The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. II (of II)Lever, Charles
History
The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. II (of II)
Lever, Charles
Ireland -- History -- 1800-1837 -- Fiction; Ireland -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction
Massingbred read on: “'Without being myself a witness to it, I never
could have credited the almost feudal attachment of these people to
an “Old House.” The Radical party in the borough are, for the moment,
proscribed, and dare not show themselves in the streets; and even
Magennis, who so lately figured as an enemy to the Martins, passed
through the town this morning with his wife, with a great banner flying
over his jaunting-car, inscribed “The Martins for Ever!” This burst of
sentiment on his part, I ought to mention, was owing to a most devoted
piece of heroism performed by Miss Martin, who sought out the lost one
and brought her safely back, through a night of such storm and hurricane
as few ever remember. Such an act, amidst such a people, is sure of its
reward. The peasantry would, to a man, lay down their lives for her; and
coming critically, as the incident did, just when a new proprietor
was about to enforce his claim, you can fancy the added bitterness
it imparted to their spirit of resistance. I sincerely trust that the
magistrates will not accede to the demand for an increased force. A
terrible collision is sure to be the result, and I know enough of
these people to be aware of what can be done by a little diplomacy,
particularly when the right negotiator is employed. I mean, therefore,
to go over and speak to Mr. Nelligan, who is the only man of brains
amongst the magistrates here.'”
“A relative, I presume,” said his Excellency.
“My father, my Lord,” replied Joe, blushing.
“Oh! here is the result of his interview,” said Massing-bred, turning to
the foot of the page. “'Nelligan quite agreed in the view I had taken,
and said the people would assuredly disarm and perhaps destroy any force
we could send against them. He is greatly puzzled what course to adopt;
and when I suggested the propriety of invoking Miss Martin's aid, told
me that this is out of the question, since she is on a sick-bed. While
we were speaking, a Dublin physician passed through on his way to visit
her. This really does add to the complication, for she is, perhaps, the
only one who could exert a great influence over the excited populace. In
any other country it might read strangely, that it was to a young lady
men should have recourse in a moment of such peril; but this is like no
other country, the people like no other people, the young lady herself,
perhaps, like no other young lady!'”
By a scarcely perceptible movement of his head, and a very slight change
of voice, Colonel Massingbred intimated to the Viceroy that there was
something for his private ear, and Lord Reckington stepped back to hear
it. Nelligan, too deeply occupied in his own thoughts to remark the
circumstance, stood in the same place, silent and motionless.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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