`TheGermancardinalwouldn’tsubmit。HelefttheChurch。’
　　MrCunningham’swordshadbuiltupthevastimageoftheChurchinthemindsofhishearers。Hisdeep，raucousvoicehadthrilledthemasitutteredthewordofbeliefandsubmission。WhenMrsKernancameintotheroom，dryingherhands，shecameintoasolemncompany。Shedidnotdisturbthesilence，butleanedovertherailatthefootofthebed。
　　`IoncesawJohnMacHale，’saidMrKernan，`andI’llneverforgetitaslongasIlive。’
　　Heturnedtowardshiswifetobeconfirmed。
　　`Ioftentoldyouthat？’
　　MrsKernannodded。
　　`ItwasattheunveilingofSirJohnGray’sstatue。EdmundDwyerGraywasspeaking，blatheringaway，andherewasthisoldfellow，crabbed-lookingoldchap，lookingathimfromunderhisbushyeyebrows。’
　　MrKernanknittedhisbrowsand，loweringhisheadlikeanangrybull，glaredathiswife。
　　`God！’heexclaimed，resuminghisnaturalface，`Ineversawsuchaneyeinaman’shead。Itwasasmuchastosay：Ihaveyouproperlytaped，mylad。Hehadaneyelikeahawk。’
　　`NoneoftheGrayswasanygood，’saidMrPower。
　　Therewasapauseagain。MrPowerturnedtoMrsKernanandsaidwithabruptjoviality：
　　`Well，MrsKernan，we’regoingtomakeyourmanhereagoodholypiousandGod-fearingRomanCatholic。’
　　Heswepthisarmroundthecompanyinclusively。
　　`We’reallgoingtomakearetreattogetherandconfessoursins-andGodknowswewantitbadly。’
　　`Idon’tmind，’saidMrKernan，smilingalittlenervously。
　　MrsKernanthoughtitwouldbewisertoconcealhersatisfaction。Soshesaid：
　　`Ipitythepoorpriestthathastolistentoyourtale。’
　　MrKernan’sexpressionchanged。
　　`Ifhedoesn’tlikeit，’hesaidbluntly，`hecan……dotheotherthing。
　　I’lljusttellhimmylittletaleofwoe。I’mnotsuchabadfellow——’
　　MrCunninghamintervenedpromptly。
　　`We’llallrenouncethedevil，’hesaid，`together，notforgettinghisworksandpomps。’
　　`Getbehindme，Satan！’saidMrFogarty，laughingandlookingattheothers。
　　MrPowersaidnothing。Hefeltcompletelyout-generalled。Butapleasedexpressionflickeredacrosshisface。
　　`Allwehavetodo，’saidMrCunningham，`istostandupwithlightedcandlesinourhandsandrenewourbaptismalvows。’
　　`O，don’tforgetthecandle，Tom，’saidMrM’Coy，`whateveryoudo。’
　　`What？’saidMrKernan。`MustIhaveacandle？’
　　`Oyes，’saidMrCunningham。
　　`No，damnitall，’saidMrKernansensibly，`Idrawthelinethere。
　　I’lldothejobrightenough。I’lldotheretreatbusinessandconfession，and……allthatbusiness。But……nocandles！No，damnitall，Ibarthecandles！’
　　Heshookhisheadwithfarcicalgravity。
　　`Listentothat！’saidhiswife。
　　`Ibarthecandles，’saidMrKernan，consciousofhavingcreatedaneffectonhisaudienceandcontinuingtoshakehisheadtoandfro。`I
　　barthemagic-lanternbusiness。’
　　Everyonelaughedheartily。
　　`There’saniceCatholicforyou！’saidhiswife。
　　`Nocandles！’repeatedMrKernanobdurately。`That’soff！’
　　ThetranseptoftheJesuitChurchinGardinerStreetwasalmostfull；
　　andstillateverymomentgentlemenenteredfromthesidedoorand，directedbythelay-brother，walkedontiptoealongtheaislesuntiltheyfoundseatingaccommodation。Thegentlemenwereallwelldressedandorderly。
　　Thelightofthelampsofthechurchfelluponanassemblyofblackclothesandwhitecollars，relievedhereandtherebytweeds，ondarkmottledpillarsofgreenmarbleandonlugubriouscanvases。Thegentlemensatinthebenches，havinghitchedtheirtrousersslightlyabovetheirkneesandlaidtheirhatsinsecurity。Theysatwellbackandgazedformallyatthedistantspeckofredlightwhichwassuspendedbeforethehighaltar。
　　InoneofthebenchesnearthepulpitsatMrCunninghamandMrKernan。
　　InthebenchbehindsatMrM’Coyalone：andinthebenchbehindhimsatMrPowerandMrFogarty。MrM’Coyhadtriedunsuccessfullytofindaplaceinthebenchwiththeothers，and，whenthepartyhadsettleddownintheformofaquincunx，hehadtriedunsuccessfullytomakecomicremarks。
　　Asthesehadnotbeenwellreceived，hehaddesisted。Evenhewassensibleofthedecorousatmosphereandevenhebegantorespondtothereligiousstimulus。Inawhisper，MrCunninghamdrewMrKernan’sattentiontoMrHarford，themoneylender，whosatsomedistanceoff，andtoMrFanning，theregistrationagentandmayor-makerofthecity，whowassittingimmediatelyunderthepulpitbesideoneofthenewlyelectedcouncillorsoftheward。
　　TotherightsatoldMichaelGrimes，theownerofthreepawnbroker’sshops，andDanHogan’snephew，whowasupforthejobintheTownClerk’soffice。
　　FartherinfrontsatMrHendrick，thechiefreporterofTheFreeman’sJournal，andpoorO’Carroll，anoldfriendofMrKernan’s，whohadbeenatonetimeaconsiderablecommercialfigure。Gradually，asherecognizedfamiliarfaces，MrKernanbegantofeelmoreathome。Hishat，whichhadbeenrehabilitatedbyhiswife，resteduponhisknees。Onceortwicehepulleddownhiscuffswithonehandwhileheheldthebrimofhishatlightly，butfirmly，withtheotherhand。
