On doing so
she received a sorrowful glance of deep and imploring entreaty from
Bryan, which she returned with another that seemed to reprove him for
doubting her affection, or supposing that such a promise was even
necessary. "No, Dora dear," she said, "I could make no promise without
the knowledge of my father and mother, or contrary to their wishes; but
did you think, darling, that such a thing was necessary?" She kissed the
sweet girl as she spoke, and Dora felt a tear on her cheek that was not
her own.
Mrs. M'Mahon had been looking with a kind of mournful admiration upon
Kathleen during this little incident, and then proceeded. "She says what
is right and true; and it would be wrong, my poor child, to ask her to
give such a promise. Bryan, thry an' be worthy of that girl--oh, do! an'
if you ever get her, you'll have raison to thank God for one of the best
gifts He ever gave to man. Hanna, come here--come to me--let me put my
hand upon your head. May my blessin' and God's blessin' rest upon you
for ever more. There now, be stout, acushla machree." Hanna kissed her
again, but her grief was silent; and Dora, fearing she might not be able
to restrain it, took her away.
"Now," proceeded the dying woman, "come to me, you Kathleen, my
daughter--sure you're the daughter of my heart, as it is. Kneel down and
stay with me awhile.
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