Hunsden unconsciously laid stress on the word caste, and, in fact, republican, lordhater as he was, Hunsden was as proud of his old -- --shire blood, of his descent and family standing, respectable and respected through long generations back, as any peer in the realm of his Norman race and Conquest-dated title.

Hunsden would as little have thought of taking a wife from a caste inferior to his own, as a Stanley would think of mating with a Cobden.

I enjoyed the surprise I should give; I enjoyed the triumph of my practice over his theory; and leaning over the table, and uttering the words slowly but with repressed glee, I said concisely-- "She is a lace-mender." Hunsden examined me.

He did not SAY he was surprised, but surprised he was; he had his own notions of good breeding.

I saw he suspected I was going to take some very rash step; but repressing declamation or remonstrance, he only answered-- "Well, you are the best; judge of your own affairs.