"Because I am writing to the Pope. I was at first a little doubtful, but the more I thought of this letter the more necessary it seemed to me."
"And what are you writing to the Pope about?"
"You see Ireland is going to become a Protestant country."
"Is it?" said Father Meehan, and he listened a little while. Then, interrupting his friend, he said:—
"I've heard enough. Now, I strongly advise you not to send this letter. We have known each other all our lives. Now my dear MacTurnan—"
Father Michael talked eagerly, and Father MacTurnan sat listening. At last Father Meehan saw that his arguments were producing no effect, and he said:—
"You don't agree with me."
"It isn't that I don't agree with you. You have spoken admirably from your point of view, but our points of view are different."
"Take your papers away, burn them!"
Then, thinking his words were harsh, he laid his hand on his friend's shoulder and said:—