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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. i^ 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. v\ 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, It 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^ 6- 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- y 8 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 1 c t e s s 8 e 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. 9 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 10 MAUREEN DHU, Claddagh fleet, and beyond his decision, m the fre- quent disputes of the villagers, no one ever thinks ot Koin/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 14 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. 15 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 Mr 16 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. 17 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^^ 18 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. 19 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 90 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. 21 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 I 22 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. 23 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 24 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, 26 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 97 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- 28 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. 29 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" ii do MAUBEEN DHU, « 84 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. 85 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 86 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 n P tl 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. 87 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 88 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. 33 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 40 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. 41 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. p^ i2 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. 43 I. 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 V t 6 I a t a t i( t V d g t( ti h THE admiral's DAUGHTER. 4S 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'^^'^'^"^ -''■'■ 46 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 V b a d o h h w n w fc n E It d< THE ADUIRAL's DAnOHTKR. 47 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«v^^. 48 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. I ■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. 40 •* 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,!!' T 60 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 T THE ADUIRAL's daughter. 81 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 62 HAUREGM OHC, i 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. M 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 T 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. 65 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 56 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. 57 " 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 68 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. 60 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 1 liiwjiliTii ii il i nUilitmiiiifM 60 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. ii 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. 68 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- M ifc 64 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. 65 « 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 s h 66 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. 67 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 j I I ■2 68 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. 69 — 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 i* 70 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. 71 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 72 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. 78 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 74 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. 75 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 n 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. 77 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 T8 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. 79 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 80 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. 81 ;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. 82 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 Mi 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 I) 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. 85 • 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. 86 MAUREEN DHU, T "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!°^ ^ r ■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. 87 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 !" 89 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. 80 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: , if M 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 L.- IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // £.0 A /s^ ///// ip- J?. {v f/j f/. 1.0 I.I 1.25 •I; IM i^ It I4& 1 2.0 1.4 II 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation ,\ w^ ^9) V ^ > wAs^~ ^ '^f^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ksy :> CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut canadien de microreproductions historiques THE admiral's DAUOHTER. 91 " 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?" i I: 92 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- J, 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. 93 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\- 1^ 94 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. 96 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 [ 96 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 W 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. 97 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. pi 11 _i.-.. 98 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. 99 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 i; JL ^ SM 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. 1 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." T 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. JL 1 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. J 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. 1 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" ■■■ 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 1. 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- :ir 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 LA ma 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!" il 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- r 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 i 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- ™ n 128 MADRXEN DHC, ,1 i 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 .. n. 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 —