"Where you have done so much good. I know it. Your 'model farm,' as you term it, built by you to instruct, to encourage, and to reward deserving labourers, has been of incalculable service to this part of the country. Ordinary men think but of improving their cattle; you, more wisely and benevolently, have directed your exertions for the bettering your fellow creatures. Nothing can be better; and when you placed Madame Georges at the head of the establishment, you acted with the utmost wisdom and provident good sense. What a woman she is! No, she is an angel!--so good, so firm, so noble, and upright! I am not easily moved, my lord, as you know; but often have I felt my eyes grow moist, as her many trials and misfortunes rise to my recollection. But about your new protégée, however, my lord; if you please, we will not say much on that subject. 'The least said is soonest mended,' as the old proverb has it." "Why not, Murphy?" "My lord, you will do what you think proper." "I do what is just," said Rodolph, with an air of impatience. "What is just, according to your own interpretation." "What is just before God and my own conscience," replied Rodolph, in a severe tone. "Well, my lord, this is a point on which we cannot agree, and therefore let us speak no more about it." "I desire you will continue to talk about it!" cried Rodolph, imperiously. "I have never been so circumstanced that your royal highness should have to bid me hold my tongue, and I hope I shall not now be ordered to speak when I should be silent," said Murphy, proudly. "Mr. Murphy!" said Rodolph, with a tone of increased irritation. "My lord!" "You know, sir, how greatly I detest anything like concealment." "Your royal highness will excuse me, but it suits me to have certain concealments," said Murphy, bluntly. "If I descend to familiarity with you, sir, it is on condition that you, at least, act with entire frankness towards me." It is impossible to describe the extreme hauteur which marked the countenance of Rodolph as he uttered these words. "I am fifty years of age, I am a gentleman, and your royal highness should not address me in such a tone." "Be silent!" "My lord!" "Be silent! I say." "Your royal highness does wrong in compelling a man of honour and feeling to recall the services he has rendered to you," said the squire, in a calm tone. "Have I not repaid those services in a thousand ways?"