"Ye may well say that, yer honour," replied Burke.

"Before I invest one penny to better the condition of the people I
must have their pledge to abandon such disgraceful methods of trying
to enlist sympathy. I'll begin with this man O'Connell. Have him
brought to me to-morrow. I'll manage this estate my own way or I'll
wash my hands of it. My father was often tempted to."

"He resisted the temptation though, sir."

"I'm sorry he did. That will do for to-day. Leave these statements.
I'll go over them again. It's hard to make head or tail of the whole
business. Be here tomorrow at ten. Bring that fellow O'Connell with
you. Also give me a list of some of the more intelligent and
trustworthy of the people and I'll sound them as to the prospects of
opening up work here. Drop them a hint that my interest is solely on
the understanding that this senseless agitation stops."

"I will, sir. To-morrow morning at ten," and Burke started for the
door.

"Oh, and--Burke--I hope you are more discreet with my tenants than
you have been with me?"

"In what way, Mr. Kingsnorth?"

"I trust that you confine your sympathy with them to your FEELINGS
and not give expression to them in words."