“Very true, O’Brien; quite true.  I am resolved to inspect personally the condition of those who reside on my other estates.  But now about our protege?  How is he doing?”

“Extremely well.  I have had a letter from him a few days ago, in which he alludes to the interest you have taken in himself and his family, with a depth of feeling truly affecting.”

“When you write to him, let him know that I have placed his father in his old farm; and that Carson is out.  Say I am sure he will conduct himself properly, in which case I charge myself with his expenses until he shall have accomplished his purpose.  After that he may work his own way through life, and I have no doubt but he will do it well and honorably.”

Colonel B------’s pledge on this occasion was nobly redeemed.  Our humble
hero pursued his studies with zeal and success.  In due time he entered
Maynooth, where he distinguished himself not simply for smartness as
a student, but as a young man possessed of a mind far above the common
order.  During all this time nothing occurred worthy of particular
remark, except that, in fulfilment of his former vow, he never wrote to
any of his friends; for the reader should have been told, that this was
originally comprehended in the determination he had formed.  He received
ordination at the hands of his friend the Bishop, whom we have already
introduced to the reader, and on the same day he was appointed by that
gentleman to a curacy in his own parish.  The Colonel, whose regard
for him never cooled, presented him with fifty pounds, together with
a horse, saddle, and bridle; so that he found himself in a capacity
to enter upon his duties in a decent and becoming manner.  Another
circumstance that added considerably to his satisfaction, was the
appointment of Mr. O’Brien to a parish adjoining that of the Bishop. 
James’s afflictions had been the means of bringing the merits of that
excellent man before his spiritual superior, who became much attached
to him, and availed himself of the earliest opportunity of rewarding his
unobtrusive piety and benevolence.

No sooner was his ordination completed, than the long suppressed yearnings after his home and kindred came upon his spirit with a power that could not be restrained.  He took leave of his friends with a beating heart, and set out on a delightful summer morning to revisit all that had been, notwithstanding his long absence and severe trials, so strongly wrought into his memory and affections.  Our readers may, therefore, suppose him on his journey home, and permit, themselves to be led in imagination to the house of his former friend, Lanigan, where we must lay the scene for the present.