AuntKateturnedfiercelyonhernieceandsaid：
`IknowallaboutthehonourofGod，MaryJane，butIthinkit’snotatallhonourableforthePopetoturnoutthewomenoutofthechoirsthathaveslavedtherealltheirlivesandputlittlewhipper-snappersofboysovertheirheads。IsupposeitisforthegoodoftheChurch，ifthePopedoesit。Butit’snotjust，MaryJane，andit’snotright。’
Shehadworkedherselfintoapassionandwouldhavecontinuedindefenceofhersister，foritwasasoresubjectwithher，butMaryJane，seeingthatallthedancershadcomeback，intervenedpacifically。
`Now，AuntKate，you’regivingscandaltoMrBrowne，whoisoftheotherpersuasion。’
AuntKateturnedtoMrBrowne，whowasgrinningatthisallusiontohisreligion，andsaidhastily：
`O，Idon’tquestionthePope’sbeingright。I’monlyastupidoldwomanandIwouldn’tpresumetodosuchathing。Butthere’ssuchathingascommoneverydaypolitenessandgratitude。AndifIwereinJulia’splaceI’dtellthatFatherHealeystraightuptohisface……’
`Andbesides，AuntKate，’saidMaryJane，`wereallyareallhungryandwhenwearehungryweareallveryquarrelsome。’
`Andwhenwearethirstywearealsoquarrelsome，’addedMrBrowne。
`Sothatwehadbettergotosupper，’saidMaryJane，`andfinishthediscussionafterwards。’
Onthelandingoutsidethedrawing-roomGabrielfoundhiswifeandMaryJanetryingtopersuadeMissIvorstostayforsupper。ButMissIvors，whohadputonherhatandwasbuttoninghercloak，wouldnotstay。Shedidnotfeelintheleasthungryandshehadalreadyoverstayedhertime。
`Butonlyfortenminutes，Molly，’saidMrsConroy。`Thatwon’tdelayyou。’
`Totakeapickitself，’saidMaryJane，`afterallyourdancing。’
`Ireallycouldn’t，’saidMissIvors。
`Iamafraidyoudidn’tenjoyyourselfatall，’saidMaryJanehopelessly。
`Eversomuch，Iassureyou，’saidMissIvors，`butyoureallymustletmerunoffnow。’
`Buthowcanyougethome？’askedMrsConroy。
`O，it’sonlytwostepsupthequay。’
Gabrielhesitatedamomentandsaid：
`Ifyouwillallowme，MissIvors，I’llseeyouhomeifyouarereallyobligedtogo。’
ButMissIvorsbrokeawayfromthem。
`Iwon’thearofit，’shecried。`Forgoodness’sakegointoyoursuppersanddon’tmindme。I’mquitewellabletotakecareofmyself。’
`Well，you’rethecomicalgirl，Molly，’saidMrsConroyfrankly。
`Beannachtlibh，’criedMissIvors，withalaugh，assherandownthestaircase。
MaryJanegazedafterher，amoodypuzzledexpressiononherface，whileMrsConroyleanedoverthebanisterstolistenforthehall-door。Gabrielaskedhimselfwashethecauseofherabruptdeparture。Butshedidnotseemtobeinillhumour-shehadgoneawaylaughing。Hestaredblanklydownthestaircase。
AtthatmomentAuntKatecametoddlingoutofthesupper-room，almostwringingherhandsindespair。
`WhereisGabriel？’shecried。`WhereonearthisGabriel？There’severyonewaitinginthere，stagetolet，andnobodytocarvethegoose！’
`HereIam，AuntKate！’criedGabriel，withsuddenanimation，`readytocarveaflockofgeese，ifnecessary。’
Afatbrowngooselayatoneendofthetable，andattheotherend，onabedofcreasedpaperstrewnwithsprigsofparsley，layagreatham，strippedofitsouterskinandpepperedoverwithcrustcrumbs，aneatpaperfrillrounditsshin，andbesidethiswasaroundofspicedbeef。
Betweentheserivalendsranparallellinesofside-dishes：twolittleminstersofjelly，redandyellow；ashallowdishfullofblocksofblancmangeandredjam，alargegreenleaf-shapeddishwithastalk-shapedhandle，onwhichlaybunchesofpurpleraisinsandpeeledalmonds，acompaniondishonwhichlayasolidrectangleofSmyrnafigs，adishofcustardtoppedwithgratednutmeg，asmallbowlfullofchocolatesandsweetswrappedingoldandsilverpapersandaglassvaseinwhichstoodsometallcelerystalks。Inthecentreofthetabletherestood，assentriestoafruit-standwhichupheldapyramidoforangesandAmericanapples，twosquatold-fashioneddecantersofcutglass，onecontainingportandtheotherdarksherry。
Ontheclosedsquarepianoapuddinginahugeyellowdishlayinwaiting，andbehinditwerethreesquadsofbottlesofstoutandaleandmineralsdrawnupaccordingtothecoloursoftheiruniforms，thefirsttwoblack，withbrownandredlabels，thethirdandsmallestsquadwhite，withtransversegreensashes。
Gabrieltookhisseatboldlyattheheadofthetableand，havinglookedtotheedgeofthecarver，plungedhisforkfirmlyinto-thegoose。Hefeltquiteateasenow，forhewasanexpertcarverandlikednothingbetterthantofindhimselfattheheadofawell-ladentable。
`MissFurlong，whatshallIsendyou？’heasked。`Awingorasliceofthebreast？’
`Justasmallsliceofthebreast。’
`MissHiggins，whatforyou？’
`O，anythingatall，MrConroy。’
WhileGabrielandMissDalyexchangedplatesofgooseandplatesofhamandspicedbeef，Lilywentfromguesttoguestwithadishofhotflourypotatoeswrappedinawhitenapkin。ThiswasMaryJane’sideaandshehadalsosuggestedapplesauceforthegoose，butAuntKatehadsaidthatplainroastgoosewithoutanyapplesaucehadalwaysbeengoodenoughforherandshehopedshemightnevereatworse。MaryJanewaitedonherpupilsandsawthattheygotthebestslices，andAuntKateandAuntJuliaopenedandcarriedacrossfromthepianobottlesofstoutandaleforthegentlemenandbottlesofmineralsfortheladies。Therewasagreatdealofconfusionandlaughterandnoise，thenoiseofordersandcounter-orders，ofknivesandforks，ofcorksandglass-stoppers。Gabrielbegantocarvesecondhelpingsassoonashehadfinishedthefirstroundwithoutservinghimself。Everyoneprotestedloudly，sothathecompromisedbytakingalongdraughtofstout，forhehadfoundthecarvinghotwork。MaryJanesettleddownquietlytohersupper，butAuntKateandAuntJuliawerestilltoddlingroundthetable，walkingoneachother’sheels，gettingineachother’swayandgivingeachotherunheededorders。MrBrownebeggedofthemtositdownandeattheirsuppersandsodidGabriel，buttheysaidtherewastimeenough，sothat，atlast，FreddyMalinsstoodupand，capturingAuntKate，plumpedherdownonherchairamidgenerallaughter。
