New-York tribune., 1909-03-28

embroidery. - you can tell Maureen Il take
her
Not So last. not So fast" said Michael
Didn't YOU give up all claims ycStcrddh- Y ON
can't play fast and loose wild ME this way.
You're making trouble for me. and I've got 10
get something out OF It
They sat down on two humps of sod and
talked II over. Michael shrewd student OF
human nature, saw that ne must warIlv play
poor Terence. who had already made compro-
misses After limiting at every available asset
the older man had, Michael WAS at last forced
to content himself with the paper Larry had
written giving Cahill the COWS milk.
But mind. said Michael, all this Is only
70 give YOU clear field from Nelligan and other
men 1t hes IN your own hands, not mine, to
get Maureen. She's fighting mad that YOU
Tilted her.
sure If she "a have me yesterdah, she VIII to-
day." SAID Terence Complacently. You say
She gone to Wexford. When she comes back
IN fix it.
A FTER Cahiu had LETT him. Michael threw
down MS hoe and hurried off 70 the Nell-
gan place. where he offered to sell Larrv'S write
of hand TO Mrs. Nelligan. She wanted 1t not
only as a release from Cahill, but 70 hold over
Larry's head as a sign of her magnanimity.
After a heated quarrel, Michael got ten Shill-
ngS. He went home, trying TO hearten himself
with the thought of his success. But though he
told himself over and over that he had a dowry
of four pounds ten for the girl and maybe pig
for himself. his words gave him no cheer, and
his feet were leadcn. Somehow, he refused 10
think ot Maurcen As married TO CahIll. and If
She really liked Larry, perhaps he had been
working against her happiness. Besides, there
was the chance that she would not want any
one interfering in her affairs she might
away 10 Dublin u service, Just 70 show that
she had a mind of her own.
During dinner he was absolutely silent, and
his wife followed his gloomy mood with anxiety.
Being a tactful woman. she said nothing When
the meal was over, he went tor a tramp over the
turf. still out of sorts. BY the time he turned
homeward he felt sure his mind would leap To
meet his difficulties as they came. The first one
met him At his neighbor's gate. Terence was
leaning against the post with his unaccustoned
smile.
I'VE been waiting to tell you the good news
he said and I'm waiting TO tell Maureeu.
I've just been down to the priest 5 to ask HIM
70 put up the bannS next Sundah He was out
but left a write of hand for him.
Michael could not find i word To say.
d" l thought Id better begin getting used to
the gurrl right of q" explained Terence
Michael nodded. and went speechless along
the path to his own cabin. His wife met him
on the doorstep.
Come in. awe" she said heartily, and for
give me If I've been forehanded wild YOU. |
couldn't bear To SEE the grave face Of you at din
ner. tor knew you were regrettIng the bargain
wild Kate Nellgan. From the way Maureen
acted this morning and the way she quarreled
wId Larry. | know she wants him So down |
went to the priest and left him a note asking
him To put up the banns next Sundah for Mau-
reen and Larry. Thatn just give them time
to get it over before they sail for America
Michael sank on the doorstep and groaned.
What is 1t. alannah'" cried Eileen. Are
You sick"
No. oh. no, Let me alone. woman l must
walk again"
He set off down the road at a tearing pace.
y-tth tI the n fh- and the.
laughter Of the neighborS. Him to be calling
himself a good match maker they'd say. II
things were left in his hands, the whole parishd
be supping sorrow with the long spoon of grief.
\ nice coil he got people in. entirely
MICHAEL sat down in the ditch not far from
A'A Nelligan's place and groaned aloud in bit
terneSs Of spirit. A startled face rose from the
other side Of the hedge.
Is it YOU Michael Dwyer2 Are YOU sick"
II,