"It was nothing," answered Mr. Cheriton, carelessly. "'Twas not in human nature to see an innocent man and a helpless woman trampled by a set of brutes." "I have seen such things in human nature a good many times of late years," said Mr. Wesley. "From whence do such things come except from human nature? But not to discuss that matter at present. My poor brother has expressed a wish that I should perform the funeral services for his wife and child. I told him that I must first consult you, and if you saw no objection, and thought there was no danger of a disgraceful disturbance—" "Of course there can be no objection," said Mr. Cheriton. "I shall be only too glad to have you do so, and as to any disturbance, the man who dares molest you, will have to deal with me." And he shut his mouth in a way that gave his handsome face rather a grim expression for the moment. "Oh, as to that, I have faced mobs too often to fear them greatly," said Mr. Wesley; "but I would not involve you in an unpleasant affair. I believe, however, that the people will be peaceable enough if left to themselves." "I dare say. If you will do me the honor of walking with me, I will show you the place where I think the grave may be made. Good morning, ladies." The gentlemen bowed and walked away together. Amabel and I gathered up our affairs and returned to the house. She went straight up stairs, and I went into the shop parlor to seek some thread for my work. I was selecting my skeins from the drawer when I saw Captain Lovelace come in and inquire for gloves. He was followed by Lady Throckmorton. I stepped out of sight behind a screen, being somewhat anxious to observe them. "Where is Mrs. Thorpe?" asked Lady Throckmorton as Rebecca Carter rose to wait upon her. Rebecca usually attended to the department of baby-linen and the like, feeling, as she said, more freedom in selling useful things than in dealing with laces and other unprofitable articles, but she never hesitated to attend to the other matters when needful. "She is lying down, having been up all night," answered Rebecca. "I can probably serve thee." "Oh, that reminds me!" said Captain Lovelace. "I hope the poor woman was no worse for her fright yesterday—I mean the Methodist ranter's wife." "She is no worse," was the brief reply. I saw Captain Lovelace's face clear up with an expression of relief. "I am glad to hear it," said he, heartily. "You need not have troubled yourself," said Lady Throckmorton, languidly. "That kind of people are not like us. The blow which shatters the porcelain does not hurt the common clay." "And you say she was not hurt?" said Captain Lovelace, forgetting the compliment which her ladyship evidently expected. "Nay, I said not so," answered Rebecca. "I said she was none the worse, which is true, seeing that she has but changed a painful life here for the rest of the faithful hereafter. She is dead, and also her babe."