So, the Fenian chief, attended by his son, Ossian, his grandson, Oscar, his friend, Dermot, and a guard of honor, went to the hall at Tara for the wedding celebration. A great feast for the men of both parties was held in the banquet hall. During the meal Cormack and Finn discussed their differences and plans for a better understanding.
Naturally the young girl was anxious to have a look at the man who was to be her husband. While the feast was in progress she came to the door of the hall with her maid, who was to point out Finn to her mistress. The maid did so. Grainne was amazed.
“Surely not that old man!” she exclaimed.
The maid told her that there could be no mistake. Then she named over all the rest of the party in turn. Grainne made up her mind that she would not go on with the ceremony.
“My father did not tell me that he was mating me with a man old enough to be my grandfather,” she said. “If he had, I should never have consented. What can that old man want with a wife?”
“The marriage is to bind the Fenians more closely to the throne,” said the maid.
“That could be done in other ways,” replied Grainne. “If Finn sought me for a wife for his son, I would be willing to go on with the match.”
The maid explained that Ossian already had a wife and could not take another.
“Well, the grandson would be still better,” insisted Grainne. “But I will never marry that old man; never, never, never!”
“Then it would be best for you to so inform your father immediately,” advised the maid. “Even now your refusal will cause more bitter feeling.”