　　Apowerful-lookingfigure，theupperpartofwhichwasdrapedwithawhitesurplice，wasobservedtobestrugglingupintothepulpit。Simultaneouslythecongregationunsettled，producedhandkerchiefsandkneltuponthemwithcare。MrKernanfollowedthegeneralexample。Thepriest’sfigurenowstooduprightinthepulpit，two-thirdsofitsbulk，crownedbyamassiveredface，appearingabovethebalustrade。
　　FatherPurdonkneltdown，turnedtowardstheredspeckoflightand，coveringhisfacewithhishands，prayed。Afteraninterval，heuncoveredhisfaceandrose。Thecongregationrosealsoandsettledagainonitsbenches。MrKernanrestoredhishattoitsoriginalpositiononhiskneeandpresentedanattentivefacetothepreacher。Thepreacherturnedbackeachwidesleeveofhissurplicewithanelaboratelargegestureandslowlysurveyedthearrayoffaces。Thenhesaid：
　　`Forthechildrenofthisworldarewiserintheirgenerationthanthechildrenoflight。Whereforemakeuntoyourselvesfriendsoutofthemammonofiniquitysothatwhenyoudietheymayreceiveyouintoeverlastingdwellings。’
　　FatherPurdondevelopedthetextwithresonantassurance。ItwasoneofthemostdifficulttextsinalltheScriptures，hesaid，tointerpretproperly。ItwasatextwhichmightseemtothecasualobserveratvariancewiththeloftymoralityelsewherepreachedbyJesusChrist。But，hetoldhishearers，thetexthadseemedtohimspeciallyadaptedfortheguidanceofthosewhoselotitwastoleadthelifeoftheworldandwhoyetwishedtoleadthatlifenotinthemannerofworldlings。Itwasatextforbusinessmenandprofessionalmen。JesusChrist，withHisdivineunderstandingofeverycrannyofourhumannature，understoodthatallmenwerenotcalledtothereligiouslife，thatbyfarthevastmajoritywereforcedtoliveintheworld，and，toacertainextent，fortheworld：andinthissentenceHedesignedtogivethemawordofcounsel，settingbeforethemasexemplarsinthereligiouslifethoseveryworshippersofMammonwhowereofallmentheleastsolicitousinmattersreligious。
　　Hetoldhishearersthathewastherethateveningfornoterrifying，noextravagantpurpose；butasamanoftheworldspeakingtohisfellow-men。
　　Hecametospeaktobusinessmenandhewouldspeaktotheminabusiness-likeway。Ifhemightusethemetaphor，hesaid，hewastheirspiritualaccountant；
　　andhewishedeachandeveryoneofhishearerstoopenhisbooks，thebooksofhisspirituallife，andseeiftheytalliedaccuratelywithconscience。
　　JesusChristwasnotahardtaskmaster。Heunderstoodourlittlefailings，understoodtheweaknessofourpoorfallennature，understoodthetemptationsofthislife。Wemighthavehad，weallhadfromtimetotime，ourtemptations：
　　wemighthave，weallhad，ourfailings。Butonethingonly，hesaid，hewouldaskofhishearers。Andthatwas：tobestraightandmanlywithGod。
　　Iftheiraccountstalliedineverypointtosay：
　　`Well，Ihaveverifiedmyaccounts。Ifindallwell。’
　　Butif，asmighthappen，thereweresomediscrepancies，toadmitthetruth，tobefrankandsaylikeaman：
　　`Well，Ihavelookedintomyaccounts。Ifindthiswrongandthiswrong。
　　But，withGod’sgrace，Iwillrectifythisandthis。Iwillsetrightmyaccounts。’
　　TheDead
　　Lily，thecaretaker’sdaughter，wasliterallyrunoffherfeet。Hardlyhadshebroughtonegentlemanintothelittlepantrybehindtheofficeonthegroundfloorandhelpedhimoffwithhisovercoat，thanthewheezyhall-doorbellclangedagainandshehadtoscamperalongthebarehallwaytoletinanotherguest。Itwaswellforhershehadnottoattendtotheladiesalso。ButMissKateandMissJuliahadthoughtofthatandhadconvertedthebathroomupstairsintoaladies’dressing-room。MissKateandMissJuliawerethere，gossipingandlaughingandfussing，walkingaftereachothertotheheadofthestairs，peeringdownoverthebanistersandcallingdowntoLilytoaskherwhohadcome。
　　Itwasalwaysagreataffair，theMissesMorkan’sannualdance。Everybodywhoknewthemcametoit，membersofthefamily，oldfriendsofthefamily，themembersofJulia’schoir，anyofKate’spupilsthatweregrownupenough，andevensomeofMaryJane’spupilstoo。Neveroncehaditfallenflat。
　　Foryearsandyearsithadgoneoffinsplendidstyle，aslongasanyonecouldremember：eversinceKateandJulia，afterthedeathoftheirbrotherPat，hadleftthehouseinStoneyBatterandtakenMaryJane，theironlyniece，tolivewiththeminthedark，gaunthouseonUsher’sIsland，theupperpartofwhichtheyhadrentedfromMrFulham，thecorn-factoronthegroundfloor。Thatwasagoodthirtyyearsagoifitwasaday。MaryJane，whowasthenalittlegirlinshortclothes，wasnowthemainpropofthehousehold，forshehadtheorganinHaddingtonRoad。ShehadbeenthroughtheAcademyandgaveapupils’concerteveryyearintheupperroomoftheAncientConcertRooms。Manyofherpupilsbelongedtothebetter-classfamiliesontheKingstownandDalkeyline。Oldastheywere，herauntsalsodidtheirshare。Julia，thoughshewasquitegrey，wasstilltheleadingsopranoinAdamandEve’s，andKate，beingtoofeebletogoaboutmuch，gavemusiclessonstobeginnersontheoldsquarepianointhebackroom。
　　Lily，thecaretaker’sdaughter，didhousemaid’sworkforthem。Thoughtheirlifewasmodest，theybelievedineatingwell；thebestofeverything：
