第9章

AuntKateturnedfiercelyonhernieceandsaid：

`IknowallaboutthehonourofGod，MaryJane，butIthinkit’snotatallhonourableforthePopetoturnoutthewomenoutofthechoirsthathaveslavedtherealltheirlivesandputlittlewhipper-snappersofboysovertheirheads。IsupposeitisforthegoodoftheChurch，ifthePopedoesit。Butit’snotjust，MaryJane，andit’snotright。’

Shehadworkedherselfintoapassionandwouldhavecontinuedindefenceofhersister，foritwasasoresubjectwithher，butMaryJane，seeingthatallthedancershadcomeback，intervenedpacifically。

`Now，AuntKate，you’regivingscandaltoMrBrowne，whoisoftheotherpersuasion。’

AuntKateturnedtoMrBrowne，whowasgrinningatthisallusiontohisreligion，andsaidhastily：

`O，Idon’tquestionthePope’sbeingright。I’monlyastupidoldwomanandIwouldn’tpresumetodosuchathing。Butthere’ssuchathingascommoneverydaypolitenessandgratitude。AndifIwereinJulia’splaceI’dtellthatFatherHealeystraightuptohisface……’

`Andbesides，AuntKate，’saidMaryJane，`wereallyareallhungryandwhenwearehungryweareallveryquarrelsome。’

`Andwhenwearethirstywearealsoquarrelsome，’addedMrBrowne。

`Sothatwehadbettergotosupper，’saidMaryJane，`andfinishthediscussionafterwards。’

Onthelandingoutsidethedrawing-roomGabrielfoundhiswifeandMaryJanetryingtopersuadeMissIvorstostayforsupper。ButMissIvors，whohadputonherhatandwasbuttoninghercloak，wouldnotstay。Shedidnotfeelintheleasthungryandshehadalreadyoverstayedhertime。

`Butonlyfortenminutes，Molly，’saidMrsConroy。`Thatwon’tdelayyou。’

`Totakeapickitself，’saidMaryJane，`afterallyourdancing。’

`Ireallycouldn’t，’saidMissIvors。

`Iamafraidyoudidn’tenjoyyourselfatall，’saidMaryJanehopelessly。

`Eversomuch，Iassureyou，’saidMissIvors，`butyoureallymustletmerunoffnow。’

`Buthowcanyougethome？’askedMrsConroy。

`O，it’sonlytwostepsupthequay。’

Gabrielhesitatedamomentandsaid：

`Ifyouwillallowme，MissIvors，I’llseeyouhomeifyouarereallyobligedtogo。’

ButMissIvorsbrokeawayfromthem。

`Iwon’thearofit，’shecried。`Forgoodness’sakegointoyoursuppersanddon’tmindme。I’mquitewellabletotakecareofmyself。’

`Well，you’rethecomicalgirl，Molly，’saidMrsConroyfrankly。

`Beannachtlibh，’criedMissIvors，withalaugh，assherandownthestaircase。

MaryJanegazedafterher，amoodypuzzledexpressiononherface，whileMrsConroyleanedoverthebanisterstolistenforthehall-door。Gabrielaskedhimselfwashethecauseofherabruptdeparture。Butshedidnotseemtobeinillhumour-shehadgoneawaylaughing。Hestaredblanklydownthestaircase。

AtthatmomentAuntKatecametoddlingoutofthesupper-room，almostwringingherhandsindespair。

`WhereisGabriel？’shecried。`WhereonearthisGabriel？There’severyonewaitinginthere，stagetolet，andnobodytocarvethegoose！’

`HereIam，AuntKate！’criedGabriel，withsuddenanimation，`readytocarveaflockofgeese，ifnecessary。’

Afatbrowngooselayatoneendofthetable，andattheotherend，onabedofcreasedpaperstrewnwithsprigsofparsley，layagreatham，strippedofitsouterskinandpepperedoverwithcrustcrumbs，aneatpaperfrillrounditsshin，andbesidethiswasaroundofspicedbeef。

Betweentheserivalendsranparallellinesofside-dishes：twolittleminstersofjelly，redandyellow；ashallowdishfullofblocksofblancmangeandredjam，alargegreenleaf-shapeddishwithastalk-shapedhandle，onwhichlaybunchesofpurpleraisinsandpeeledalmonds，acompaniondishonwhichlayasolidrectangleofSmyrnafigs，adishofcustardtoppedwithgratednutmeg，asmallbowlfullofchocolatesandsweetswrappedingoldandsilverpapersandaglassvaseinwhichstoodsometallcelerystalks。Inthecentreofthetabletherestood，assentriestoafruit-standwhichupheldapyramidoforangesandAmericanapples，twosquatold-fashioneddecantersofcutglass，onecontainingportandtheotherdarksherry。

Ontheclosedsquarepianoapuddinginahugeyellowdishlayinwaiting，andbehinditwerethreesquadsofbottlesofstoutandaleandmineralsdrawnupaccordingtothecoloursoftheiruniforms，thefirsttwoblack，withbrownandredlabels，thethirdandsmallestsquadwhite，withtransversegreensashes。

Gabrieltookhisseatboldlyattheheadofthetableand，havinglookedtotheedgeofthecarver，plungedhisforkfirmlyinto-thegoose。Hefeltquiteateasenow，forhewasanexpertcarverandlikednothingbetterthantofindhimselfattheheadofawell-ladentable。

`MissFurlong，whatshallIsendyou？’heasked。`Awingorasliceofthebreast？’

`Justasmallsliceofthebreast。’

`MissHiggins，whatforyou？’

`O，anythingatall，MrConroy。’

WhileGabrielandMissDalyexchangedplatesofgooseandplatesofhamandspicedbeef，Lilywentfromguesttoguestwithadishofhotflourypotatoeswrappedinawhitenapkin。ThiswasMaryJane’sideaandshehadalsosuggestedapplesauceforthegoose，butAuntKatehadsaidthatplainroastgoosewithoutanyapplesaucehadalwaysbeengoodenoughforherandshehopedshemightnevereatworse。MaryJanewaitedonherpupilsandsawthattheygotthebestslices，andAuntKateandAuntJuliaopenedandcarriedacrossfromthepianobottlesofstoutandaleforthegentlemenandbottlesofmineralsfortheladies。Therewasagreatdealofconfusionandlaughterandnoise，thenoiseofordersandcounter-orders，ofknivesandforks，ofcorksandglass-stoppers。Gabrielbegantocarvesecondhelpingsassoonashehadfinishedthefirstroundwithoutservinghimself。Everyoneprotestedloudly，sothathecompromisedbytakingalongdraughtofstout，forhehadfoundthecarvinghotwork。MaryJanesettleddownquietlytohersupper，butAuntKateandAuntJuliawerestilltoddlingroundthetable，walkingoneachother’sheels，gettingineachother’swayandgivingeachotherunheededorders。MrBrownebeggedofthemtositdownandeattheirsuppersandsodidGabriel，buttheysaidtherewastimeenough，sothat，atlast，FreddyMalinsstoodupand，capturingAuntKate，plumpedherdownonherchairamidgenerallaughter。