WheneveryonehadbeenwellservedGabrielsaid，smiling：
`Now，ifanyonewantsalittlemoreofwhatvulgarpeoplecallstuffinglethimorherspeak。’
Achorusofvoicesinvitedhimtobeginhisownsupper，andLilycameforwardwiththreepotatoeswhichshehadreservedforhim。
`Verywell，’saidGabrielamiably，ashetookanotherpreparatorydraught，`kindlyforgetmyexistence，ladiesandgentlemen，forafewminutes。’
HesettohissupperandtooknopartintheconversationwithwhichthetablecoveredLily’sremovaloftheplates。ThesubjectoftalkwastheoperacompanywhichwasthenattheTheatreRoyal。MrBartellD’Arcy，thetenor，adark-complexionedyoungmanwithasmartmoustache，praisedveryhighlytheleadingcontraltoofthecompany，butMissFurlongthoughtshehadarathervulgarstyleofproduction。FreddyMalinssaidtherewasaNegrochieftainsinginginthesecondpartoftheGaietypantomimewhohadoneofthefinesttenorvoiceshehadeverheard。
`Haveyouheardhim？’heaskedMrBartellD’Arcyacrossthetable。
`No，’answeredMrBartellD’Arcycarelessly。
`Because，’FreddyMalinsexplained，`nowI’dbecurioustohearyouropinionofhim。Ithinkhehasagrandvoice。’
`IttakesTeddytofindoutthereallygoodthings，’saidMrBrownefamiliarlytothetable。
`Andwhycouldn’thehaveavoicetoo？’askedFreddyMalinssharply。
`Isitbecausehe’sonlyablack？’
NobodyansweredthisquestionandMaryJaneledthetablebacktothelegitimateopera。OneofherpupilshadgivenherapassforMignon。
Ofcourseitwasveryfine，shesaid，butitmadeherthinkofpoorGeorginaBurns。MrBrownecouldgobackfartherstill，totheoldItaliancompaniesthatusedtocometoDublin-Tietjens，IlmadeMurzka，Campanini，thegreatTrebelli，Giuglini，Ravelli，Aramburo。Thosewerethedays，hesaid，whentherewassomethinglikesingingtobeheardinDublin。HetoldtooofhowthetopgalleryoftheoldRoyalusedtobepackednightafternight，ofhowonenightanItaliantenorhadsungfiveencorestoLetmelikeaSoldierfall’，introducingahighCeverytime，andofhowthegalleryboyswouldsometimesintheirenthusiasmunyokethehorsesfromthecarriageofsomegreatprimadonnaandpullherthemselvesthroughthestreetstoherhotel。Whydidtheyneverplaythegrandoldoperasnow，heasked，Dinorah，LucreziaBorgia？Becausetheycouldnotgetthevoicestosingthem：thatwaswhy。
`O，well，’saidMrBartellD’Arcy，`Ipresumethereareasgoodsingerstodayastherewerethen。’
`Wherearethey？’askedMrBrownedefiantly。
`InLondon，Paris，Milan，’saidMrBartellD’Arcywarmly。`IsupposeCaruso，forexample，isquiteasgood，ifnotbetterthananyofthemenyouhavementioned。’
`Maybeso，’saidMrBrowne。`ButImaytellyouIdoubtitstrongly。’
`O，I’dgiveanythingtohearCarusosing，’saidMaryJane。
`Forme，’saidAuntKate，whohadbeenpickingabone，`therewasonlyonetenor。Topleaseme，Imean。ButIsupposenoneofyoueverheardofhim。’
`Whowashe，MissMorkan？’askedMrBartellD’Arcypolitely。
`Hisname，’saidAuntKate，`wasParkinson。IheardhimwhenhewasinhisprimeandIthinkhehadthenthepuresttenorvoicethatwaseverputintoaman’sthroat。’
`Strange，’saidMrBartellD’Arcy。`Ineverevenheardofhim。’
`Yes，yes，MissMorkanisright，’saidMrBrowne。`IrememberhearingoldParkinson，buthe’stoofarbackforme。’
`Abeautiful，pure，sweet，mellowEnglishtenor，’saidAuntKatewithenthusiasm。
Gabrielhavingfinished，thehugepuddingwastransferredtothetable。
Theclatterofforksandspoonsbeganagain。Gabriel’swifeservedoutspoonfulsofthepuddingandpassedtheplatesdownthetable。MidwaydowntheywereheldupbyMaryJane，whoreplenishedthemwithraspberryororangejellyorwithblancmangeandjam。ThepuddingwasofAuntJulia’smaking，andshereceivedpraisesforitfromallquarters。Sheherselfsaidthatitwasnotquitebrownenough。
`Well，Ihope，MissMorkan，’saidMrBrowne，`thatI’mbrownenoughforyoubecause，youknow，I’mallBrown。’
Allthegentlemen，exceptGabriel，atesomeofthepuddingoutofcomplimenttoAuntJulia。AsGabrielneveratesweetstheceleryhadbeenleftforhim。FreddyMalinsalsotookastalkofceleryandateitwithhispudding。
Hehadbeentoldthatcelerywasacapitalthingforthebloodandhewasjustthenunderdoctor’scare。MrsMalins，whohadbeensilentallthroughthesupper，saidthathersonwasgoingdowntoMountMellerayinaweekorso。ThetablethenspokeofMountMelleray，howbracingtheairwasdownthere，howhospitablethemonkswereandhowtheyneveraskedforapenny-piecefromtheirguests。
`Anddoyoumeantosay，’askedMrBrowneincredulously，`thatachapcangodownthereandputupthereasifitwereahotelandliveonthefatofthelandandthencomeawaywithoutpayinganything？’
`O，mostpeoplegivesomedonationtothemonasterywhentheyleave，’
saidMaryJane。
`IwishwehadaninstitutionlikethatinourChurch，’saidMrBrownecandidly。
Hewasastonishedtohearthatthemonksneverspoke，gotupattwointhemorningandsleptintheircoffins。Heaskedwhattheydiditfor。
`That’stheruleoftheorder，’saidAuntKatefirmly。
`Yes，butwhy？’askedMrBrowne。
AuntKaterepeatedthatitwastherule，thatwasall。MrBrownestillseemednottounderstand。FreddyMalinsexplainedtohim，asbesthecould，thatthemonksweretryingtomakeupforthesinscommittedbyallthesinnersintheoutsideworld。Theexplanationwasnotveryclear，forMrBrownegrinnedandsaid：
`Ilikethatideaverymuch，butwouldn’tacomfortablespringbeddothemaswellasacoffin？’
`Thecoffin，’saidMaryJane，`istoremindthemoftheirlastend。’
Asthesubjecthadgrownlugubriousitwasburiedinasilenceofthetable，duringwhichMrsMalinscouldbeheardsayingtoherneighbourinanindistinctundertone：
`Theyareverygoodmen，themonks，verypiousmen。’
