Why does my heart warm to you as it never did to
any one out o' my own family? Why do I love you as if you were my own
child? Because I hope you will be so. Kiss me, asthore machree."
Kathleen kissed her, and for a few moments Mrs. M'Mahon felt a shower
of warm tears upon her face, accompanied by a gentle and caressing
pressure, that seemed to corroborate and return the hope she had just
expressed. Kathleen hastily wiped away her tears, however, and once more
resuming her firmness, awaited the expected blessing.
"Now, Kathleen dear, for fear any one might say that at my dyin' hour,
I endeavored to take any unfair advantage of your feelings for my son,
listen to me--love him as you may, and as I know you do."
"Why should I deny it?" said Kathleen, "I do love him."
"I know, darlin', you do, but for all that, go not agin the will and
wishes of your parents and friends; that's my last advice to you."
She then placed her hand upon her head, and in words breathing of piety
and affection, she invoked many a blessing upon her, and upon any that
was clear to her in life, after which both Bryan and Kathleen left her
to the rest which she now required so much.
The last hour had been an interval from pain with Mrs. M'Mahon. In
the course of the day both the priest and the doctor arrived, and she
appeared somewhat better.
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