By Shamrock and Heather

Front matter

BY SHAMROCK AND HEATHER BY WALMER DOWNE AUTHOR OF (THE BLOOM OF FADED YEARS,' ETC. 2Lon&on DIGBY, LONG & CO. 18 Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C. W. S. R, CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE I. ONE TOO MANY - - - - - 1 II. ANOTHER TOO MANY - - - - 7 III. ' GRAND-DA ' - - - - - 14 IV. UNEXPECTED SYMPATHY - - - 19 V. GRAND-DA RECEIVES A SURPRISE- - - 26 VI. A BICYCLE RIDE - - - - 35 VII. A FADED SUN-BONNET - - - -44 VIII. A VISIT TO BELFAST - - - - 49 IX. CONFIDENCES - - - - -53 X. AT THE SHAMROCKS - - - 57 XL GINGER- - - - - - 65 XII. BALLYCRILLY - - - - - 72 XIII. DAY-DREAMS - - - - - 78 XIV. PEACE IN THE GLOAMING - - - 87 XV. THE NEWS REACHES THE ARMS - - - 92 XVI. A HEAVY FAILURE - - - - 99 XVII. OUTWARD BOUND - - - - 105 XVIII. SEVERED TIES - - - - -112 XIX. NEW SCENES AND OLD FACES - - - 119 XX. GOOD-BYE TO BALLYCRILLY - - - 124 XXI.

WHEN THE CAT'S AWAY - - - 129 XXII. ERIN-GO-BRAGH - - - - CONTENTS VIII CHAPTER PAGE XXIII. A CLANDESTINE VISIT- - - - 147 XXIV. A VACANT CHAIR - - - - 153 XXV. A LETTER - - - - - 157 XXVI. BACK TO THE SHAMROCKS - - - lOO XXVII. CHRISTMAS MORNING - - - - 163 XXVIII. A LUCKY ACCIDENT - - - - l68 XXIX. BLOSSOMS - - - - -181 XXX. NEW YEAR VISITORS - - - 190 XXXI. AN EVENING AT HOME - - - 201 XXXII. HEREDITY - - - - -213 XXXIII. FANCIES - - - - -217 XXXIV. A LIVING PICTURE - 222 XXXV. ' LUX IN TENEBRIS - - - - 230 XXXVI. ANOTHER LETTER - 239 XXXVII. AN ARDENT WOOER - 247 XXXVIII. WON - - - - - - 256 XXXIX. THE MATER IN A DILEMMA - 262 XL. A CHANGE OF TACTICS - 269 XLI. A REGISTERED PARCEL - 274 XLII. VAIN REGRETS - - - - 281 XLIII. COMING EVENTS - 289 XLIV. UNCLE JOSHUA - 293 XLV. AN EARLY START - 300 XLVI. A SABBATH DAY IN BALLYCRILLY - 307 XLVII. HOME AND MOTHER - - - - 313 XLVIII. HEART TO HEART - - - -

Chapter I. One Too Many

' Jaq. I thank you for your company ; but, good faith, I had as lief have been myself alone. ' Orl. And so had I ; but yet, for fashion's sake, I thank you too for your society.' It was the second week of the jaunty month of July, and the saloon-deck of the magnificent White Star liner was crowded with passengers, eagerly awaiting a closer view of the land which had been sighted on the port bow of the vessel. Meanwhile the mass of heavy black smoke that poured from the funnels was blown astern by the freshening breeze, and its disagreeable colly flecked here and there, now settling upon the light ribbon of a lady's hat, or smutching a snowy blouse, or even making so bold as to steal into the eyes of some of the voyagers. But while most of those on board keenly viewed the fast-nearing shore, or chatted together in animated tones, a young girl sat moodily reclining in a deck-chair, shading her eyes with her hand, as several teardrops stole unbidden past her fingers, and fell upon the rich folds of her dark travelling dress.

