Her face was pale; I think it was the first time she had ever been afraid of Niall. But she faced the old man bravely; though his face, working with passion, his streaming hair and huge frame made him look like a veritable Cyclops.
"Be still, Niall," she cried, "or the lady and I will go away out of your cave this minute, and be very sorry that we came here."
She put her small hand on his arm, and the touch seemed to calm him.
"Forgive me!" he murmured once more, in the helpless, bewildered tone of a little child; and, sinking again into one of the chairs near the table, he buried his face in his hands and so remained for some moments. We did not disturb him by so much as a word; but I, relieved somewhat from my late suspense, though dreading a new access of fury, and eager to be gone, let my eyes rove round that singular place. The rugged face of the rock above our heads and all around was lit by the crackling flames of the turf which burned so brightly. I was startled from my thoughts by the voice of Niall; but this time it was soft and low as that of Winifred herself. Suddenly rising from his chair, he made me a low bow and offered a humble apology for his late rudeness. After that he was the same amiable and courteous gentleman he so often appeared, and as pleasant as possible, talking a great deal and telling us many interesting things.
"In this cave," he said, "during the penal times more than one priest took refuge. Mass was said here, and the people flocked from far and near to attend it. Here in the troubles of '98 it is said that the patriot O'Byrne took refuge. This may be the precise cavern in which he dwelt, or it may not; but it gives the place an interest—a sad interest."
He paused and looked around him for an instant.
"I shall love this cave better than ever now," said Winifred; "and I shall often think of it when I am far away in the New World—"
Her voice broke a little.
"Think of it, my child!" cried Niall. "Oh, do think of it when you are far beyond the ocean! Think of whatever will make you love Ireland and make you remember."
The tears coursed down his cheeks and there was anguish in his voice.