'The Greatest of These.' An Irish story

Front matter

AN IRISH STORY BY EVAN MAY LONDON : SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT, & Co., Ld. PATERNOSTER ROW 1890. [.-/// rights reserves,] CONTEXTS. Chapter I. PAGE AN UNWELCOME GIJ'T - - - - - j Chapter II. AMONG THE KERRY HILLS - 9 Chapter III. MRS. THORNTON CONQUERS HER FEARS - 19 Chapter IY. A FESTIVE GATHERING .-.'.. 28 Chapter V. VISITORS -.-... _,0 Chapter VI. FALLEN ON EVIL TIMES ----- -2 Chapter VII. AN OVERPLUS OF NURSING - - 63 Chapter VIII. RETRIBUTION - - - 76 Chapter IX. A NOBLE RESOLVE 90 Chapter X. CONVALESCENCE, LOVE, AND DUTY - 102 ., LUVC, CONTENTS. II Chapter XI. page NIGEL WINS A PROMI-.E - XI4 Chapter XII. I2S HER PARENTS AVVAV, AND EVELYN AT BAY Chapter XIII. A DRIVE AND A PARTV - T45 Chapter XIV. AN

Introduction

TO NATURE'S BEST J59 Chapter XY. A DAY OF NEW EXPERIENCES - I 74 Chapter XVI. NIGEL WAXES ELOQUENT BUT SUCCUMBS TO A CHILD - - - - - - 1S7 Chapter XVII. AN UNTIMELY PROPOSAL - 201 Chapter XVI II. MRS. THORNTON'S DEATH - - - - 211 Chapter XIX HEARTS AT REST - 2 24 Chapter XX. A FRESH ERA COMMENCED - 236 Chapter XXI. ON THE VERGE - 2 CONTENTS. III Chapter XXII. PAGE AT NIGEL'S WEDDING - - - - - - 258 Chapter XXIII. MIDST LIFE'S REALITIES - - 268 Chapter XXIV. WORTH IT ALL - - - 282 Chapter XXV. A RE-UNION AT THE WHITE HOUSE - - " And the greatest of these is love." Paul. AN IRISH STORY.

Chapter I. An Unwelcome Gift

Ah ! from the old world let some one answer give : Scorn ye this world, their tears, their inward cares I say unto you, see that vouii souls live A deeper life than theirs ! " Children of men ! not that your age excel In pride of life the ages of your sires, But that YE think clear, feel deep, bear fruit well, The friend of man desires." Matthew Arnold. "Well Noel, whatever you may think, I, for my part, I must say, feel no gratitude to Uncle Rick for his bequest! Poor old man, an estate in Ireland of all places ! just at this juncture too ! " " Oh come Esther ! he could not help its being in Ireland you see ! Indeed, if all accounts are true, I do not imagine he got much pleasure out of it himself. However, it is yours now, so we will set about making the best of it. The first move will be to pay the place a visit."

Mrs. Thornton, the lady who so bemoaned the possession of her latest acquisition, was reclining on a comfortable lounge in a room which, by height, shape, and situation, lent itself admirably to the artistic decoration that had been lavished upon it. At one side, a wide French window which opened on to a lawn of velvet smoothness, was draped with curtains of softest rose-tinted silk. These were enhanced, and partly covered, by filmy cream-coloured lace ones. The walls were decorated in ivory white and gold ; above A the carved dado ran a narrow shelf nearly round the room. which supported gems of art in delicate china, small pictures. and curios many and various, gathered from every quarter of the globe. Above these hung pictures, few but choice : while here and there a dainty bracket supported some exquisite piece of statuary.