　　diamond-bonesirloins，three-shillingteaandthebestbottledstout。ButLilyseldommadeamistakeintheorders，sothatshegotonwellwithherthreemistresses。Theywerefussy，thatwasall。Buttheonlythingtheywouldnotstandwasbackanswers。
　　Ofcourse，theyhadgoodreasontobefussyonsuchanight。Andthenitwaslongafterteno’clockandyettherewasnosignofGabrielandhiswife。BesidestheyweredreadfullyafraidthatFreddyMalinsmightturnupscrewed。TheywouldnotwishforworldsthatanyofMaryJane’spupilsshouldseehimundertheinfluence；andwhenhewaslikethatitwassometimesveryhardtomanagehim。FreddyMalinsalwayscamelate，buttheywonderedwhatcouldbekeepingGabriel：andthatwaswhatbroughtthemeverytwominutestothebanisterstoaskLilyhadGabrielorFreddycome。
　　`O，MrConroy，’saidLilytoGabrielwhensheopenedthedoorforhim，`MissKateandMissJuliathoughtyouwerenevercoming。Goodnight，MrsConroy。’
　　`I’llengagetheydid，’saidGabriel，`buttheyforgetthatmywifeheretakesthreemortalhourstodressherself。’
　　Hestoodonthemat，scrapingthesnowfromhisgoloshes，whileLilyledhiswifetothefootofthestairsandcalledout：
　　`MissKate，here’sMrsConroy。’
　　KateandJuliacametoddlingdownthedarkstairsatonce。BothofthemkissedGabriel’swife，saidshemustbeperishedalive，andaskedwasGabrielwithher。
　　`HereIamasrightasthemail，AuntKate！Goonup。I’llfollow，’
　　calledoutGabrielfromthedark。
　　Hecontinuedscrapinghisfeetvigorouslywhilethethreewomenwentupstairs，laughing，totheladies’dressing-room。Alightfringeofsnowlaylikeacapeontheshouldersofhisovercoatandliketoecapsonthetoesofhisgoloshes；and，asthebuttonsofhisovercoatslippedwithasqueakingnoisethroughthesnow-stiffenedfrieze，acold，fragrantairfromout-of-doorsescapedfromcrevicesandfolds。
　　`Isitsnowingagain，MrConroy？’askedLily。
　　Shehadprecededhimintothepantrytohelphimoffwithhisovercoat。
　　Gabrielsmiledatthethreesyllablesshehadgivenhissurnameandglancedather。Shewasaslim，growinggirl，paleincomplexionandwithhay-colouredhair。Thegasinthepantrymadeherlookstillpaler。Gabrielhadknownherwhenshewasachildandusedtositontheloweststepnursingaragdoll。
　　`Yes，Lily，’heanswered，`andIthinkwe’reinforanightofit。’
　　Helookedupatthepantryceiling，whichwasshakingwiththestampingandshufflingoffeetonthefloorabove，listenedforamomenttothepianoandthenglancedatthegirl，whowasfoldinghisovercoatcarefullyattheendofashelf。
　　`Tellme，Lily，’hesaidinafriendlytone，`doyoustillgotoschool？’
　　`Ono，sir，’sheanswered。`I’mdoneschoolingthisyearandmore。’
　　`O，then，’saidGabrielgaily，`Isupposewe’llbegoingtoyourweddingoneofthesefinedayswithyouryoungman，eh？’
　　Thegirlglancedbackathimoverhershoulderandsaidwithgreatbitterness：
　　`Thementhatisnowisonlyallpalaverandwhattheycangetoutofyou。’
　　Gabrielcoloured，asifhefelthehadmadeamistake，and，withoutlookingather，kickedoffhisgoloshesandflickedactivelywithhismufflerathispatent-leathershoes。
　　Hewasastout，tallishyoungman。Thehighcolourofhischeekspushedupwardseventohisforehead，whereitscattereditselfinafewformlesspatchesofpalered；andonhishairlessfacetherescintillatedrestlesslythepolishedlensesandthebrightgiltrimsoftheglasseswhichscreenedhisdelicateandrestlesseyes。Hisglossyblackhairwaspartedinthemiddleandbrushedinalongcurvebehindhisearswhereitcurledslightlybeneaththegrooveleftbyhishat。
　　Whenhehadflickedlustreintohisshoeshestoodupandpulledhiswaistcoatdownmoretightlyonhisplumpbody。Thenhetookacoinrapidlyfromhispocket。
　　`OLily，’hesaid，thrustingitintoherhands，`it’sChristmastime，isn’tit？Just……here’salittle……’
　　Hewalkedrapidlytowardsthedoor。
　　`Ono，sir！’criedthegirl，followinghim。`Really，sir，Iwouldn’ttakeit。’
　　`Christmas-time！Christmas-time！’saidGabriel，almosttrottingtothestairsandwavinghishandtoherindeprecation。
　　Thegirl，seeingthathehadgainedthestairs，calledoutafterhim：
　　`Well，thankyou，sir。’
　　Hewaitedoutsidethedrawing-roomdooruntilthewaltzshouldfinish，listeningtotheskirtsthatsweptagainstitandtotheshufflingoffeet。
　　Hewasstilldiscomposedbythegirl’sbitterandsuddenretort。Ithadcastagloomoverhimwhichhetriedtodispelbyarranginghiscuffsandthebowsofhistie。Hethentookfromhiswaistcoatpocketalittlepaperandglancedattheheadingshehadmadeforhisspeech。HewasundecidedaboutthelinesfromRobertBrowning，forhefearedtheywouldbeabovetheheadsofhishearers。SomequotationthattheywouldrecognizefromShakespeareorfromtheMelodieswouldbebetter。Theindelicateclackingofthemen’sheelsandtheshufflingoftheirsolesremindedhimthattheirgradeofculturedifferedfromhis。Hewouldonlymakehimselfridiculousbyquotingpoetrytothemwhichtheycouldnotunderstand。Theywouldthinkthathewasairinghissuperioreducation。Hewouldfailwiththemjustashehadfailedwiththegirlinthepantry。Hehadtakenupawrongtone。
