sister had not blessed him, and he resolved that his part of a duty so
tender should not remain unperformed.

Maura, who suddenly averted her face when he addressed her, made no
reply; but after he had departed from the threshold, her eyes followed
him, and the tears slowly forced their way down her cheeks.

"It's no use," said she, "it's no use, I love him, I love my kind
brother in spite of every thing. May God bless you Felix! may God bless
you, and all you love! God forgive me for opposin' the boy as I did; and
God forgive Hugh! but he thinks it would be all for Felix's good to stop
his marriage with Alley Bawn."

Felix, who heard neither his sister's blessing nor the expression of the
affection she bore him, passed on with hasty steps through the fields.
He had not gone far, however, when he saw his brother walking towards
him; his arms folded, and his eyes almost hidden by his heavy brows;
sullen ferocity was in his looks, and his voice, as he addressed him,
was hollow with suppressed rage.

"So," said he, "you will ruin yourself! Go back home, Felix."

"For God's sake, Hugh, let me alone, let me pass."

"You will go?" said the other.

"I will, Hugh."

"Then may bad luck go with you, if you do. I order you to stay at home,
I say."