For my part, I'm not unasy on your
account, for except to take an affront from a Neil, there's nothing you
would do could shame me."
This was a' fresh stab to the son's wounded pride, for which he was not
prepared. With a stifled groan he leaped to his feet, and rushing from
the kitchen, bolted himself up in his bed-room.
His parents, after he had withdrawn, exchanged glances.
"That went home to him," said the father; "an' as sure as death, the
Neils are in it, whatever it is. But by the crass that saved us, if he
tuck an affront from any of them, without payin' them home double, he is
no son of mine, an' this roof won't cover him another night. Howsomever
we'll see in the morn-in', plase God!"
The mother, who was proud of his courage and prowess, scouted with great
indignation the idea of her son's tamely putting up with an insult from
any of the opposite faction.
"Is it he bear an affront from a Neil! arrah, don't make a fool of
yourself, old man! He'd die sooner. I'd stake my life on him."
The night advanced, and the family had retired to bed; but their son
attempted in vain to sleep. A sense of shame overpowered him keenly.
He tossed and turned, and groaned, at the contemplation of the disgrace
which he knew would be heaped on him the following day. What was to be
done? How was he to wipe it off? There was but one method, he believed,
of getting his hands once more free; that was to seek Ellen, and gain
her permission to retract his oath on that very night.
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