　　Hiswholespeechwasamistakefromfirsttolast，anutterfailure。
　　Justthenhisauntsandhiswifecameoutoftheladies’dressing-room。
　　Hisauntsweretwosmall，plainlydressedoldwomen。AuntJuliawasaninchorsothetaller。Herhair，drawnlowoverthetopsofherears，wasgrey；andgreyalso，withdarkershadows，washerlargeflaccidface。Thoughshewasstoutinbuildandstooderect，hersloweyesandpartedlipsgavehertheappearanceofawomanwhodidnotknowwhereshewasorwhereshewasgoing。AuntKatewasmorevivacious。Herface，healthierthanhersister’s，wasallpuckersandcreases，likeashrivelledredapple，andherhair，braidedinthesameold-fashionedway，hadnotlostitsripenutcolour。
　　TheybothkissedGabrielfrankly。Hewastheirfavouritenephew，thesonoftheirdeadeldersister，Ellen，whohadmarriedT。J。ConroyofthePortandDocks。
　　`Grettatellsmeyou’renotgoingtotakeacabbacktoMonkstowntonight，Gabriel，’saidAuntKate。
　　`No，’saidGabriel，turningtohiswife，`wehadquiteenoughofthatlastyear，hadn’twe？Don’tyouremember，AuntKate，whatacoldGrettagotoutofit？Cabwindowsrattlingalltheway，andtheeastwindblowinginafterwepassedMerrion。Veryjollyitwas。Grettacaughtadreadfulcold。’
　　AuntKatefrownedseverelyandnoddedherheadateveryword。
　　`Quiteright，Gabriel，quiteright，’shesaid。`Youcan’tbetoocareful。’
　　`ButasforGrettathere，’saidGabriel，`she’dwalkhomeinthesnowifshewerelet。’
　　MrsConroylaughed。
　　`Don’tmindhim，AuntKate，’shesaid。`He’sreallyanawfulbother，whatwithgreenshadesforTom’seyesatnightandmakinghimdothedumb-bells，andforcingEvatoeatthestirabout。Thepoorchild！Andshesimplyhatesthesightofit！……O，butyou’llneverguesswhathemakesmewearnow！’
　　Shebrokeoutintoapealoflaughterandglancedatherhusband，whoseadmiringandhappyeyeshadbeenwanderingfromherdresstoherfaceandhair。Thetwoauntslaughedheartily，too，forGabriel’ssolicitudewasastandingjokewiththem。
　　`Goloshes！’saidMrsConroy。`That’sthelatest。Wheneverit’swetunderfootImustputonmygoloshes。Tonighteven，hewantedmetoputthemon，butIwouldn’t。Thenextthinghe’llbuymewillbeadivingsuit。’
　　Gabriellaughednervouslyandpattedhistiereassuringly，whileAuntKatenearlydoubledherself，soheartilydidsheenjoythejoke。ThesmilesoonfadedfromAuntJulia’sfaceandhermirthlesseyesweredirectedtowardshernephew’sface。Afterapausesheasked：
　　`Andwhataregoloshes，Gabriel？’
　　`Goloshes，Julia！’exclaimedhersister。`Goodnessme，don’tyouknowwhatgoloshesare？Youwearthemoveryour……overyourboots，Gretta，isn’tit？’
　　`Yes，’saidMrsConroy。`Gutta-perchathings。Webothhaveapairnow。
　　GabrielsayseveryonewearsthemontheContinent。’
　　`O，ontheContinent，’murmuredAuntJulia，noddingherheadslowly。
　　Gabrielknittedhisbrowsandsaid，asifhewereslightlyangered：
　　`It’snothingverywonderful，butGrettathinksitveryfunny，becauseshesaysthewordremindsherofChristyMinstrels。’
　　`Buttellme，Gabriel，’saidAuntKate，withbrisktact。`Ofcourse，you’veseenabouttheroom。Grettawassaying……’
　　`O，theroomisallright，’repliedGabriel。`I’vetakenoneintheGresham。’
　　`Tobesure，’saidAuntKate，`byfarthebestthingtodo。Andthechildren，Gretta，you’renotanxiousaboutthem？’
　　`O，foronenight，’saidMrsConroy。`Besides，Bessiewilllookafterthem。’
　　`Tobesure，’saidAuntKateagain。`Whatacomfortitistohaveagirllikethat，oneyoucandependon！There’sthatLily，I’msureIdon’tknowwhathascomeoverherlately。She’snotthegirlshewasatall。’
　　Gabrielwasabouttoaskhisauntsomequestionsonthispoint，butshebrokeoffsuddenlytogazeafterhersister，whohadwandereddownthestairsandwascraningherneckoverthebanisters。
　　`Now，Iaskyou，’shesaidalmosttestily，`whereisJuliagoing？Julia！
　　Julia！Whereareyougoing？’
　　Julia，whohadgonehalf-waydownoneflight，camebackandannouncedblandly：
　　`Here’sFreddy。’
　　Atthesamemomentaclappingofhandsandafinalflourishofthepianisttoldthatthewaltzhadended。Thedrawing-roomdoorwasopenedfromwithinandsomecouplescameout。AuntKatedrewGabrielasidehurriedlyandwhisperedintohisear：
　　`Slipdown，Gabriel，likeagoodfellowandseeifhe’sallright，anddon’tlethimupifhe’sscrewed。I’msurehe’sscrewed。I’msureheis。’
　　Gabrielwenttothestairsandlistenedoverthebanisters。Hecouldheartwopersonstalkinginthepantry。ThenherecognizedFreddyMalins’
　　laugh。Hewentdownthestairsnoisily。
　　`It’ssucharelief，’saidAuntKatetoMrsConroy，`thatGabrielishere。Ialwaysfeeleasierinmymindwhenhe’shere……Julia，there’sMissDalyandMissPowerwilltakesomerefreshment。Thanksforyourbeautifulwaltz，MissDaly。Itmadelovelytime。’
　　Atallwizen-facedman，withastiffgrizzledmoustacheandswarthyskin，whowaspassingoutwithhispartner，said：
　　`Andmaywehavesomerefreshment，too，MissMorkan？’
　　`Julia，’saidAuntKatesummarily，`andhere’sMrBrowneandMissFurlong。
　　Takethemin，Julia，withMissDalyandMissPower。’
