“It is rather early to pass a judgment on that point, I think.”
“I'm not of that mind,” rejoined O'Halloran, hastily. “The fruits of the measure are showing themselves already. The men of fortune are flying the country; their town houses are to let; their horses are advertised for sale at Dycer's. Dublin is, even now, beginning to feel what it may become when the population has no other support than itself.”
“Such will always be the fortune of a province. Influence will and must converge to the capital,” rejoined Heffernan.
“But what if the great element of a province be wanting? What if we have not that inherent respect and reverence for the metropolis provincials always should feel? What if we know that our interests are misunderstood, our real wants unknown, our peculiar circumstances either undervalued or despised?”
“If the case be as you represent it—-”
“Can you deny it? Tell me that.”
“I will not deny or admit it. I only say, if it be such, there is still a remedy, if men are shrewd enough to adopt it.”
“And what may that remedy be?” said O'Reilly, calmly.
“An Irish party!”
“Oh, the old story; the same plot over again we had this year at the Rotunda?” said O'Reilly, contemptuously.