They make way amongst themselves for any man, whatever his birth, who has the talent and energy to aspire to their level.

That's the especial boast of the British constitution, sir!" "Oh, you think so, do you ?" said Mr.Richard, looking sourly at the parson.

"I dare say those are the opinions in which you have brought up the lad.

Just keep him yourself and let the aristocracy provide for him!" The parson's generous and patriotic warmth evaporated at once, at this sudden inlet of cold air into the conversation.

He perceived that he had made a terrible blunder; and as it was not his business at that moment to vindicate the British constitution, but to serve Leonard Fairfield, he abandoned the cause of the aristocracy with the most poltroon and scandalous abruptness.