WheneveryonehadbeenwellservedGabrielsaid，smiling：

`Now，ifanyonewantsalittlemoreofwhatvulgarpeoplecallstuffinglethimorherspeak。’

Achorusofvoicesinvitedhimtobeginhisownsupper，andLilycameforwardwiththreepotatoeswhichshehadreservedforhim。

`Verywell，’saidGabrielamiably，ashetookanotherpreparatorydraught，`kindlyforgetmyexistence，ladiesandgentlemen，forafewminutes。’

HesettohissupperandtooknopartintheconversationwithwhichthetablecoveredLily’sremovaloftheplates。ThesubjectoftalkwastheoperacompanywhichwasthenattheTheatreRoyal。MrBartellD’Arcy，thetenor，adark-complexionedyoungmanwithasmartmoustache，praisedveryhighlytheleadingcontraltoofthecompany，butMissFurlongthoughtshehadarathervulgarstyleofproduction。FreddyMalinssaidtherewasaNegrochieftainsinginginthesecondpartoftheGaietypantomimewhohadoneofthefinesttenorvoiceshehadeverheard。

`Haveyouheardhim？’heaskedMrBartellD’Arcyacrossthetable。

`No，’answeredMrBartellD’Arcycarelessly。

`Because，’FreddyMalinsexplained，`nowI’dbecurioustohearyouropinionofhim。Ithinkhehasagrandvoice。’

`IttakesTeddytofindoutthereallygoodthings，’saidMrBrownefamiliarlytothetable。

`Andwhycouldn’thehaveavoicetoo？’askedFreddyMalinssharply。

`Isitbecausehe’sonlyablack？’

NobodyansweredthisquestionandMaryJaneledthetablebacktothelegitimateopera。OneofherpupilshadgivenherapassforMignon。

Ofcourseitwasveryfine，shesaid，butitmadeherthinkofpoorGeorginaBurns。MrBrownecouldgobackfartherstill，totheoldItaliancompaniesthatusedtocometoDublin-Tietjens，IlmadeMurzka，Campanini，thegreatTrebelli，Giuglini，Ravelli，Aramburo。Thosewerethedays，hesaid，whentherewassomethinglikesingingtobeheardinDublin。HetoldtooofhowthetopgalleryoftheoldRoyalusedtobepackednightafternight，ofhowonenightanItaliantenorhadsungfiveencorestoLetmelikeaSoldierfall’，introducingahighCeverytime，andofhowthegalleryboyswouldsometimesintheirenthusiasmunyokethehorsesfromthecarriageofsomegreatprimadonnaandpullherthemselvesthroughthestreetstoherhotel。Whydidtheyneverplaythegrandoldoperasnow，heasked，Dinorah，LucreziaBorgia？Becausetheycouldnotgetthevoicestosingthem：thatwaswhy。

`O，well，’saidMrBartellD’Arcy，`Ipresumethereareasgoodsingerstodayastherewerethen。’

`Wherearethey？’askedMrBrownedefiantly。

`InLondon，Paris，Milan，’saidMrBartellD’Arcywarmly。`IsupposeCaruso，forexample，isquiteasgood，ifnotbetterthananyofthemenyouhavementioned。’

`Maybeso，’saidMrBrowne。`ButImaytellyouIdoubtitstrongly。’

`O，I’dgiveanythingtohearCarusosing，’saidMaryJane。

`Forme，’saidAuntKate，whohadbeenpickingabone，`therewasonlyonetenor。Topleaseme，Imean。ButIsupposenoneofyoueverheardofhim。’

`Whowashe，MissMorkan？’askedMrBartellD’Arcypolitely。

`Hisname，’saidAuntKate，`wasParkinson。IheardhimwhenhewasinhisprimeandIthinkhehadthenthepuresttenorvoicethatwaseverputintoaman’sthroat。’

`Strange，’saidMrBartellD’Arcy。`Ineverevenheardofhim。’

`Yes，yes，MissMorkanisright，’saidMrBrowne。`IrememberhearingoldParkinson，buthe’stoofarbackforme。’

`Abeautiful，pure，sweet，mellowEnglishtenor，’saidAuntKatewithenthusiasm。

Gabrielhavingfinished，thehugepuddingwastransferredtothetable。

Theclatterofforksandspoonsbeganagain。Gabriel’swifeservedoutspoonfulsofthepuddingandpassedtheplatesdownthetable。MidwaydowntheywereheldupbyMaryJane，whoreplenishedthemwithraspberryororangejellyorwithblancmangeandjam。ThepuddingwasofAuntJulia’smaking，andshereceivedpraisesforitfromallquarters。Sheherselfsaidthatitwasnotquitebrownenough。

`Well，Ihope，MissMorkan，’saidMrBrowne，`thatI’mbrownenoughforyoubecause，youknow，I’mallBrown。’

Allthegentlemen，exceptGabriel，atesomeofthepuddingoutofcomplimenttoAuntJulia。AsGabrielneveratesweetstheceleryhadbeenleftforhim。FreddyMalinsalsotookastalkofceleryandateitwithhispudding。

Hehadbeentoldthatcelerywasacapitalthingforthebloodandhewasjustthenunderdoctor’scare。MrsMalins，whohadbeensilentallthroughthesupper，saidthathersonwasgoingdowntoMountMellerayinaweekorso。ThetablethenspokeofMountMelleray，howbracingtheairwasdownthere，howhospitablethemonkswereandhowtheyneveraskedforapenny-piecefromtheirguests。

`Anddoyoumeantosay，’askedMrBrowneincredulously，`thatachapcangodownthereandputupthereasifitwereahotelandliveonthefatofthelandandthencomeawaywithoutpayinganything？’

`O，mostpeoplegivesomedonationtothemonasterywhentheyleave，’

saidMaryJane。

`IwishwehadaninstitutionlikethatinourChurch，’saidMrBrownecandidly。

Hewasastonishedtohearthatthemonksneverspoke，gotupattwointhemorningandsleptintheircoffins。Heaskedwhattheydiditfor。

`That’stheruleoftheorder，’saidAuntKatefirmly。

`Yes，butwhy？’askedMrBrowne。

AuntKaterepeatedthatitwastherule，thatwasall。MrBrownestillseemednottounderstand。FreddyMalinsexplainedtohim，asbesthecould，thatthemonksweretryingtomakeupforthesinscommittedbyallthesinnersintheoutsideworld。Theexplanationwasnotveryclear，forMrBrownegrinnedandsaid：

`Ilikethatideaverymuch，butwouldn’tacomfortablespringbeddothemaswellasacoffin？’

`Thecoffin，’saidMaryJane，`istoremindthemoftheirlastend。’

Asthesubjecthadgrownlugubriousitwasburiedinasilenceofthetable，duringwhichMrsMalinscouldbeheardsayingtoherneighbourinanindistinctundertone：

`Theyareverygoodmen，themonks，verypiousmen。’

