even thought of spending a certain portion of each year here. But
from what I've heard it would be a waste of time and money."

"It is discouraging, at first sight, but we'll have a better state
of affairs presently. We must first stamp out the agitator. He is.
the most potent handicap. Next are the priests. They are nearest to
the people. The real solution of the Irish difficulty would be to
make the whole nation Protestants."

"Could it be done?"

"It would take time--every big movement takes time." Roche paused,
looked shrewdly, at Kingsnorth and asked him:

"What do you intend doing with this estate?"

"I am in a quandary. I'm almost determined to put it in the market.
Sell it. Be rid of it. It has always been a source of annoyance to
our family. However, I'll settle nothing until I return to London.
I'll go in a few days--much sooner than I intended. This man being
brought into my house has annoyed and upset me."

"I'm sorry," said the magistrate. "Miss Kingsnorth was so insistent
and the fellow seemed in a bad way, otherwise I would never have
allowed it."

A servant came in response to Kingsnorth's ring and was sent with a
message to have the man O'Connell ready to accompany the magistrate
as quickly as possible. Over a glass of sherry and a cigar the two
men resumed their discussion.