“‘And,’ said the father, after we had been chatting for some time, ’have you seen anything in the neighborhood that you think would suit you?’

“‘I am too much of a stranger, sir,’ I replied, ’to be able to answer in the affirmative—­but I admire the country and the scenery, both of which in this immediate neighborhood, are extremely beautiful and interesting.’

“‘They are so,’ he replied, ‘and the country is a fine one, certainly.’

“‘Ay,’ said Phil, ‘only for these cursed Papists.’

“As he spoke he looked at me very significantly, and drew three of his yellow fingers across his chin, but added nothing more.  This, by the way, he did half a dozen times, and, on mentioning the circumstance, it has been suggested to me that it must have been the sign by which one Orangeman makes himself known to another.

“‘The Papists,’ I replied, ’do not enter into any objection of mine against a residence in the neighborhood; but, as you, Mr. M’Clutchy, as agent of this fine property, must be well acquainted with the state and circumstances of the country, you would really confer a favor by enabling me, as a stranger, to form correct impressions of the place and people.’

“‘Then,’ said he, ’in the first place allow me to ask what are your politics?  As an Englishman, which I perceive you are by your accent—­I take it for granted that you are a Protestant.’

“‘I am a Protestant, certainly,’ I replied, ’and a Church of England one.’

“‘Ay, but that’s not enough,’ said Phil, ’that won’t do, my good sir; d—­n my honor if it would be worth a fig in this country.’

“‘I am very ignorant of Irish politics, I admit,’ said I, ’but, I trust, I am in good hands for the receipt of sound information on the subject.’

“‘No, no,’ continued Phil, ’that’s nothing—­to be a mere Church of England man, or a Church of Ireland man either, would never do here, I tell you.  Upon my honor, but that’s doctrine.’

“‘Well, but what would do,’ I inquired; for I certainly felt a good deal of curiosity to know what he was coming to.

“‘The great principle here,’ said the son, ’is to hate and keep down the Papists, and you can’t do that properly unless you’re an Orangeman.  Hate and keep down the Papists, that’s the true religion, I pledge you my honor and reputation it is.’

“‘You put the principle too strong, and rather naked, Phil,’ observed the father; ‘but the truth is, sir,’ he added, turning to me, ’that you may perceive that fine spirit of Protestant enthusiasm in the young man, which is just now so much wanted in, and so beneficial to the country and the government.  We must, sir, make allowance for this in the high-spirited and young, and ardent; but, still, after deducting a little for zeal and enthusiasm, he has expressed nothing but truth—­with the exception, indeed, that we are not bound to hate them, Phil; on the contrary, we are bound to love our enemies.’