There was no appearance whatever of ill-health about the maiden, for the sea-breezes as they kissed her cheeks left them quite rosy. There was certainly no lack of creature comforts, for a glass of untasted sherry stood beside her, while on a plate lay a thick slice of rich plum-cake. ' What ! moping again, Elsie f inquired a florid complexioned, middle-aged man, stepping to her side. ' I say, this won't do. Get up and come with me for'ard until you get a glimpse of the beautiful stone dikes."' ' The what, uncle T replied the girl, rousing herself. ' The stone fences, Elsie. Don't you know the South of Ireland has hove in sight ? Bless me ! Can you re main indifferent when we are fast approaching the dearest land the sun shines upon ? And, what's better still, every knot brings us nearer my own sweet Ballycrilly ; and, believe me, if once you were there, you'd think you had never struck paradise before on this earth.' ' Oh, Uncle Patrick,' exclaimed Elsie Ross, laughing outright in spite of herself, ' what an enthusiastic Hibernian you are, to be sure !

But you don't really mean me to understand that you prefer a paltry little country village to all the fine cities and charming scenery you have ever visited ?' ' Most assuredly I mean to say that there's only one Ballycrilly in the universe. The sweetest associations of my childhood twine closely around it, and its memories lie treasured in the depths of my heart. And now that I've got a glimpse of Erin, I feel as if I could hardly ONE TOO MANY 3 reach the dear old home fast enough. If your aunt hadn't such a pile of baggage to be looked after, I'd be tempted to land at Queenstown, and go straight on to County Down by rail.' 'But you are really going to Liverpool first, aren't you ?' queried Elsie, a trifle disquieted, for she, too, had her own share of luggage to consider. ' I presume I must ; but I warrant you it is from necessity, and not from choice.

I'll be bound, however, that neither your aunt, nor Mary, nor Beryl, with your self thrown into the scales, will outweigh my resolution not to stop a blessed hour longer than I can help in England.' ' But after you reach Ballycrilly, and see all your friends, aren't you going to travel with us at all T asked Elsie, with downcast eyes. ' Not one foot, my girl. I've worked hard enough these years back to entitle me to a holiday, and I intend to have it, and, what is more, to enjoy it in my dear old village. The rest of you are at liberty to please your selves ; and you may go to Jericho, as far as I am concerned.' ' Oh, Uncle Patrick ! it's really too bad of you to talk in this fashion.' ' Humph ! Is it, indeed ? Well, I'm only speaking the plain, unvarnished truth. I believe in calling a spade a spade, which means in the present instance that I am utterly sick and tired travelling about with the whole squad of you.

What between headaches and fault-finding, and disparaging remarks of one descrip tion or another, I'm never out of a hornets' nest when your aunt and you girls get fairly set agoing.' 1—2 Elsie's face clouded as she replied, somewhat peevishly: 'You do indeed get plenty to tax your patience, uncle, without me into the bargain. I'm one too many, am I not ?' 'You needn't be, if you'd all agree amongst your selves. But when one wants one thing, and another desires something entirely different, and I'm expected to please everybody, it's no joke, I can tell you. When once I see you all safely to the Strangford Arms Hotel, I'll not budge a foot for even the Lord Mayor of Belfast.' Again the tears gathered in Elsie's eyes, but with a brave effort she reserved them for a more fitting opportunity, and then replied in a more conciliatory tone : ' Dear Uncle Patrick, it worries me terribly to know that I have proved an added discomfort to you, and I feel very, very sorry about it.

I have tried again and again not to get riled, but my cousins are so provoking — they'd try the temper of a saint. They expect me to everlastingly be at their beck and call ; and in return for all I've tried to do for them to-day, they gave me the usual thanks, no later than an hour ago, by casting in my teeth that I am only in the way, and that it would have been a charity if I had stayed in Richmond. It's always the same, and usually after we've had a " flare-up " you unfortunately come along, and then, of course, all the blame gets laid on my shoulders, as I'm the con venient scapegoat to carry their sins into the wilderness.' Whatever Mr. O'Connell thought, he vouchsafed no reply, but, catching Elsie's wavy tresses, twirled them caressingly around his forefinger, and then stooped to lift a bow which had loosely bound them from where it ONE TOO MANY 5 had fallen upon the deck.

The young girl not only smiled her thanks, but there and then determined to try and enter more sympathetically into his feelings. ' What lovely big gardens !' she remarked, directing her glass for the first time towards the sloping hillside, which now presented a charming appearance as the steamer drew nearer the land. ' Gardens !' rejoined her uncle laughingly ; ' you mean fields, my girl. Those patches are each distinct fields. You must bear in mind that you are no longer in the States, and all the arable land in this country is culti vated like a garden.' ' I remember quite well hearing my father talk to my mother about Ballycrilly when I was a child. My ideas are rather indistinct, but I fancy there was a little stream in which he and his brother used to fish, and he fell in once, and might have been drowned if Uncle Joshua hadn't pulled him out.

