THE LEGEND OF ROSE ROCHE, 263 



Never had such an alarming predicament a happier 

 termination ! 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 iUve of the Ursulines left the 

 home of her youth, escorted by three hundred horse- 

 men, the consort of the proudest baron of the Pale. 

 No lover could be more gallant than the noble husband 

 of Rose Roche. Fete succeeded fete, and feasting 

 continued in the castle of Cormac More from Michael- 

 mas to Advent. 



Months passed away, and honeymoons cannot be 

 expected to last for ever. Cormac More by degrees 

 resumed his hunting, and again involved himself in the 

 endless feuds and warfare of these restless times ; 

 and Rose Roche was often deserted 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 resigna- 

 tion ; 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 

 and repulsive. It transpired that two circumstances 



