224 THE LEGEND OF ROSE ROCHE. 



her penitentiaries for a month ; and Rose Roche undergo a 

 private penance, which he, the Prior, should communicate 

 to the lady alone. 



Never had such an alarming predicament a happier termi- 

 nation! The Knight had scarcely laid himself upon the 

 Bishop's bed, until a sweet and refreshing slumber, blessed 

 with the happiest visions, sealed his eyes ; the Lady Abbess 

 slept like a watchman ; and, since she had first gathered 

 wild-flowers in the convent- garden, never did the fair novice 

 enjoy more delightful dreams ! 



At last the bridal day arrived. The Lord of Iveagh was 

 attended by a splendid following. The bells rang out a 

 joyous peal, and the 6leve of the Ursulines left the home of 

 her youth, escorted by three hundred horsemen, the consort 

 of the proudest baron of the Pale. No lover could be more 

 gallant than the noble husband of Rose Roche. Fete suc- 

 ceeded fete, and feasting continued in the castle of Cormac 

 More from Michaelmas till Advent. 



Months passed away, and honeymoons cannot be expected 

 to last for ever. Cormac More by degrees resumed his hunt- 

 ing, and again involved himself in the endless feuda and war- 

 fare of these restless times ; and Rose Roche was often de- 

 serted for the chase or the field. She still was passionately 

 loved ; but in the bosom of a martial baron, other and sterner 

 feelings held a predominance. It is true, that the young bride 

 bore these frequent absences with wonderful resignation ; and 

 page and tirewoman confessed in secret, that Dhu Castle was 

 gayer and merrier when Cormac and his stern companions 

 were away. 



A year wore on. The Lord of Iveagh was pensive and 

 thoughtful ; a cloud would often gather on his brow, and his 

 bearing to his beautiful wife became chilling aud repulsive. 

 It transpired that two circumstances occasioned his an- 

 xiety. His lady wore a curious-fashioned coif, which con- 

 cealed her tresses as effectually as if she never laid aside 

 her night-cap ; and the cherished hope of an heir to his 

 ancient line now faded in the heart of Cormac More. Dhu 

 Castle became duller arid more gloomy the fair Baroness 

 was more and more deserted the chase and banquet were 

 preferred by the moody Knight to soft dalliance in his 

 " lady's bower," and any pretext was gladly resorted to, 



