And so, Allen Fenwick, that matter was settled." Perhaps at another time I might have felt some little humiliation to learn that I had been honoured with the influence of this great potentate not as a champion of truth, but as an instrument of policy; and I might have owned to some twinge of conscience in having assisted to sacrifice a fellow-seeker after science--misled, no doubt, but preferring his independent belief to his worldly interest--and sacrifice him to those deities with whom science is ever at war,--the Prejudices of a Clique sanctified into the Proprieties of the World.

But at that moment the words I heard made no perceptible impression on my mind.

The gables of Abbots' House were visible above the evergreens and lilacs; another moment, and the carriage stopped at the door..