“I 'm sure nothing could be more civil, nothing more polite, than our reception of him. I talked to him myself, and asked him something--I forget what--about his future prospects, and see if this man, or his father--for it matters not which--is not the ringleader of this same movement! I tell you, child, and I really do not say so to hurt your feelings, or to aggravate your natural regrets at your condition in life, but I say it as a great moral lesson,--that low people are invariably deceitful. Perhaps they do not always intend it; perhaps--and very probably, indeed--their standard of honorable dealing is a low one; but of the fact itself you may rest assured. They are treacherous, and they are vindictive!” “Ennis Cafferty, my Lady, who lives at Broguestown,” said Kate, reading from the list, “sends a petition to your Ladyship, entreating forgiveness if he should have done anything to cause displeasure to the family.” “What _did_ he do? that is the question.” “He carried a banner inscribed 'Down with Monopoly!'” “Mark him for eviction. I'll have no half measures. Miss Martin has brought the estate to such a pass that we may draw the rents, but never aspire to the influence of our property. These people shall now know their real masters. Who is that knocking at the door?--Come in.” And at this summons, uttered in a voice not peculiar for suavity, Mr. Henderson entered, bowing profoundly, and smoothing the few glossy hairs that streaked rather than covered his bald head. A momentary glance passed between the father and daughter; so fleeting, however, was it, that the most sharp-eyed observer could not have detected its meaning. Lady Dorothea was too deeply occupied with her own thoughts to waste a second's consideration on either of them, and promptly said,-- “I want you, Henderson, to inform me who are the chief persons who have distinguished themselves in this outrageous insult to us in the borough.” Mr. Henderson moved from one foot to the other, once more stroked down his hair, and seemed like a man suddenly called upon to enter on a very unpleasant and somewhat difficult task. “Perhaps you don't like the office, sir?” said she, hastily. “Perhaps your own principles are opposed to it?” “Na, my Leddy,” said he, deferentially, “I ha' nae principles but such as the family sanctions. It's nae business o' mine to profess poleetical opinions.” “Very true, sir,--very just; you comprehend your station,” replied she, proudly. “And now to my demand. Who are the heads of this revolt?--for it is a revolt!”