"That is true," I responded; "and I accept the conditions."
"It will be the saddest moment of my life when I see my little lady depart," Niall exclaimed; and already his face was drawn and haggard and his voice husky at the prospect. "But should my dream be realized, she will acquire the manner, the accomplishments, the graces which our Wicklow hills can not furnish. You are right; she must go."
I was at once touched and astonished at his ready compliance with my wishes. I had feared it might be a tedious task to overcome his objections. But the clear mind of the man had at once perceived the advantages of my plan.
"You see, I am putting entire trust in you. I am confiding Winifred to you. I have already told you my secret."
"You shall never have cause to regret either," I cried warmly. "And as for the conditions, they shall be put down in writing, and Winifred shall be restored to you when and where you desire."
"What will these hills be like without her!" he exclaimed, rising and going to the window.
There was again that wildness in tone and manner as of a mind which had become somewhat unsettled by the strange, wandering life he had led, with its fever of suspense and excitement.
"What will the greensward be like, child of my heart, when your foot no more shall press it? What will the hills be like when your eyes--asthore machree!--shall not look upon them? And the Glen of the Dargle shall have lost its charm when you are not there, its spirit!"
He tossed his arms above his head and rushed wildly from the cabin. I waited for a time; but as he did not return, I slowly followed the homeward path, content with what I had accomplished for one day, but wondering much at the strange revelations which Niall had made.
Before I reached home I suddenly met Winifred. Her face was clouded, and at first she scarcely noticed me.
"What is the matter with Niall?" she asked. "I met him and he would not look at me. I called his name, but he ran away and would not speak."
"He will tell you all in good time," I answered soothingly.
"It is you!" she said, looking at me keenly, with a glance like that of her kinsman. "You have been vexing him: saying something that he did not like."
"We must all have things said to us that we do not like, when it is for our good," I remarked gravely.