The gentlemen left the dining-room with the ladies, in the Continental
manner. Lady St. Jerome, who was leaning on the arm of the monsignore,
guided him into a saloon farther than the one they had reentered, and
then seating herself said, "You were telling me about Scotland, that you
yourself thought it ripe."

"Unquestionably. The original plan was to have established our
hierarchy when the Kirk split up; but that would have been a mistake, it
was not then ripe. There would have been a fanatical reaction. There
is always a tendency that way in Scotland: as it is, at this moment, the
Establishment and the Free Kirk are mutually sighing for some compromise
which may bring them together and, if the proprietors would give up
their petty patronage, some flatter themselves it might be arranged.
But we are thoroughly well informed, and have provided for all this. We
sent two of our best men into Scotland some time ago, and they have
invented a new church, called the United Presbyterians. John Knox
himself was never more violent, or more mischievous. The United
Presbyterians will do the business: they will render Scotland simply
impossible to live in; and then, when the crisis arrives, the distracted
and despairing millions will find refuge in the bosom of their only
mother. That is why, at home, we wanted no delay in the publication of
the bull and the establishment of the hierarchy."

"But the cardinal says no?"

"And must be followed. For these islands he has no equal. He wishes
great reserve at present. Affairs here are progressing, gradually but
surely. But it is Ireland where matters are critical, or will be soon."

"Ireland! I thought there was a sort of understanding there -- at least