Theraisinsandalmondsandfigsandapplesandorangesandchocolatesandsweetswerenowpassedaboutthetable，andAuntJuliainvitedallthegueststohaveeitherportorsherry。AtfirstMrBartellD’Arcyrefusedtotakeeither，butoneofhisneighboursnudgedhimandwhisperedsomethingtohim，uponwhichheallowedhisglasstobefilled。Graduallyasthelastglasseswerebeingfilledtheconversationceased。Apausefollowed，brokenonlybythenoiseofthewineandbyunsettlingofchairs。TheMissesMorkan，allthree，lookeddownatthetablecloth。Someonecoughedonceortwice，andthenafewgentlemenpattedthetablegentlyasasignalforsilence。ThesilencecameandGabrielpushedbackhischairandstoodup。
Thepattingatoncegrewlouderinencouragementandthenceasedaltogether。
Gabrielleanedhistentremblingfingersonthetableclothandsmilednervouslyatthecompany。Meetingarowofupturnedfacesheraisedhiseyestothechandelier。Thepianowasplayingawaltztuneandhecouldheartheskirtssweepingagainstthedrawing-roomdoor。People，perhaps，werestandinginthesnowonthequayoutside，gazingupatthelightedwindowsandlisteningtothewaltzmusic。Theairwaspurethere。Inthedistancelaythepark，wherethetreeswereweightedwithsnow。TheWellingtonMonumentworeagleamingcapofsnowthatflashedwestwardsoverthewhitefieldofFifteenAcres。
Hebegan：
`LadiesandGentlemen，`Ithasfallentomylotthisevening，asinyearspast，toperformaverypleasingtask，butataskforwhichIamafraidmypoorpowersasaspeakerarealltooinadequate。’
`No，no！’saidMrBrowne。
`But，howeverthatmaybe，Icanonlyaskyoutonighttotakethewillforthedeed，andtolendmeyourattentionforafewmomentswhileIendeavourtoexpresstoyouinwordswhatmyfeelingsareonthisoccasion。
`LadiesandGentlemen，itisnotthefirsttimethatwehavegatheredtogetherunderthishospitableroof，aroundthishospitableboard。Itisnotthefirsttimethatwehavebeentherecipients-orperhaps，Ihadbettersay，thevictims-ofthehospitalityofcertaingoodladies。’
Hemadeacircleintheairwithhisarmandpaused。EveryonelaughedorsmiledatAuntKateandAuntJuliaandMaryJane，whoallturnedcrimsonwithpleasure。Gabrielwentonmoreboldly：
`Ifeelmorestronglywitheveryrecurringyearthatourcountryhasnotraditionwhichdoesitsomuchhonourandwhichitshouldguardsojealouslyasthatofitshospitality。Itisatraditionthatisuniqueasfarasmyexperiencegoes（andIhavevisitednotafewplacesabroad）
amongthemodernnations。Somewouldsay，perhaps，thatwithusitisratherafailingthananythingtobeboastedof。Butgrantedeventhat，itis，tomymind，aprincelyfailing，andonethatItrustwilllongbecultivatedamongus。Ofonething，atleast，Iamsure。Aslongasthisoneroofsheltersthegoodladiesaforesaid-andIwishfrommyheartitmaydosoformanyandmanyalongyeartocome-thetraditionofgenuinewarm-heartedcourteousIrishhospitality，whichourforefathershavehandeddowntousandwhichwemusthanddowntoourdescendants，isstillaliveamongus。’
Aheartymurmurofassentranroundthetable。ItshotthroughGabriel’smindthatMissIvorswasnotthereandthatshehadgoneawaydiscourteously：
andhesaidwithconfidenceinhimself：
`LadiesandGentlemen，`Anewgenerationisgrowingupinourmidst，agenerationactuatedbynewideasandnewprinciples。Itisseriousandenthusiasticforthesenewideasanditsenthusiasm，evenwhenitismisdirected，is，Ibelieve，inthemainsincere。Butwearelivinginascepticaland，ifImayusethephrase，athought-tormentedage：andsometimesIfearthatthisnewgeneration，educatedorhyper-educatedasitis，willlackthosequalitiesofhumanity，ofhospitality，ofkindlyhumourwhichbelongedtoanolderday。Listeningtonighttothenamesofallthosegreatsingersofthepastitseemedtome，Imustconfess，thatwewerelivinginalessspaciousage。Thosedaysmight，withoutexaggeration，becalledspaciousdays：andiftheyaregonebeyondrecall，letushope，atleast，thatingatheringssuchasthisweshallstillspeakofthemwithprideandaffection，stillcherishinourheartsthememoryofthosedeadandgonegreatoneswhosefametheworldwillnotwillinglyletdie。’
`Hear，hear！’saidMrBrowneloudly。
`Butyet，’continuedGabriel，hisvoicefallingintoasofterinflection，`therearealwaysingatheringssuchasthissadderthoughtsthatwillrecurtoourminds：thoughtsofthepast，ofyouth，ofchanges，ofabsentfacesthatwemissheretonight。Ourpaththroughlifeisstrewnwithmanysuchsadmemories：andwerewetobrooduponthemalwayswecouldnotfindthehearttogoonbravelywithourworkamongtheliving。Wehaveallofuslivingdutiesandlivingaffectionswhichclaim，andrightlyclaim，ourstrenuousendeavours。
`Therefore，Iwillnotlingeronthepast。Iwillnotletanygloomymoralizingintrudeuponusheretonight。Herewearegatheredtogetherforabriefmomentfromthebustleandrushofoureverydayroutine。Wearemethereasfriends，inthespiritofgood-fellowship，ascolleagues，also，toacertainextent，inthetruespiritofcamaraderie，andastheguestsof-whatshallIcallthem？-theThreeGracesoftheDublinmusicalworld。’
Thetableburstintoapplauseandlaughteratthisallusion。AuntJuliavainlyaskedeachofherneighboursinturntotellherwhatGabrielhadsaid。
`HesayswearetheThreeGraces，AuntJulia，’saidMaryJane。
AuntJuliadidnotunderstand，butshelookedup，smilingatGabriel，whocontinuedinthesamevein：
`LadiesandGentlemen，`IwillnotattempttoplaytonightthepartthatParisplayedonanotheroccasion。Iwillnotattempttochoosebetweenthem。Thetaskwouldbeaninvidiousoneandonebeyondmypoorpowers。ForwhenIviewtheminturn，whetheritbeourchiefhostessherself，whosegoodheart，whosetoogoodheart，hasbecomeabywordwithallwhoknowher；orhersister，whoseemstobegiftedwithperennialyouthandwhosesingingmusthavebeenasurpriseandarevelationtousalltonight；or，lastbutnotleast，whenIconsiderouryoungesthostess，talented，cheerful，hardworkingandthebestofnieces，Iconfess，LadiesandGentlemen，thatIdonotknowtowhichofthemIshouldawardtheprize。’
Gabrielglanceddownathisauntsand，seeingthelargesmileonAuntJulia’sfaceandthetearswhichhadrisentoAuntKate’seyes，hastenedtohisclose。Heraisedhisglassofportgallantly，whileeverymemberofthecompanyfingeredaglassexpectantly，andsaidloudly：
