When they make no distinction in the penalty--that is to say, in the estimation--awarded both to murder and to a petty theft imposed on the weak will by famine, we ask nothing else to convince us that they are ignorant of the very nature of guilt, and that they make up in ferocity for the want of wisdom." Lucy looked in alarm at the animated and fiery countenance of the speaker.

Clifford recovered himself after a moment's pause, and rose from his seat, with the gay and frank laugh which made one of his peculiar characteristics.

"There is a singularity in politics, Miss Brandon," said he, "which I dare say you have often observed,--namely, that those who are least important are always most noisy, and that the chief people who lose their temper are those who have nothing to gain in return." As Clifford spoke, the doors were thrown open, and some visitors to Miss Brandon were announced.

The good squire was still immersed in the vicissitudes of his game; and the sole task of receiving and entertaining "the company," as the chambermaids have it, fell, as usual, upon Lucy.

Fortunately for her, Clifford was one of those rare persons who possess eminently the talents of society.