If occasionally there were moments when Emon's ideas were somewhat confused, they were never clearer or sharper than as Father Farrell said this. It so happened that he was thinking of Winny Cavana at the moment; indeed, it would be hard to hit upon the moment when he was not. Shanvilla was proverbially a poor parish; and Father Farrell's continual and expressed regret was, that he was not able personally to do more for the poor of his flock. Emon was sharp enough, and stout enough, to speak his mind even to his priest, when he found it necessary. He looked inquiringly into Father Farrell's face. "No, Father Farrell, you _cannot_ afford it," he said. "It is your kindness leads you to say so; and if you could afford it there are--and no man knows it better than you do--many still poorer families than ours in the parish requiring your aid. But under no circumstances shall I touch _that_ pound." The priest was found out, and became disconcerted; but the matter was coming to a point, and he might as well have it out. "Why do you lay such an emphasis upon the word _that_?" said he. "It is a very good one," he added, laughing. "Well, Father Farrell, I am always ready and willing to answer you any questions you may choose to ask me, for you are always discreet and considerate. Of course I must always answer any questions you have a right to ask; but you have no right to probe me now." "Certainly not, Emon, but you know a counsel's no command." "Your counsel, Father Farrell, is always good, and almost amounts to a command. I beg your pardon, if I have spoken hastily." "Emon, my good young friend, and I will add, my dear young friend, I do not wish to probe you upon any subject you are not bound to give me your confidence upon; but why did you lay such an emphasis just now on the word _that_? If you do not wish to answer me, you need not do so. But you must take _this_ pound-note. You see I can lay an emphasis as well as you when I think it is required." "No, Father Farrell. If the note was your own, I might take the loan of it, and work it in with you, or pay you when I earned it. But I do not think it is: there is the truth for you, Father Farrell." "I see how it is, Emon, and you are very proud. However, the truth is, the pound was sent to me anonymously for you from a friend." "She might as well have signed her name in full," said Emon, sadly, "for any loss that I can be at upon the subject--or perhaps you yourself, Father Farrell." "Well, I was at no loss, I confess. But you were to know nothing about it, Emon; only you were so sharp. {100} There is no fear that your intellects have been injured by the blow, at all events. It was meant kindly, Emon, and I think you ought to take it--here." "You think so, Father Farrell?" "I do; indeed I do, Emon."