With the harmony of all, the tinted frescoed ceiling agreed to perfection, 'she room was long, and perhaps somewhat narrow : at the lower end, a deep bay window formed a recess, which, by its entirely different treatment seemed a room in itself; an exquisitely designed arch of delicate fretwork was fitted to the centre. so having the effect of framing the varied and beautiful scenery which might be viewed from it. Hill, dale, wood, and waterfall combined to compose a scene which, under all conditions of temperature and weather, was never any thing but a feast of beauty, nay, often of absolute grandeur. Round the whole recess ran a wide, low windowseat, cushioned luxuriously in richest damask of deep rose and gold. A daintv writing-table bearing choice appurtenances. and lady's work table, with cosiest of easy chairs, placed on a Persian rug which covered part of the parquetted floor, together with the soft silk and lace curtains, and sweet scented flowers depending from art jars overhead, in which they grew as though liking their quarters : composed a corner possessing many attractions, especially for the younger members of the household.

Draped mirrors here and there — not too many of them-- reflected graceful ferns. ivy, or the long tendrils of flowering plants ; while lamps on fanciful brackets, in sufficient numbers, shed at night through rose-coloured shades just the subdued light suitable to the whole. But, description is one thing, discourtesy another ! and, while I have been engaged in the former, Mrs. Thornton has started from her recumbent position into one of upright and acute tension. " Pay the place a visit ! Noel, do I hear aright ? Can you possibly mean what you say? I '.o over there amont; that horde of barbarians, who would as soon take our lives as do anything else ; rather indeed than work, it appears." " Come, come, my dear ; do not paint the picture so extremely wide of the mark," laughed her husband. " Your imagination is running riot sor once .' Yes, we must go, of course !

I see nothing else to be done." " Well,"- -the lady sank back on her lounge again — " this is worse than I had imagined. I am not a coward as you know, but, in this case I really do not think I dare. Con sider the children too." " 1 am considering them. Evelyn will enjoy the whole thing, or I am much mistaken ; and as for Nigel, good fish ing — of which he will have an abundance— creates a paradise for him anywhere, as you know." Mrs. Thornton sighed, but did not reply for a moment ; so let us take a good look at her. She is a graceful, slim woman, to whom middle life seems to have brought added beauty ; the pallor of her face might suggest extreme delicacy, but hardly with truth. She is quite capable of a fair amount of exertion, when it seems to be entirely worth while. Her eyes are large, blue, and bright — decidedly blue — with long dark lashes, and well-arched dark brows, which contrast, almost startlingly, with the abundant hair brushed back and raised above the broad brow ; for it is silver-white, and, comparatively young as she is, has been so for some years ; she does not hide it by a head-dress of any kind.

It is a source of much amusement to her children, for they often make new acquaintances imagine it powdered ! Her long white hands, on which a few brilliant rings sparkle, are busy with some intricate piece of fancy work call ing for thought and individual taste ; she never does any kind of work on which her own individuality cannot be brought to bear. She is wearing a soft cashmere gown, of a delicate pale green tint, slightly relieved with gold, which harmonizes well with her peculiar colouring ; and altogether forms a very attractive picture, notwithstanding the puzzled frown just now contracting her brow. Mr. Thornton is, in many ways a complete contrast to his distinguished looking wife. Short, and thick-set, quick in his movements, and somewhat abrupt of speech, he forms an excellent foil.

Put he is more than that ; bis dark eyes are full of a kindly light, while thought, and intelligence, often lend a vivacity to his countenance, rendering the homely features positively handsome. His bushy iron-grey bair and beard, harmonize well, too, with his rosy, sunburnt face, which tells of a life spent mainly in the open air. Listen, though ! Mrs. Thornton is speaking again. " I suppose it is no use my objecting, Noel, if you are quite determined ; but the contemplation of such a prospect has quite upset me. However, when shall we go ?" " My dear wife, I am sure, if you think a little, you will see it is not a question of choice, but necessity, with my views. I would not have chosen to become an Irish landlord. However, now that the position is thrust upon me, I can do no less than try to put in practice my own theories.

I thought of crossing early next week : this glorious weather should give us a good impression to begin with. But, my dear Esther, there is no need whatever for you to go as well, if you dread it so much. Let me and the children break the ice alone." " And remain behind, a prey to anxiety ! No, my dear ; where you are I prefer being as well. Still, I fail to see why you could not leave it in the hands of the agent : we have heard no complaints about him, I think ?" " True ; but as you know, I have very little faith in agents as a class. At least I must see for myself that the tenants, such as they are, are getting fair play." " I understand. You intend throwing yourself into the breach, and becoming an advocate for the Irish peasant 1 Well, Noel, I wish you success ; but am sadly afraid you will find it a thankless task."

