"
In February 1867 my sister, brother and I contracted measles, and
were sent out to the "Lodge" to avoid spreading infection.
We were already convalescent, when one evening a mysterious
stranger arrived from the Castle, and had an interview with the
governess. As a result of that interview, the kindly old lady
began clucking like a scared hen, fussed quite prodigiously, and
told us to collect our things at once, as we were to start for the
Castle in a quarter of an hour. After a frantically hurried
packing, we were bustled into the carriage, the mysterious
stranger taking his seat on the box. To our surprise we saw some
thirty mounted Hussars at the door. As we moved off, to our
unspeakable delight, the Hussars drew their swords and closed in
on the carriage, one riding at either window. And so we drove
through Dublin. We had never had an escort before, and felt
immensely elated and dignified. At the Castle there seemed to be
some confusion. I heard doors banging and people moving about all
through the night.
Long afterwards I learnt that the great Fenian rising was fixed
for that night.
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