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。