[Willy Reilly by William Carleton]@TWC D-Link bookWilly Reilly CHAPTER XXI 27/46
I could not shoot him, or at any rate make a prisoner of him, and he engaged in the worship of God." "Alas!" whispered Strong, "the poor man is verging on rank Popery--he is hopeless." "But, Tom, dear," said the wife, "why are you displeased with me, your own faithful partner? I that was so loving and affectionate to you? I that urged you on in the path of duty? I that scoured your arms and regimentals with my own hands--that mixed you your punch before you went after the black game, as you used to say, and, again, had it ready for you when you returned to precious Mr.Strong and me after a long hunt. Don't die in anger with your own Grizzey, as you used to call me, my dear Tom, or, if you do, I feel that I won't long survive you." "Ah! you jade," replied Tom, "didn't I see the wink between you to-night, although you thought I was drunk? Ah, these wild-goose chases!" "Tom, dear, we are both innocent.
Oh, forgive your own Grizaey!" "So I do, you jade--my curse on you both." Whether it was the effort necessary to speak, in addition to the excitement occasioned by his suspicions, and whether these suspicions were well founded or not, we do not presume to say; but the fact was, that, after another outgulp of blood had come up, he drew a long, deep sigh, his under-jaw fell, and the wretched, half-penitent Captain Smellpriest breathed his last.
After which his wife, whether from sorrow or remorse, became insensible, and remained in that state for a considerable time; but at length she recovered, and, after expressing the most violent sorrow, literally drove the Rev.Mr.Strong out of the house, with many deep and bitter curses.
But to return: In a few minutes the parties dispersed, and Folliard, too much absorbed in the fates of Reilly and Whitecraft, prepared to ride to Sligo, to ascertain if any thing could be done for the baronet.
In the meantime, while he and his old friend Cummiskey are on their way to see that gentleman, we will ask the attention of our readers to the state of Helen's mind, as it was affected by the distressing events which had so rapidly and recently occurred.
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