"
Meehaul himself--had come to the same determination and from the same
motive.
The consciousness of Lamh Laudher's public disgrace, and of his
incapability to repel it, sank deep into his heart. The blood in his
veins became hot and feverish when he reflected upon the scornful and
degrading insult he had just borne. Soon after his return home, his
father and mother both noticed the singularly deep bursts of indignant
feeling with which he appeared to be agitated. For some time they
declined making any inquiry as to its cause, but when they saw at length
the big scalding tears of shame and rage start from his flashing eyes,
they could no longer restrain their concern and curiosity.
"In the name of heaven, John," said they, "what has happened to put you
in such a state as you're in?"
"I can't tell you," he replied; "if you knew it, you'd blush with
burnin' shame--you'd curse me in your heart. For my part, I'd rather be
dead fifty times over than livin', after what has happened this night."
"An' why not tell us, Lamh Laudher?"
"I can't father; I couldn't stand upright afore you and spake it. I'd
sink like a guilty man in your presence; an' except you want to drive me
distracted, or perjured, don't ask me another question about it. You'll
hear it too soon."
"Well, we must wait," said the father; "but I'm sure, John, you'd
not do anything unbecomin' a man.
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