Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-10-31
VI.

Without ceremony or apology Clodagh led
Milbanke to the stables by the shortest
route, which entailed the traversing OF
several long and windy passages and the
crossing of the great, draughty kitchen
where Hannah-the housekeeper, cook and
general mainstay of the establishment
held undisputed sway.
AS they entered her domain she was
standing by an open window engaged on
the cleaning Of a saucepan, an operation
to which she brought an astonishing amount
Of noisy energy. At sight Of the stranger
she dropped the knife she was holding and
made a furtive attempt to straighten her
ample and somewhat dirty apron.
"Ah, wisha, Miss Clodagh." she began, IN
voice that trembled between chagrfn and
an inherent sense of hospitality, isn't that
a quare thing for you to be dom now-to
be bringin' the gtntleman down here-an
me in the middle of me pots? Not but
place for you" she added with glance
that summed the intruder up from head
to heel.
Milbanke laughed a little awkwardly.
$50 long as you make no objection" he
said, with amiable haste, II see nothing to
find fault with
But Hannah gave an incredulous shake
of her head "Ah, you do be sayin' that"
she replied, sagely. But It's quare place
you'll be ffndn' Orristown after England
I'm thinkin'." She added this in per-
SuaSiye tone, making a tentative cast LOT
the strangers sentiments.
But before the fish could rise to her bait
her attention was claimed in another direc-
ton. A pellet Of mud, aimed with extreme
accuracy came flying through the open
window and hit her on the cheek.
Mibanke glanced round quickly; Clodagh
laughed; and the victim of the assault gave
a gasp, pushed her saucepans aside, and
thrust her head through the window.
wait till I catch you, Masther Larryv'
she cried across the yard. How can 1 be
doin the work of six women and three
men with the likes of you trapestn' about?
Pom my word, I'll tell on YOU'LL tell your
uncle on you. Long threatenin' comes at
last!'
But the only response that greeted her
was a smothered laugh from the stables
opposite, laugh which Clodagh involun-
tarily echoed
Instantly Hannah wheeled round from the
window.
"Ah. Miss Clodagh: isn't 1t a shame for
you?" she exclaimed, TREMENDOUSLY. isn't
1t a shame for you now to be encouragin.
that brat Of a boy? Sure tits the third
time he thrun his marbles of mud at me
this mornin'. So signs, III spake to the
masther. I will So"
She gave her apron a defiant tug.
Milbanke stood, uncertain and embar-
raised. nervously curious as to what Clio
dagh's next move would be. With certain
misgiving he saw her face brim over with
delight; then, with a sense Of complete
amazement, he saw her step suddenly to
the side or the lnQlgndnt f1dQndH throw
one arm impulsively round her neck, and
give her hasty kiss
Indeed you won't speak to him, Hannah
and you know you won't" she said. in
her most beguiling tones. And you'll make
a griddle-cake for lunch-tust to show you
aren't angry. Come on, Mr.. Milbanke.
Larry is waiting"
AS they crossed the kitchen, Hannah de-
family passed the corner of her apron
across her eyes and ostentatiously resumed
her interrupted work.
At the door Clodagh looked back.
"Hannah!' she said persuasively.
Hannah began to scrape her saucepan.
Go on wild you now, Miss Clodagh she
cried. Sure It's pair of ye that's there.
I'm out wild ye."
But the griddle-cake, Hannah"
LET Betsy over at Mrs. Asshlin's make
griddle-cake for ye. Maybe she wouldn't
put up wild Masther Larry as aisy as me-
'Of course Betsy would make a griddle-
cake at any time" said Clodagh, promptly
"only we couldn't eat it-after yours"
For a moment Hannah made no response;
then she gave another disdainful whtsk to
her apron and attacked the saucepan with
renewed force
Clodagh said nothing but took a step for
ward. Her cheeks were bright and her
eyes danced with mischief and amusement.
AS her foot touched the pavingstones of
the yard, Hannah raised her head.
Il suppose twill be at wan ven be want
in the lunch?' she said, in suddenly low
cred and Modified voice, and Clodagh re-
d
light.
Outside In the sunshine of the yard she
laughed again.
Hannah is an old duck" she said. "she
Is always getting as cross as two sticks,
and then forgetting all about it. Nobody
could help teasing her. But where's Larry
gone to? Larry! Larry
There was a pause, a stamping of horse
hoofs and the sound of a voice whispering
affectionate injunctions to an unseen ami
NAL; then young Laurence Asshlin emerged
from the stables, leading his chestnut cob.
He was a well-made, -Iimbed boy of
fourteen, with skin as smooth and eyes as
clear as Clodaghs own.
"Hullo, Clor he exclaimed. THAT was a
straight shot, wasn't 1t? Was she mad?''
Pretty mad responded Clodagh This
! is Mr.. Milbanke. He came last night"
Young Asshlin eyed the stranger frankly
and without embarrassment.
You're not at the meet?" he said, with
involuntary surprise. I'D be there, only
mother doesn't let me hunt yet. She thinks
I'd break my neck or something" he
laughed. But I'll go to every meet within
twenty miles when I'm a man." he added.
There's nothing as good as hunting-ex-
cept sailing. Are you much of sailor?"
Mlbanke looked back into the bright,
fearless eyes and healthy, spirited face, and
again a touch of aloofness-of age-damped
him. There was a buoyancy in this boy
and girl-a Zest, an enthusiasm outside
which he stood the undeniable alien.
Yes, am fond of the sea-" he respond
eu, Out pToUdDiy HOt DIS YOU are lOHu
of it,
Try as he might to be natural and pleas
ant. his speech sounded stilted, his words
staid.
The boy looked at him doubtfully.
Didn't know there were two ways of do
ing it, he said, rubbing his face against
| the cob's sleek neck.
But Clodagh came to her guests rescue.
Larry doesn't deserve any credit for Xix
ing the sea-" she said. His father was a
sailor. You go on to the fields. Larry"
she added; you'll find Nance waiting there.
I'll saddle Polly in a second, and be after
you with Mr.. Milbanke. Run now; you re
only wasting time"
Larry hesitated for a moment, then he
| nodded.
IAN right" he acquiesced. "Only don't
be long"
Instantly he was gone, Clodagh handed
her whip to Milbanke and darted into the
coach-house, reappearing with a saddle over
her arm and a bride swinging from her
| shoulder.
You are not going to saddle the horse
| yourself?" he exclaimed, in CONSERVATION.
Let me call one Of the men! Please let
| me call one of the men!
Clodagh laughed.
There's no one to CALL" she said. Burke
| is the only proper man-servant we keep,
| and he drove into Muskeere for provisions
| as soon as he brought the bay round for
| father. You don't think I'd let any of the
| Ia ha 70 IA this