CHAPTER XII 

 SOME IRISH CUSTOMS 



MARRIAGE among the country people is 

 simply an affair of bargaining. So many 

 cows, sheep, so much ' dry money ' 

 among the better classes, down to hens and geese 

 and feather beds among the poorer. 



They are the most faithful wives and husbands, 

 even if anything but sad lovers beforehand. 



Mr. Crowe, who was then agent to the late Lord 

 Leconfield, often told us of one of the tenants who 

 told him he was about to be married. Mr. Crowe 

 was round collecting rents. 



The bride to be was a pretty young girl, a 

 farmer's daughter, and everything appeared to be 

 settled. But six months later when the agent 

 came in, he was surprised to see a stout elderly 

 woman working away in Pat's house. 



Leading the tenant outside the agent asked for 

 explanation and what had become of Mary Dundon. 



But without lowering his voice Pat gave his 

 reasons calmly. 



" It was near to be settled surely, but whin it 

 camejto the pint, Mary, she had but one cow, an' 

 Kate here she had two cows. An' sure your honour 



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