Towards
evening the neighbors assembled in considerable numbers, each interested
in the success of some peculiar favorite, whose former feats had induced
her friends to entertain on her behalf strong, if not certain, hopes of
victory. Kathleen, from a principle of generosity, patronized her young
friend, Dora M'Mahon; and Shibby M'Mahon, on the other hand, took
Hanna Cavanagh under her protection. As the evening advanced, and the
spectators and friends of the parties began to call, in order to be
present at the moment of victory, it would be difficult to witness any
assemblage of young women placed under circumstances of such striking
interest. The mirth and song and general murmur diminished by degrees,
until they altogether ceased, and. nothing was to be heard but the
perpetual cracking of the reels, the hum of the rapid wheels, and the
voices of the reelers, as they proclaimed the state of this enlivening
pool of industry. As for the fair competitors themselves, it might have
been observed that even those among them who had no, or at least but
slight pretensions to beauty, became actually interesting from the
excitement which prevailed. Their eyes lit by the active spirit of
rivalry within them, sparkled with peculiar brilliancy, their cheeks
became flushed or got pale as they felt themselves elevated or depressed
by the prospect or loss of victory.
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