" I can but try. Anyhow, I'll know, if possible, in what the blame lies, before I give up the problem as hopeless of solution." When Mr. Thornton spoke in that tone, and set his lips "just so," his wife knew further appeal would be useless : so she said no more, and, for a time, nothing was to be heard but the rustling of paper, and gentle click of needle and thimble. Presently, in the wake of Ellen with the tea-table, a maiden entered the room radiant with health and beauty ; and the paper was speedily dropped, as two strong white arms were flung around Mr. Thornton's neck, and a sweet rich voice exclaimed — " You duck of a papa, so this is where you have been hiding yourself all this lovely afternoon ! are you not ashamed ? I wanted you in the shrubbery ever so much ; and Nigel has been hunting in all your favourite haunts."

" Don't you think mamma might possibly have wanted him as well, Eve ? " " Did you, mamma ? Oh, then, of course it was quite right." " Mamma and I have been talking of something very interesting. I wonder if you could guess what ? In the mean time, I like my tea sugared please ! " " Did'nt I give you any ? Oh papa, do tell me, please. I hate puzzles, and never can guess them." " Want of patience, my dear. Try." "No, tell me, please do. Won't you, mamma? Oh papa, it is horrid of you." "Ciive me time, then. Here is a question to commence with. Are you tired of ' Heathermount ' yet ? How would you like a change?" " Tired of ' Heathermount ? ' No, indeed ! But as for a change, that depends. Where ? " " I hear you singing sometimes, with apparent enjoyment of the sentiment it expresses, a certain wierd song.

How would you like to visit ' the most disthresful country ? ' " "Co to Ireland? Dear me, papa, I hardly know Would you ? " " I am going." " Oh then that settles it of course. I would like to go where you do." " What a very obliging daughter ! mamma, I must really congratulate you on your success with this young lady." " Now, papa, ifyou say another word in that satirical vein, I declare I will throw the tea-pot at you, or jump on your back for a ride — or — or do something desperate. It is just too bad," and the rosy lips drew themselves into a most bewitching pout ; though the sparkling eyes somewhat marred the success of their effort, as the tall girl flung herself at her mother's feet, with her back to the laughing father, whispering audibly "Tell me all about it, mamma. Don't let us take any notice of that rude man."

"A rude man, is he, now? Well, you change your opinion pretty speedily, young lady. What a veritable weather-vane to be sure ! " "Come mamma, what is it all about ? Tell me, do, I am quite overcome with curiosity." "So I should suppose. Woman's besetting sin." " Pray be quiet, Sir ! Really, you grow worse and worse." " Eve ! Eve ! remember, dear, it is papa you are speaking to." " Well, mamma, he really is too provoking. H on t either of you tell me ? " " Yes, of course 1 will ; ifyou will be a good attentive little girl, and not interrupt." Mr. Thornton seated himself behind the recumbent figure, and drew the dark glossy head on his knee as he spoke. " Well, to begin at the beginning You remember mamma's uncle Richard, do you not ? " " Uncle Rick Carson? Yes, of course." Well, he is dead, and has left mamma his estate in Ireland, of the troubles connected with which we have heard so much.

It is not very large, and is in an exceedingly poor part of the country, so I fear will not prove a very profitable acquisition. " Why did he leave it to you, mamma ? " I do not know, my dear. I am sure I wish he had not. I foresee nothing but trouble, and anxiety, with such a possession." " It may not be so bad. Is that where you are thinking of taking us papa? " " Yes, we start next week. I shall rely on all the assist ance yourself and Nigel can render me, in finding out the condition of the poor tenants there : for poor they are, I expect." " Well, it will be fun, any way. I am sorry you don't like it, mamma." " My dear child, who in their senses could like the prospect of going among a lot of people who are, judging from the papers, more thieves and murderers than anything else ? " " Now, Esther, my dear wife ! come be reasonable !