Theraisinsandalmondsandfigsandapplesandorangesandchocolatesandsweetswerenowpassedaboutthetable，andAuntJuliainvitedallthegueststohaveeitherportorsherry。AtfirstMrBartellD’Arcyrefusedtotakeeither，butoneofhisneighboursnudgedhimandwhisperedsomethingtohim，uponwhichheallowedhisglasstobefilled。Graduallyasthelastglasseswerebeingfilledtheconversationceased。Apausefollowed，brokenonlybythenoiseofthewineandbyunsettlingofchairs。TheMissesMorkan，allthree，lookeddownatthetablecloth。Someonecoughedonceortwice，andthenafewgentlemenpattedthetablegentlyasasignalforsilence。ThesilencecameandGabrielpushedbackhischairandstoodup。

Thepattingatoncegrewlouderinencouragementandthenceasedaltogether。

Gabrielleanedhistentremblingfingersonthetableclothandsmilednervouslyatthecompany。Meetingarowofupturnedfacesheraisedhiseyestothechandelier。Thepianowasplayingawaltztuneandhecouldheartheskirtssweepingagainstthedrawing-roomdoor。People，perhaps，werestandinginthesnowonthequayoutside，gazingupatthelightedwindowsandlisteningtothewaltzmusic。Theairwaspurethere。Inthedistancelaythepark，wherethetreeswereweightedwithsnow。TheWellingtonMonumentworeagleamingcapofsnowthatflashedwestwardsoverthewhitefieldofFifteenAcres。

Hebegan：

`LadiesandGentlemen，`Ithasfallentomylotthisevening，asinyearspast，toperformaverypleasingtask，butataskforwhichIamafraidmypoorpowersasaspeakerarealltooinadequate。’

`No，no！’saidMrBrowne。

`But，howeverthatmaybe，Icanonlyaskyoutonighttotakethewillforthedeed，andtolendmeyourattentionforafewmomentswhileIendeavourtoexpresstoyouinwordswhatmyfeelingsareonthisoccasion。

`LadiesandGentlemen，itisnotthefirsttimethatwehavegatheredtogetherunderthishospitableroof，aroundthishospitableboard。Itisnotthefirsttimethatwehavebeentherecipients-orperhaps，Ihadbettersay，thevictims-ofthehospitalityofcertaingoodladies。’

Hemadeacircleintheairwithhisarmandpaused。EveryonelaughedorsmiledatAuntKateandAuntJuliaandMaryJane，whoallturnedcrimsonwithpleasure。Gabrielwentonmoreboldly：

`Ifeelmorestronglywitheveryrecurringyearthatourcountryhasnotraditionwhichdoesitsomuchhonourandwhichitshouldguardsojealouslyasthatofitshospitality。Itisatraditionthatisuniqueasfarasmyexperiencegoes（andIhavevisitednotafewplacesabroad）

amongthemodernnations。Somewouldsay，perhaps，thatwithusitisratherafailingthananythingtobeboastedof。Butgrantedeventhat，itis，tomymind，aprincelyfailing，andonethatItrustwilllongbecultivatedamongus。Ofonething，atleast，Iamsure。Aslongasthisoneroofsheltersthegoodladiesaforesaid-andIwishfrommyheartitmaydosoformanyandmanyalongyeartocome-thetraditionofgenuinewarm-heartedcourteousIrishhospitality，whichourforefathershavehandeddowntousandwhichwemusthanddowntoourdescendants，isstillaliveamongus。’

Aheartymurmurofassentranroundthetable。ItshotthroughGabriel’smindthatMissIvorswasnotthereandthatshehadgoneawaydiscourteously：

andhesaidwithconfidenceinhimself：

`LadiesandGentlemen，`Anewgenerationisgrowingupinourmidst，agenerationactuatedbynewideasandnewprinciples。Itisseriousandenthusiasticforthesenewideasanditsenthusiasm，evenwhenitismisdirected，is，Ibelieve，inthemainsincere。Butwearelivinginascepticaland，ifImayusethephrase，athought-tormentedage：andsometimesIfearthatthisnewgeneration，educatedorhyper-educatedasitis，willlackthosequalitiesofhumanity，ofhospitality，ofkindlyhumourwhichbelongedtoanolderday。Listeningtonighttothenamesofallthosegreatsingersofthepastitseemedtome，Imustconfess，thatwewerelivinginalessspaciousage。Thosedaysmight，withoutexaggeration，becalledspaciousdays：andiftheyaregonebeyondrecall，letushope，atleast，thatingatheringssuchasthisweshallstillspeakofthemwithprideandaffection，stillcherishinourheartsthememoryofthosedeadandgonegreatoneswhosefametheworldwillnotwillinglyletdie。’

`Hear，hear！’saidMrBrowneloudly。

`Butyet，’continuedGabriel，hisvoicefallingintoasofterinflection，`therearealwaysingatheringssuchasthissadderthoughtsthatwillrecurtoourminds：thoughtsofthepast，ofyouth，ofchanges，ofabsentfacesthatwemissheretonight。Ourpaththroughlifeisstrewnwithmanysuchsadmemories：andwerewetobrooduponthemalwayswecouldnotfindthehearttogoonbravelywithourworkamongtheliving。Wehaveallofuslivingdutiesandlivingaffectionswhichclaim，andrightlyclaim，ourstrenuousendeavours。

`Therefore，Iwillnotlingeronthepast。Iwillnotletanygloomymoralizingintrudeuponusheretonight。Herewearegatheredtogetherforabriefmomentfromthebustleandrushofoureverydayroutine。Wearemethereasfriends，inthespiritofgood-fellowship，ascolleagues，also，toacertainextent，inthetruespiritofcamaraderie，andastheguestsof-whatshallIcallthem？-theThreeGracesoftheDublinmusicalworld。’

Thetableburstintoapplauseandlaughteratthisallusion。AuntJuliavainlyaskedeachofherneighboursinturntotellherwhatGabrielhadsaid。

`HesayswearetheThreeGraces，AuntJulia，’saidMaryJane。

AuntJuliadidnotunderstand，butshelookedup，smilingatGabriel，whocontinuedinthesamevein：

`LadiesandGentlemen，`IwillnotattempttoplaytonightthepartthatParisplayedonanotheroccasion。Iwillnotattempttochoosebetweenthem。Thetaskwouldbeaninvidiousoneandonebeyondmypoorpowers。ForwhenIviewtheminturn，whetheritbeourchiefhostessherself，whosegoodheart，whosetoogoodheart，hasbecomeabywordwithallwhoknowher；orhersister，whoseemstobegiftedwithperennialyouthandwhosesingingmusthavebeenasurpriseandarevelationtousalltonight；or，lastbutnotleast，whenIconsiderouryoungesthostess，talented，cheerful，hardworkingandthebestofnieces，Iconfess，LadiesandGentlemen，thatIdonotknowtowhichofthemIshouldawardtheprize。’

Gabrielglanceddownathisauntsand，seeingthelargesmileonAuntJulia’sfaceandthetearswhichhadrisentoAuntKate’seyes，hastenedtohisclose。Heraisedhisglassofportgallantly，whileeverymemberofthecompanyfingeredaglassexpectantly，andsaidloudly：

