CHAPTER V.
THE FITZGERALDS OF CASTLE RICHMOND.
What idea of carrying out his plans may have been prevalent in Fitzgerald's mind when he was so defiant of the countess, it may be difficult to say.

Probably he had no idea, but felt at the spur of the moment that it would be weak to yield.

The consequence was, that when Lady Desmond left Hap House, he was obliged to consider himself as being at feud with the family.
The young lord he did see once again during the holidays, and even entertained him at Hap House; but the earl's pride would not give way an inch.
"Much as I like you, Owen, I cannot do anything but oppose it.

It would be a bad match for my sister, and so you'd feel if you were in my place." And then Lord Desmond went back to Eton.
After that they none of them met for many months.

During this time life went on in a very triste manner at Desmond Court.