"If your worship only knew how little a thing of that sort moves me when I think of the great injustice. But I suppose it must be expected by a poor man such as I am. Justice Stew is spoiled by having so many rogues to deal with. I always make allowance for him; and of course I know that he likes to play with the lofty character I bear. If I had his house and his rich estate--but it does not matter--after all, what are we?" "Ah, you may well say that, Llewellyn. Two months ago I could not have believed--but who are we to find fault with the doings of our Maker? All will be right if we trust in Him, although it is devilish hard to do. But that poor maid at that wretched place--what is to become of her?" "She has me to look after her, your worship, and she shall not starve while I have a penny." "Bravely said, Llewellyn! My son is a sailor, and I understand them. I know that I can trust you fully to take charge of a trifle for her." "I love the maid," I answered truly; "I would sooner rob myself than her." "Of course you would, after saving her life. I have not time to say much to you, only take this trifle for the benefit of that poor thing." From a red leathern bag he took out ten guineas, and hastily plunged them into my hand, not wishing Stew to have knowledge of it. But I was desirous that everybody should have the chance to be witness of it, and so I held my hand quite open. And just at that moment our Bunny snored. "What! have you children yourself, Llewellyn? I thought that you were an old bachelor." "An ancient widower, your worship, with a little grandchild; and how to keep her to the mark, with father none and mother none, quite takes me off my head sometimes. Let me light your honour to your carriage." "Not for a moment, if you please; I wish I had known all this before. Mr Stew never told me a word of this." "It would have been strange if he had," said I; "he is always so bitter against me, because he can never prove anything." "Then, Llewellyn, you must oblige me. Spend this trifle on clothes and things for that little snorer." He gave me a little crisp affair, feeling like a child's caul dried, and I thought it was no more than that. However I touched my brow and thanked him as he went to the carriage-steps; and after consulting all the village, I found it a stanch pledge from the Government for no less than five pounds sterling. CHAPTER XXIII. INTO GOOD SOCIETY.