Maureen was as good as lost to them. Sure I al-
ways tould you, Randal honey," said the old woman,
" that no good would come of strangers hangin' that
way about the Claddagh!— ochone! may the Lord
rest your sowl, poor Brian Kineely ! it's thankful I
am that you didn't live to see this day !— as for Shan,
he'll soon get over his trouble— his love was too hot

to last long."

Vara's penetration was here entirely at lault.
She little knew that his love for Maureen was en-
twined with the cords of his heart, and could only
be torn thence when the cords were rent asunder and
the heart ceased to beat.

When Fitzstephen presented his young wife to
his mother a week after their marriage, Mrs. Fitz-
stephen received her kindly, and murmured as she
kissed her cheek : "Now at least we have repaid
Juan's debt to your family 1— you thought me un-
gratettil, n#child, but my ingratitude was only on
the surface— yo« saved my son's life— your grand-
mother an-^ her people saved another hardly less

dear " .,

"And there is still another debt, mother!" said

-<t»^

r?B»!j!6-C-M;»l

Lis youthful bride,
mid have chosen for
eauty.

the Claddagh with-
,he whole way baolf,
r, as they all agreed,

next to death, and
to them. Sure I al-
' said the old woman,
trangcrs hangin' that
done! may the Lord
leely 1 it's thankful I
lis day ! — as for Shan,
— hb love was too hot

re entirely at iault.
for Maureen was en-
eart, and could only
were rent asunder and

}d his young wife to
• marriage, Mrs. Fitz-
ind murmured as she
least we have repaid
-you thought me un-
gratitude was only on
on's life — your grand-

1 another hardly less

: debt, mother !" said

THE admiral's OACOHTER.

385

Margaret, coming forward ; " you must not forget
Maureen's tender care of my poor neglected Chatty !"

" Never mind," said Fitzstephen, as ho led Mau-
reen to a seat, " never mind counting her claims on
us — we are willing to pay her all we owe ! From
my heart I thank you, mother, and you, too, my
sisters, and Maureen shall thank you, too," he added
with a smile, " when she learns to speak good Eng-
lish. We have much to teach her and she will be
an apt scholar — will you not, Maureen ?" he asked,
in her own language.

" Yes," she replied, " if you will be my master ;"
and she looked up with so bright a smile that Fitz-
stephen had he not loved her before must have loved
her then.

At this moment the door opened and in walked
Noddy Kinshela, with the easiest and most confident
air imaginable, like one who was very sure o f a wel-
come. Maureen ran to shake hands with her old
friend, who, after exchanging a kind greeting with
the others, placed herself in front of the young
bride and examined her costume with the closest
attention, to the great amusement of all present.

" Well ! glory be to God, ma colleen dhas you
were I" said she ; " sure enough dress does make all
the difference in the world. Dear knows ! I don't
wonder at your good luck." Then turning to Mrs.
Fitzstephen she said : " On account of your good-
ness to my colleen dhas hero, Mrs. Fitzstephen,
I'm going to tell you something that'll make your

386

MACREGN DHC,

heart glad. I often tould you I had a secret for you
that would be better to you than gold or Bilver."
"My God! Noddy," cried the lady, in evident

perturbation, " what is it ?-any thing about "

« About Master Juan 1— to be sure it is, dear--
about himself an' no other. I suppose I may say it
out here." Mrs. Fitzstephen nodded assent, and
the old woman went on: " Do you know what took
the Senor away from you that night that you seen
him last ?-I know you don't.so I'll tell you. Your
father God rest him ! went to him in hia room, and
got in a t«rrible passion, and told him that youd
never marry any one if you didn't marry Mr. Fitz-
stephen, an', says he, if you dare to presume to mar-
ry her again my will, both you and she shall have
my curse, day and night, and a word I'll never speak
to either of you, and a shilling of my money you 11
never handle. The poor young gentlemen told him
he didn't care about his money, but he wouldn tfor
the world draw down a father's curse on Ellie, and
if he'd only let him bid you farewell he would sail
next day for Spain. But you know the dreadful

passion that was in your father, Misa I mean,

ma'am I and so he got as white as a sheet with the
dint of anger, and he said no, that he couldn t or
wouldn't allow it, but that if Juan wanted to save
you from bein' turned out of doors with a father's
curse he would leave the city that very night, and
Bwear never to let you know anything about the
way it happened."

