It was
fascinating work for him, embodying as it did all he had ever felt
and thought or done for the "Great Cause."
In addition to this work--that occupied so many of his free hours--
he would give an occasional lecture on Irish conditions or take part
as adviser in some Irish pageant. He became rapidly one of the best
liked and most respected of the thoughtful, active, executive
Irishmen in New York City.
The night of the day following the incidents in the preceding
chapter--incidents that determined Peg's future--O'Connell was
sitting in his little work room, surrounded by books of reference,
and loose sheets of manuscript, developing his great work--the real
work of his life--because in it he would incorporate everything that
would further the march of advancement in Ireland--to work and
thought and government by her people.
A ring at the bell caused O'Connell to look up frowningly. He was
not in the habit of receiving calls. Few people ever dared to
intrude on his privacy. He preferred to be alone with his work. It
passed the time of separation from Peg quicker than in any other
way.
He opened the door and looked in amazement at his visitor. He saw a
little, round, merry-looking, bald-headed gentleman with gold-rimmed
spectacles, an enormous silk-hat, broad cloth frock-coat suit,
patent boots with grey spats on them, and a general air of
prosperity and good nature that impressed itself on even the most
casual observer.
Pages:
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323