`Letustoastthemallthreetogether。Letusdrinktotheirhealth，wealth，longlife，happiness，andprosperityandmaytheylongcontinuetoholdtheproudandself-wonpositionwhichtheyholdintheirprofessionandthepositionofhonourandaffectionwhichtheyholdinourhearts。’

Alltheguestsstoodup，glassinhand，andturningtowardsthethreeseatedladies，sanginunison，withMrBrowneasleader：Fortheyarejollygayfellows，Fortheyarejollygayfellows，Fortheyarejollygayfellows，Whichnobodycandeny。AuntKatewasmakingfrankuseofherhandkerchiefandevenAuntJuliaseemedmoved。FreddyMalinsbeattimewithhispudding-forkandthesingersturnedtowardsoneanother，asifinmelodiousconference，whiletheysangwithemphasis：Unlesshetellsalie，Unlesshetellsalie。Then，turningoncemoretowardstheirhostesses，theysang：Fortheyarejollygayfellows，Fortheyarejollygayfellows，Fortheyarejollygayfellows，Whichnobodycandeny。Theacclamationwhichfollowedwastakenupbeyondthedoorofthesupper-roombymanyoftheotherguestsandrenewedtimeaftertime，FreddyMalinsactingasofficerwithhisforkonhigh。

ThepiercingmorningaircameintothehallwheretheywerestandingsothatAuntKatesaid：

`Closethedoor，somebody。MrsMalinswillgetherdeathofcold。’

`Browneisoutthere，AuntKate，’saidMaryJane。

`Browneiseverywhere，’saidAuntKate，loweringhervoice。

MaryJanelaughedathertone。

`Really，’shesaidarchly，`heisveryattentive。’

`Hehasbeenlaidonherelikethegas，’saidAuntKateinthesametone，`allduringtheChristmas。’

Shelaughedherselfthistimegood-humouredlyandthenaddedquickly：

`Buttellhimtocomein，MaryJane，andclosethedoor。Ihopetogoodnesshedidn’thearme。’

Atthatmomentthehall-doorwasopenedandMrBrownecameinfromthedoorstep，laughingasifhisheartwouldbreak。Hewasdressedinalonggreenovercoatwithmockastrakhancuffsandcollarandworeonhisheadanovalfurcap。Hepointeddownthesnow-coveredquayfromwherethesoundofshrillprolongedwhistlingwasbornein。

`TeddywillhaveallthecabsinDublinout，’hesaid。

Gabrieladvancedfromthelittlepantrybehindtheoffice，strugglingintohisovercoatand，lookingroundthehall，said。

`Grettanotdownyet？’

`She’sgettingonherthings，Gabriel，’saidAuntKate。

`Who’splayingupthere？’askedGabriel。

`Nobody。They’reallgone。’

`Ono，AuntKate，’saidMaryJane。`BartellD’ArcyandMissO’Callaghanaren’tgoneyet。’

`Someoneisfoolingatthepianoanyhow，’saidGabriel。

MaryJaneglancedatGabrielandMrBrowneandsaidwithashiver：

`Itmakesmefeelcoldtolookatyoutwogentlemenmuffleduplikethat。Iwouldn’tliketofaceyourjourneyhomeatthishour。’

`I’dlikenothingbetterthisminute，’saidMrBrownestoutly，`thanarattlingfinewalkinthecountryorafastdrivewithagoodspankinggoerbetweentheshafts。’

`Weusedtohaveaverygoodhorseandtrapathome，’saidAuntJulia，sadly。

`Thenever-to-be-forgottenJohnny，’saidMaryJane，laughing。

AuntKateandGabriellaughedtoo。

`Why，whatwaswonderfulaboutJohnny？’askedMrBrowne。

`ThelatelamentedPatrickMorkan，ourgrandfather，thatis，’explainedGabriel，`commonlyknowninhislateryearsastheoldgentleman，wasaglue-boiler。’

`O，now，Gabriel，’saidAuntKate，laughing，`hehadastarchmill。’

`Well，glueorstarch，’saidGabriel，`theoldgentlemanhadahorsebythenameofJohnny。AndJohnnyusedtoworkintheoldgentleman’smill，walkingroundandroundinordertodrivethemill。Thatwasallverywell；

butnowcomesthetragicpartaboutJohnny。Onefinedaytheoldgentlemanthoughthe’dliketodriveoutwiththequalitytoamilitaryreviewinthepark。’

`TheLordhavemercyonhissoul，’saidAuntKate，compassionately。

`Amen，’saidGabriel。`Sotheoldgentleman，asIsaid，harnessedJohnnyandputonhisverybesttallhatandhisverybeststockcollaranddroveoutingrandstylefromhisancestralmansionsomewherenearBackLane，Ithink。’

Everyonelaughed，evenMrsMalins，atGabriel’smanner，andAuntKatesaid：

`O，now，Gabriel，hedidn’tliveinBackLane，really。Onlythemillwasthere。’

`Outfromthemansionofhisforefathers，’continuedGabriel，`hedrovewithJohnny。AndeverythingwentonbeautifullyuntilJohnnycameinsightofKingBilly’sstatue：andwhetherhefellinlovewiththehorseKingBillysitsonorwhetherhethoughthewasbackagaininthemill，anywayhebegantowalkroundthestatue。’

Gabrielpacedinacircleroundthehallinhisgoloshesamidthelaughteroftheothers。

`Roundandroundhewent，’saidGabriel，`andtheoldgentleman，whowasaverypompousoldgentleman，washighlyindignant。"Goon，sir！Whatdoyoumean，sir？Johnny！Johnny！Mostextraordinaryconduct！Can’tunderstandthehorse！"’

ThepealsoflaughterwhichfollowedGabriel’simitationoftheincidentwereinterruptedbyaresoundingknockatthehall-door。MaryJanerantoopenitandletinFreddyMalins。FreddyMalins，withhishatwellbackonhisheadandhisshouldershumpedwithcold，waspuffingandsteamingafterhisexertions。

`Icouldonlygetonecab，’hesaid。

`O，we’llfindanotheralongthequay，’saidGabriel。

`Yes，’saidAuntKate。`BetternotkeepMrsMalinsstandinginthedraught。’

MrsMalinswashelpeddownthefrontstepsbyhersonandMrBrowneand，aftermanymanoeuvres，hoistedintothecab。FreddyMalinsclamberedinafterherandspentalongtimesettlingherontheseat，MrBrownehelpinghimwithadvice。AtlastshewassettledcomfortablyandFreddyMalinsinvitedMrBrowneintothecab。Therewasagooddealofconfusedtalk，andthenMrBrownegotintothecab。Thecabmansettledhisrugoverhisknees，andbentdownfortheaddress。TheconfusiongrewgreaterandthecabmanwasdirecteddifferentlybyFreddyMalinsandMrBrowne，eachofwhomhadhisheadoutthroughawindowofthecab。ThedifficultywastoknowwheretodropMrBrownealongtheroute，andAuntKate，AuntJulia，andMaryJanehelpedthediscussionfromthedoorstepwithcross-directionsandcontradictionsandabundanceoflaughter。AsforFreddyMalinshewasspeechlesswithlaughter。Hepoppedhisheadinandoutofthewindoweverymomenttothegreatdangerofhishat，andtoldhismotherhowthediscussionwasprogressing，tillatlastMrBrowneshoutedtothebewilderedcabmanabovethedinofeverybody’slaughter：

