[The Tithe-Proctor by William Carleton]@TWC D-Link bookThe Tithe-Proctor CHAPTER II 12/15
I wish to see my children established; I wish to see them gain station in the world; I wish to make them the first of their family; and I do assure you, Nancy, that it is not such a trifle as the difference between popery on the one hand, and Protestantism on the other, that I'd suffer--that is, if they will be guided by me--to stand between them and the solid advantages of good connection, and a proper standing in the world.
I say, then, boys and girls, don't be fools; for, as for my part, I scarcely think, to tell God's truth, that there's to the value of sixpence between the two creeds." "Father," said Mary, laughing, "you're a man of a truly liberal disposition in these matters." "But, papa," said Julia, with an arch look, "if there be not the value of sixpence between the two creeds, perhaps there is more than that between the two clergy ?" The proctor shook his head and laughed. "Ah, Judy, my girl, you have me there," he replied; "that goes home to the proctor, you baggage.
Devil a thing, however, like an endowed church, and may God keep me and all my friends from the voluntary system!--ha! ha! ha! Come, now, for that same hit at the old proctor, you must walk over here and play me my old favorite, the 'Cannie Soogah,' just to pull down your pride.
The 'Cannie Soogah,' you know, is the Irish for Jolly Pedlar, and a right jolly pedlar your worthy father was once in his days." "By the way, papa," said Mary, "talking of that--what has become of the pleasant man that goes under that name or nickname--the pedlar that calls here occasionally ?" "I saw him in the market yesterday," replied her father, "and a fine, hale fellow he is of his years.
For a man of fifty he's a miracle of activity and energy." "They say he is wealthy," observed John, "and I shouldn't wonder.
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