talking something I couldn't understand."

"Of course there's an Irish language," explained his fair instructor.
"Anciently the Irish spoke the Gaelic, a branch of the Celtic. In this
reign of Queen Elizabeth, the Irish language was forbidden. The English
is now universal, but many still speak the Gaelic. In recent years there
has been an awakening of interest in the old tongue. 'One who knows
Irish well,' an Irish historian claims, 'will readily master Latin,
French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian;' and he adds that to the
Irish-speaking people, the Irish language is 'rich, elegant,
soul-stirring, and expressive.'"

"I can well believe the latter statement when I remember the actions of
those using it," said Chester.

"Here we are," announced Lucy, as they alighted and walked to the
entrance of the park. "It will cost us six pence to get in."

Chester paid the man at the gate a shilling. The castle loomed high on
the side of a hill, its big, square tower being about all that now
remains of the ancient structure. A woman was in charge of the castle
proper.

"The stone that you kiss is away up to the top," explained Lucy. "You
will have to go up alone, as I dare not climb the stairs. I'll wait
here. But stop a minute; the impressions will be more lasting if you get
the proper information first. Here, we'll sit on this bench while I tell
you about the castle."

Chester readily agreed to this.