When first we met we did not guess That Love would prove so hard a master; Of more than common friendliness When first we met we did not guess-- Who could foretell this sore distress-- This irretrievable disaster When first we met? We did not guess That Love would prove so hard a master. --Robert Bridges. Miss Pat asked me to dine at St. Agatha's that night. The message came unexpectedly--a line on one of those quaint visiting-cards of hers, brought by the gardener; and when I had penned my acceptance I at once sent the following message by Ijima to the boat-maker's house at Red Gate: To Rosalind at Red Gate: It is important for you to appear with me at the Port Annandale casino to-night, and to meet Reginald Gillespie there. He is pledged to refer in no way to family affairs. It he should attempt to, you need only remind him of his promise. He will imagine that you are some one else, so please be careful not to tax his imagination too far. There is much at stake which I will explain later. You are to refuse nothing that he may offer you. I shall come into the creek with the launch and call for you at Red Gate. THE IRISHMAN AT GLENARM. The casino dances are very informal. A plain white gown and a few ribbons. But don't omit your emerald. I was not sure where this project would lead me, but I committed myself to it with a fair conscience. I reached St. Agatha's just as dinner was announced and we went out at once to the small dining-room used by the Sister in charge during vacation, where I faced Miss Pat, with Helen on one hand and Sister Margaret on the other. They were all in good humor, even Sister Margaret proving less austere than usual, and it is not too much to say that we were a merry party. Helen led me with a particular intention to talk of Irish affairs, and avowed her own unbelief in the capacity of the Irish for self-government. "Now, Helen!" admonished Miss Pat, as our debate waxed warm. "Oh, do not spare me! I could not be shot to pieces in a better cause!" "The trouble with you people," declared Helen with finality, "is that you have no staying qualities. The smashing of a few heads occasionally satisfies your islanders, then down go the necks beneath the yoke. You are incapable of prolonged war. Now even the Cubans did better; you must admit that, Mr. Donovan!" She met my eyes with a challenge. There was no question as to the animus of the discussion: she wished me to understand that there was war between us, and that with no great faith in my wit or powers of endurance she was setting herself confidently to the business of defeating my purposes. And I must confess that I liked it in her! "If we had you for an advocate our flag would undoubtedly rule the seas, Miss Holbrook!" "I dip my colors," she replied, "only to the long-enduring, not to the valiant alone!"