He went into the pantry hastily and put on his overcoat.  The others, taken aback by his rude speech, could find nothing to say.  Aunt Kate wrinkled her brows and made signs to the others to drop the subject.  Mr. D’Arcy stood swathing his neck carefully and frowning.

“It’s the weather,” said Aunt Julia, after a pause.

“Yes, everybody has colds,” said Aunt Kate readily, “everybody.”

“They say,” said Mary Jane, “we haven’t had snow like it for thirty years; and I read this morning in the newspapers that the snow is general all over Ireland.”

“I love the look of snow,” said Aunt Julia sadly.

“So do I,” said Miss O’Callaghan.  “I think Christmas is never really Christmas unless we have the snow on the ground.”

“But poor Mr. D’Arcy doesn’t like the snow,” said Aunt Kate, smiling.

Mr. D’Arcy came from the pantry, fully swathed and buttoned, and in a repentant tone told them the history of his cold.  Everyone gave him advice and said it was a great pity and urged him to be very careful of his throat in the night air.  Gabriel watched his wife, who did not join in the conversation.  She was standing right under the dusty fanlight and the flame of the gas lit up the rich bronze of her hair, which he had seen her drying at the fire a few days before.  She was in the same attitude and seemed unaware of the talk about her.  At last she turned towards them and Gabriel saw that there was colour on her cheeks and that her eyes were shining.  A sudden tide of joy went leaping out of his heart.

“Mr. D’Arcy,” she said, “what is the name of that song you were singing?”

“It’s called The Lass of Aughrim,” said Mr. D’Arcy, “but I couldn’t remember it properly.  Why?  Do you know it?”

“The Lass of Aughrim,” she repeated.  “I couldn’t think of the name.”

“It’s a very nice air,” said Mary Jane.  “I’m sorry you were not in voice tonight.”

“Now, Mary Jane,” said Aunt Kate, “don’t annoy Mr. D’Arcy.  I won’t have him annoyed.”

Seeing that all were ready to start she shepherded them to the door, where good-night was said: 

“Well, good-night, Aunt Kate, and thanks for the pleasant evening.”

“Good-night, Gabriel.  Good-night, Gretta!”

“Good-night, Aunt Kate, and thanks ever so much.  Goodnight, Aunt Julia.”

“O, good-night, Gretta, I didn’t see you.”

“Good-night, Mr. D’Arcy.  Good-night, Miss O’Callaghan.”

“Good-night, Miss Morkan.”

“Good-night, again.”

“Good-night, all.  Safe home.”

“Good-night.  Good night.”

The morning was still dark.  A dull, yellow light brooded over the houses and the river; and the sky seemed to be descending.  It was slushy underfoot; and only streaks and patches of snow lay on the roofs, on the parapets of the quay and on the area railings.  The lamps were still burning redly in the murky air and, across the river, the palace of the Four Courts stood out menacingly against the heavy sky.