taught
how to labor: let them not be bowed to the earth by rents so far above
the real value of their lands. The pernicious maxims which float among
them must be refuted--not by theory, but by practical lessons performed
before their eyes for their own advantage. Let them be taught how to
discriminate between their real interests and their prejudices; and none
can teach them all this so effectually as their landlords, if they could
be roused from their apathy, and induced to undertake the task. Who ever
saw a poor nation without great crimes?"

"Very true, O'Brien; quite true. I am resolved to inspect personally
the condition of those who reside on my other estates. But now about our
protege? How is he doing?"

"Extremely well. I have had a letter from him a few days ago, in which
he alludes to the interest you have taken in himself and his family,
with a depth of feeling truly affecting."

"When you write to him, let him know that I have placed his father in
his old farm; and that Carson is out. Say I am sure he will conduct
himself properly, in which case I charge myself with his expenses until
he shall have accomplished his purpose. After that he may work his
own way through life, and I have no doubt but he will do it well and
honorably."

Colonel B------'s pledge on this occasion was nobly redeemed. Our humble
hero pursued his studies with zeal and success. In due time he entered
Maynooth, where he distinguished himself not simply for smartness as
a student, but as a young man possessed of a mind far above the common
order. During all this time nothing occurred worthy of particular
remark, except that, in fulfilment of his former vow, he never wrote to
any of his friends; for the reader should have been told, that this was
originally comprehended in the determination he had formed. He received
ordination at the hands of his friend the Bishop, whom we have already
introduced to the reader, and on the same day he was appointed by that
gentleman to a curacy in his own parish. The Colonel, whose regard
for him never cooled, presented him with fifty pounds, together with
a horse, saddle, and bridle; so that he found himself in a capacity
to enter upon his duties in a decent and becoming manner. Another
circumstance that added considerably to his satisfaction, was the
appointment of Mr. O'Brien to a parish adjoining that of the Bishop.
James's afflictions had been the means of bringing the merits of that
excellent m