`Letustoastthemallthreetogether。Letusdrinktotheirhealth，wealth，longlife，happiness，andprosperityandmaytheylongcontinuetoholdtheproudandself-wonpositionwhichtheyholdintheirprofessionandthepositionofhonourandaffectionwhichtheyholdinourhearts。’
Alltheguestsstoodup，glassinhand，andturningtowardsthethreeseatedladies，sanginunison，withMrBrowneasleader：Fortheyarejollygayfellows，Fortheyarejollygayfellows，Fortheyarejollygayfellows，Whichnobodycandeny。AuntKatewasmakingfrankuseofherhandkerchiefandevenAuntJuliaseemedmoved。FreddyMalinsbeattimewithhispudding-forkandthesingersturnedtowardsoneanother，asifinmelodiousconference，whiletheysangwithemphasis：Unlesshetellsalie，Unlesshetellsalie。Then，turningoncemoretowardstheirhostesses，theysang：Fortheyarejollygayfellows，Fortheyarejollygayfellows，Fortheyarejollygayfellows，Whichnobodycandeny。Theacclamationwhichfollowedwastakenupbeyondthedoorofthesupper-roombymanyoftheotherguestsandrenewedtimeaftertime，FreddyMalinsactingasofficerwithhisforkonhigh。
ThepiercingmorningaircameintothehallwheretheywerestandingsothatAuntKatesaid：
`Closethedoor，somebody。MrsMalinswillgetherdeathofcold。’
`Browneisoutthere，AuntKate，’saidMaryJane。
`Browneiseverywhere，’saidAuntKate，loweringhervoice。
MaryJanelaughedathertone。
`Really，’shesaidarchly，`heisveryattentive。’
`Hehasbeenlaidonherelikethegas，’saidAuntKateinthesametone，`allduringtheChristmas。’
Shelaughedherselfthistimegood-humouredlyandthenaddedquickly：
`Buttellhimtocomein，MaryJane，andclosethedoor。Ihopetogoodnesshedidn’thearme。’
Atthatmomentthehall-doorwasopenedandMrBrownecameinfromthedoorstep，laughingasifhisheartwouldbreak。Hewasdressedinalonggreenovercoatwithmockastrakhancuffsandcollarandworeonhisheadanovalfurcap。Hepointeddownthesnow-coveredquayfromwherethesoundofshrillprolongedwhistlingwasbornein。
`TeddywillhaveallthecabsinDublinout，’hesaid。
Gabrieladvancedfromthelittlepantrybehindtheoffice，strugglingintohisovercoatand，lookingroundthehall，said。
`Grettanotdownyet？’
`She’sgettingonherthings，Gabriel，’saidAuntKate。
`Who’splayingupthere？’askedGabriel。
`Nobody。They’reallgone。’
`Ono，AuntKate，’saidMaryJane。`BartellD’ArcyandMissO’Callaghanaren’tgoneyet。’
`Someoneisfoolingatthepianoanyhow，’saidGabriel。
MaryJaneglancedatGabrielandMrBrowneandsaidwithashiver：
`Itmakesmefeelcoldtolookatyoutwogentlemenmuffleduplikethat。Iwouldn’tliketofaceyourjourneyhomeatthishour。’
`I’dlikenothingbetterthisminute，’saidMrBrownestoutly，`thanarattlingfinewalkinthecountryorafastdrivewithagoodspankinggoerbetweentheshafts。’
`Weusedtohaveaverygoodhorseandtrapathome，’saidAuntJulia，sadly。
`Thenever-to-be-forgottenJohnny，’saidMaryJane，laughing。
AuntKateandGabriellaughedtoo。
`Why，whatwaswonderfulaboutJohnny？’askedMrBrowne。
`ThelatelamentedPatrickMorkan，ourgrandfather，thatis，’explainedGabriel，`commonlyknowninhislateryearsastheoldgentleman，wasaglue-boiler。’
`O，now，Gabriel，’saidAuntKate，laughing，`hehadastarchmill。’
`Well，glueorstarch，’saidGabriel，`theoldgentlemanhadahorsebythenameofJohnny。AndJohnnyusedtoworkintheoldgentleman’smill，walkingroundandroundinordertodrivethemill。Thatwasallverywell；
butnowcomesthetragicpartaboutJohnny。Onefinedaytheoldgentlemanthoughthe’dliketodriveoutwiththequalitytoamilitaryreviewinthepark。’
`TheLordhavemercyonhissoul，’saidAuntKate，compassionately。
`Amen，’saidGabriel。`Sotheoldgentleman，asIsaid，harnessedJohnnyandputonhisverybesttallhatandhisverybeststockcollaranddroveoutingrandstylefromhisancestralmansionsomewherenearBackLane，Ithink。’
Everyonelaughed，evenMrsMalins，atGabriel’smanner，andAuntKatesaid：
`O，now，Gabriel，hedidn’tliveinBackLane，really。Onlythemillwasthere。’
`Outfromthemansionofhisforefathers，’continuedGabriel，`hedrovewithJohnny。AndeverythingwentonbeautifullyuntilJohnnycameinsightofKingBilly’sstatue：andwhetherhefellinlovewiththehorseKingBillysitsonorwhetherhethoughthewasbackagaininthemill，anywayhebegantowalkroundthestatue。’
Gabrielpacedinacircleroundthehallinhisgoloshesamidthelaughteroftheothers。
`Roundandroundhewent，’saidGabriel，`andtheoldgentleman，whowasaverypompousoldgentleman，washighlyindignant。\"Goon，sir！Whatdoyoumean，sir？Johnny！Johnny！Mostextraordinaryconduct！Can’tunderstandthehorse！\"’
ThepealsoflaughterwhichfollowedGabriel’simitationoftheincidentwereinterruptedbyaresoundingknockatthehall-door。MaryJanerantoopenitandletinFreddyMalins。FreddyMalins，withhishatwellbackonhisheadandhisshouldershumpedwithcold，waspuffingandsteamingafterhisexertions。
`Icouldonlygetonecab，’hesaid。
`O，we’llfindanotheralongthequay，’saidGabriel。
`Yes，’saidAuntKate。`BetternotkeepMrsMalinsstandinginthedraught。’
MrsMalinswashelpeddownthefrontstepsbyhersonandMrBrowneand，aftermanymanoeuvres，hoistedintothecab。FreddyMalinsclamberedinafterherandspentalongtimesettlingherontheseat，MrBrownehelpinghimwithadvice。AtlastshewassettledcomfortablyandFreddyMalinsinvitedMrBrowneintothecab。Therewasagooddealofconfusedtalk，andthenMrBrownegotintothecab。Thecabmansettledhisrugoverhisknees，andbentdownfortheaddress。TheconfusiongrewgreaterandthecabmanwasdirecteddifferentlybyFreddyMalinsandMrBrowne，eachofwhomhadhisheadoutthroughawindowofthecab。ThedifficultywastoknowwheretodropMrBrownealongtheroute，andAuntKate，AuntJulia，andMaryJanehelpedthediscussionfromthedoorstepwithcross-directionsandcontradictionsandabundanceoflaughter。AsforFreddyMalinshewasspeechlesswithlaughter。Hepoppedhisheadinandoutofthewindoweverymomenttothegreatdangerofhishat，andtoldhismotherhowthediscussionwasprogressing，tillatlastMrBrowneshoutedtothebewilderedcabmanabovethedinofeverybody’slaughter：