Then, I think, there was a bay of some description, but I cannot recall its name.' ' Strangford Lough,' interrupted Mr. O'Connell. ' Yes, that's it ; and they used to have delightful rows on its waters in the moonlight, and take two girl cousins along, of whom father seemed very fond. Oh yes ! and there was some long-car which carried mails and passengers from Ballycrilly to Belfast, and Uncle Joshua used to catch on behind.' ' Quite correct, my girl ; hurrah for your memory !' called out Mr. O'Connell, as he gazed admiringly upon Elsie, who found she had struck the keynote of his nature, and set it vibrating. ' Quite correct, to be sure. One of the long-cars was called " The Banshee," but I forget the name of the other.' ' Oh, Uncle Patrick ! that's not a very elegant name, is it? It sounds to me like a bad word.

But never mind. As I was telling you, my father and his brother used to hold on behind and ride ever so far, and then jump off and await the return car, on which they rode back in the same clandestine and inexpensive fashion.' ' I can well imagine their enjoyment, Elsie, for the proudest day I ever knew when I was a youngster was one twelfth of July, when the driver of a large brake lifted me up beside him on to the box-seat, and per mitted me to catch the ends of the reins which controlled the four powerful horses. It was rare fun, and those were happy days, I grant you. Boys will be boys, you know.' ' Yes, Uncle Patrick, and girls will be girls, and they are just as full of life and frolic as their more fortunate brothers, if only they get the same chance. You must promise to give me a trial, and see if I won't prove an apt scholar.

I wouldn't have dared to admit it at the time, but I used to be a first-rate hand at climbing the cherry-trees at grandma., and wading in the creek. You shall take me about with you, and show me all your old haunts, and the places my father so dearly loved, and you'll find my heart will soon warm to them too.' 'All right, my girl, you'll have grand scope for rusticating this summer, if I have my way. You must make friends with your father's people into the bargain. They're, maybe, not quite so up to date or polished as the society you've been accustomed to, but kinder hearts never beat, and truer tongues never spoke than ' But the conversation was here interrupted by the captain coming forward and desiring a few words in private with Mr. O'Connell. Both smiled pleasantly to Elsie, and were taking their departure for the chart-room, when her uncle suddenly stepped back to say : ' I remember the name of the other long-car now.' ' What was it, uncle ?' ' The " Vale of Avoca."

How does that strike you for a name ?' ' It's just too pretty for anything,' replied Elsie gleefully ; while the patriotic Hibernian hastened to rejoin the captain.

Chapter II. Another Too Many

' I was some days ago agreeably surprised by a message from a lady of distinction ' ' Mother, you're wanted !' called a stout lad of tweh'e summers, who stood pruning a blackthorn stick. ' To the front, mother ; it's Major Carlingford's carriage.' Mrs. Wanley threw a light shawl over her head and shoulders, and bustled out of the hotel door to the edge of the footpath, where the stylish conveyance of one of the county magnates was just drawing up. 'Fine morning. How are you, my good woman?' inquired the Major, as he gave the reins to his coach man and alighted. ' Can I have a word with you ?' ' Indeed, I'm bravely, thank you, Major ; and it is yourself is welcome to as many words as ever you like,' said the proprietress of the Strangford Arms, as she led the way into her own private parlour.

Knowing well from experience the Major's favourite beverage, she at once ordered for him a brandy-and soda. Then, seating herself on a chair, Nora Wanley waited with unfeigned interest to hear what he had come to say ; but he seemed in no particular hurry to unfold his plans, and sat leisurely sipping his morning mixture, whilst beating a tattoo with his fingers on the surface of the massive centre table. He chatted about the weather and the crops, passing on to Mrs. Wanley 's family circle and the ever-exciting gossip of the town. It was quite true that a summons was out against McCaudless, the grocer, for adulterating buttermilk until it was nearly half water. Worse still (if worse could be), Kitty Sullivan had been fined for ' light weights,' in addition to being notorious for giving bad bargains to ' wee yins ' sent by busy mothers for penny worths.