　　`I’mthemanfortheladies，’saidMrBrowne，pursinghislipsuntilhismoustachebristled，andsmilinginallhiswrinkles。`Youknow，MissMorkan，thereasontheyaresofondofmeis——’
　　Hedidnotfinishhissentence，but，seeingthatAuntKatewasoutofearshot，atonceledthethreeyoungladiesintothebackroom。Themiddleoftheroomwasoccupiedbytwosquaretablesplacedendtoend，andontheseAuntJuliaandthecaretakerwerestraighteningandsmoothingalargecloth。Onthesideboardwerearrayeddishesandplates，andglassesandbundlesofknivesandforksandspoons。ThetopoftheclosedSquarepianoservedalsoasasideboardforviandsandsweets。Atasmallersideboardinonecornertwoyoungmenwerestanding，drinkinghop-bitters。
　　MrBrowneledhischargesthitherandinvitedthemall，injest，tosomeladies’punch，hot，strong，andsweet。Astheysaidtheynevertookanythingstrong，heopenedthreebottlesoflemonadeforthem。Thenheaskedoneoftheyoungmentomoveaside，and，takingholdofthedecanter，filledoutforhimselfagoodlymeasureofwhisky。Theyoungmeneyedhimrespectfullywhilehetookatrialsip。
　　`Godhelpme，’hesaid，smiling，`it’sthedoctor’sorder。’
　　Hiswizenedfacebrokeintoabroadersmile，andthethreeyoungladieslaughedinmusicalechotohispleasantry，swayingtheirbodiestoandfro，withnervousjerksoftheirshoulders。Theboldestsaid：
　　`O，now，MrBrowne，I’msurethedoctorneverorderedanythingofthekind。’
　　MrBrownetookanothersipofhiswhiskyandsaid，withsidlingmimicry：
　　`Well，yousee，I’mthefamousMrsCassidy，whoisreportedtohavesaid："Now，MaryGrimes，ifIdon’ttakeit，makemetakeit，forIfeelIwantit。"’
　　HishotfacehadleanedforwardalittletooconfidentiallyandhehadassumedaverylowDublinaccent，sothattheyoungladies，withoneinstinct，receivedhisspeechinsilence。MissFurlong，whowasoneofMaryJane’spupils，askedMissDalywhatwasthenameoftheprettywaltzshehadplayed；
　　andMrBrowne，seeingthathewasignored，turnedpromptlytothetwoyoungmen，whoweremoreappreciative。
　　Ared-facedyoungwoman，dressedinpansy，cameintotheroom，excitedlyclappingherhandsandcrying：
　　`Quadrilles！Quadrilles！’
　　CloseonherheelscameAuntKate，crying：
　　`Twogentlemenandthreeladies，MaryJane！’
　　`O，here’sMrBerginandMrKerrigan，’saidMaryJane。`MrKerrigan，willyoutakeMissPower？MissFurlong，mayIgetyouapartner，MrBergin。
　　O，that’lljustdonow。’
　　`Threeladies，MaryJane，’saidAuntKate。
　　Thetwoyounggentlemenaskedtheladiesiftheymighthavethepleasure，andMaryJaneturnedtoMissDaly。
　　`O，MissDaly，you’rereallyawfullygood，afterplayingforthelasttwodances，butreallywe’resoshortofladiestonight。’
　　`Idon’tmindintheleast，MissMorkan。’
　　`ButI’veanicepartnerforyou，MrBartellD’Arcy，thetenor。I’llgethimtosinglateron。AllDublinisravingabouthim。’
　　`Lovelyvoice，lovelyvoice！’saidAuntKate。
　　AsthepianohadtwicebegunthepreludetothefirstfigureMaryJaneledherrecruitsquicklyfromtheroom。TheyhadhardlygonewhenAuntJuliawanderedslowlyintotheroom，lookingbehindheratsomething。
　　`Whatisthematter，Julia？’askedAuntKateanxiously。`Whoisit？’
　　Julia，whowascarryinginacolumnoftable-napkins，turnedtohersisterandsaid，simply，asifthequestionhadsurprisedher：
　　`It’sonlyFreddy，Kate，andGabrielwithhim。’
　　Infact，rightbehindherGabrielcouldbeseenpilotingFreddyMalinsacrossthelanding。Thelatter，ayoungmanofaboutforty，wasofGabriel’ssizeandbuild，withveryroundshoulders。Hisfacewasfleshyandpallid，touchedwithcolouronlyatthethickhanginglobesofhisearsandatthewidewingsofhisnose。Hehadcoarsefeatures，abluntnose，aconvexandrecedingbrow，tumidandprotrudedlips。Hisheavy-liddedeyesandthedisorderofhisscantyhairmadehimlooksleepy。HewaslaughingheartilyinahighkeyatastorywhichhehadbeentellingGabrielonthestairsandatthesametimerubbingtheknucklesofhisleftfistbackwardsandforwardsintohislefteye。
　　`Goodevening，Freddy，’saidAuntJulia。
　　FreddyMalinsbadetheMissesMorkangoodeveninginwhatseemedanoff-handfashionbyreasonofthehabitualcatchinhisvoiceandthen，seeingthatMrBrownewasgrinningathimfromthesideboard，crossedtheroomonrathershakylegsandbegantorepeatinanundertonethestoryhehadjusttoldtoGabriel。
　　`He’snotsobad，ishe？’saidAuntKatetoGabriel。
　　Gabriel’sbrowsweredark，butheraisedthemquicklyandanswered：
　　`O，no，hardlynoticeable。’
　　`Now，isn’theaterriblefellow！’shesaid。`AndhispoormothermadehimtakethepledgeonNewYear’sEve。Butcomeon，Gabriel，intothedrawing-room。’
　　BeforeleavingtheroomwithGabrielshesignalledtoMrBrownebyfrowningandshakingherforefingerinwarningtoandfro。MrBrownenoddedinanswerand，whenshehadgone，saidtoFreddyMalins：
　　`Now，then，Teddy，I’mgoingtofillyououtagoodglassoflemonadejusttobuckyouup。’
　　FreddyMalins，whowasnearingtheclimaxofhisstory，wavedtheofferasideimpatiently，butMrBrowne，havingfirstcalledFreddyMalins’attentiontoadisarrayinhisdress，filledoutandhandedhimafullglassoflemonade。
