The toddy went down their throats and the
smoke came out of their mouths, but no one dared acknowledge it
might be a good thing to be born poor instead of rich. So entirely
was the subject dropped that Donal feared he had failed to make
himself understood. He did not know the general objection to
talking of things on eternal principles. We set up for judges of
right while our very selves are wrong! He saw that he had cast a
wet blanket over the company, and judged it better to take his
leave.
Borrowing a wheelbarrow, he trundled his chest home, and unpacking
it in the archway, carried his books and clothes to his room.
CHAPTER X
THE PARISH CLERGYMAN.
The next day, Donal put on his best coat, and went to call on the
minister. Shown into the study, he saw seated there the man he had
met on his first day's journey, the same who had parted from him in
such displeasure. He presented his letter.
Mr. Carmichael gave him a keen glance, but uttered no word until he
had read it.
"Well, young man," he said, looking up at him with concentrated
severity, "what would you have me do?"
"Tell me of any situation you may happen to know or hear of, sir,"
said Donal. "That is all I could expect."
"All!" repeated the clergyman, with something very like a sneer;
"--but what if I think that all a very great deal? What if I
imagine myself set in charge over young minds and hearts? What if I
know you better than the good man whose friendship for your parents
gives him a kind interest in you? You little thought how you were
undermining your prospects last Friday! My old friend would
scarcely have me welcome to my parish one he may be glad to see out
of his own! You can go to the kitchen and have your dinner--I have
no desire to render evil for evil--but I will not bid you God-speed.
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