`DoyouknowTrinityCollege？’

`Yes，sir，’saidthecabman。

`Well，drivebangupagainstTrinityCollegegates，’saidMrBrowne，`andthenwe’lltellyouwheretogo。Youunderstandnow？’

`Yes，sir，’saidthecabman。

`MakelikeabirdforTrinityCollege。’

`Right，sir，’saidthecabman。

Thehorsewaswhippedupandthecabrattledoffalongthequayamidachorusoflaughterandadieux。

Gabrielhadnotgonetothedoorwiththeothers。Hewasinadarkpartofthehallgazingupthestaircase。Awomanwasstandingnearthetopofthefirstflight，intheshadowalso。Hecouldnotseeherfacebuthecouldseetheterra-cottaandsalmon-pinkpanelsofherskirtwhichtheshadowmadeappearblackandwhite。Itwashiswife。Shewasleaningonthebanisters，listeningtosomething。Gabrielwassurprisedatherstillnessandstrainedhiseartolistenalso。Buthecouldhearlittlesavethenoiseoflaughteranddisputeonthefrontsteps，afewchordsstruckonthepianoandafewnotesofaman’svoicesinging。

Hestoodstillinthegloomofthehall，tryingtocatchtheairthatthevoicewassingingandgazingupathiswife。Therewasgraceandmysteryinherattitudeasifshewereasymbolofsomething。Heaskedhimselfwhatisawomanstandingonthestairsintheshadow，listeningtodistantmusic，asymbolof。Ifhewereapainterhewouldpaintherinthatattitude。

Herbluefelthatwouldshowoffthebronzeofherhairagainstthedarknessandthedarkpanelsofherskirtwouldshowoffthelightones。DistantMusichewouldcallthepictureifhewereapainter。

Thehall-doorwasclosed，andAuntKate，AuntJulia，andMaryJanecamedownthehall，stilllaughing。

`Well，isn’tFreddyterrible？’saidMaryJane。`He’sreallyterrible。’

Gabrielsaidnothing，butpointedupthestairstowardswherehiswifewasstanding。Nowthatthehall-doorwasclosedthevoiceandthepianocouldbeheardmoreclearly。Gabrielhelduphishandforthemtobesilent。

ThesongseemedtobeintheoldIrishtonalityandthesingerseemeduncertainbothofhiswordsandofhisvoice。Thevoice，madeplaintivebydistanceandbythesinger’shoarseness，faintlyilluminatedthecadenceoftheairwithwordsexpressinggrief：O，therainfallsonmyheavylocksAndthedewwetsmyskin，Mybabeliescold……`O，’exclaimedMaryJane。`It’sBartellD’Arcysinging，andhewouldn’tsingallthenight。O，I’llgethimtosingasongbeforehegoes。’

`O，do，MaryJane，’saidAuntKate。

MaryJanebrushedpasttheothersandrantothestaircase，butbeforeshereacheditthesingingstoppedandthepianowasclosedabruptly。

`O，whatapity！’shecried。`Ishecomingdown，Gretta？’

Gabrielheardhiswifeansweryesandsawhercomedowntowardsthem。

AfewstepsbehindherwereMrBartellD’ArcyandMissO’Callaghan。

`O，MrD’Arcy，’criedMaryJane，`it’sdownrightmeanofyoutobreakofflikethatwhenwewereallinraptureslisteningtoyou。’

`Ihavebeenathimalltheevening，’saidMissO’Callaghan，`andMrsConroy，too，andhetoldushehadadreadfulcoldandcouldn’tsing。’

`O，MrD’Arcy，’saidAuntKate，`nowthatwasagreatfibtotell。’

`Can’tyouseethatI’mashoarseasacrow？’saidMrD’Arcyroughly。

Hewentintothepantryhastilyandputonhisovercoat。Theothers，takenbackbyhisrudespeech，couldfindnothingtosay。AuntKatewrinkledherbrowsandmadesignstotheotherstodropthesubject。MrD’Arcystoodswathinghisneckcarefullyandfrowning。

`It’stheweather，’saidAuntJulia，afterapause。

`Yes，everybodyhascolds，’saidAuntKatereadily，`everybody。’

`Theysay，’saidMaryJane，`wehaven’thadsnowlikeitforthirtyyears，andIreadthismorninginthenewspapersthatthesnowisgeneralalloverIreland。’

`Ilovethelookofsnow，’saidAuntJuliasadly。

`SodoI，’saidMissO’Callaghan。`IthinkChristmasisneverreallyChristmasunlesswehavethesnowontheground。’

`ButpoorMrD’Arcydoesn’tlikethesnow，’saidAuntKate，smiling。

MrD’Arcycamefromthepantry，fullyswathedandbuttoned，andinarepentanttonetoldthemthehistoryofhiscold。Everyonegavehimadviceandsaiditwasagreatpityandurgedhimtobeverycarefulofhisthroatinthenightair。Gabrielwatchedhiswife，whodidnotjoinintheconversation。

Shewasstandingrightunderthedustyfanlightandtheflameofthegaslituptherichbronzeofherhair，whichhehadseenherdryingatthefireafewdaysbefore。Shewasinthesameattitudeandseemedunawareofthetalkabouther。AtlastsheturnedtowardsthemandGabrielsawthattherewascolouronhercheeksandthathereyeswereshining。Asuddentideofjoywentleapingoutofhisheart。

`MrD’Arcy，’shesaid，`whatisthenameofthatsongyouweresinging？’

`It’scalled"TheLassofAughrim"，’saidMrD’Arcy，`butIcouldn’trememberitproperly。Why？Doyouknowit？’

"`TheLassofAughrim"，’sherepeated。`Icouldn’tthinkofthename。’

`It’saveryniceair，’saidMaryJane。`I’msorryyouwerenotinvoicetonight。’

`Now，MaryJane，’saidAuntKate，`don’tannoyMrD’Arcy。Iwon’thavehimannoyed。’

Seeingthatallwerereadytostartsheshepherdedthemtothedoor，wheregoodnightwassaid：

`Well，goodnight，AuntKate，andthanksforthepleasantevening。’

`Goodnight，Gabriel。Goodnight，Gretta！’

`Goodnight，AuntKate，andthankseversomuch。Goodnight，AuntJulia。’

`O，goodnight，Gretta，Ididn’tseeyou。’

`Goodnight，MrD’Arcy。Goodnight，MissO’Callaghan。’

`Goodnight，MissMorkan。’

`Goodnight，again。’

`Goodnight，all。Safehome。’

`Goodnight。Goodnight。’

Themorningwasstilldark。Adull，yellowlightbroodedoverthehousesandtheriver；andtheskyseemedtobedescending。Itwasslushyunderfoot，andonlystreaksandpatchesofsnowlayontheroofs，ontheparapetsofthequayandonthearearailings。Thelampswerestillburningredlyinthemurkyairand，acrosstheriver，thepalaceoftheFourCourtsstoodoutmenacinglyagainsttheheavysky。

