Tim.  Faith, they’ve reckoned up with poor oul Bobrikoff anyhow.

Broadbent.  Not that I defend assassination:  God forbid!  However strongly we may feel that the unfortunate and patriotic young man who avenged the wrongs of Finland on the Russian tyrant was perfectly right from his own point of view, yet every civilized man must regard murder with abhorrence.  Not even in defence of Free Trade would I lift my hand against a political opponent, however richly he might deserve it.

Tim.  I’m sure you wouldn’t; and I honor you for it.  You’re goin to Ireland, then, out o sympithy:  is it?

Broadbent.  I’m going to develop an estate there for the Land Development Syndicate, in which I am interested.  I am convinced that all it needs to make it pay is to handle it properly, as estates are handled in England.  You know the English plan, Mr Haffigan, don’t you?

Tim.  Bedad I do, sir.  Take all you can out of Ireland and spend it in England:  that’s it.

Broadbent [not quite liking this].  My plan, sir, will be to take a little money out of England and spend it in Ireland.

Tim.  More power to your elbow! an may your shadda never be less! for you’re the broth of a boy intirely.  An how can I help you?  Command me to the last dhrop o me blood.

Broadbent.  Have you ever heard of Garden City?

Tim [doubtfully].  D’ye mane Heavn?

Broadbent.  Heaven!  No:  it’s near Hitchin.  If you can spare half an hour I’ll go into it with you.

Tim.  I tell you hwat.  Gimme a prospectus.  Lemme take it home and reflect on it.

Broadbent.  You’re quite right:  I will. [He gives him a copy of Mr Ebenezer Howard’s book, and several pamphlets].  You understand that the map of the city—­the circular construction—­is only a suggestion.

Tim.  I’ll make a careful note o that [looking dazedly at the map].

Broadbent.  What I say is, why not start a Garden City in Ireland?

Tim [with enthusiasm].  That’s just what was on the tip o me tongue to ask you.  Why not? [Defiantly] Tell me why not.

Broadbent.  There are difficulties.  I shall overcome them; but there are difficulties.  When I first arrive in Ireland I shall be hated as an Englishman.  As a Protestant, I shall be denounced from every altar.  My life may be in danger.  Well, I am prepared to face that.

Tim.  Never fear, sir.  We know how to respict a brave innimy.

Broadbent.  What I really dread is misunderstanding.  I think you could help me to avoid that.  When I heard you speak the other evening in Bermondsey at the meeting of the National League, I saw at once that you were—­You won’t mind my speaking frankly?

Tim.  Tell me all me faults as man to man.  I can stand anything but flatthery.