The Squireen (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1903. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III MARTIN went down the path, and pulled the gate behind him; turned to the right, mounted the ditch, and stood looking across the hedge towards the school. Through the great square window he saw the light dwindle, then remain steady for an instant, then vanish suddenly into darkness. 'She's in the passage, ' said he, and turning his eyes upon the little window waited for Kate's shadow to appear upon the narrow buff blind. But no shadow came; still did the light burn beyond the pillars and the windows on either side keep black; so Martin stepped back upon the road and faced downhill towards home. 'She's gone to the kitchen, ' said he; 'gone to tell the mother. Lord, the talk there 'll be ' He laughed and quickened his stride. 'Poor Kate, ' he said; 'she took it ill. Never did I see her in such a way. Her eyes were like hot coals; I thought she 'd hit me.... Poor Kate Dear knows, I pity her. But it had to be; and surely she paid me back. Well, maybe it's for the best. Anyway, it's over at last; all over and done.... An' now for business.' Right at foot of the Priest's brae, Martin left the broad road and turned straight into Gorteen along a narrow track. Soft and rough underfoot it was now, with deep ruts marking the way and stunted hedges on either hand; soon the fields fell behind and the sheltering hills, hedges dwindled into willow clumps, ditches ran into turf banks, and the track ran nakedly through wastes of dreary bogland. Dreary indeed it was out there, and black as death. No light shone upon it; no sound, save the distant murmur of an outer world and the rude bluster of driving wind, broke its stillness. Above the sky hung dour; below the earth lay grim, barren and unpopulous, cold and sodden, a great wilderness lying flat within the circling hil