Page:Selection of amusing and entertaining Irish stories.pdf/19

19 As he descended into the plain, he overtook a little group of children merrily walking along the path, and stopping now and then to gather berries in the hedge. “ Where are you going, my dears?” said Edward. “We are going home,” they all replied. “ And where is that?” “Why, to Summerton, that town there among the trees, just before us. Don’t you see it?” “I see it well,” answered Edward,” the tear standing in his eye. “ And what is your name_and yours_and yours?”

The little innocents told their names : Edward’s heart leaped at the well-known sounds. “ And what is your name, my dear?" said he to a pretty girl, somewhat older than the rest, who hung back shyly, and held the hand of a ruddy white-headed boy, just breeched. “ It is Rose Walsingham; and this is my younger brother, Roger.” “Walsingham!” Edward clasped the girl round the neck, and surprised her with two or three very close kisses. He then lifted up little Roger, and almost devoured him. Roger seemed as if he wanted to be set down again, but Edward told him he would carry him home.

“ And can you show me the house you live at, Rose?” said Edward. “ Yes : it is just there, beside the pond, with the great barn before it, and the orchard behind.” “ And will youtake me home with you, Rose?” “If you please,” answered Rose, hesitatingly.

They walked on. Edward said but little, for his heart was full; but he frequently kissed little Roger.

Coming at length to a stile, from which a path led across a little close, “ This is the way to our house,” said Rose.

The other children parted. Edward set down Roger, and got over the stile. He still, however, kept hold of the boy's hand. He trembled, and looked wildly around him.

When they approached the house, an old mastiff came running to meet the children. He looked up at Edward rather sourly and gave a little growl, when all at once his countenance changed ; he leaped upon him, licked his hand, wagged his tail, murmured in a soft voice, and seemed quite overcome with joy. Edward stooped down, patted his head, and cried, “ Poor Captain, what! are you alive yet?” Rose was surprised that the stranger and their dog should know one another.

They all entered the house together. A good-looking middle-aged woman was busied in preparing articles of cookery, assisted by her grown-up daughter. She spoke to the children as they came in, and, casting a look of some surprise on Edward, asked him what his business was.

Edward was some time silent; at length with a faltering voice he cried, “Have you forgot me, mother ?” “Edward !