This cannot, and, I hope, will not, last long; but in the meantime, think if it be not wiser in you to go for a time into what I may call a voluntary exile, than be forced into banishment by a cruel edict of the law, as you will be if you should be discovered." "There is great truth in what you say, my dear Reilly, and on thinking over the circumstances of the country, I am indeed of opinion that your advice is good; but, unfortunately, my present poverty prevents me from acting on it." "But that shall not be, my lord; I have the means--amply, too--of enabling your lordship to withdraw to the Continent, where you can remain quite safe until better times return, as I hope in God they will soon." "And yourself, Reilly?
why not accompany me?
You, it is said, are outlawed; why then remain in a country where your danger is still greater than mine ?" "My lord," replied Reilly, "do not press me on that subject." "I do not wish to do so, Reilly; but here are the circumstances: you and the beautiful daughter of that old squire are attached--in other words, you love each other passionately.

Now, you know, marriage is impossible, unless you should abandon the creed of your fathers." "I think, my lord," replied Reilly, in a very serious and somewhat offended tone, "that my conduct this day, and within the last half hour, was not that of a man likely to abandon the creed of his fathers." "Certainly not--most certainly not," replied the bishop.

"I would have died this day for my religion, and so would you." "And so would I certainly, my lord, any day, sooner than renounce it for the love of woman.

So far let your lordship's mind be at rest.

But in the meantime, let me impress upon your lordship's consideration the absolute necessity of retiring to the Continent for a time.