92
SHIANA
The story of the Black Man would have to be told to her from beginning to end, or else it would have to be kept from her from beginning to end. If it were told to her, and then that she were to marry Shiana—as she would—the thought of it would break down her health. She would be wasted away by melancholy, and she would not live long. If it were not told to her, Shiana would have done the most deceitful act that ever a man did. He could not do such an act, and by the same token, they all failed to make the match.
Abbie.—I heard there was one match that Diarmaun failed to make.
Sheila.—What match was that, Abbie?
Abbie.—Mr. Quilty's match.
Elate.—Oh, indeed, Abbie, I heard of it, but I did not hear of its being broken off. What broke it? Everybody was surprised to think that he should marry Janet.
Abbie.—Well, there were a lot of joking fellows gathered east at Michael the Smith's forge, and Diarmaun was there. They were saying that Mr. Quilty had a firkin full of gold under the head of his bed after he came home from foreign parts. "You couldn't do better, Diarmaun," said one of them," than make a match for him." "To whom should I speak?" said Diarmaun. "To White Thady," said another man. They all shouted and laughed. He thought they were shouting their approval of the match. Out he went, and away east to Mr. Quilty's house. "Mr. Quilty," said Diarmaun, "I have made a match for you."—"God spare you your health, Dermot!" said Mr. Quilty, "and that you may
