and at last she did not care what matches might be broken or mended. "He was a stubborn man, but even if he was," she thought, "what was to be done but to give him his own way! He would be the very mischief if that would not satisfy him." Grey Dermot was contented. And it was he himself that knew best why. All the neighbours were very well contented. I suppose they also knew the reason why.
When Sive was going she gave the keys to her father. But she did not leave much wealth stored behind the locks. As she was going out she called Michael's mother aside.
"It would be as well for you to stay here," said she, "and to take care of this place. Michael could mind the shop and sell the leather. This poor man is too old. Whenever it is God's will to call him away there will be no one to come between you and this house. I know there is no fear that you will wrong my father. As long as he lives I will support him. Whatever money the sale of the leather will make, you and Michael may have. Will you take the place?"
"Indeed I will, of course," said the widow. "Well! will I take it? What a question! Indeed I will take the place, and I will let my own little house to my brother's wife. She is leaving the house in which she is now. And then, if it should happen that you would want this house back again I can get my own house back again in the same way."
"Very good," said Sive. "There is some money for you which will do until I send you more."
Michael was astonished by and by when his mother told him to go west and bring his clothes,
