Prev | Current Page 291 | Next

Manners, J. Hartley, 1870-1928

"Peg O' My Heart"

Peg wanted to go back but Jerry suggested it would be wiser
now for her to go home since his mother had driven away.
Back across the meadows and through the lanes, under that marvellous
moon and with the wild beat of the Continental Walse echoing from
the ball-room, walked Peg and Jerry, side by side, in silence. Both
were busy with their thoughts. After a little while Peg whispered:
"Jerry?"
"Peg?"
"What were you goin' to say to me when yer mother came up to us just
now?"
"Something it would be better to say in the daylight, Peg."
"Sure, why the daylight? Look at the moon so high in the heavens."
"Wait until to-morrrow."
"I'll not slape a wink thinkin' of all the wondherful things that
happened this night. Tell me--Jerry--yer mother and yer sisters--
they weren't ashamed o' me, were they?"
"Why of course not. They were charmed with you."
"Were they? Ralely?"
"Really, Peg."
"Shall I ever see them again?"
"I hope some day you'll see a great deal of them."
They reached the windows leading into the now famous--to Peg--
living-room. He held out his hand:
"Good night, Peg."
"What a hurry ye are in to get rid o' me. An' a night like this may
never come again."
Suddenly a quick flash of jealousy startled through her:
"Are ye goin' back to the dance? Are ye goin' to dance the extra
ones ye wouldn't take me back for?"
"Not if you don't wish me to.


Pages:
279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303