　　FreddyMalins’lefthandacceptedtheglassmechanically，hisrighthandbeingengagedinthemechanicalreadjustmentofhisdress。MrBrowne，whosefacewasoncemorewrinklingwithmirth，pouredoutforhimselfaglassofwhiskywhileFreddyMalinsexploded，beforehehadwellreachedtheclimaxofhisstory，inakinkofhigh-pitchedbronchiticlaughterand，settingdownhisuntastedandoverflowingglass，begantoruntheknucklesofhisleftfistbackwardsandforwardsintohislefteye，repeatingwordsofhislastphraseaswellashisfitoflaughterwouldallowhim。
　　GabrielcouldnotlistenwhileMaryJanewasplayingherAcademypiece，fullofrunsanddifficultpassages，tothehusheddrawing-room。Helikedmusic，butthepieceshewasplayinghadnomelodyforhimandhedoubtedwhetherithadanymelodyfortheotherlisteners，thoughtheyhadbeggedMaryJanetoplaysomething。Fouryoungmen，whohadcomefromtherefreshment-roomtostandinthedoorwayatthesoundofthepiano，hadgoneawayquietlyincouplesafterafewminutes。TheonlypersonswhoseemedtofollowthemusicwereMaryJaneherself，herhandsracingalongthekeyboardorliftedfromitatthepauseslikethoseofapriestessinmomentaryimprecation，andAuntKatestandingatherelbowtoturnthepage。
　　Gabriel’seyes，irritatedbythefloor，whichglitteredwithbeeswaxundertheheavychandelier，wanderedtothewallabovethepiano。ApictureofthebalconysceneinRomeoandJuliethungthereandbesideitwasapictureofthetwomurderedprincesintheTowerwhichAuntJuliahadworkedinred，blue，andbrownwoolswhenshewasagirl。Probablyintheschooltheyhadgonetoasgirlsthatkindofworkhadbeentaughtforoneyear。Hismotherhadworkedforhimasabirthdaypresentawaistcoatofpurpletabinet，withlittlefoxes’headsuponit，linedwithbrownsatinandhavingroundmulberrybuttons。Itwasstrangethathismotherhadhadnomusicaltalent，thoughAuntKateusedtocallherthebrainscarrieroftheMorkanfamily。BothsheandJuliahadalwaysseemedalittleproudoftheirseriousandmatronlysister。Herphotographstoodbeforethepier-glass。
　　ShehadanopenbookonherkneesandwaspointingoutsomethinginittoConstantinewho，dressedinaman-o’-warsuit，layatherfeet。Itwasshewhohadchosenthenamesofhersons，forshewasverysensibleofthedignityoffamilylife。Thankstoher，ConstantinewasnowseniorcurateinBalbrigganand，thankstoher，GabrielhimselfhadtakenhisdegreeintheRoyalUniversity。Ashadowpassedoverhisfaceasherememberedhersullenoppositiontohismarriage。Someslightingphrasesshehadusedstillrankledinhismemory；onceshehadspokenofGrettaasbeingcountrycuteandthatwasnottrueofGrettaatall。ItwasGrettawhohadnursedherduringallherlastlongillnessintheirhouseatMonkstown。
　　HeknewthatMaryJanemustbeneartheendofherpiece，forshewasplayingagaintheopeningmelodywithrunsofscalesaftereverybar，andwhilehewaitedfortheendtheresentmentdieddowninhisheart。Thepieceendedwithatrillofoctavesinthetrebleandafinaldeepoctaveinthebass。GreatapplausegreetedMaryJaneas，blushingandrollinguphermusicnervously，sheescapedfromtheroom。Themostvigorousclappingcamefromthefouryoungmeninthedoorwaywhohadgoneawaytotherefreshment-roomatthebeginningofthepiecebuthadcomebackwhenthepianohadstopped。
　　Lancerswerearranged。GabrielfoundhimselfpartneredwithMissIvors。
　　Shewasafrank-mannered，talkativeyounglady，withafreckledfaceandprominentbrowneyes。Shedidnotwearalow-cutbodice，andthelargebroochwhichwasfixedinthefrontofhercollarboreonitanIrishdeviceandmotto。
　　Whentheyhadtakentheirplacesshesaidabruptly：
　　`Ihaveacrowtopluckwithyou。’
　　`Withme？’saidGabriel。
　　Shenoddedherheadgravely。
　　`Whatisit？’askedGabriel，smilingathersolemnmanner。
　　`WhoisG。C。？’answeredMissIvors，turninghereyesuponhim。
　　Gabrielcolouredandwasabouttoknithisbrows，asifhedidnotunderstand，whenshesaidbluntly：
　　`O，innocentAmy！IhavefoundoutthatyouwriteforTheDailyExpress。
　　Now，aren’tyouashamedofyourself？’
　　`WhyshouldIbeashamedofmyself？’askedGabriel，blinkinghiseyesandtryingtosmile。
　　`Well，I’mashamedofyou，’saidMissIvorsfrankly。`Tosayyou’dwriteforapaperlikethat。Ididn’tthinkyouwereaWestBriton。’
　　AlookofperplexityappearedonGabriel’sface。ItwastruethathewrotealiterarycolumneveryWednesdayinTheDailyExpress，forwhichhewaspaidfifteenshillings。ButthatdidnotmakehimaWestBritonsurely。Thebookshereceivedforreviewwerealmostmorewelcomethanthepaltrycheque。Helovedtofeelthecoversandturnoverthepagesofnewlyprintedbooks。Nearlyeverydaywhenhisteachinginthecollegewasendedheusedtowanderdownthequaystothesecond-handbooksellers，toHickey’sonBachelor’sWalk，toWebb’sorMassey’sonAston’sQuay，ortoO’Clohissey’sintheby-street。Hedidnotknowhowtomeethercharge。
　　Hewantedtosaythatliteraturewasabovepolitics。Buttheywerefriendsofmanyyears’standingandtheircareershadbeenparallel，firstattheUniversityandthenasteachers：hecouldnotriskagrandiosephrasewithher。Hecontinuedblinkinghiseyesandtryingtosmileandmurmuredlamelythathesawnothingpoliticalinwritingreviewsofbooks。
