urely great state," observed the candidate; "and if it be a
thing that I matriculate--"

"And yet," said the priest, interrupting him, "this same bishop--who is,
no doubt, a worthy man, but who has no natural ear for a jest--was once
upon a time the priest of an indifferent good parish, like myself; ay,
and a poor, cowardly, culprit-looking candidate, ready to sink into the
earth, before his bishop, like you."

"Me cowardly!" said the candidate: "I decline the insinuation
altogether. It was nothing but veneration and respect, which you know we
should entertain for all our spiritual superiors."

"That's truth decidedly; though, at the same time, your nerves were
certainly rather entangled, like a ravelled hank. But no matter, man;
we have all felt the same in our time. Did you observe how I managed the
bishop?"

"I can't say I did," replied the candidate, who felt hurt at the
imputation of cowardice before his father; "but I saw, sir, that the
bishop managed you."

"Pray for a longer vision, Dionysius. I tell you that no other priest in
the diocese could have got both you and me out of the dilemma in which
we stood but myself. He has taken to the study of weeds and plants in
his old days; and I, who have a natural taste for botany, know it is his
weak side. I tell you, he would give the right of filling a vacancy in
Maynooth, any day in the year, for a rare plant or flower. So much for
your knowledge of human nature. You'll grant I managed the Counsellor?"

"Between my father and you, sir, things look well. We have not, however,
got a certificate of success yet."

"_Patientia fit levior ferendo!_--Have patience, man. Wait till we see
the Counsellor!"

He had scarcely uttered the last words when that gentleman entered.

"Well, Counsellor," said the priest, "is it a hit?"

"Pray what is your Christian name, Mr. O'Shaughnessy?" inquired the
lawyer o! young Denis.

"My Christian name, sir," replied Denis, "is Di-o-ny-si-us
O'Shaughnessy. That, sir, is the name by which I am always appellated."

"That's quite sufficient," said the other, "I shall be with you again
in a few minutes."

"But won't you give us a hint, my good sir, as to how the land lies?"
said the priest, as the lawyer left the room.

"Presently, Mr. Finnerty, presently."

"Intelligisme, Dionisi?"

"Vix, Domine. Quid sentis?"

"Quid sentis! No, but it was good fortune sent us. Don't you persave,
Dionysius, and you, Denis--don't you know, I