Do not let fear and prejudice carry you away at such headlong pace ! That speech is very unlike one of your usual ones. I foresee a speedy retractation ; and prophesy, without any hesitation, that you will be my right hand as usual, when we are once there, if you do not actually take the lead ! " " Listen papa ! Yes, here comes Nigel." " Hullo, good folks ! Hatching mischief? Any tea left Eve ? " " Yes, such as it is. Where have you been ? I thought you came in before I did ? " " I started to come, but met Niell, and he kept me talking. 'she poor fellow is in more tiouble." " Is he ? What about ? It must be something serious to make you look grave." " Only another of those dastardly eviction scenes. His brother has been ill for two or three months, it appears, so they got behind with the rent, though the wife and children worked like slaves to make it up ; but it was all no use; and, now that the poor fellow is beginning to pull round again, the whole lot have been pitched out on the roadside, or hillside rather, for I believe, to speak correctly, it is a wilderness of rock and bog-land.

It's a burning shame. I'd like to have the thrashing of the cowards." " Well, we shall soon have an opportunity of proving the truth of some of these stories for ourselves ; for that lady there, has, much to her disgust, become an Irish landowner." ' What, mother ? How in the name of goodness has that cjme about ? " " We were just discussing the matter when you came in. It is Uncle Rick's parting bequest to her — for her sins, she seems inclined to think." "I am glad, unfeignedly glad," said the young man emphatically. "Glad! my dear boy, how can you possibly be so? AVhat is there to be glad about ? " " I am indeed, mother. While Niell, poor fellow, was talking, I wished from my heart it were but possible to see for oneself how much of the ugly picture was true ; and how a remedy for such a deplorable state of things could be devised.

And here is the way to the fulfilment of the first wish opened at once. When do we start to take possession, father ? " Evelyn's laugh rippled forth, as she glanced from her brother's eager face to that of her mother on which an expression of consternation was depicted. " Poor mother, your chicks are all turning out ducklings, it seems," she cried. While Mr. Thornton exclaimed, with an amused chuckle — "There, Esther, what do you think of that ? Instead of echoing your regrets the rogue would start to-morrow ! You will have to bury your fears, my love, for very shame." " Why, mother mine, who talks of fear ? Whatever is there to be afraid of ? Nothing from your tenants, I am very certain. They will have no need to try extreme measures." " But they do seem such dreadful people. Apt at murder ing first, and thinking afterwards.

I expect I shall have no peace of mind when either of you are out of my sight." " Oh, yes you will, mamma dear," whispered Evelyn softly. " We shall still be in the care of One more powerful and kinder even than you : shall we not ? " Mrs. Thornton did not reply, save by a brighter smile than she had been able to summons yet, and a loving pressure of her daughter's hand. " Really though, father, you intend running over pretty soon I hope ? " " I thought of doing so next week if matters can be arranged. However, nothing is decided yet."

Chapter II. Among The Kerry Hills

" Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, . yet surely I know that it shall be weli with them that fear God." — Eccl. v. 13. On one of the breezy rugged hillsides in county Kerry stands a good-sized white house, half farmhouse, half mansion ; at least what would be dignified by the latter name in that part of the country. Indeed, it amounted to even more than that in the eyes of those who inhabited the wretched shielings or cabins scattered over the hillsides, hardly to be distinguished from the rocks against which they were propped. Its situation was a very lovely one, but a kind of loveliness only to be found in Ireland. To the gentleman standing at the entrance gate, and drinking in the magnificient view on which his eyes rested wherever he turned them, hardly a single homestead was visible against the background of rock and mountain ; yet wait a while, the presence of the stranger has become known, and why — wherever do those ragged urchins come from ?

They positively swarm. See, they are pouring from every quarter, boys and girls, each apparently more squalid than the last, members of the 'great unwashed ' brigade with a vengeance ! Was ever such a tattered, unkempt crew of youngsters seen before in a civilized country ? Each of them presents a brown hand and jabbers some unintelligible request for alms ; they might be young Arabs demanding ' backsheesh ' ! " Look ! " he remarked to the gentleman who had been his travelling companion thus far, and who, hearing the eager voices, now strolled forward. " Yonder is a group rising from the shadow of that rock ; they have been reclining under its grateful shade, I suppose, for the sun is fiercely hot to-day." " Not exactly ; look again. See, there is a line of blue smoke rising from its side, as well as that tribe of half naked youngsters."