　　Whentheirturntocrosshadcomehewasstillperplexedandinattentive。
　　MissIvorspromptlytookhishandinawarmgraspandsaidinasoftfriendlytone：
　　`Ofcourse，Iwasonlyjoking。Come，wecrossnow。’
　　WhentheyweretogetheragainshespokeoftheUniversityquestionandGabrielfeltmoreatease。AfriendofhershadshownherhisreviewofBrowning’spoems。Thatwashowshehadfoundoutthesecret：butshelikedthereviewimmensely。
　　Thenshesaidsuddenly：
　　`O，MrConroy，willyoucomeforanexcursiontotheAranIslesthissummer？We’regoingtostaythereawholemonth。ItwillbesplendidoutintheAtlantic。Yououghttocome。MrClancyiscoming，andMrKilkellyandKathleenKearney。ItwouldbesplendidforGrettatooifshe’dcome。
　　She’sfromConnacht，isn’tshe？’
　　`Herpeopleare，’saidGabrielshortly。
　　`Butyouwillcome，won’tyou？’saidMissIvors，layingherwarmhandeagerlyonhisarm。
　　`Thefactis，’saidGabriel，`Ihavejustarrangedtogo——’
　　`Gowhere？’askedMissIvors。
　　`Well，youknow，everyyearIgoforacyclingtourwithsomefellowsandso——’
　　`Butwhere？’askedMissIvors。
　　`Well，weusuallygotoFranceorBelgiumorperhapsGermany，’saidGabrielawkwardly。
　　`AndwhydoyougotoFranceandBelgium，’saidMissIvors，`insteadofvisitingyourownland？’
　　`Well，’saidGabriel，`it’spartlytokeepintouchwiththelanguagesandpartlyforachange。’
　　`Andhaven’tyouyourownlanguagetokeepintouchwith-Irish？’askedMissIvors。
　　`Well，’saidGabriel，`ifitcomestothat，youknow，Irishisnotmylanguage。’
　　Theirneighbourshadturnedtolistentothecross-examination。Gabrielglancedrightandleftnervouslyandtriedtokeephisgoodhumourundertheordeal，whichwasmakingablushinvadehisforehead。
　　`Andhaven’tyouyourownlandtovisit，’continuedMissIvors，`thatyouknownothingof，yourownpeople，andyourowncountry？’
　　`O，totellyouthetruth，’retortedGabrielsuddenly，`I’msickofmyowncountry，sickofit！’
　　`Why？’askedMissIvors。
　　Gabrieldidnotanswer，forhisretorthadheatedhim。
　　`Why？’repeatedMissIvors。
　　Theyhadtogovisitingtogetherand，ashehadnotansweredher，MissIvorssaidwarmly：
　　`Ofcourse，you’venoanswer。’
　　Gabrieltriedtocoverhisagitationbytakingpartinthedancewithgreatenergy。Heavoidedhereyes，forhehadseenasourexpressiononherface。Butwhentheymetinthelongchainhewassurprisedtofeelhishandfirmlypressed。Shelookedathimfromunderherbrowsforamomentquizzicallyuntilhesmiled。Then，justasthechainwasabouttostartagain，shestoodontiptoeandwhisperedintohisear：
　　`WestBriton！’
　　WhenthelancerswereoverGabrielwentawaytoaremotecorneroftheroomwhereFreddyMalins’motherwassitting。Shewasastout，feebleoldwomanwithwhitehair。Hervoicehadacatchinitlikeherson’sandshestutteredslightly。ShehadbeentoldthatFreddyhadcomeandthathewasnearlyallright。Gabrielaskedherwhethershehadhadagoodcrossing。
　　ShelivedwithhermarrieddaughterinGlasgowandcametoDublinonavisitonceayear。Sheansweredplacidlythatshehadhadabeautifulcrossingandthatthecaptainhadbeenmostattentivetoher。ShespokealsoofthebeautifulhouseherdaughterkeptinGlasgow，andofallthefriendstheyhadthere。WhilehertonguerambledonGabrieltriedtobanishfromhismindallmemoryoftheunpleasantincidentwithMissIvors。Ofcoursethegirl，orwoman，orwhatevershewas，wasanenthusiast，buttherewasatimeforallthings。Perhapsheoughtnottohaveansweredherlikethat。
　　ButshehadnorighttocallhimaWestBritonbeforepeople，eveninjoke。
　　Shehadtriedtomakehimridiculousbeforepeople，hecklinghimandstaringathimwithherrabbit’seyes。
　　Hesawhiswifemakingherwaytowardshimthroughthewaltzingcouples。
　　Whenshereachedhimshesaidintohisear：
　　`Gabriel，AuntKatewantstoknowwon’tyoucarvethegooseasusual。
　　MissDalywillcarvethehamandI’lldothepudding。’
　　`Allright，’saidGabriel。
　　`She’ssendingintheyoungeronesfirstassoonasthiswaltzisoversothatwe’llhavethetabletoourselves。’
　　`Wereyoudancing？’askedGabriel。
　　`OfcourseIwas。Didn’tyouseeme？WhatrowhadyouwithMollyIvors？’
　　`Norow。Why？Didshesayso？’
　　`Somethinglikethat。I’mtryingtogetthatMrD’Arcytosing。He’sfullofconceit，Ithink。’
　　`Therewasnorow，’saidGabrielmoodily，`onlyshewantedmetogoforatriptothewestofIrelandandIsaidIwouldn’t。’
　　Hiswifeclaspedherhandsexcitedlyandgavealittlejump。
　　`O，dogo，Gabriel，’shecried。`I’dlovetoseeGalwayagain。’
　　`Youcangoifyoulike，’saidGabrielcoldly。
　　Shelookedathimforamoment，thenturnedtoMrsMalinsandsaid：
　　`There’sanicehusbandforyou，MrsMalins。’
　　WhileshewasthreadingherwaybackacrosstheroomMrsMalins，withoutadvertingtotheinterruption，wentontotellGabrielwhatbeautifulplacestherewereinScotlandandbeautifulscenery。Herson-in-lawbroughtthemeveryyeartothelakesandtheyusedtogofishing。Herson-in-lawwasasplendidfisher。Onedayhecaughtabeautifulbigfishandthemaninthehotelcookeditfortheirdinner。
