"That's true for you; at the same time we musn't forget that they
have put up many a fine church."
"It would be impossible, I suppose, to prohibit the brewing of ale
and the distillation of spirit." The priest's brother was a
publican and had promised a large subscription. "And now, Biddy,
what are you going to give me to make the walls secure. I don't
want you all to be killed while I am away."
"There's no fear of that, your reverence; a church never fell down
on anyone."
"Even so, if it falls down when nobody's in it where are the
people to hear Mass?"
"Ah, won't they be going down to hear Mass at Father Stafford's?"
"If you don't wish to give anything say so."
"Your reverence, amn't I--?"
"We don't want to hear about that window."
Biddy began to fear she would have to give him a few pounds to
quiet him. But, fortunately, Pat Connex came up the road, and she
thought she might escape after all.
"I hear, Pat Connex, you were dancing with Kate Kavanagh, I should
say Kate M'Shane, and she went away to America this morning. Have
you heard that?"
"I have, your reverence. She passed me on the road this morning."
"And you weren't thinking you might stop her?"
"Stop her," said Pat. "Who could stop Kate from doing anything she
wanted to do?"
"And now your mother writes to me, Pat Connex, to ask if I will
get Lennon's daughter for you."
"I see your reverence has private business with Pat Connex. I'll
be going," said Biddy, and she was many yards down the road before
he could say a word.
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