ShewaswalkingonbeforehimwithMrBartellD’Arcy，hershoesinabrownparceltuckedunderonearmandherhandsholdingherskirtupfromtheslush。Shehadnolongeranygraceofattitude，butGabriel’seyeswerestillbrightwithhappiness。Thebloodwentboundingalonghisveinsandthethoughtswentriotingthroughhisbrain，proud，joyful，tender，valorous。

Shewaswalkingonbeforehimsolightlyandsoerectthathelongedtorunafterhernoiselessly，catchherbytheshouldersandsaysomethingfoolishandaffectionateintoherear。Sheseemedtohimsofrailthathelongedtodefendheragainstsomethingandthentobealonewithher。

Momentsoftheirsecretlifetogetherburstlikestarsuponhismemory。

Aheliotropeenvelopewaslyingbesidehisbreakfast-cupandhewascaressingitwithhishand。Birdsweretwitteringintheivyandthesunnywebofthecurtainwasshimmeringalongthefloor：hecouldnoteatforhappiness。

Theywerestandingonthecrowdedplatformandhewasplacingaticketinsidethewarmpalmofherglove。Hewasstandingwithherinthecold，lookinginthroughagratedwindowatamanmakingbottlesinaroaringfurnace。Itwasverycold。Herface，fragrantinthecoldair，wasquiteclosetohis，andsuddenlyhecalledouttothemanatthefurnace：

`Isthefirehot，sir？’

Butthemancouldno！hearwiththenoiseofthefurnace。Itwasjustaswell。Hemighthaveansweredrudely。

Awaveofyetmoretenderjoyescapedfromhisheartandwentcoursinginwarmfloodalonghisarteries。Likethetenderfireofstarsmomentsoftheirlifetogether，thatnooneknewoforwouldeverknowof，brokeuponandilluminedhismemory。Helongedtorecalltoherthosemoments，tomakeherforgettheyearsoftheirdullexistencetogetherandrememberonlytheirmomentsofecstasy。Fortheyears，hefelt，hadnotquenchedhissoulorhers。Theirchildren，hiswriting，herhouseholdcareshadnotquenchedalltheirsouls’tenderfire。Inoneletterthathehadwrittentoherthenhehadsaid：`Whyisitthatwordsliketheseseemtomesodullandcold？Isitbecausethereisnowordtenderenoughtobeyourname？’

Likedistantmusicthesewordsthathehadwrittenyearsbeforewerebornetowardshimfromthepast。Helongedtobealonewithher。Whentheothershadgoneaway，whenheandshewereintheroomintheirhotel，thentheywouldbealonetogether。Hewouldcallhersoftly：

`Gretta！’

Perhapsshewouldnothearatonce：shewouldbeundressing。Thensomethinginhisvoicewouldstrikeher。Shewouldturnandlookathim……

AtthecornerofWinetavernStreettheymetacab。Hewasgladofitsrattlingnoiseasitsavedhimfromconversation。Shewaslookingoutofthewindowandseemedtired。Theothersspokeonlyafewwords，pointingoutsomebuildingorstreet。Thehorsegallopedalongwearilyunderthemurkymorningsky，dragginghisoldrattlingboxafterhisheels，andGabrielwasagaininacabwithher，gallopingtocatchtheboat，gallopingtotheirhoneymoon。

AsthecabdroveacrossO’ConnellBridgeMissO’Callaghansaid：

`TheysayyounevercrossO’ConnellBridgewithoutseeingawhitehorse。’

`Iseeawhitemanthistime，’saidGabriel。

`Where？’askedMrBartellD’Arcy。

Gabrielpointedtothestatue，onwhichlaypatchesofsnow。Thenhenoddedfamiliarlytoitandwavedhishand。

`Goodnight，Dan，’hesaidgaily。

Whenthecabdrewupbeforethehotel，Gabrieljumpedoutand，inspiteofMrBartellD’Arcy’sprotest，paidthedriver。Hegavethemanashillingoverhisfare。Themansalutedandsaid：

`AprosperousNewYeartoyou，sir。’

`Thesametoyou，’saidGabrielcordially。

Sheleanedforamomentonhisarmingettingoutofthecabandwhilestandingatthekerb-stone，biddingtheothersgoodnight。Sheleanedlightlyonhisarm，aslightlyaswhenshehaddancedwithhimafewhoursbefore。

Hehadfeltproudandhappythen，happythatshewashis，proudofhergraceandwifelycarriage。Butnow，afterthekindlingagainofsomanymemories，thefirsttouchofherbody，musicalandstrangeandperfumed，sentthroughhimakeenpangoflust。Undercoverofhersilencehepressedherarmcloselytohisside，and，astheystoodatthehoteldoor，hefeltthattheyhadescapedfromtheirlivesandduties，escapedfromhomeandfriendsandrunawaytogetherwithwildandradiantheartstoanewadventure。

Anoldmanwasdozinginagreathoodedchairinthehall。Helitacandleintheofficeandwentbeforethemtothestairs。Theyfollowedhiminsilence，theirfeetfallinginsoftthudsonthethicklycarpetedstairs。Shemountedthestairsbehindtheporter，herheadbowedintheascent，herfrailshoulderscurvedaswithaburden，herskirtgirttightlyabouther。Hecouldhaveflunghisarmsaboutherhipsandheldherstill，forhisarmsweretremblingwithdesiretoseizeherandonlythestressofhisnailsagainstthepalmsofhishandsheldthewildimpulseofhisbodyincheck。Theporterhaltedonthestairstosettlehisgutteringcandle。Theyhalted，too，onthestepsbelowhim。InthesilenceGabrielcouldhearthefallingofmoltenwaxintothetrayandthethumpingofhisownheartagainsthisribs。

Theporterledthemalongacorridorandopenedadoor。Thenhesethisunstablecandledownonatoilet-tableandaskedatwhathourtheyweretobecalledinthemorning。

`Eight，’saidGabriel。

Theporterpointedtothetapoftheelectric-lightandbeganamutteredapology，butGabrielcuthimshort。

`Wedon’twantanylight。Wehavelightenoughfromthestreet。AndIsay，’headded，pointingtothecandle，`youmightremovethathandsomearticle，likeagoodman。’

Theportertookuphiscandleagain，butslowly，forhewassurprisedbysuchanovelidea。Thenhemumbledgoodnightandwentout。Gabrielshotthelockto。

Aghastlylightfromthestreetlamplayinalongshaftfromonewindowtothedoor。Gabrielthrewhisovercoatandhatonacouchandcrossedtheroomtowardsthewindow。Helookeddownintothestreetinorderthathisemotionmightcalmalittle。Thenheturnedandleanedagainstachestofdrawerswithhisbacktothelight。Shehadtakenoffherhatandcloakandwasstandingbeforealargeswingingmirror，unhookingherwaist。Gabrielpausedforafewmoments，watchingher，andthensaid：

`Gretta！’

