Captain McBean wheeled round in such a hurry that the butler was almost overthrown. They clattered off.
It was not till they were riding through the wood that McBean spoke: "Patrick, my man, would you say that Harry Boyce is the man to marry wisely and well?"
"Faith, I believe he would not be doing anything wisely. That same is his charm."
"Tiens, it begins now to be ugly. Why must the boy be married at all, mordieu?"
"It will be in his nature," says O'Connor. "And likely to a shrew."
"If that were all! Ah, bah, they shall have no satisfaction in it. But no more will I…"
There were at the Hall two women who had almost become calm by mingling their distress and their tears. It's believed that they slept in each other's arms, and slept well enough. In the morning another messenger was sent off to the Long Acre tavern. If he came back with no news it was agreed they should move into town. They said no more of their fears. Each had some fancy that she was putting on a brave face for the other's sake. There is no doubt that they found the stress easier to bear for consciousness of each other's endurance.
So Mr. Hadley and his Susan were received by an atmosphere of gentle peace. Much to Mr. Hadley's surprise, who would complain that venture into Alison's house was much like a post over against the Irish Brigade; for a man never knew how she would break out upon him, but could count upon it that she would be harassing.
"We are so glad," says Susan.
"She loves to march her prisoner through the town. It's a simple, brutish taste."