"I don't know that there is anything rational in it all," said Ada.
But still she went to bed well pleased that night.

CHAPTER XXV.

THE GALWAY BALL.

When the 20th of May came, the three started off together for Galway,
happy in spite of their boycotting. The girls at least were happy,
though Frank was still somewhat sombre as he thought of the edict
which Rachel O'Mahony had pronounced against him. When the boat
arrived at the quay at Galway, Captain Clayton, with one of the
officers of the West Bromwich, was there to meet it. "He is a wise
man," whispered Edith to Ada, "he takes care to provide for number
one."

"I don't see that at all," said Ada.

"That brave little warrior, who is four feet and a half high, is
intended for my escort. Two is company and three is none. I quite
agree as to that." Then they left the boat, and Edith so arranged the
party that she was to walk between the small warrior and her brother,
whereas Ada followed with Captain Clayton. In such straits of
circumstances a man always has to do what he is told. Presence of
mind and readiness is needful, but the readiness of a man is never
equal to that of a woman. So they went off to Mrs. D'Arcy's house,
and Ada enjoyed all the little preliminary sweets of the Captain's
conversation. The words that were spoken all had reference to Edith
herself; but they came from the Captain and were assuredly sweet.

"And it's really true that you are boycotted?" Mrs. D'Arcy asked.

"Certainly it's true."

"And what do they do to you? Do all the servants leave you?"

"Unless there be any like Peter who make up their minds to face the
wrath of Landleaguers. Peter has lived with us a long time, and has
to ask himself whether it will be best for him to stay or go."

"And he stays? What a noble fellow," said Mrs. D'Arcy.

"What would he do with himself if he didn't stay?" said Edith. "I
don't suppose they'd shoot him, and he gets plenty to eat. The girls
who were in the house and the young men about the place had friends
of their own living near them, so they thought it better to go.
Everybody of course does what is best for himself. And Peter, though
he has suited himself, is already making a favour of it. Papa told
him only yesterday that he might go himself if he pleased. Only
think, we had to send all the horses last week into Galway to be
shod;--and then they wouldn't do it, except one man who made a
tremendous favour of it, and after doing