Then old James McManus, at the Market Cross, had recently been the recipient of a letter from an American lawyer, informing him that he was the residuary legatee of his mother's cousin, who had died abroad, leaving quite a fortune, the amount of which varied, according to the various circulating reports, from fifty pounds to five thousand ; nevertheless it had in vested Mr. McManus with that mushroom importance which wealth alone can confer. As the Major rattled on with his remarks, Mrs. Wanley, who dearly loved a gossip, continued to listen breathlessly, punctuating his conversation with ' Well, well!' 'Do you tell me that?' 'Sure, it's jokin' ye are !' For, anxious as she was to ascertain the Major's immediate errand, the news of the village was equally full of interest — a fact of which the politic and gallant gentleman was well aware, he not having been a casual visitor at the Strangford Arms all these years without finding out that the best way to ingratiate himself into favour with its proprietress was first to interest and then to flatter her.

So while he talked she beamed upon him with eyes of admiration and wonder, drinking in every word of the welcome ' news,' as she termed the gossiping small-talk ; in turn relating in detail some feminine weaknesses of her neighbour across the road, who had recently engaged a girl of fourteen as ' general ' maid at a pound per quarter, and since whose advent Mrs. Timothy Murphy had assumed the social standing of an ' at-home ' day, receiving her callers in the front room (above the shop) for 'afternoon tea,' while any unfortunate individuals coming at other times were prevaricatingly informed by the little maid that her mistress was ' not in.' Then Nora Wanley was delighted to hear about McManus's good-fortune, for, indeed, the woman had a most kindly heart, and was truly thank ful to know that the old man's circumstances had so suddenly and unexpectedly altered for the better.

From henceforth, however, her opinion of McCaudless, the grocer, would be that his praying and psalm-singing ill became one who knowingly cheated his decent towns folk. But the worthy woman was cut short in her remarks by hearing the hall clock strike twelve, so she determined to bring the Major to the point at once. Hurriedly rising and pushing back her chair, she made an apology for her haste, offering in the same breath to serve any member of the Carlingford family in whatever way lay in her power. ' The fact is, Mrs. Wanley, I want you to do me a good turn.' ' Then you've only to name it, sir,' interrupted Nora. ' Well, I regret to be forced to admit that some things are a trifle unpleasant at Lough View just now. You see, my wife wishes to take the young ladies over to Harrogate for change of air.

The eldest one is looking rather delicate and out-of-sorts, and I myself have been ordered to Germany to try the effect of some mineral springs upon this torpid liver of mine.' ' Yes, sir.' ' Well, then, you see the difficulty arises as to what is to be done with my old father. He is a little hard to put up with, and requires more or less looking after. It is impossible for him to come with me to Germany, and he cannot well go to England, for he would be dreadfully in Mrs. Carlingford's way there.' ' Ay, he would that,' assented Mrs. Wanley. ' Now, my wife and I having talked the matter over, and knowing how passionately fond the old man is of Ballycrilly, have decided to leave him in the village, provided he is in charge of someone in whom we can place implicit confidence.' ' I see, sir, I see,' ejaculated the proprietress, a light beginning to dawn upon her. ' In fact, I may tell you plainly, Mrs. Wanlev, that there is no woman living to whom I would so willingly entrust the care of my father as to your own good self.' ' Sure and I'll be charmed to have the darlinoold gentleman here, if only he'll be satisfied with our plain way o' livin'.' ' You need have no fears on that point, for style and ceremony have become utterly distasteful to him ; in fact, he will gladly stay with you rather than leave the town.' 'Bring him, Major, bring him as soon as ever you like, and I'll be as dutiful to him as a daughter.

And if we should happen to get thronged here, I'll send him up to Turf Lodge, where he'll be as right as the mail with my son William's wife.1 'Thanks,' said Gerald Carlingford, with a depth of true pathos in his voice which it now seldom manifested ; ' you have taken a heavy load off my mind, and may Heaven reward you !' Then, grasping her hand warmly, he bade her good-day, promising to call soon again to make final arrangements. ' Good-bye, sir ; you're more than welcome,' answered the delighted Irishwoman, beaming all over with gratified pride. Nora Wanley watched the Major take the reins, and the next minute the carriage disappeared in a cloud of dust down the street, whence, shading her eyes and gazing after him, she saw him only in imagination ; then, soliloquizing audibly, she re-entered the hotel. ' He's a gentleman, every inch of him ; but the wife's the mischief of a lady — a regular female sarpent, as my Ben says, that never gave him half a chance.

