'We are always glad to explain, madam, any mistake which the rustic people may fall upon about us; and we wish you clearly to conceive that we do not charge your poor husband with any set purpose of robbery, neither will we bring suit for any attainder of his property.

Is it not so, Counsellor ?' 'Without doubt his land is attainted; unless is mercy you forbear, sir.' 'Counsellor, we will forbear.

Madam, we will forgive him.

Like enough he knew not right from wrong, at that time of night.

The waters are strong at Porlock, and even an honest man may use his staff unjustly in this unchartered age of violence and rapine.' The Doones to talk of rapine! Mother's head went round so that she curtseyed to them both, scarcely knowing where she was, but calling to mind her manners.