Sheelah The poor Colleen! Oh, no, Danny, I knew she’d die of the love that was chokin’ her. He didn’t know how tindher she was when he gave her the hard word. What was that message the masther sent to her, that he wouldn’t let me hear? It was cruel, Danny, for it broke her heart entirely; she went away that night, and, two days after, a cloak was found floatin’ in the reeds, under Brikeen Bridge; nobody knew it but me. I turned away, and never said—. The creature is drowned, Danny, and woe to them as dhruv her to it. She has no father, no mother to put a curse on him, but the Father above that niver spakes till the last day, and then—[She turns and sees Danny gasping, his eyes fixed on her, supporting himself on his arm.] Danny! Danny! he’s dyin’—he’s dyin’!
[Runs to him, R. of bed.
Danny Who said that? Ye lie! I never killed her—sure he sent me the glove—where is it?
Sheelah He’s ravin’ again.
Danny The glove—he sent it to me full of blood. Oh, master, dear, there’s your token. I told ye I would clear the path foreninst ye.
Sheelah Danny, what d’ye mane?
Danny I’ll tell ye how I did it, masther; ’twas dis way—but don’t smile like dat—don’t, sir! She wouldn’t give me de marriage lines, so I sunk her and her proofs wid her. She’s gone! she came up wonst, but I put her down agin. Never fear—she’ll never throuble yer again—never—never!
[Lies down; mutters. Sheelah on her knees, in horror and prayer.
Sheelah ’Twas he! he!—my own son—he’s murdered her, and he’s dyin’ now—dyin’, wid blood on his hands! Danny! Danny! spake to me!