`DoyouknowTrinityCollege？’
`Yes，sir，’saidthecabman。
`Well，drivebangupagainstTrinityCollegegates，’saidMrBrowne，`andthenwe’lltellyouwheretogo。Youunderstandnow？’
`Yes，sir，’saidthecabman。
`MakelikeabirdforTrinityCollege。’
`Right，sir，’saidthecabman。
Thehorsewaswhippedupandthecabrattledoffalongthequayamidachorusoflaughterandadieux。
Gabrielhadnotgonetothedoorwiththeothers。Hewasinadarkpartofthehallgazingupthestaircase。Awomanwasstandingnearthetopofthefirstflight，intheshadowalso。Hecouldnotseeherfacebuthecouldseetheterra-cottaandsalmon-pinkpanelsofherskirtwhichtheshadowmadeappearblackandwhite。Itwashiswife。Shewasleaningonthebanisters，listeningtosomething。Gabrielwassurprisedatherstillnessandstrainedhiseartolistenalso。Buthecouldhearlittlesavethenoiseoflaughteranddisputeonthefrontsteps，afewchordsstruckonthepianoandafewnotesofaman’svoicesinging。
Hestoodstillinthegloomofthehall，tryingtocatchtheairthatthevoicewassingingandgazingupathiswife。Therewasgraceandmysteryinherattitudeasifshewereasymbolofsomething。Heaskedhimselfwhatisawomanstandingonthestairsintheshadow，listeningtodistantmusic，asymbolof。Ifhewereapainterhewouldpaintherinthatattitude。
Herbluefelthatwouldshowoffthebronzeofherhairagainstthedarknessandthedarkpanelsofherskirtwouldshowoffthelightones。DistantMusichewouldcallthepictureifhewereapainter。
Thehall-doorwasclosed，andAuntKate，AuntJulia，andMaryJanecamedownthehall，stilllaughing。
`Well，isn’tFreddyterrible？’saidMaryJane。`He’sreallyterrible。’
Gabrielsaidnothing，butpointedupthestairstowardswherehiswifewasstanding。Nowthatthehall-doorwasclosedthevoiceandthepianocouldbeheardmoreclearly。Gabrielhelduphishandforthemtobesilent。
ThesongseemedtobeintheoldIrishtonalityandthesingerseemeduncertainbothofhiswordsandofhisvoice。Thevoice，madeplaintivebydistanceandbythesinger’shoarseness，faintlyilluminatedthecadenceoftheairwithwordsexpressinggrief：O，therainfallsonmyheavylocksAndthedewwetsmyskin，Mybabeliescold……`O，’exclaimedMaryJane。`It’sBartellD’Arcysinging，andhewouldn’tsingallthenight。O，I’llgethimtosingasongbeforehegoes。’
`O，do，MaryJane，’saidAuntKate。
MaryJanebrushedpasttheothersandrantothestaircase，butbeforeshereacheditthesingingstoppedandthepianowasclosedabruptly。
`O，whatapity！’shecried。`Ishecomingdown，Gretta？’
Gabrielheardhiswifeansweryesandsawhercomedowntowardsthem。
AfewstepsbehindherwereMrBartellD’ArcyandMissO’Callaghan。
`O，MrD’Arcy，’criedMaryJane，`it’sdownrightmeanofyoutobreakofflikethatwhenwewereallinraptureslisteningtoyou。’
`Ihavebeenathimalltheevening，’saidMissO’Callaghan，`andMrsConroy，too，andhetoldushehadadreadfulcoldandcouldn’tsing。’
`O，MrD’Arcy，’saidAuntKate，`nowthatwasagreatfibtotell。’
`Can’tyouseethatI’mashoarseasacrow？’saidMrD’Arcyroughly。
Hewentintothepantryhastilyandputonhisovercoat。Theothers，takenbackbyhisrudespeech，couldfindnothingtosay。AuntKatewrinkledherbrowsandmadesignstotheotherstodropthesubject。MrD’Arcystoodswathinghisneckcarefullyandfrowning。
`It’stheweather，’saidAuntJulia，afterapause。
`Yes，everybodyhascolds，’saidAuntKatereadily，`everybody。’
`Theysay，’saidMaryJane，`wehaven’thadsnowlikeitforthirtyyears，andIreadthismorninginthenewspapersthatthesnowisgeneralalloverIreland。’
`Ilovethelookofsnow，’saidAuntJuliasadly。
`SodoI，’saidMissO’Callaghan。`IthinkChristmasisneverreallyChristmasunlesswehavethesnowontheground。’
`ButpoorMrD’Arcydoesn’tlikethesnow，’saidAuntKate，smiling。
MrD’Arcycamefromthepantry，fullyswathedandbuttoned，andinarepentanttonetoldthemthehistoryofhiscold。Everyonegavehimadviceandsaiditwasagreatpityandurgedhimtobeverycarefulofhisthroatinthenightair。Gabrielwatchedhiswife，whodidnotjoinintheconversation。
Shewasstandingrightunderthedustyfanlightandtheflameofthegaslituptherichbronzeofherhair，whichhehadseenherdryingatthefireafewdaysbefore。Shewasinthesameattitudeandseemedunawareofthetalkabouther。AtlastsheturnedtowardsthemandGabrielsawthattherewascolouronhercheeksandthathereyeswereshining。Asuddentideofjoywentleapingoutofhisheart。
`MrD’Arcy，’shesaid，`whatisthenameofthatsongyouweresinging？’
`It’scalled\"TheLassofAughrim\"，’saidMrD’Arcy，`butIcouldn’trememberitproperly。Why？Doyouknowit？’
\"`TheLassofAughrim\"，’sherepeated。`Icouldn’tthinkofthename。’
`It’saveryniceair，’saidMaryJane。`I’msorryyouwerenotinvoicetonight。’
`Now，MaryJane，’saidAuntKate，`don’tannoyMrD’Arcy。Iwon’thavehimannoyed。’
Seeingthatallwerereadytostartsheshepherdedthemtothedoor，wheregoodnightwassaid：
`Well，goodnight，AuntKate，andthanksforthepleasantevening。’
`Goodnight，Gabriel。Goodnight，Gretta！’
`Goodnight，AuntKate，andthankseversomuch。Goodnight，AuntJulia。’
`O，goodnight，Gretta，Ididn’tseeyou。’
`Goodnight，MrD’Arcy。Goodnight，MissO’Callaghan。’
`Goodnight，MissMorkan。’
`Goodnight，again。’
`Goodnight，all。Safehome。’
`Goodnight。Goodnight。’
Themorningwasstilldark。Adull，yellowlightbroodedoverthehousesandtheriver；andtheskyseemedtobedescending。Itwasslushyunderfoot，andonlystreaksandpatchesofsnowlayontheroofs，ontheparapetsofthequayandonthearearailings。Thelampswerestillburningredlyinthemurkyairand，acrosstheriver，thepalaceoftheFourCourtsstoodoutmenacinglyagainsttheheavysky。
