The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1915-02-27
CHAPTER vii.


mans hill. AS was foreshad-
owed earlier, he no longer urged
violence. He had come under the in
auence Of the more temperate men of
the party and was content to win by
legislative means what Ireland had
failed to accomplish wholly by con-
dict. although no one recognized more
thoroughly than O'Connell what a
large part the determined attitude Of
the Irish party in resisting the Eng
fish laws. depriving them Of the right
Of free speech and Of meeting to
spread light among the ignorant. had
played In wringing some measure Of
recognition and Of tolerance from the
English ministers.
What changed O'Connell more par
ticularly was the action Of band Of
so called patriots" who operated in
many parts Of lreland-maiming cat
tie. running crops, injuring peaceable
farmers who did not do their bidding
and shooting at landlords and promi-
nent people connected with the govern
ment.
He avoided the possibility Of i'm.
prisonment again for the sake Of Peg.
What would befall her If he were TAX
en- from her?
The continual thought that preyed
upon him was that he would have
nothing to leave her when his call
came. Do what he would, he could
make but little money, and when he
had small surplus he would spend it
on Peg-a shawl to keep her warm or
ribbon to give a CLEAN of color to
the drab little clothes.
On great occasions he would buy
her new dress, and then Peg was
the proudest little child in the whole
Of Ireland.
Every year on the anniversary of
her mothers death O'Connell had
mass said for the repose of Angela's
soul, and he would kneel beside Peg
through the service and be silent for
the rest of the day. One year he had
candles blessed by the archbishop lit
on Our Lady's altar. and he stayed long
after the service was over. He sent
Peg home. But. although Peg obeyed
him partially by leaving the church.
she kept watch outside until her ia.
Their came out He was wiping his
eyes as he saw her. he pretended to
be very angry.
Didn't tell ye to go home?"
I'VE did. father
Then why didn't We obey me?
Sure an what would | be DOM at
home. all alone. without you? Don't
be cross with me. father"
He took her hand. and they walked
home in silence. He had been crying.
and Peg could not understand it. She
had never seen him do such a thing be.
fore. and 1t worried her. 1t did not
seem right that man should cry. 1t
seemed weakness, and that her IA
Their of all men should do it, be who
was not afraid Of anything or any one.
was wholly unaccountable to her.
When they reached home Peg busted
herself about her father. trying to
make him comfortable. furtively watch
ing him all the while. When she had
put him in an easy chair and brought
him his slippers and built up the fire
she sat down on little stool by his
side. After long silence she stroked
the back Of his hand and then gave
him a little tug. He looked down at
her.
What is 1t. Peg?''
WAS my mother very beautiful, IA
there"
1.-THE most beautiful woman that
ever lived in all the wurrld, Peg"
"She looks beautiful in the picture
We have Of her.
From the inside pocket of his coat
be drew out little beautifully paint
ed miniature. The frame had long
since been worn and frayed. O'Con-
nell looked at the face, and his eyes
shone.
1.-The man that painted it couldn't
put the soul Of her into It. That he
couldn't; not the soul of her."
cam like her at all. father?" asked
Peg wistfully.
"Sometimes ye are. dear, very like"
After little pause Peg said:
Eye loved her very much. father,
didn't ye?'
He nodded. Il loved her with all
the heart of me and all the strength OF
me-"
Peg sat quiet for some minutes: then
she asked him q question Very quietly
and hung in suspense on his answer:
NJ
her. father?"
Its different. Peg. quite. quite diff
ferent."
"Why is it," She waited.
He did not answer.
"Sure. love is love whether We feel
1t for woman or child sh. I,er.
sisted.
O'Connell remained silent.
Ibid ye love her betther than We
love me. father?" Her soul was in her
great blue eyes as she waited excitedIy
for the answer to that. to her, momen.
tous question.
why. do ye ask me that?" said
O'Connell.
Because always feel little sharp
pain right through my heart whenever
ye talk about me mother. Ye see. ia
Their. I've thought all these years that
l was the one ye really loved
"Ye're the only one I have in the
wurrld. Peg"
"And ye don't love her memory bet
ther than ye do me?"
O'Connell put both Of his arms
a hnp