THE ADUIIUL'S OACSHTSR.

887

lad a secret for you
gold or silver."
le lady, in evident

thing about "

i sure it is, dear —
ippose I may say it
lodded assent, and
ou know what took
light that you seen
I'll tell you. Your
aim in hia room, and
,old him that you'd
In't marry Mr. Fitz-
8 to presume to mar-
. and she shall have
iffotd I'll never speak
of my money you'll
; gentlemen told him
, but he wouldn't for
s curse on EUie, and
rewell he would sail
I know the dreadful

r. Miss I mean,

( as a sheet with the
, that he couldn't or
Juan wanted to save
doors with a father's
that very night, and
r anything about the

" Merciful Heaven ! and he did so, Noddy ?"

"Did so I to be sure he did — what else could he
do ? Next day, you remember, he was gone, and
nobody ever knew what became of him only my-
self."

•• But, Noddy I Noddy I why did you not tell mo
all this when you saw me oppressed with sorrow
and the most horrible fears as to what had become
of Juan?"

" Well, to tell the truth, ma'am I I was so terri-
fied myself at what I seen that night that I was
afeard of my life to tell any one what I had over-
heard, for fear it would come to your father's ears
— since your father's death I was always puttin' it
off from one time to another, I can hardly tell you
why. But there's another thing, ma'am, that I
want to tell you. I seen Master Juan with my own
eyes when he was here last. For years an' years I
thought it was his fetch or his ghost, maybe, that
raised the latch an' came in on the flure to me one
moonlight night, when I was lyin' between sleepin'
and wakin'. He came over and stood beside the
bed, and took a long, long look at myself, an' then
he gave a great sigh, an' turned away, and walked
all around my little place, an' all about the coort
outside, an' then he came in an' looked at me again,
but sure the lite an' sowl were near frightened out.
of myself, because I took him for a sperit, an' 5
couldn't open my lips at the time or move mj
tongue if I got all Ireland for it. So at last he

888

MAUREKK DHn,

went away, an' to my dyin' hour I'll never forget
the sorrowful look he had, or the heavy Bigh he
gave as he left the place. An' me lookin at him
all the time, au' hadn't power, you see, to speak
to him 1 Many a long year after, when I found out
from Vara Halliday how the Spaniards were saved
an' this grand gentleman espaycially, and how he
had been askin' for me, an' where I lived, an every-
thing like that, I knew it was no sperit I had seen
but Master Juan's body and bones."

After hearing all this, Mrs. Fitzstephen retired to
her own room and did not appear again till evening,
when her face was as calm as usual, but ashy pale.
From that day forward Noddy Kinshela was
never suffered to ask charity on the streets of Gal-
way. She was regularly installed as a life-member
of the Fitzstephen household to the great dehght of
Maureen, and also of her mother-in-law, who spent
many a sadly-pleasant hour retracing with her the
memories of by-gone days.

When St. John's Day came around again and the
Claddagh men marched through Galway town, Fitz-
stephen again stood on the balcony, but the Admi-
ral's daughter leaned on his arm attired with the
elegant simplicity which became her dignified posi-
tion as the wife of one of the first merchants in the
city. Loud and long were the cheers that rose from
thv^ multitude as the Admiral stopped in front of
the balcony, and it would be hard to describe the
feelings with which the father and daughter regard-

TBE ADUIRAL's DADORTER.

889

ir I'll never forget
the heavy sigh he
me lookin' at him
you see, to speak
r, when I found out
laniards were saved
rcially, and how he
re I lived, an' every-

sperit I had seen

DCS."

tzstephen retired to
ar again till evening,
isual, but ashy pale,
oddy Kinshela was
n the streets of Gal-
led as a life-member