ShewaswalkingonbeforehimwithMrBartellD’Arcy，hershoesinabrownparceltuckedunderonearmandherhandsholdingherskirtupfromtheslush。Shehadnolongeranygraceofattitude，butGabriel’seyeswerestillbrightwithhappiness。Thebloodwentboundingalonghisveinsandthethoughtswentriotingthroughhisbrain，proud，joyful，tender，valorous。
Shewaswalkingonbeforehimsolightlyandsoerectthathelongedtorunafterhernoiselessly，catchherbytheshouldersandsaysomethingfoolishandaffectionateintoherear。Sheseemedtohimsofrailthathelongedtodefendheragainstsomethingandthentobealonewithher。
Momentsoftheirsecretlifetogetherburstlikestarsuponhismemory。
Aheliotropeenvelopewaslyingbesidehisbreakfast-cupandhewascaressingitwithhishand。Birdsweretwitteringintheivyandthesunnywebofthecurtainwasshimmeringalongthefloor：hecouldnoteatforhappiness。
Theywerestandingonthecrowdedplatformandhewasplacingaticketinsidethewarmpalmofherglove。Hewasstandingwithherinthecold，lookinginthroughagratedwindowatamanmakingbottlesinaroaringfurnace。Itwasverycold。Herface，fragrantinthecoldair，wasquiteclosetohis，andsuddenlyhecalledouttothemanatthefurnace：
`Isthefirehot，sir？’
Butthemancouldno！hearwiththenoiseofthefurnace。Itwasjustaswell。Hemighthaveansweredrudely。
Awaveofyetmoretenderjoyescapedfromhisheartandwentcoursinginwarmfloodalonghisarteries。Likethetenderfireofstarsmomentsoftheirlifetogether，thatnooneknewoforwouldeverknowof，brokeuponandilluminedhismemory。Helongedtorecalltoherthosemoments，tomakeherforgettheyearsoftheirdullexistencetogetherandrememberonlytheirmomentsofecstasy。Fortheyears，hefelt，hadnotquenchedhissoulorhers。Theirchildren，hiswriting，herhouseholdcareshadnotquenchedalltheirsouls’tenderfire。Inoneletterthathehadwrittentoherthenhehadsaid：`Whyisitthatwordsliketheseseemtomesodullandcold？Isitbecausethereisnowordtenderenoughtobeyourname？’
Likedistantmusicthesewordsthathehadwrittenyearsbeforewerebornetowardshimfromthepast。Helongedtobealonewithher。Whentheothershadgoneaway，whenheandshewereintheroomintheirhotel，thentheywouldbealonetogether。Hewouldcallhersoftly：
`Gretta！’
Perhapsshewouldnothearatonce：shewouldbeundressing。Thensomethinginhisvoicewouldstrikeher。Shewouldturnandlookathim……
AtthecornerofWinetavernStreettheymetacab。Hewasgladofitsrattlingnoiseasitsavedhimfromconversation。Shewaslookingoutofthewindowandseemedtired。Theothersspokeonlyafewwords，pointingoutsomebuildingorstreet。Thehorsegallopedalongwearilyunderthemurkymorningsky，dragginghisoldrattlingboxafterhisheels，andGabrielwasagaininacabwithher，gallopingtocatchtheboat，gallopingtotheirhoneymoon。
AsthecabdroveacrossO’ConnellBridgeMissO’Callaghansaid：
`TheysayyounevercrossO’ConnellBridgewithoutseeingawhitehorse。’
`Iseeawhitemanthistime，’saidGabriel。
`Where？’askedMrBartellD’Arcy。
Gabrielpointedtothestatue，onwhichlaypatchesofsnow。Thenhenoddedfamiliarlytoitandwavedhishand。
`Goodnight，Dan，’hesaidgaily。
Whenthecabdrewupbeforethehotel，Gabrieljumpedoutand，inspiteofMrBartellD’Arcy’sprotest，paidthedriver。Hegavethemanashillingoverhisfare。Themansalutedandsaid：
`AprosperousNewYeartoyou，sir。’
`Thesametoyou，’saidGabrielcordially。
Sheleanedforamomentonhisarmingettingoutofthecabandwhilestandingatthekerb-stone，biddingtheothersgoodnight。Sheleanedlightlyonhisarm，aslightlyaswhenshehaddancedwithhimafewhoursbefore。
Hehadfeltproudandhappythen，happythatshewashis，proudofhergraceandwifelycarriage。Butnow，afterthekindlingagainofsomanymemories，thefirsttouchofherbody，musicalandstrangeandperfumed，sentthroughhimakeenpangoflust。Undercoverofhersilencehepressedherarmcloselytohisside，and，astheystoodatthehoteldoor，hefeltthattheyhadescapedfromtheirlivesandduties，escapedfromhomeandfriendsandrunawaytogetherwithwildandradiantheartstoanewadventure。
Anoldmanwasdozinginagreathoodedchairinthehall。Helitacandleintheofficeandwentbeforethemtothestairs。Theyfollowedhiminsilence，theirfeetfallinginsoftthudsonthethicklycarpetedstairs。Shemountedthestairsbehindtheporter，herheadbowedintheascent，herfrailshoulderscurvedaswithaburden，herskirtgirttightlyabouther。Hecouldhaveflunghisarmsaboutherhipsandheldherstill，forhisarmsweretremblingwithdesiretoseizeherandonlythestressofhisnailsagainstthepalmsofhishandsheldthewildimpulseofhisbodyincheck。Theporterhaltedonthestairstosettlehisgutteringcandle。Theyhalted，too，onthestepsbelowhim。InthesilenceGabrielcouldhearthefallingofmoltenwaxintothetrayandthethumpingofhisownheartagainsthisribs。
Theporterledthemalongacorridorandopenedadoor。Thenhesethisunstablecandledownonatoilet-tableandaskedatwhathourtheyweretobecalledinthemorning。
`Eight，’saidGabriel。
Theporterpointedtothetapoftheelectric-lightandbeganamutteredapology，butGabrielcuthimshort。
`Wedon’twantanylight。Wehavelightenoughfromthestreet。AndIsay，’headded，pointingtothecandle，`youmightremovethathandsomearticle，likeagoodman。’
Theportertookuphiscandleagain，butslowly，forhewassurprisedbysuchanovelidea。Thenhemumbledgoodnightandwentout。Gabrielshotthelockto。
Aghastlylightfromthestreetlamplayinalongshaftfromonewindowtothedoor。Gabrielthrewhisovercoatandhatonacouchandcrossedtheroomtowardsthewindow。Helookeddownintothestreetinorderthathisemotionmightcalmalittle。Thenheturnedandleanedagainstachestofdrawerswithhisbacktothelight。Shehadtakenoffherhatandcloakandwasstandingbeforealargeswingingmirror，unhookingherwaist。Gabrielpausedforafewmoments，watchingher，andthensaid：
