We have said that Tom M'Mahon and his family were there, but we should
have added, with one exception. Bryan did not arrive until the evening
was far advanced, having been prevented by pressing business connected
with his farm. On making his appearance, he was greeted by a murmur of
welcomes, and many an honest hand was extended to him. Up until then
there were two individuals who observed Kathleen Cavanagh closely, and
we must ourselves admit that both came to the same conclusion. Its was
clear that during the whole evening she had been unusually pensive,
if not actually depressed, although a general observer would have seen
nothing in her beyond the natural sedateness of her manner. The two in
question were Kate Hogan and Dora M'Mahon. On Bryan's arrival, however,
the color of her cheek deeped into a richer beauty, the eye became more
sparkling, and a much slighter jest than before moved her into mirth.
Such, however, we are, and such is the mystery of our nature. It might
have been remarked that the Hogans eyed Bryan, soon after making his
appearance, with glances expressive of anything but good feeling. It was
not, however, when he first arrived, or danced with Hanna Cavanagh, that
these boding glances were turned upon him, but on the occasion of his
performing a reel with Kathleen. It might have been noticed that they
looked at him, and afterwards at each other, in a manner that could
admit of but little misapprehension.
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