The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1909-05-15
CHAPTER XXI.
A Blue Cloak and a Scarlet.


Miss Pat asked me to dine at st.
Agatha's that night. The message
came uneXpectedly-a line on one OF
those quaint visiting-cards of hers.
brought by the gardener; and when
had penned my acceptance at once
sent the following message by lima
to the hoat-maker's house at Red
Gate:
ITO Rosalind at Red Gate: 1t is i'm
portant for yon to appear with me at the
Port Annandale casino tonight. and to
meet Reginald Gillespie there. He is
pledged to refer in no way to family af
fairs. If he should attempt to. you need
only remind him of his promise. He will
Imagine that yom are some one else. SO
please be careful not to tax his ina gina
ton too far. There Is much at stake
which / will explain later. You are to re-
fuse nothing that he may offer You. I
shall come into the creek with the launch
and call for you at Red Gate.
THE FRESHMAN AT GLENARM.
'"The casino dances are very informal.
A plain white gown and q few ribbons.
But don't omit your emerald"
was not sure where this project
to It with fair conscience. reached
st. Agatha's just as dinner was an
nOunced and we went out at once to
the small dining room used by the sis.
ter in charge during vacation, where I
faced Miss Pat, with Helen on one
hand and Sister Margaret on the 9th.
or. They were all in good humor. even
Sister Margaret proving less austere
than usual. and 1t is not too much to
say that we We're merry party. Helen
led me with particular intention to
talk Of Irish affairs, and avowed her
own unbehef in the capacity of the
Irish for self.government.
"Now. Helen!" admonished Miss
Pat, as our debate waxed warm.
ooh, do not spare me! I could not
be shot to pieces in better cause!"
"The trouble with you people," de.
clared Helen with finality. us that
you have no staying qualities. The
smashing of a few heads occasionally
satisfies your islanders. then down go
the necks beneath the yoke. You are
incapable of prolonged war. Now, even
the Cubans did better; you must admit
that, Mr.. Donovan!"
She met my eyes with challenge
There was no question as to the ami
mus Of the discussion; she wished me
to understand that there was war be.
tween us, and that with no great faith
in my wit or powers Of endurance she
was setting herself confidently TO the
business Of defeating my purpose. And
! must confess that liked it in her!
IF we had you for an advocate our
flag would undoubtedly rule the seas.
Miss Holbrook!"
81 dip my colors." she replied, "only
to the long-endurng not to the valiant
alone."
"A lady of high renown," unused
aloud, while Miss Pat poured the cot.
feet, a lady Of your own name, was
once more or less responsible for lit
tie affair that lasted ten years about
the walls Of six-gated city"
II wasn't named for her! No sugar
tonight. please, Aunt Pat!"
stood with her presently by an
open window Of the parlor, looking out
upon the night. Sister Margaret had
vanished about her household duties:
Miss Pat had taken up book with the
rather obvious intention Of leaving us
to ourselves. l expected to start at
eight for my rendezvous at Red Gate.
and my ear was alert to the Ginning
OF the chapel clock. The gardener had
begun his evening rounds, and paused
in the walk beneath us.
Don't you think" asked Helen.
that the guard is rather ridiculous?"
Yes. but 1t pleases my medieval in
stincts to imagine that you need de.
tenders. In the absence Of moat the
gardener. combines in himself all the