But not a one of that family to this present day may venture into the waves, for the Earl’s son watches out to destroy them for vengeance and spite.
XVIII
THE GIRL AND THE FAIRIES
There was a beautiful young girl living in these parts, and she was greatly admired by every person that seen her.
It happened when she was about nineteen years of age that she fainted one day on the street before the house, where she was washing the spuds for dinner. The mother and sister went out for to carry her in, and they laid her down on the bed—the poor girl never rose from it more. Maybe a week she was lingering dying, not a word ever came from her lips and she used no food at all.
Not a long after the burying her mother heard a rapping on the window, close upon midnight. She rose and she says, “Oh Bridget dear, is it you?”
“It is indeed, mamma,” says a voice. “Let you give me a drink of sweet milk and a small taste of bread.”
“I’ve heard tell of the dead were uneasy, but never of one needing food,” says the mother.