"Never," said he emphatically.
I paused and reflected.
"The Bishop told me," said I, "that you were a great Greek scholar, and took a medal in Greek composition?"
"The Bishop told me," said he, "that you were the best Greek scholar in Ireland, with the exception, perhaps, of a Jesuit Father in Dublin."
We looked at each other. Then burst simultaneously into a fit of laughter, the likes of which had not been heard in that room for many a day.
"I am not sure," said I, "about his Lordship's classical attainments; but he knows human nature well."
Father Letheby left next morning to see after his furniture. He had taken a slated, one-storied cottage in the heart of the village. It was humble enough; but it looked quite aristocratic amongst its ragged neighbors.
CHAPTER IV
THE PANTECHNICON