It was a song from a good old writer upon fasting in Lent, and was, in fact, a reproof to all hypocrisy.

Hereupon there was a great ringing of glasses and a jolly round of laughter rose up in the cheer that welcomed the announcement.

Father Roach looked queer and disconcerted, and shot a look of suspicion at Devereux, for poor Dan Loftus had, in truth, hit that divine strait in a very tender spot.
The fact is, Father Roach was, as Irish priests were sometimes then, a bit of a sportsman.

He and Toole used occasionally to make mysterious excursions to the Dublin mountains.

He had a couple of mighty good dogs, which he lent freely, being a good-natured fellow.