"How is that?"
He had thought over what he should say, and without waiting to hear why they were glad, he told them the professor, who overlooked his essays, had refused to recognize their merits—he had condemned the best things in them; and Peter said it was extraordinary that such a man should be appointed to such a place. Then he told that the Church afforded little chances for the talents of young men unless they had a great deal of influence.
And they sat listening to him, hearing how the college might be reformed. He had a gentle, winning way of talking, and his father and brother forgot their own misfortunes thinking how they might help him.
"Well, Peter, you have come back none too soon."
"And how is that? What have you been doing since I went away? You all wanted to hear about Maynooth."
"Of course we did, my boy. Tell him, James."
"Oh! it is nothing particular," said James. "It is only this, Peter—I am going to America."
"And who will work the farm?"
"Well, Peter, we were thinking that you might work it yourself."
"I work the farm! Going to America, James! But what about Catherine?"