Peggy from Kerry by L.T. Meade

In the case of the prize essays, no help of any sort was to be given; but in the case of the recitations Mrs. Fleming altered her plan. The time to learn and to recite was somewhat short, and each girl who wished was allowed to consult with Miss Henrietta Greene, the most dignified and the most intellectual teacher in the school. Miss Greene might offer suggestions, and on a certain day the girls were to assemble in the big schoolroom and recite for her benefit. She was permitted to listen and to correct any startling inconsistencies, but she was not in any way to praise the young reciters. Nevertheless, a great deal can be learnt from the human face, and these girls were sharp enough to be able to judge a good deal by Miss Greene's expression of countenance. The rehearsal took place one day before the essays were to be sent in. Peggy was much excited, and could scarcely keep her excitement to herself. To Peggy, verse was like music, rhythm was to her pure ecstasy; a ballad was indeed a story into which she could throw herself and live. All her life long the child had this special gift, and many and many were the verses she recited to the children in the old country, to her grandparents, and to her foster-parents, the O'Flynns. Peggy chose Ireland, and always Ireland, as her theme; with the Irish ballad she could give herself away, and show what a maiden of Ireland might achieve. Her action was absolutely natural, full of fire and without effort; it came to her as easily as did the breath that she drew. She was in the picture, she was there herself, going through the agony or the joy. The smile that came and went on her lovely face, the look of exultation which filled her sapphire eyes, all showed her true and real appreciation.

When Peggy recited she forgot herself absolutely. Hitherto her great piece had been the very well-known recitation called "Fergus O'Flynn; " this, of course, would not do for the present occasion, and after a little study she suddenly announced that the piece she would recite was called "The Fairies' Passage," and was by James Clarence Mangan. Molly Wyndham chose "The May Queen," but was told that it was a little too long, and she must only recite the two first parts, another girl selected Tennyson's most touching "Children's Hospital," and another again chose part of Mrs. Hamilton King's well-known "Story of the Irish Famine."