There was, in
fact, then in existence among the rival factions in Ireland much of the
military sense of honor which characterizes the British army at this
day; nor is this spirit even yet wholly exploded, from our humble
countrymen. Poor Lamh Laudher was, therefore, an exile from his father's
house, repulsed and avoided by all who had formerly been intimate with
him.
There was another individual, however, who deeply sympathized in all he
felt, because she knew that for her sake it had been incurred; we allude
to Ellen Neil. Since the night of their last interview, she, too, had
been scrupulously watched by her relations. But what vigilance can
surpass the ingenuity of love? Although her former treacherous confidant
had absconded, yet the incident of the Dead Boxer's arrival had been the
means of supplying her with a friend, into whose bosom she felt that she
could pour out all the anxieties of her heart. This was no other than
the Dead Boxer's wife; and there was this peculiarity in the interest
which she took in Ellen's distress, that it was only a return of
sympathy which Ellen felt in the unhappy woman's sufferings. The conduct
of her husband was indefensible; for while he treated her with shameful
barbarity, it was evident that his bad passions and his judgment were at
variance, with respect to the estimate which he formed of her character.
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