Orange and Green | Page 6

to the lawfulness of the act, to peruse the book, that she
suffered her son to read it. The volume only contained some ten of
Shakespeare's plays; and Hannah, on handing the book to her son, said:
"I do not pretend, John, to understand all that is written there, but I
cannot see that there is evil in it. There are assuredly many noble
thoughts, and much worldly wisdom. Did I think that your life would
be passed here, I should say that it were better for you not to read a
book which gives a picture of a life so different from what yours would

be; but none can say what your lot may be. And, although I have heard
much about the wickedness of the stage, I can see no line in this book
which could do harm to you. I do not see it can do you much good,
John, but neither do I see that it can do you any harm; therefore, if you
have set your mind on it, read it, my boy."
It was a stormy evening in the first week of November, 1688. The wind
was blowing in fierce gusts, making every door and casement quiver in
Davenant Castle, while, between the gusts, the sound of the deep roar
of the sea on the rocks far below could be plainly heard. Mrs. Davenant
was sitting in a high-backed chair, on one side of the great fireplace, in
which a pile of logs was blazing. Her son had just laid down a book,
which he could no longer see to read, while her daughter-in-law was
industriously knitting. Walter was wandering restlessly between the fire
and the window, looking out at the flying clouds, through which the
moon occasionally struggled.
"Do sit down, Walter," his mother said at last. "You certainly are the
most restless creature I ever saw."
"Not always, mother; but I cannot help wondering about that ship we
saw down the coast, making for the bay. She was about ten miles out,
and seemed to be keeping her course when I saw her last, half an hour
ago; but I can see, by the clouds, that the wind has drawn round more
to the north, and I doubt much whether she will be able to gain the
bay."
"In that case, Walter," his father said, "if her captain knows his
business, he will wear round and run down for Waterford.
"I agree with you," he continued, after walking to the window and
watching the clouds, "that a vessel coming from the south will hardly
weather Bray Head, with this wind."
He had scarcely spoken when the door opened, and one of the servants
entered.
"Your honour, a boy has just come up from the village. He says that

John Considine sent him to tell you that a large ship is driving in to
shore, and that he thinks she will strike not far from the village."
"Why, on earth," Mr. Davenant exclaimed, "doesn't he tack and stand
out to sea!"
"The boy says her foremast is gone, and they have lost all management
of her."
"In that case, God help them! There is little chance for them on this
rocky coast. However, I will go down at once, and see if anything can
be done.
"Katherine, do you see that there are plenty of hot blankets ready, in
case any of the poor fellows are washed ashore. I shall, of course, send
them up here.
"I suppose, Walter, you will come down with me."
But Walter had already disappeared, having slipped off as soon as he
had heard the message.
"Don't let that boy get into mischief, Fergus," old Mrs. Davenant said.
"I am afraid, mother, he is beyond me," her son said, with a smile. "No
Davenant yet could ever keep out of mischief, and Walter is no
exception. However, fortunately for us, we generally get out of scrapes
as easily as we get into them."
"Not always, Fergus," she said, shaking her head.
"No, not always, mother; but exceptions, you know, prove the rule."
"Well, Godfrey, do you want to go?" he asked the younger boy, who
had risen from the table, and was looking eagerly at him. "Of course
you do; but, mind, you must keep close to me.
"Ah, Father John!" he broke off, as an ecclesiastic, muffled up to the
throat in wrappings, entered the room. "Are you going down, too?"

"Assuredly I am, Fergus. You don't think a trifle of wind would keep
me from doing my duty?"
In another two minutes, the two men and Godfrey sallied out. They
staggered as the wind struck them, and Godfrey clung to his father's
arm. Not a word was spoken as they made their way down the steep
descent to the