"A pity! A pity to make the Irish people realise that they're Irish and different from the English!"
"Oh, you won't agree, I know, John, but I think Tom Arthurs is doing better work for Ireland than you are," Henry retorted.
"He's doing good work, very good work, but not better work than I am. He's establishing an Irish industry, but I'm helping to establish an Irish nation, an Irish soul!..."
"That's what you want to do, but I wonder whether it's what you are doing," said Henry.
They were silent for a while, and before they spoke again, the train backed into the station, and they passed through the barriers so that Marsh could secure his seat.
"Well, what do you propose to do for Ireland?" Marsh asked again, when he had entered his carriage.
"The best I can, I suppose. I don't know yet!..."
Marsh turned quickly to Henry and put his hand on his shoulder. "Henry," he said, "I hope you don't mind ... I know about Sheila Morgan and you!..."
"You know?..."
"Yes. I'm sorry about that. I don't think you should let it upset you!"