Sheturnedawayfromthemirrorslowlyandwalkedalongtheshaftoflighttowardshim。HerfacelookedsoseriousandwearythatthewordswouldnotpassGabriel’slips。No，itwasnotthemomentyet。

`Youlookedtired，’hesaid。

`Iamalittle，’sheanswered。

`Youdon’tfeelillorweak？’

`No，tired：that’sall。’

Shewentontothewindowandstoodthere，lookingout。Gabrielwaitedagainandthen，fearingthatdiffidencewasabouttoconquerhim，hesaidabruptly：

`Bytheway，Gretta！’

`Whatisit？’

`YouknowthatpoorfellowMalins？’hesaidquickly。

`Yes。Whatabouthim？’

`Well，poorfellow，be’sadecentsortofchap，afterall，’continuedGabrielinafalsevoice。`HegavemebackthatsovereignIlenthim，andIdidn’texpectit，really。It’sapityhewouldn’tkeepawayfromthatBrowne，becausehe’snotabadfellow，really。’

Hewastremblingnowwithannoyance。Whydidsheseemsoabstracted？

Hedidnotknowhowhecouldbegin。Wassheannoyed，too，aboutsomething？

Ifshewouldonlyturntohimorcometohimofherownaccord！Totakeherasshewaswouldbebrutal。No，hemustseesomeardourinhereyesfirst。Helongedtobemasterofherstrangemood。

`Whendidyoulendhimthepound？’sheasked，afterapause。

GabrielstrovetorestrainhimselffrombreakingoutintobrutallanguageaboutthesottishMalinsandhispound。Helongedtocrytoherfromhissoul，tocrushherbodyagainsthis，toovermasterher。Buthesaid：

`O，atChristmas，whenheopenedthatlittleChristmas-cardshop，inHenryStreet。’

Hewasinsuchafeverofrageanddesirethathedidnothearhercomefromthewindow。Shestoodbeforehimforaninstant，lookingathimstrangely。

Then，suddenlyraisingherselfontiptoeandrestingherhandslightlyonhisshoulders，shekissedhim。

`Youareaverygenerousperson，Gabriel，’shesaid。

Gabriel，tremblingwithdelightathersuddenkissandatthequaintnessofherphrase，puthishandsonherhairandbegansmoothingitback，scarcelytouchingitwithhisfingers。Thewashinghadmadeitfineandbrilliant。

Hisheartwasbrimmingoverwithhappiness。Justwhenhewaswishingforitshehadcometohimofherownaccord。Perhapsherthoughtshadbeenrunningwithhis。Perhapsshehadfelttheimpetuousdesirethatwasinhim，andthentheyieldingmoodhadcomeuponher。Nowthatshehadfallentohimsoeasily，hewonderedwhyhehadbeensodiffident。

Hestood，holdingherheadbetweenhishands。Then，slippingonearmswiftlyaboutherbodyanddrawinghertowardshim，hesaidsoftly：

`Gretta，dear，whatareyouthinkingabout？’

Shedidnotanswernoryieldwhollytohisarm。Hesaidagain，softly：

`Tellmewhatitis，Gretta。IthinkIknowwhatisthematter。DoI

know？’

Shedidnotansweratonce。Thenshesaidinanoutburstoftears：

`O，Iamthinkingaboutthatsong，"TheLassofAughrim"。’

Shebrokeloosefromhimandrantothebedand，throwingherarmsacrossthebed-rail，hidherface。Gabrielstoodstock-stillforamomentinastonishmentandthenfollowedher。Ashepassedinthewayofthecheval-glasshecaughtsightofhimselfinfulllength，hisbroad，well-filledshirt-front，thefacewhoseexpressionalwayspuzzledhimwhenhesawitinamirror，andhisglimmeringgilt-rimmedeye-glasses。Hehaltedafewpacesfromherandsaid：

`Whataboutthesong？Whydoesthatmakeyoucry？’

Sheraisedherheadfromherarmsanddriedhereyeswiththebackofherhandlikeachild。Akindernotethanhehadintendedwentintohisvoice。

`Why，Gretta？’heasked。

`Iamthinkingaboutapersonlongagowhousedtosingthatsong。’

`Andwhowasthepersonlongago？’askedGabriel，smiling。

`ItwasapersonIusedtoknowinGalwaywhenIwaslivingwithmygrandmother，’shesaid。

ThesmilepassedawayfromGabriel’sface。Adullangerbegantogatheragainatthebackofhismindandthedullfiresofhislustbegantoglowangrilyinhisveins。

`Someoneyouwereinlovewith？’heaskedironically。

`ItwasayoungboyIusedtoknow，’sheanswered，`namedMichaelFurey。

Heusedtosingthatsong，"TheLassofAughrim"。Hewasverydelicate。’

Gabrielwassilent。Hedidnotwishhertothinkthathewasinterestedinthisdelicateboy。

`Icanseehimsoplainly，’shesaid，afteramoment。`Sucheyesashehad：big，darkeyes！Andsuchanexpressioninthem-anexpression！’

`O，then，youwereinlovewithhim？’saidGabriel。

`Iusedtogooutwalkingwithhim，’shesaid，`whenIwasinGalway。’

AthoughtflewacrossGabriel’smind。

`PerhapsthatwaswhyyouwantedtogotoGalwaywiththatIvorsgirl？’

hesaidcoldly。

Shelookedathimandaskedinsurprise：

`Whatfor？’

HereyesmadeGabrielfeelawkward。Heshruggedhisshouldersandsaid：

`HowdoIknow？Toseehim，perhaps。’

Shelookedawayfromhimalongtheshaftoflighttowardsthewindowinsilence。

`Heisdead，’shesaidatlength。`Hediedwhenhewasonlyseventeen。

Isn’titaterriblethingtodiesoyoungasthat？’

`Whatwashe？’askedGabriel，stillironically。

`Hewasinthegasworks，’shesaid。

Gabrielfelthumiliatedbythefailureofhisironyandbytheevocationofthisfigurefromthedead，aboyinthegasworks。Whilehehadbeenfullofmemoriesoftheirsecretlifetogether，fulloftendernessandjoyanddesire，shehadbeencomparinghiminhermindwithanother。A

shamefulconsciousnessofhisownpersonassailedhim。Hesawhimselfasaludicrousfigure，actingasapenny-boyforhisaunts，anervous，well-meaningsentimentalist，oratingtovulgariansandidealizinghisownclownishlusts，thepitiablefatuousfellowhehadcaughtaglimpseofinthemirror。Instinctivelyheturnedhisbackmoretothelightlestshemightseetheshamethatburneduponhisforehead。

Hetriedtokeepuphistoneofcoldinterrogation，buthisvoicewhenhespokewashumbleandindifferent。

`IsupposeyouwereinlovewiththisMichaelFurey，Gretta，’hesaid。

`Iwasgreatwithhimatthattime，’shesaid。

Hervoicewasveiledandsad。Gabriel，feelingnowhowvainitwouldbetotrytoleadherwhitherhehadpurposed，caressedoneofherhandsandsaid，alsosadly：

`Andwhatdidhedieofsoyoung，Gretta？Consumption，wasit？’

