Even had it not been so, the dear old china shepherdess would have worried herself to death with fears for her son, and with general trepidation occasioned by their having such an inmate.
Even had that not been so, the authority to which the Minor Canon deferred officially, would have settled the point.
'Mr.Crisparkle,' quoth the Dean, 'human justice may err, but it must act according to its lights.

The days of taking sanctuary are past.

This young man must not take sanctuary with us.' 'You mean that he must leave my house, sir ?' 'Mr.Crisparkle,' returned the prudent Dean, 'I claim no authority in your house.

I merely confer with you, on the painful necessity you find yourself under, of depriving this young man of the great advantages of your counsel and instruction.' 'It is very lamentable, sir,' Mr.Crisparkle represented.
'Very much so,' the Dean assented.
'And if it be a necessity--' Mr.Crisparkle faltered.
'As you unfortunately find it to be,' returned the Dean.
Mr.Crisparkle bowed submissively: 'It is hard to prejudge his case, sir, but I am sensible that--' 'Just so.

Perfectly.