`Gretta！’
Sheturnedawayfromthemirrorslowlyandwalkedalongtheshaftoflighttowardshim。HerfacelookedsoseriousandwearythatthewordswouldnotpassGabriel’slips。No，itwasnotthemomentyet。
`Youlookedtired，’hesaid。
`Iamalittle，’sheanswered。
`Youdon’tfeelillorweak？’
`No，tired：that’sall。’
Shewentontothewindowandstoodthere，lookingout。Gabrielwaitedagainandthen，fearingthatdiffidencewasabouttoconquerhim，hesaidabruptly：
`Bytheway，Gretta！’
`Whatisit？’
`YouknowthatpoorfellowMalins？’hesaidquickly。
`Yes。Whatabouthim？’
`Well，poorfellow，be’sadecentsortofchap，afterall，’continuedGabrielinafalsevoice。`HegavemebackthatsovereignIlenthim，andIdidn’texpectit，really。It’sapityhewouldn’tkeepawayfromthatBrowne，becausehe’snotabadfellow，really。’
Hewastremblingnowwithannoyance。Whydidsheseemsoabstracted？
Hedidnotknowhowhecouldbegin。Wassheannoyed，too，aboutsomething？
Ifshewouldonlyturntohimorcometohimofherownaccord！Totakeherasshewaswouldbebrutal。No，hemustseesomeardourinhereyesfirst。Helongedtobemasterofherstrangemood。
`Whendidyoulendhimthepound？’sheasked，afterapause。
GabrielstrovetorestrainhimselffrombreakingoutintobrutallanguageaboutthesottishMalinsandhispound。Helongedtocrytoherfromhissoul，tocrushherbodyagainsthis，toovermasterher。Buthesaid：
`O，atChristmas，whenheopenedthatlittleChristmas-cardshop，inHenryStreet。’
Hewasinsuchafeverofrageanddesirethathedidnothearhercomefromthewindow。Shestoodbeforehimforaninstant，lookingathimstrangely。
Then，suddenlyraisingherselfontiptoeandrestingherhandslightlyonhisshoulders，shekissedhim。
`Youareaverygenerousperson，Gabriel，’shesaid。
Gabriel，tremblingwithdelightathersuddenkissandatthequaintnessofherphrase，puthishandsonherhairandbegansmoothingitback，scarcelytouchingitwithhisfingers。Thewashinghadmadeitfineandbrilliant。
Hisheartwasbrimmingoverwithhappiness。Justwhenhewaswishingforitshehadcometohimofherownaccord。Perhapsherthoughtshadbeenrunningwithhis。Perhapsshehadfelttheimpetuousdesirethatwasinhim，andthentheyieldingmoodhadcomeuponher。Nowthatshehadfallentohimsoeasily，hewonderedwhyhehadbeensodiffident。
Hestood，holdingherheadbetweenhishands。Then，slippingonearmswiftlyaboutherbodyanddrawinghertowardshim，hesaidsoftly：
`Gretta，dear，whatareyouthinkingabout？’
Shedidnotanswernoryieldwhollytohisarm。Hesaidagain，softly：
`Tellmewhatitis，Gretta。IthinkIknowwhatisthematter。DoI
know？’
Shedidnotansweratonce。Thenshesaidinanoutburstoftears：
`O，Iamthinkingaboutthatsong，\"TheLassofAughrim\"。’
Shebrokeloosefromhimandrantothebedand，throwingherarmsacrossthebed-rail，hidherface。Gabrielstoodstock-stillforamomentinastonishmentandthenfollowedher。Ashepassedinthewayofthecheval-glasshecaughtsightofhimselfinfulllength，hisbroad，well-filledshirt-front，thefacewhoseexpressionalwayspuzzledhimwhenhesawitinamirror，andhisglimmeringgilt-rimmedeye-glasses。Hehaltedafewpacesfromherandsaid：
`Whataboutthesong？Whydoesthatmakeyoucry？’
Sheraisedherheadfromherarmsanddriedhereyeswiththebackofherhandlikeachild。Akindernotethanhehadintendedwentintohisvoice。
`Why，Gretta？’heasked。
`Iamthinkingaboutapersonlongagowhousedtosingthatsong。’
`Andwhowasthepersonlongago？’askedGabriel，smiling。
`ItwasapersonIusedtoknowinGalwaywhenIwaslivingwithmygrandmother，’shesaid。
ThesmilepassedawayfromGabriel’sface。Adullangerbegantogatheragainatthebackofhismindandthedullfiresofhislustbegantoglowangrilyinhisveins。
`Someoneyouwereinlovewith？’heaskedironically。
`ItwasayoungboyIusedtoknow，’sheanswered，`namedMichaelFurey。
Heusedtosingthatsong，\"TheLassofAughrim\"。Hewasverydelicate。’
Gabrielwassilent。Hedidnotwishhertothinkthathewasinterestedinthisdelicateboy。
`Icanseehimsoplainly，’shesaid，afteramoment。`Sucheyesashehad：big，darkeyes！Andsuchanexpressioninthem-anexpression！’
`O，then，youwereinlovewithhim？’saidGabriel。
`Iusedtogooutwalkingwithhim，’shesaid，`whenIwasinGalway。’
AthoughtflewacrossGabriel’smind。
`PerhapsthatwaswhyyouwantedtogotoGalwaywiththatIvorsgirl？’
hesaidcoldly。
Shelookedathimandaskedinsurprise：
`Whatfor？’
HereyesmadeGabrielfeelawkward。Heshruggedhisshouldersandsaid：
`HowdoIknow？Toseehim，perhaps。’
Shelookedawayfromhimalongtheshaftoflighttowardsthewindowinsilence。
`Heisdead，’shesaidatlength。`Hediedwhenhewasonlyseventeen。
Isn’titaterriblethingtodiesoyoungasthat？’
`Whatwashe？’askedGabriel，stillironically。
`Hewasinthegasworks，’shesaid。
Gabrielfelthumiliatedbythefailureofhisironyandbytheevocationofthisfigurefromthedead，aboyinthegasworks。Whilehehadbeenfullofmemoriesoftheirsecretlifetogether，fulloftendernessandjoyanddesire，shehadbeencomparinghiminhermindwithanother。A
shamefulconsciousnessofhisownpersonassailedhim。Hesawhimselfasaludicrousfigure，actingasapenny-boyforhisaunts，anervous，well-meaningsentimentalist，oratingtovulgariansandidealizinghisownclownishlusts，thepitiablefatuousfellowhehadcaughtaglimpseofinthemirror。Instinctivelyheturnedhisbackmoretothelightlestshemightseetheshamethatburneduponhisforehead。
Hetriedtokeepuphistoneofcoldinterrogation，buthisvoicewhenhespokewashumbleandindifferent。
`IsupposeyouwereinlovewiththisMichaelFurey，Gretta，’hesaid。
`Iwasgreatwithhimatthattime，’shesaid。
Hervoicewasveiledandsad。Gabriel，feelingnowhowvainitwouldbetotrytoleadherwhitherhehadpurposed，caressedoneofherhandsandsaid，alsosadly：
`Andwhatdidhedieofsoyoung，Gretta？Consumption，wasit？’
`Ithinkhediedforme，’sheanswered。
