es you credit," shouted the priest. "It's just the way
of the world. You have got what you wanted out of me, an' now you throw
me off. However, go on."

"What's that?" said the father again.

"He is desiring us to go on,' replied the son.

"Then, in the name o' Goodness, do so, avourneen. Susy will die
downright."

"Where am I to dine to-day?" shouted the priest, in a louder voice. "I
say, where am I to come in for my dinner, for I'm not expected at home,
and my curate dines out?"

"I can't hear him," said the father.

"He says the curate dines out; an' he wants to know if he's to dine with
us."

"Throth, an' he won't; not that we begrudge it to him; but for this day
the sarra one we'll have but our own relations. Push an. An' Brian, too,
poor fellow, that was always so proud of you!"

They had now reached the top of an ascent on the road, whilst the
priest toiled up after them. In a few minutes they began to descend, and
consequently were out of his sight.

No description of mine could give an adequate perception to the reader
of what was felt by the family on hearing that the object of Denis's
hopes, and their own proud ambition, was at length accomplished. The
Bishop's letter was looked at, turned in every direction, and the seal
inspected with a kind of wonderful curiosity, such as a superstitious
person would manifest on seeing and touching some sacred relic. The
period appointed for his departure now depended upon the despatch with
which they could equip him for college. But until this event should
arrive, his friends lost no opportunity of having him among them.
Various were the treats he got in fair and markets. Proud were his
relations when paying' him the respect which he felt right sincere
pleasure in receiving. The medium between dignity and humility which he
hit off in these scenes, was worthy o'f being recorded; but, to do him
justice, his forte lay in humility. He certainly condescended with a
grace, and made them feel the honor done them by his vouchsafing to
associate with such poor creatures as if he was one of themselves. To
do them also justice, they appeared to feel his condescension; and, as
a natural consequence, were ready to lick the very dust under his feet,
considering him, as they did, a priest in everything but ordination.

Denis, besides his intercourse with humble relatives, was now asked to
dine with the neighboring clergymen, and frequently made one at their
parties. In the