Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-10
XLVI.

Late on the afternoon that followed her
arrival, Clodagh-with Larry in attend
ance-climbed up the uneven path that led
from the Orristown boat-cove to the house.
A considerable change had taken place IN
the weather since the previous evening.
The sky no longer hung low and motion
less above the horizon line; the sea no
longer shone white and polished as a mir
ror. A gale had sprung up. breaking the
clouds and whipping the sea into small.
green waves. and more than once; as the
Asshlfn paused to look back at his small
boat, lying with furled sail and shipped
oars on the single.
.1 hope I've beached her high enough
he said. There will be a big sea tonight
( Clodagh laughed. The prospect of a storm
stirred her. She felt boundiessly happy,
boundlessly confident in this free, open life
The night before, after Larry had lett
her and the first tinge Of twilight had fall
en- across the old house, there had been a
moment in which the ghosts of memory
had threatened to assaii her-to come
trooping up the gaunt staircase and
will had conquered, she had dispelled the
phantoms and had slept dreamlessly in the
big four-post bed.
In the morning she had awakened, as
James Milbanke had awakened long ago
to a world of light and joy-but with this
difference, that to him the world had been
a thing to speculate upon and study, Whlle
to her 1t was a thing familiar-understood-
possessed. While she partook OF break
FAST and while she visited the stables, she
kept Hannah by her side. learning from her
the vicissitudes of the many humble IVes
around Orristown that had been known to
her since childhood: then. before the tales
had been half recounted. Larry had arrived
In his boat. and the two cousins, like chill
dren playing a 1ong-loved game, had gone
down together to the boat-cove to where the
little craft flashed Its white sail like sea
gull in the sun. and danced with impatience
to be OF across the crisp, green waves.
Clodagh's first act on landing at Carrig-
more had been to visit the little. UNCOVERED
post office. in the hope that the orristown
letters might possibly be intercepted. But
the postman had already left the village,
and she had no choice but to wait patiently
for Cores first letter until her return in the
evening. But the postponement had not
been sufficient to damp her spirits. and she
had started on her various expeditions with
a very light heart. Last of all had come
the visit to Mrs. Asshlin, who now rarely
left her room. but lay all day in the semi
light made by drawn blinds, drinking nu-
merous cups of strong tea. and keeping up
fitfu murmur of complaint.
With senses that rebelled against the de-
pressing atmosphere. Clodagh had entered
the bed room and had sat for nearly an
hour beside her aunt's couch. listening with
all the patience she could muster to the
oft-repeated tale of discomfort and ILL
health. Then at last, feeling that duty
could demand no more, she had risen and
kissed Mrs. Asshlin's worn cheek.
I'VE must have you over in London, Aunt
Fam" she said. cheerfully. I'VE must take
you to a really good doctor and have you
made quite well"
But Mrs Asshlin had shaken her head
obviously.
II never had faith in really good doctors
since Molyneaux came down to see your
poor father
To thiS thoro caonnod no raScihlp roc nanSo.
SO Clodagh had kissed her aunt once more,
and. with a promise that she would return
the next day, had slipped silently out of the
gloomy room. followed by Larry. Outside,
in the vivid daylight, the cousins had looked
at each other involuntarily--
Sometimes life seems awful, Clo,' ASH
land had said. in a Respondent voice. And
with momentary shock Clodagh had
brooding gloom, that used long ago to settle
on the face of her father.
why don't you leave Carrigmore,
Larry?' she said, quickly. Its a wonder
full place to rest in, but it's not the place
for the whole of mans life"
Asshlin had made a descriptive gesture
indicating the house behind him; then. with
sudden impulse of confidence, he had
thrust his hand into his pocket, and had
drawn out six five-pound notes.
When this represents the whole ex-
chequer for the next three months, there
isn't much question of foreign travel-or
fortune-seeking," he had said. Come
along! The gale is freshening
And Clodagh had obeyed. depressed for
the moment by contact with that hidden
poverty of the proud and well-born that is
one of the most pathetic factors in the
scheme of Irish social life. She had longed
ardently to make some suggestion, some
offer Of help, to this bright, spirited boy.
who was wasting the best years God had
given him In coping with an estate that
could never be made to pay, and attend
ing upon an invalid who lowered perpetu-
ally on the borderland of shadows; but a
native comprehension of the position held
her dumb. An offer of help made on the
moment of his confidence would set an