" What, can you possibly mean that they live there ? " " Yes, indeed ! Stand here, now you can see the place they call 'home.' Such a 'home' as many of your pampered English horses would certainly refuse to enter. That rock, being of a tolerable size, forms a convenient support for the small .lean-to which has been raised against it. As for materials ! Why it is the easiest thing in the world to build a stone house in this part of the country ! As you can see for yourself, there is not much labour bestowed on their erection. Someday I will take you inside one of their cabins, if you care to explore it. Just now, if I am not greatly mistaken, your time and talents _will find full occupation in parrying the attacks of this horde of young barbarians on the contents of your purse." " Sure, yer honour, it's the grand gintleman ye are, an' the top of the marnin' I'm wishin' ye.

It's a penny you'll tip me the day ? " " An' me ? " "Shame on you Phelim, it's greedy ye art. He got a whole shillin' yesterday was a week, yer Honour. It's my turn the day." " Hould yer whist, yer gossoon. Sure, an' it's something for us both the gintleman isn't afther refusin' ! " Singling out the brightest looking lassie from the eager crowd the tourist said — " Well now, I could not give you all something — you are far too many — even if I wished. Can I trust you to share this fairly, if I give it you ? " and he held up half-a crown. " Begorra, no sir ! " yelled a lad, gazing in ecstacy on the coin. " It's just make for home at once she will, and niver a share will we get at all, at all." " Whist then, for shame of yerself, ye spalpeen. Who ever heard of you sharin' ought, barrin' as how it was a dose of a cudgel?

Wait while I'm afther spakin'. Sure yer honour, oi'll do the right thing intoirely." " Well now, what will you do for it ? You would rather earn money than beg, I suppose ? " " What could I do, yer honour? Sure I'd work if I knew how." "Work! you! my! can't she lie; the desateful crathur ! She niver did a hand's turn, barrin' mischief, since she were born, sorr." While this discussion was going on, and threatened to become stormy, others were in fierce competition, in the ever growing crowd, sor a share of whatever might be going ; until, at length, the lonely stranger — for his friend had basely deserted him — was glad to mount his horse and gallop off; scattering all the small coin of which he was possessed in his wake, to create a "divarshun" in his favour. " So, it's among that wild horde, that Noel Thornton in tends bringing his fastidious wife, and dainty daughter, is it ?

" thought the stranger. " AVell, if he does not repent the action, and beat a speedy retreat, I'm much mistaken. Poor creatures ! Imagine living within sight of them ; and, what is worse, being at theirtnercy! and yet, I do believe, with patience, something might be made of them. Most of the faces were by no means devoid of in telligence, and some decidedly above the average. What eyes that girl had ! and her baby brother I could have found it in my heart to kidnap, with all his rags and dirt." Meantime — while the tourist is rapidly disappearing over yonder hill ; and the children, big and little, are scrambling and quarrelling over his bounty — the gentleman, in whose company he has travelled thus far, is being plied with round about questions, and puzzled with cautious replies to his own, from a typical Irishman, who has been for a few weeks caretaker on the premises, and, if truth were known, is loth to quit his snug quarters.

" Sure thin, it's the kind English gintleman, that'll come to the agint's house forenint us ? Maybe, he'll not be that hard for the rint, sorr ? " " I do not think you will find Mr. Thornton a hard land lord, my good man. But, on the other hand, it will not be easy to deceive him." " Desave is it ? An' who would thry to desave a kind hearted gintleman ? Not Mick O'Shea, no indade." "Well, well, that remains to be proved; but now about these stables. Why, how is this ? I was told they were in good condition and well-stocked. This does not agree with that account, I must say." "Sure thin, them are handsome dwellin's intoirely for the horses, the crathurs ; and, barrin' that Red Rory is gone lame, they be as fine a lot of bastes as you'll find this side o' Cork, yer honour." " There I differ from you, in toto."

