"Your kind indulgence, Madam--but for a moment. I shall take care not to exhaust your patience, knowing that ladies are not distinguished for patience, a good quality though--I beg your pardon, Madam. I am sorry to see I keep you standing." "Be not troubled, Sir," said Mrs. Catherine, with bitter contempt; "but make yourself sure that a whole tribe like you would keep me in no position that did not please myself." "Sorry to have the misfortune of displeasing you, Madam," said the imperturbable Fitzherbert. "Had not the least intention of offence, I assure you--return to the subject. Lord Gillravidge, Madam, is actuated by the best feelings--the utmost desire to be on friendly terms. He only needs to be known to be appreciated. An excellent neighbor, a warm friend--altogether, a remarkable person, is my friend, Lord Gillravidge." "Fitz, Fitz!" whispered his young companion, reprovingly. Mrs. Catherine turned round, and looked at the lad with grave concern, and some interest. "His Lordship is willing to be perfectly tolerant," continued Mr. Fitzherbert; "to give way to prejudices, and make allowance for angry feelings--and of course he expects to be as well used in return. 'Do unto others,'--it is natural that he should look for the same in return." Mrs. Catherine waved her hand. "A lady of refined tastes, such as I have the honor of addressing, must perfectly understand the peculiar feelings and excessive delicacy and retirement of my accomplished friend. Feels himself quite wounded by vulgar intrusion--shrinks, above all things, from public notice--extremely susceptible by nature, and of the most delicate constitution." Mrs. Catherine stamped her foot impatiently. "Is it the Comus of yon crew of transformed cattle that the man ventures to profane such words upon?" "Sorry to be so misapprehended," said Mr. Fitzherbert, with an assumption of dignity. "Mere false reports, and vulgar misunderstanding of elegant leisure, and refined amusements--perfectly unfounded, I assure you, Madam. Lord Gillravidge should be judged by his peers, not by a set of barbarous rustics." "Be silent, Sir," said Mrs. Catherine. "I understand well the people of this parish should be judged by their peers, and that is another race than yours. Beware how you lay ill names, in my presence, upon the natives of this soil!" "Beg pardon, Madam, I am unfortunate in my subjects--had no idea you were specially interested in illiterate peasants. I beg you yourself will do his Lordship the honor of considering his position. I know him so intimately, that I can speak with confidence of his excessive delicacy and nervous refinement of constitution--quite remarkable, I assure you." "And what is all this to me?" exclaimed Mrs. Catherine. "Think you I care the value of a straw for the nerves of your lordling? Will he persist in this folly, or will he not? His constitution may be either iron or glass, besides, for any concern I have in the matter."