The Fenian

Last updated on: January 13, 2024 at 9:36 pm by Shawn F. Higgins

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The Fenian 2024-01-13T21:36:24-05:00 Shawn F. Higgins

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THE FENIAN

ACT III.

IX.

⸻

“Maud Gonne wants to meet John O’Leary,” said Oldham, introducing Maud to the Club. “I thought you would all like to meet Maud Gonne.”

Maud glanced round the room, where a dozen men sat smoking and drinking tea. She had her doubts about the last part of Oldham’s introduction, as no women were admitted to the Club. A tall, thin, handsome older man rose from his armchair by the fire. With a quizzical frown on his face, he carefully approached Maud.

“Mr. O’Leary,” Maud said in a low voice, “I have heard so much about you.” She felt very shy, now, but mustering her courage she continued. “You are the leader of revolutionary Ireland, I want to work for Ireland, I want you to show me how.”

The frown vanished from his face. O’Leary appreciated direct talk. An eager look entered his eyes, and he led her past the window looking over College Green, and over to the sofa.

Oldham busied himself in supplying Maud with a cup of tea.

“My people are all Unionists,” Maud told O’Leary. “My father is dead, and I am determined to devote my life to working for Ireland —but don’t know how to begin.”

“You must read,” O’Leary said, “read the history of our country, read its literature. I will lend you the books and then you must lecture.”

Maud found that along with his hobby of collecting rare books, O’Leary’s main interest in life was gaining new recruits for Ireland, especially from the Unionists whom he wanted to form an intellectual backing for the Separatist movement. Maud was a possible new recruit, and though she was not an “intellectual,” she was young, and he was hopeful.[1]