"In what, sorr? That's a mighty quare word intoirely," and Mick scratched his shock head in puzzled bewilderment. " In toto : altogether, I mean, my good man. But how comes it Red Rory has got lamed, pray, seeing there has been no one here to ride him ? " " Shure, an' it must have been out o' pure contrariness he done it, the baste. It's a queer temper of his own he's got." " Not queer enough to lame himself without assistance, I guarantee. However, we will let that pass just now. You have the keys of the rooms, of course ? " " Ellish, woman ! Ellish, acushla ! " called Mick, relieved at the change of subject. " The kays for his honour, quick." As he spoke a woman, somewhat past middle life, appeared at the open door, with a bunch of keys in her hand. She wore a dark blue skirt, which was short enough to give a clear view of bare feet and ankles, browned and hardened by long exposure.

A red jacket, open at the throat, and with sleeves reaching only to the elbows, confined by a narrow ribbon at the waist, completed her costume. Her hair, which was short and naturally curly, had evidently not been troubled with superfluous brushing. It framed a thin face, from which a pair of shrewd grey eyes scanned the stranger inquisitively even while she exclaimed — " An' it's you is wastin' yer time, that should have been well away by now, Mick asthore. Sure it's oi can shew the gintleman the place, an' tell him all he wants to know, as well or better maybe, than you ? " " Then, can you tell me who lamed Red Ron-, my good woman ?" " Lamed Red Rory, is it ? AVell thin, yer honour, an' it's moighty quare is that same. Moighty quare, indade," replied Ellish, shaking her head. " Queer ? In what way ?

Come, someone must be the culprit, and I intend to find him." " Dade thin, it's a hunt you'll have to find thim, I suspect. Holy Vargin purtect me, for comin' so near namin' thim." " Why ? What harm would they be likely to do you, who ever they may be ? " " Harm, is it ? Tut, Ellish woman, niver think av the ' good people ' in the same breath as that. It's the ' good people ' she's afther manin', yer honour." " And who are they, pray ? " " If it's all the same to you, I'd rather not mintion thim any more, sorr. Lord preserve us from all harm. Amin." "What nonsense is this? Speak plainly, what do you mean ? " " Holy Mother o' God, betune us and harm ! It's the little people, sorr ; the fairies, if you will have it," and Mick crossed himself with a troubled countenance. " Oh, come ! " laughed the puzzled interlocutor, " this is too much ; how could they lame the horse, pray ?

" " Mick, if you don't be off to market wid you this minit, standin' there like a stuck pig, I'll go myself; be the powers, I will that ! " Alarmed at this threat, which, from past experience he knew she was quite capable of executing, Mick delayed no longer, but, loading his springless donkey-cart as speedily as possible with the baskets which stood ready, left his wife to show the stranger over the house and receive directions as to preparations for the expected arrivals. " Arrah, Mick, ma bouchal ! " whispered a neighbour, confidentially, as they met on the road. " Is it thrue what they're afther tellin' me ? An' fine English gintry is comin' to the White House ? " " Thrue sor you, Denis ahagur, there's a gintleman beyant, come from Dublin to get ready for thim, or I'd not be that late the marnin'."

" An' what'll he be like, at all ? " " For one thin', Denis me boy, I left him bletherin' about Red Rory. Ellish purtinded to think 'twas the ' little people ' lamed the crathur. Maybe she do think so ; it's no betther she knows, thrue for you is that same." " Ah ! ah ! little people indade, did he swally that ? " " He seemed moighty tickled, but I left thim at it. Gee up, Neddy, you baste, how'll we get our business done, eh ?" -Mick found himself an important personage at the market that day, and was " treated " so liberally, besides the necessity under which he felt himself to return the compliment in kind, that only the sagacity of his patient donkey took him home at all, for he lay like a log in the bottom of his shaky cart, as unconscious of everything as the empty baskets. which some kind soul had pitched on the top of him.