In this
instance it produced such a sensation as never had been felt in that
part of the country. An uneasy feeling of wild romance, mingled with
apprehension, curiosity, fear, and amazement, all conspired to work upon
the imaginations of a people in whom that quality is exuberant, until
the general excitement became absolutely painful.
Perhaps there was not one among his nearest friends who felt more
profound regret for having been the occasion of his disgrace, and
consequently of the fate to which he had exposed him, than Meehaul Neil.
In the course of that day he sent his father to old Lamh Laudher, to
know if young O'Rorke would grant him an interview, the object of which
was to dissuade him from the battle.
"Tell him," said the latter, with a composure still tinged with a
sorrowful spirit, "that I will not see him to-day. To-morrow I may,
and if I don't, tell him, that for his sister's sake, he has my
forgiveness."
The introduction of the daughter's name shortened the father's visit,
who left him in silence.
Ellen, however, had struggles to endure which pressed upon her heart
with an anguish bitter in proportion to the secrecy rendered necessary
by the dread of her relations. From the moment she heard of Lamh
Laudher's challenge, and saw the funeral appendages with which the Dead
Boxer had darkened the preparations for the fight, she felt her heart
sink, from a consciousness that she had been indirectly the murderess of
her lover.
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