“I like it all the better, for that reason,” said Jack. “There's something independent in the very thought of a liquor that never submitted to the indignity of a gauger.” “That's not a very English sentiment, sir,” said the priest, slyly. “I don't know whether it be or not,” rejoined Massingbred; “but I can neither perceive common-sense or justice in a law that will not allow a man to do what he likes with his own. Why, if Parliament declared to-morrow you should n't boil your potatoes in Ireland, but eat them fried--or that you should n't make bread of your corn, but eat it with milk as the Neapolitans do--” “I wish we could do the same here, with all my heart,” said the priest. “It's little wheat or even barley-meal one of our poor people ever sees.” “A wet potato and water is their diet,” said old Hayes, as he sipped his punch. “I can believe it well,” said Massingbred, with great semblance of feeling. “I witnessed dreadful poverty and destitution as I came along, and I couldn't help asking myself: What are the gentry about in this country? Do they or do they not see these things? If they do, are they indifferent to them?” “They are indifferent to them; or even worse, they rejoice in them,” broke in a deep-voiced, energetic-looking man, who sat at the foot of the table, and had, although silent, taken a deep interest in the conversation. “They see, sir, in the destitution of Ireland another rivet in the chains of her bondage. As my 'august leader' remarked, it's the rust on the fetters, though--and if it proclaims the length of the captivity, it suggests the hope of freedom.” “Mr. Magennis is the dearest friend and trusty agent of Mr. O'Connell,” said Nelligan, in a whisper to Massingbred. “Here's his health, whoever said that!” cried Jack, enthusiastically, and as if not hearing the host's observation. “That's a toast; we'll all drink--and standing, too,” exclaimed Magennis. “'Daniel O'Connell, gentlemen, hip, hip, hurra! '“ And the room rang again with the hearty acclamations of the company. “By Jove! there was something very fine--it was chivalrous--in the way he brought the Catholic question to issue at last. The bold expedient of testing the event by an individual experience was as clever as it was daring,” exclaimed Massingbred. “You were in favor of the measure then, sir?” said Father Neal, with a bland smile that might mean satisfaction or suspicion. “I was always an Emancipationist; but I am little satisfied with the terms on which the bill has been passed. I 'd have had no restrictions,--no reservations. It should, according to me, have been unconditional or nothing.” “You've heard the old proverb about half a loaf, sir?” said Hayes, with a dry laugh.