[Pg 20] I looked at her in surprise, and the granny said, in a soothing tone: "Ah, then, asthore, don't be bringin' in names! It's safer not." Winifred, for answer, turned silently to the window, gazing out again, and I was left to conjecture that here was another mystery. What experience of life could this child have had? And who in that neighborhood could have grown rich, suddenly or otherwise? When I rose to go I expressed my desire to come again. "Mebbe you'd have a curiosity to see more of the ould place," said the woman. "But the castle is not a show place," cried Winifred, imperiously. "It's private property." "God help your wit!" I heard the old woman mutter; but aloud she said with conciliation, almost deference: "Sure you know as well as I do, Miss Winifred dear, that every castle in the country, even where the grand folks do be livin', is thrown open every now and again to travellers." "This castle is not open to any one," said Winifred, drawing her slight figure to its height and addressing me; "but if you, being from America, would like to see it, I would show it to you." I told her that I should very much like to see it, and would certainly come again for the purpose. "There's some stories about the ould place that mebbe you'd like to hear, ma'am," said Granny Meehan, anxious to make amends for any abruptness on the part of her charge. I told her that the stories would be an additional attraction; and as I was about leaving the room, I remarked: [Pg 21] [Pg 21] "It's a glorious day. You should go out, Mrs. Meehan, if only to see the sun shining on the mountains." Winifred sprang forward, her face crimson. "For shame! for shame!" she cried. I turned back to the old woman in perplexity. The ghost of a smile was on her face, as she declared:
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