But poor Grand-da, the judgment o' God will surely overtake her for her treatment o' him ! The poor critter's knocked about like old boots, and his death's hoped for at Lough View, so that they can grab his every farthing whenever his head's cold. I wonder the Major hasn't more pluck than to put up with such a state of affairs, but somehow he always appeared to me to be lacking in grit. However, I suppose it's none of my business ;' with which closing reflection the fretted woman calmed her ruffled feelings by energetically applying herself to the various tasks which yet lay before her. Mrs. Benjamin Wanley, although middle-aged, was comely in person, as well as agreeable in manner, and possessed that true nobility of character which is often marked by an outspoken, big-hearted disposition, free from deception, and appealing — and not in vain — to all that is best in poor frail humanity.

She was a favourite with everybody, consequently her husband attended principally to buying and other outside work, leaving household management, except in emergencies, entirely to her tact and skill. The Strangford Arms was an old-fashioned inn, and although seemingly unpretentious, was one of the most constantly patronized country resorts in County Down. True, a modern hotel-keeper, versed in the latest seaside attractions, would contemptuously scoff at the primitive arrangements of this homely habitation, which was situated on the main street of the ancient and flourish ing town of Ballycrilly. The bus-driver connected with the premises was a most consequential personage of weather-beaten countenance, appearing, when seated in state, to be as broad as he was long, while his powei'ful voice suggested the idea that his lungs, could they have been viewed with the Rontgen rays, would have re sembled a blacksmith's bellows.

The two Scottish waiters, though efficient, were of many years' standing in the establishment, always performing their duties on the ' slow and sure ' principle. The Killarney chamber maid was discreet both in her personal demeanour and professional conduct, putting down the stock gallantries of ' bagmen ' with the severe virtue of five-and-forty ; but although her presence failed to carry with it a sympathetic charm, she bore the high character of never once having been convicted of treating any visitor to the luxury of a damp sheet. The boots, of course, was at everyone's beck and call, and was, besides, a veritable magnet of attraction for miscellaneous scraps of information concerning other people's affairs. He was red-headed, youthful, and slim, minus uniform or buttons, and guiltless of all that usually passes for politeness.

However, he was fleet of foot to execute postal or other errands, and was, in fact, one of those natural geniuses whose lack of fame is due only to the want of opportunity. He answered as readily (when it suited him to hear) to the sobriquet of ' Ginger ' as to his Sabbath appellation of William John Shannon, the said William John being the worthy grandson of Jonathan Shannon, who had for nearly three-quarters of a century been celebrated throughout the district as the reliable chronicler of all local events. Jonathan well remembered when Benjamin Wanley was brought over from Kelso 'in the arms '; when, thirty years later, he purchased the village inn and Turf Lodge farm, which were to belong to himself and his posterity ' while grass grows and water runs.' Then the hale old boy also ' minded ' the time when Nora McFadden was ' a brave lump of a girl,' and the image of her Celtic mother, who was beloved by rich and poor alike throughout the whole countryside.

Next came the marriage of the two celebrities, young Ben Wanley and black-eyed Nora, one of the few events of the kind ever chronicled which seemed to have pleased everybody at the time, and to have continued doing so, judging from the general satisfaction expressed in the neighbourhood, not only regarding themselves, but also their intelligent, stalwart eldest son. In all truth was it maintained on fair days and market-days, by both dealers and vendors, that no finer specimen of manhood spoke with the peculiar mixed accent current in County Down than William Wanley, of Turf Lodge, in whose veins the blood of the Scottish reformers mingled with that of the brave Ulster patriots who made such a heroic stand in the perilous times of '98.

