"I hear your reverence."

"And if you hear me, what have you got to say to that?"

"He's free to go after the girl he chooses, your reverence," said
Kate.

"There's been courting enough," the priest said. "If you aren't
going to be married you must give up keeping company. I see Paddy
Boyle outside the door. Go home with him. Do you hear what I'm
saying, Pat? Go straight home, and no stopping about the roads.
Just do as I bid you; go straight home to your mother."

Pat did not move at the bidding of the priest. He stood watching
Kate as if he were waiting for a sign from her, but Kate did not
look at him.

"Do you hear what I'm saying to you?" said the priest.

"Yes, I hear," said Pat.

"And aren't you going?" said the priest.

Everyone was afraid Pat would raise his hand against the priest,
and they looked such strong men, both of them, that everyone
wondered which would get the better of the other.

"You won't go home when I tell you to do so. We will see if I
can't put you out of the door then."