AvagueterrorseizedGabrielatthisanswer，asif，atthathourwhenhehadhopedtotriumph，someimpalpableandvindictivebeingwascomingagainsthim，gatheringforcesagainsthiminitsvagueworld。Butheshookhimselffreeofitwithaneffortofreasonandcontinuedtocaressherhand。Hedidnotquestionheragain，forhefeltthatshewouldtellhimofherself。Herhandwaswarmandmoist：itdidnotrespondtohistouch，buthecontinuedtocaressitjustashehadcaressedherfirstlettertohimthatspringmorning。
`Itwasinthewinter，’shesaid，`aboutthebeginningofthewinterwhenIwasgoingtoleavemygrandmother’sandcomeupheretotheconvent。
AndhewasillatthetimeinhislodgingsinGalwayandwouldn’tbeletout，andhispeopleinOughterardwerewrittento。Hewasindecline，theysaid，orsomethinglikethat。Ineverknewrightly。’
Shepausedforamomentandsighed。
`Poorfellow，’shesaid。`Hewasveryfondofmeandhewassuchagentleboy。Weusedtogoouttogether，walking，youknow，Gabriel，likethewaytheydointhecountry。Hewasgoingtostudysingingonlyforhishealth。
Hehadaverygoodvoice，poorMichaelFurey。’
`Well；andthen？’askedGabriel。
`AndthenwhenitcametothetimeformetoleaveGalwayandcomeuptotheconventhewasmuchworseandIwouldn’tbeletseehim，soIwrotehimalettersayingIwasgoinguptoDublinandwouldbebackinthesummer，andhopinghewouldbebetterthen。’
Shepausedforamomenttogethervoiceundercontrol，andthenwenton：
`ThenthenightbeforeIleft，Iwasinmygrandmother’shouseinNuns’
Island，packingup，andIheardgravelthrownupagainstthewindow。ThewindowwassowetIcouldn’tsee，soIrandownstairsasIwasandslippedoutthebackintothegardenandtherewasthepoorfellowattheendofthegarden，shivering。’
`Anddidyounottellhimtogoback？’askedGabriel。
`Iimploredofhimtogohomeatonceandtoldhimhewouldgethisdeathintherain。Buthesaidhedidnotwanttolive。Icanseehiseyesaswellaswell！Hewasstandingattheendofthewallwheretherewasatree。’
`Anddidhegohome？’askedGabriel。
`Yes，hewenthome。AndwhenIwasonlyaweekintheconventhediedandhewasburiedinOughterard，wherehispeoplecamefrom。O，thedayIheardthat，thathewasdead！’
Shestopped，chokingwithsobs，and，overcomebyemotion，flungherselffacedownwardonthebed，sobbinginthequilt。Gabrielheldherhandforamomentlonger，irresolutely，andthen，shyofintrudingonhergrief，letitfallgentlyandwalkedquietlytothewindow。
Shewasfastasleep。
Gabriel，leaningonhiselbow，lookedforafewmomentsunresentfullyonhertangledhairandhalf-openmouth，listeningtoherdeep-drawnbreath。
Soshehadhadthatromanceinherlife：amanhaddiedforhersake。Ithardlypainedhimnowtothinkhowpooraparthe，herhusband，hadplayedinherlife。Hewatchedherwhilesheslept，asthoughheandshehadneverlivedtogetherasmanandwife。Hiscuriouseyesrestedlonguponherfaceandonherhair：and，ashethoughtofwhatshemusthavebeenthen，inthattimeofherfirstgirlishbeauty，astrange，friendlypityforherenteredhissoul。Hedidnotliketosayeventohimselfthatherfacewasnolongerbeautiful，butheknewthatitwasnolongerthefaceforwhichMichaelFureyhadbraveddeath。
Perhapsshehadnottoldhimallthestory。Hiseyesmovedtothechairoverwhichshehadthrownsomeofherclothes。Apetticoatstringdangledtothefloor。Onebootstoodupright，itslimpupperfallendown：thefellowofitlayuponitsside。Hewonderedathisriotofemotionsofanhourbefore。Fromwhathaditproceeded？Fromhisaunt’ssupper，fromhisownfoolishspeech，fromthewineanddancing，themerry-makingwhensayinggoodnightinthehall，thepleasureofthewalkalongtheriverinthesnow。PoorAuntJulia！She，too，wouldsoonbeashadewiththeshadeofPatrickMorkanandhishorse。Hehadcaughtthathaggardlookuponherfaceforamomentwhenshewassinging`ArrayedfortheBridal’。Soon，perhaps，hewouldbesittinginthatsamedrawing-room，dressedinblack，hissilkhatonhisknees。TheblindswouldbedrawndownandAuntKatewouldbesittingbesidehim，cryingandblowinghernoseandtellinghimhowJuliahaddied。Hewouldcastaboutinhismindforsomewordsthatmightconsoleher，andwouldfindonlylameanduselessones。Yes，yes：
thatwouldhappenverysoon。
Theairoftheroomchilledhisshoulders。Hestretchedhimselfcautiouslyalongunderthesheetsandlaydownbesidehiswife。Onebyone，theywereallbecomingshades。Betterpassboldlyintothatotherworld，inthefullgloryofsomepassion，thanfadeandwitherdismallywithage。Hethoughtofhowshewholaybesidehimhadlockedinherheartforsomanyyearsthatimageofherlover’seyeswhenhehadtoldherthathedidnotwishtolive。
GeneroustearsfilledGabriel’seyes。Hehadneverfeltlikethathimselftowardsanywoman，butheknewthatsuchafeelingmustbelove。Thetearsgatheredmorethicklyinhiseyesandinthepartialdarknessheimaginedhesawtheformofayoungmanstandingunderadrippingtree。Otherformswerenear。Hissoulhadapproachedthatregionwheredwellthevasthostsofthedead。Hewasconsciousof，butcouldnotapprehend，theirwaywardandflickeringexistence。Hisownidentitywasfadingoutintoagreyimpalpableworld：thesolidworlditself，whichthesedeadhadonetimerearedandlivedin，wasdissolvinganddwindling。
Afewlighttapsuponthepanemadehimturntothewindow。Ithadbeguntosnowagain。Hewatchedsleepilytheflakes，silveranddark，fallingobliquelyagainstthelamplight。Thetimehadcomeforhimtosetoutonhisjourneywestward。Yes，thenewspaperswereright：snowwasgeneralalloverIreland。Itwasfallingoneverypartofthedarkcentralplain，onthetreelesshills，fallingsoftlyupontheBogofAllenand，fartherwestward，softlyfallingintothedarkmutinousShannonwaves。Itwasfalling，too，uponeverypartofthelonelychurchyardonthehillwhereMichaelFureylayburied。Itlaythicklydriftedonthecrookedcrossesandheadstones，onthespearsofthelittlegate，onthebarrenthorns。Hissoulswoonedslowlyasheheardthesnowfallingfaintlythroughtheuniverseandfaintlyfalling，likethedescentoftheirlastend，uponallthelivingandthedead。