As it was, however, Kate did not seem to notice it. On the contrary, no
one could exhibit a more finished appearance of stupid indifference than
she assumed upon these occasions, even although she knew by the removal
of the tools, or a portion of them, that her friends were engaged in
some business belonging to their craft. In this manner matters proceeded
for some weeks subsequent to the period of Philip's return.
Kate also observed, with displeasure, that among all those who joined in
the outcry against Bryan M'Mahon, none made his conduct, such as it was
conceived to have been, a subject of more brutal and bitter triumph than
the Hogans. The only circumstance connected with him which grieved them
to the heart, was the fact that the distillation plot had not ruined him
as they expected it would have done. His disgrace, however, and unjust
ejectment from Ahadarra filled them with that low, ruffianly sense of
exultation, than which, coming from such scoundrels, there is scarcely
anything more detestable in human nature.
One evening about this time they were sitting about the fire, the three
brothers, Kate, and the young unlicked savages of the family, when
Philip, after helping himself to a glass of quints, said,--
"At any rate, there'll be no match between Miss Kathleen and that
vagabond, Bryan M'Mahon.
Pages:
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408