1 the great delight of
ler-in-law, who spent
iracing with her the

iroand again and the
h Galway town, Fitz-
Icony, but the Admi-
arm attired with the
ae her dignified posi-
irst merchants in the
cheers that rose from
1 stopped in front of
hard to describe the
and daughter regard-

ed each other. As Maureen gracefully bent her
head to the reiterated cheers of the fishermen, the
eloquent blush and the beaming smile with which
she looked on them plainly showed that the wife of
Fitzstephen was still in heart the Admiral's daugh-
ter, in feeling identified with the bold and bravo
fishermen amongst whom she had grown to woman-
hood. But a deep shadow fell on her beautiful
face, and the tears rushed to her eyes as she thought
of Brian Kineely mouldering in the grave, and the
dashing, light hearted, hot-headed Shan DriscoU
far away and alone amongst the sea-beaten rocks of
the Clare coast. The feeling was understood and
appreciated by the Claddagh men, and they whis-
pered to each other in a sorrowful tone the once-
familiar names of the hapless rivals who had so long
striven in vain for Maureen's love. Many of the
by-standers caught up the mournful sounds, and re-
peated the names with audible comments. Even
those who had led on the city-mob on that day
twelve months, against the Claddagh-men were now
loud in their lament for the missing champions, and
the stout blacksmith who had dealt such heavy
blows on that luckless night was heard to say with
the tears in his eyes :

" Poor Brian Kineely ! sound is your sleep this
day ! God rest your sowl in peace 1 — and sure its
lonesome they look without Shan DriscoU — the
bravest heart and the stoutest arm that ever reefed
sail on Galway Bay !"

390

KADRBEN DHU,

The following months of that summer were spent
by Fitstepheu and his bride on Arranmore Island,
and there in the seclusion of their home on the
rocky shore, Maureen, under her husband's tuition,
began her acquaintance with the mysteries of na-
ture and the works of art. Surrounded by the deso-
late grandeur of that wild and remote region, she
learned to read the history of her country in the
mouldering monuments so profusely scattered around
her from the Cyclopean walls of the pagan fort to
the elaborate finish of the Gothic arches and columns,
fragments of media3val churches and abbeys.

Mar<Taret Behan had during the summer become
the wife of Captain Hamilton and was gone with
him to Malta. Mrs. Fitzstephen would not hear ot
keeping house alone with Charlotte, and her son and
daughter-in-law were pleased to make part of her
household. Nor was it long before Chatty took her
place amongst them-her mother being written o
on the subject, expressed herself quite willing to
leave her there-" for the present," she said, but
every one knew that that meant in perpetuo. Poor
old Aileen had at last gone the way of all flesh, and
Shan DriscoU left the village as already intimated.
The rage and mortification of the Hamptons may
well be imagined when they saw Maureen O Hara
raised to the position so much desired, and so anxious-
W s ught for Emily. And Noddy Kinshela took good
care that their disappointment should -t be forgot-
ten by them, for, however she managed it, she very

THB admiral's DAtJOHTKR.

, summer were spent
I Arranmore Island,

their home on tbo
ir husband's tuition,
the mysteries of na-
rouniied by the deso-
i remote region, she
[■ her country in tbo
isely scattered around
of the pagan fort to
ic arches and columns,
IS and abbeys.
r the summer become

and was gone with
en would not hear of
rlotte, and her son and

to make part of her
before Chatty took her
)ther being written to
jrself quite willing to
resent," she said, but
tnt in perpetuo. Poor
ae way of all flesh, and
( as already intimated,
of the Hamptons may

saw Maureen O'Hara
desired, and so anxious-
Idy Kiushela took good
it should not be forgot-
.e managed it, she very

often happened to be in a shop where the Hamp-
ton ladies were sliowing off, and although she could
well have carried homo her purchases, she made it
a point to order them in an ostentatiously loud voice,
" for Mrs. Giles Fitzstephen," glancing maliciously
at the same time at the still imperious though chop-
fallen Hamptons.

When the herring-fishery came round again, some
twenty or thirty of the principal Claddagh men in-
cluding the Admiral and his sons, took to trawling,
and their ancient prejudices once overcome, so much
more advantageous did they find the system, that in
the course of a year or two nearly all the hookers
had become trawlers, to the unbounded satisfaction
of Fitzstephen. So entire was the change in this
respect and so completely had the old system fallen
into disuse that a modern ballad makes one of the
Claddagh men sing :

" I'm a Claddagh boatman bold,
And humble is my calling,
From morn to night, from dark to light,
In Galway Bay I'm trawling,"

THE END.

h !

■:,^SsMxf^'