`Ithinkhediedforme，’sheanswered。

AvagueterrorseizedGabrielatthisanswer，asif，atthathourwhenhehadhopedtotriumph，someimpalpableandvindictivebeingwascomingagainsthim，gatheringforcesagainsthiminitsvagueworld。Butheshookhimselffreeofitwithaneffortofreasonandcontinuedtocaressherhand。Hedidnotquestionheragain，forhefeltthatshewouldtellhimofherself。Herhandwaswarmandmoist：itdidnotrespondtohistouch，buthecontinuedtocaressitjustashehadcaressedherfirstlettertohimthatspringmorning。

`Itwasinthewinter，’shesaid，`aboutthebeginningofthewinterwhenIwasgoingtoleavemygrandmother’sandcomeupheretotheconvent。

AndhewasillatthetimeinhislodgingsinGalwayandwouldn’tbeletout，andhispeopleinOughterardwerewrittento。Hewasindecline，theysaid，orsomethinglikethat。Ineverknewrightly。’

Shepausedforamomentandsighed。

`Poorfellow，’shesaid。`Hewasveryfondofmeandhewassuchagentleboy。Weusedtogoouttogether，walking，youknow，Gabriel，likethewaytheydointhecountry。Hewasgoingtostudysingingonlyforhishealth。

Hehadaverygoodvoice，poorMichaelFurey。’

`Well；andthen？’askedGabriel。

`AndthenwhenitcametothetimeformetoleaveGalwayandcomeuptotheconventhewasmuchworseandIwouldn’tbeletseehim，soIwrotehimalettersayingIwasgoinguptoDublinandwouldbebackinthesummer，andhopinghewouldbebetterthen。’

Shepausedforamomenttogethervoiceundercontrol，andthenwenton：

`ThenthenightbeforeIleft，Iwasinmygrandmother’shouseinNuns’

Island，packingup，andIheardgravelthrownupagainstthewindow。ThewindowwassowetIcouldn’tsee，soIrandownstairsasIwasandslippedoutthebackintothegardenandtherewasthepoorfellowattheendofthegarden，shivering。’

`Anddidyounottellhimtogoback？’askedGabriel。

`Iimploredofhimtogohomeatonceandtoldhimhewouldgethisdeathintherain。Buthesaidhedidnotwanttolive。Icanseehiseyesaswellaswell！Hewasstandingattheendofthewallwheretherewasatree。’

`Anddidhegohome？’askedGabriel。

`Yes，hewenthome。AndwhenIwasonlyaweekintheconventhediedandhewasburiedinOughterard，wherehispeoplecamefrom。O，thedayIheardthat，thathewasdead！’

Shestopped，chokingwithsobs，and，overcomebyemotion，flungherselffacedownwardonthebed，sobbinginthequilt。Gabrielheldherhandforamomentlonger，irresolutely，andthen，shyofintrudingonhergrief，letitfallgentlyandwalkedquietlytothewindow。

Shewasfastasleep。

Gabriel，leaningonhiselbow，lookedforafewmomentsunresentfullyonhertangledhairandhalf-openmouth，listeningtoherdeep-drawnbreath。

Soshehadhadthatromanceinherlife：amanhaddiedforhersake。Ithardlypainedhimnowtothinkhowpooraparthe，herhusband，hadplayedinherlife。Hewatchedherwhilesheslept，asthoughheandshehadneverlivedtogetherasmanandwife。Hiscuriouseyesrestedlonguponherfaceandonherhair：and，ashethoughtofwhatshemusthavebeenthen，inthattimeofherfirstgirlishbeauty，astrange，friendlypityforherenteredhissoul。Hedidnotliketosayeventohimselfthatherfacewasnolongerbeautiful，butheknewthatitwasnolongerthefaceforwhichMichaelFureyhadbraveddeath。

Perhapsshehadnottoldhimallthestory。Hiseyesmovedtothechairoverwhichshehadthrownsomeofherclothes。Apetticoatstringdangledtothefloor。Onebootstoodupright，itslimpupperfallendown：thefellowofitlayuponitsside。Hewonderedathisriotofemotionsofanhourbefore。Fromwhathaditproceeded？Fromhisaunt’ssupper，fromhisownfoolishspeech，fromthewineanddancing，themerry-makingwhensayinggoodnightinthehall，thepleasureofthewalkalongtheriverinthesnow。PoorAuntJulia！She，too，wouldsoonbeashadewiththeshadeofPatrickMorkanandhishorse。Hehadcaughtthathaggardlookuponherfaceforamomentwhenshewassinging`ArrayedfortheBridal’。Soon，perhaps，hewouldbesittinginthatsamedrawing-room，dressedinblack，hissilkhatonhisknees。TheblindswouldbedrawndownandAuntKatewouldbesittingbesidehim，cryingandblowinghernoseandtellinghimhowJuliahaddied。Hewouldcastaboutinhismindforsomewordsthatmightconsoleher，andwouldfindonlylameanduselessones。Yes，yes：

thatwouldhappenverysoon。

Theairoftheroomchilledhisshoulders。Hestretchedhimselfcautiouslyalongunderthesheetsandlaydownbesidehiswife。Onebyone，theywereallbecomingshades。Betterpassboldlyintothatotherworld，inthefullgloryofsomepassion，thanfadeandwitherdismallywithage。Hethoughtofhowshewholaybesidehimhadlockedinherheartforsomanyyearsthatimageofherlover’seyeswhenhehadtoldherthathedidnotwishtolive。

GeneroustearsfilledGabriel’seyes。Hehadneverfeltlikethathimselftowardsanywoman，butheknewthatsuchafeelingmustbelove。Thetearsgatheredmorethicklyinhiseyesandinthepartialdarknessheimaginedhesawtheformofayoungmanstandingunderadrippingtree。Otherformswerenear。Hissoulhadapproachedthatregionwheredwellthevasthostsofthedead。Hewasconsciousof，butcouldnotapprehend，theirwaywardandflickeringexistence。Hisownidentitywasfadingoutintoagreyimpalpableworld：thesolidworlditself，whichthesedeadhadonetimerearedandlivedin，wasdissolvinganddwindling。

Afewlighttapsuponthepanemadehimturntothewindow。Ithadbeguntosnowagain。Hewatchedsleepilytheflakes，silveranddark，fallingobliquelyagainstthelamplight。Thetimehadcomeforhimtosetoutonhisjourneywestward。Yes，thenewspaperswereright：snowwasgeneralalloverIreland。Itwasfallingoneverypartofthedarkcentralplain，onthetreelesshills，fallingsoftlyupontheBogofAllenand，fartherwestward，softlyfallingintothedarkmutinousShannonwaves。Itwasfalling，too，uponeverypartofthelonelychurchyardonthehillwhereMichaelFureylayburied。Itlaythicklydriftedonthecrookedcrossesandheadstones，onthespearsofthelittlegate，onthebarrenthorns。Hissoulswoonedslowlyasheheardthesnowfallingfaintlythroughtheuniverseandfaintlyfalling，likethedescentoftheirlastend，uponallthelivingandthedead。