“This is the last time we shall meet for some time, Walter, for I am going up to Derry to stay with a cousin of my father, who is settled there and exercises the trade of a currier.  I said, some months ago, that I should like to learn a trade, but everyone was against it, then.  They seemed to think that, as I should some day have the land, it was flying in the face of Providence to think of anything else.  But I suppose the fact that everything is so unsettled now, and that there is no saying what may come of these events in England, may have made them think differently.

“At any rate, my father said to me yesterday:  ’We have been talking over what you said, about wishing to learn a trade.  If all goes on well, there is no occasion for you to learn any business save that of farming; but none can say what the Lord may not have in store for us, or what troubles may come upon us.  In any case, it will do you no harm to see a little of the world outside our farm; and, therefore, your grandfather and I have settled that you shall go for a few months to my cousin, who, as you know, is a currier in Derry.  He has often written, asking you to go and stay with him, seeing that he has no children of his own.  Learn what you can of his business; and if it should be that you find it more to your liking than farming, I should not be one to hold you back from following the bent of your inclinations.

“’But this is between ourselves.  My father’s ideas on these subjects you know, and it would cause much trouble, did he think that you had any idea of not following in the path in which he and I have trod.  But to me it seems better that each should go on the path towards which his mind is turned—­that is, when he has made quite sure, after long reflection and prayer, that it is no idle whim but a settled earnest desire.  If, then, after your visit to your uncle, you feel that you are truly called to follow a life other than that you would lead here, I shall not oppose you.  The Lord has blessed our labours.  The land is fertile, and I can well provide the moneys that will be needful to start you, either in business with my cousin, or in such way as may appear best.’

“I thanked him gravely, but indeed, Walter, I had difficulty in restraining myself from shouting with joy, for a life like that of my father and grandfather here would be very grievous to me.  I have no desire to gain greater wealth than we have, but I long for a higher life than this.”

“I don’t know, John,” Walter said doubtfully.  “Unless, as you say, these troubles make a difference, you will be a large landowner some day; and these bitternesses will die out in time, and you will take a very different position from that which your grandfather holds.  Of course, we regard him as a usurper, but you know, in the third generation the grandson of a usurper becomes a legitimate monarch.  My ancestors usurped the land from the native Irish by the sword, just as your grandfather did from us; but we came, in time, to be regarded as the natural lords of the soil, and so will you.  But to be a currier!  That strikes me as a tremendous come down!”