　　Gabrielhardlyheardwhatshesaid。Nowthatsupperwascomingnearhebegantothinkagainabouthisspeechandaboutthequotation。WhenhesawFreddyMalinscomingacrosstheroomtovisithismotherGabrielleftthechairfreeforhimandretiredintotheembrasureofthewindow。
　　Theroomhadalreadyclearedandfromthebackroomcametheclatterofplatesandknives。Thosewhostillremainedinthedrawing-roomseemedtiredofdancingandwereconversingquietlyinlittlegroups。Gabriel’swarm，tremblingfingerstappedthecoldpaneofthewindow。Howcoolitmustbeoutside！Howpleasantitwouldbetowalkoutalone，firstalongbytheriverandthenthroughthepark！ThesnowwouldbelyingonthebranchesofthetreesandformingabrightcaponthetopoftheWellingtonMonument。Howmuchmorepleasantitwouldbetherethanatthesupper-table！
　　Heranovertheheadingsofhisspeech：Irishhospitality，sadmemories，theThreeGraces，Paris，thequotationfromBrowning。Herepeatedtohimselfaphrasehehadwritteninhisreview：`Onefeelsthatoneislisteningtoathought-tormentedmusic。’MissIvorshadpraisedthereview。Wasshesincere？Hadshereallyanylifeofherownbehindallherpropagandism？
　　Therehadneverbeenanyill-feelingbetweenthemuntilthatnight。Itunnervedhimtothinkthatshewouldbeatthesupper-table，lookingupathim，whilehespoke，withhercriticalquizzingeyes。Perhapsshewouldnotbesorrytoseehimfailinhisspeech。Anideacameintohismindandgavehimcourage。Hewouldsay，alludingtoAuntKateandAuntJulia：
　　`LadiesandGentlemen，thegenerationwhichisnowonthewaneamongusmayhavehaditsfaults，butformypartIthinkithadcertainqualitiesofhospitality，ofhumour，ofhumanity，whichthenewandveryseriousandhyper-educatedgenerationthatisgrowinguparoundusseemstometolack。’Verygood：thatwasoneforMissIvors。Whatdidhecarethathisauntswereonlytwoignorantoldwomen？
　　Amurmurintheroomattractedhisattention。MrBrownewasadvancingfromthedoor，gallantlyescortingAuntJulia，wholeaneduponhisarm，smilingandhangingherhead。Anirregularmusketryofapplauseescortedheralsoasfarasthepianoandthen，asMaryJaneseatedherselfonthestool，andAuntJulia，nolongersmiling，halfturnedsoastopitchhervoicefairlyintotheroom，graduallyceased。Gabrielrecognizedtheprelude。
　　ItwasthatofanoldsongofAuntJulia’s-`ArrayedfortheBridal’。
　　Hervoice，strongandclearintone，attackedwithgreatspirittherunswhichembellishtheair，andthoughshesangveryrapidlyshedidnotmisseventhesmallestofthegracenotes。Tofollowthevoice，withoutlookingatthesinger’sface，wastofeelandsharetheexcitementofswiftandsecureflight。Gabrielapplaudedloudlywithalltheothersatthecloseofthesong，andloudapplausewasborneinfromtheinvisiblesupper-table。
　　ItsoundedsogenuinethatalittlecolourstruggledintoAuntJulia’sfaceasshebenttoreplaceinthemusic-standtheoldleather-boundsong-bookthathadherinitialsonthecover。FreddyMalins，whohadlistenedwithhisheadperchedsidewaystohearherbetter，wasstillapplaudingwheneveryoneelsehadceasedandtalkinganimatedlytohismother，whonoddedherheadgravelyandslowlyinacquiescence。Atlast，whenhecouldclapnomore，hestoodupsuddenlyandhurriedacrosstheroomtoAuntJuliawhosehandheseizedandheldinbothhishands，shakingitwhenwordsfailedhimorthecatchinhisvoiceprovedtoomuchforhim。
　　`Iwasjusttellingmymother，’hesaid，`Ineverheardyousingsowell，never。No，Ineverheardyourvoicesogoodasitistonight。Now！
　　Wouldyoubelievethatnow？That’sthetruth。Uponmywordandhonourthat’sthetruth。Ineverheardyourvoicesoundsofreshandso……soclearandfresh，never。’
　　AuntJuliasmiledbroadlyandmurmuredsomethingaboutcomplimentsasshereleasedherhandfromhisgrasp。MrBrowneextendedhisopenhandtowardsherandsaidtothosewhowerenearhiminthemannerofashowmanintroducingaprodigytoanaudience：
　　`MissJuliaMorkan，mylatestdiscovery！’
　　HewaslaughingveryheartilyatthishimselfwhenFreddyMalinsturnedtohimandsaid：
　　`Well，Browne，ifyou’reseriousyoumightmakeaworsediscovery。AllIcansayisIneverheardhersinghalfsowellaslongasIamcominghere。Andthat’sthehonesttruth。’
　　`NeitherdidI，’saidMrBrowne。`Ithinkhervoicehasgreatlyimproved。’
　　AuntJuliashruggedhershouldersandsaidwithmeekpride：
　　`ThirtyyearsagoIhadn’tabadvoiceasvoicesgo。’
　　`IoftentoldJulia，’saidAuntKateemphatically，`thatshewassimplythrownawayinthatchoir。Butsheneverwouldbesaidbyme。’
　　Sheturnedasiftoappealtothegoodsenseoftheothersagainstarefractorychild，whileAuntJuliagazedinfrontofher，avaguesmileofreminiscenceplayingonherface。
　　`No，’continuedAuntKate，`shewouldn’tbesaidorledbyanyone，slavingthereinthatchoirnightandday，nightandday。Sixo’clockonChristmasmorning！Andallforwhat？’
　　`Well，isn’titforthehonourofGod，AuntKate？’askedMaryJane，twistingroundonthepiano-stoolandsmiling。