Chapter III

' GRAND-DA.' ' Friendship, like the ivy, clings To olden times and olden things.' It was not many days after Major Carlingford's visit to the Strangford Arms that his silver-haired father was warmly welcomed within its homely walls. Naturally, the old gentleman's heart was at first full of bitterness towards the unfeeling daughter-in-law who had laid the plans for banishing him from the roof-tree of his own begotten son ; but erelong the more genial atmosphere of his new surroundings subdued those harsher feelino_, and replaced them by a mellowed air of peaceful resigna tion. Mrs. Wanley never appeared to be aware of the fact 'GRAND-DA' 15 that necessity called for the octogenarian's being their guest. She even avoided, by her delicate tact, the least seeming knowledge of how matters actually stood, and bustled cheerily about as usual, ever and anon peeping into the back parlour to see that ' grand-da ' was com fortable, and bidding him not to permit Nora and Kathleen to prove tiresome companions, while she stole a hurried glance beneath the eider-down coverlet of the cot in the corner to make sure that her chubby baby boy's nose was uncovered, and that he was sleeping satisfactorily.

Any stranger might well wonder why the rich county gentleman should request this busy woman, whose hands were already so full, to take in charge his only surviving parent; but those who knew of the inner workings of Lough View House merely shook their heads, saying, 'It's a pity o' the Major,' or else tossed them con temptuously, adding scornfully, ' Served him deuced right; he'd no business jilting pretty Marjory Moore for the like o' her."1 Old Mr. Carlingford's earthly race was now well-nigh run ; but with inexpressible delight he dwelt ever and anon upon the happy days of the less pretentious past — days when no railways intersected the beauteous land, bringing in their wake curses as well as blessings — prosperous days when the hand -loom linen - weavers wrought early and late to supply the pressing orders of the neighbouring city of Belfast — joyous days when the bright-eyed young women congregated 'about the doors' in the gloaming of summer days, chatting merrily to one another while they wrought floral designs and fan tastically drawn monograms upon the costly linen which was eventually to find its way into the mansions of the great and wealthy.

Again in fancy he plays round about his mother's thatched cottage, which stands close beside the Strang ford Lough, and from which the smoke still curls at early dawn, as if responsive to shrill cock-crows falling upon the ear, as scattering flocks repair for pasturage to the adjacent mountain tracts. At night vivid images float softly round his pillow as he sits again at the genial fireside — that holy place, the hearthstone, where hopes were born and passions subdued ; where confidences were lovingly exchanged, or tears of sorrow tenderly wiped away. Next in imagination he roams through that garden plot at the end of the house, which is exposed alike to the sun's rays and the gaze of passers-by ; and although the apple and pear trees grew there with their tempting fruit, and at their base the rich red cabbages — to be converted into pickles for winter's use — nothing was ever molested, notwithstanding the fact that its only protec tion was a rude hedge of privet and hawthorn.

Ah, yes ! that well-remembered hedge, that most convenient hedge, from which his irate ' granny ' could always pro cure that dreaded and powerful ally, a switch, on short notice and reasonable terms. In this old time-honoured garden grew the briar-bush, offering the rose in that simple, primitive form which it bears in the ancient copies of England's beautiful emblem, and from which it has been so outrageously ' cultivated.' The daisy, too, raised her silver star, spreading her many petals to the sun, or wispinothem to the shower. There also flourished the sweet-william 'GRAND-DA' 17 in its appropriate corner, beloved for its modest sim plicity ; while near by the none-so-pretty smiled in virgin loveliness, and was pronounced, as if in honour of some village maiden, Nansy Prayty. Here and there a lacka daisical lily drooped its head, or a tulip lolled out its tongue at the admiring pedestrians, suggesting the ever piquant and popular joke to the country lads relative to the entrancing benefits which might be derived from the application of ' two-lip salve.' Rue and thyme were also invariably present, equally indispensable for the sake of the puns connected with their names.

Near by the spearmint, so unattractive in appearance, but so powerfully fragrant ; and southernwood, its companion, only a degree less odoriferous. These enchanting old gardens are still stumbled upon occasionally in remote country districts, with their sundials, rows of stately hollyhocks, and beds of mint and mignonette — gardens suggestive of bygone scenes, and faces and manners, each and all abounding in unpretentious but picturesque beauty. In the square, high-backed, cushionless pew of the Meeting House many a Bible and Psalm-book was made a sort of hortus siccus for detached leaves and sprigs, not unfrequently a gardener's garter acting acceptably as mark for some favourite chapter or verse. By the law of assimilation the soul returns to its early state of quietude and devotional peace, so the aged man dreams again of beloved forms and familiar faces long since passed away.