― Mrs. Riordan, I appeal to you, said Mrs. Dedalus, to let the matter drop now.

Dante turned on her and said:

―And am I to sit here and listen to the pastors of my church being flouted?

―Nobody is saying a word against them, said Mr. Dedalus, so long as they don’t meddle in politics.

―The bishops and priests of Ireland have spoken, said Dante, and they must be obeyed.

―Let them leave politics alone, said Mr. Casey, or the people may leave their church alone.