At first indeed, the charge was shrouded in mysterious insinuations; but it soon gained strength and audacity, and received the unblushing sanction of at least one prelate.

The answer of the _Nation_ was confined to one indignant line.

Proof was demanded and was not offered; but its very absence only deepened the malignity of the slanderers.

Even in the midst of this storm the muse of Thomas Davis sang no discordant strain, nor did his pen trace one angry word.

On the contrary, he summoned his whole energies to the task of harmonising the jarring elements around him.