, Mr Wentworth, notwithstanding the indignant state of mind which
he was in, was emphatically of the tolerant temper which is so
curiously characteristic of his generation. He could not be
unreasonable even in his own cause; he was not partisan enough, even
in his own behalf, to forget that there was another side to the
question, nor to see how hard and how sad was that other side. He was
moved in spite of himself to grieve over Rosa Elsworthy's great
misfortune.

"Poor little deluded child," he said, sadly; "I acknowledge it is very
dreadful for her and for her friends. I can excuse a man who is mad
with grief and wretchedness and anxiety, and doesn't know what he is
saying. As for any man in his senses imagining," said the Curate
again, with a flush of sudden colour, "that I could possibly be
concerned in anything so base, that is simply absurd. When Elsworthy
returns to reason, and acknowledges the folly of what he has said, I
will do anything in the world to help him. It is unnecessary for you
to wait," said Mr Wentworth, turning to Sarah, who had stolen up
behind, and caught some of the conversation, and who was staring with
round eyes of wonder, partly guessing, partly inquiring, what had
happened--"these people want me; go indoors and never mind."

"La, sir! Missis is a-ringing all the bells down to know what 'as
'appened," said Sarah, holding her ground.

This was how it was to be--the name of the Curate of St Roque's was to
be linked to that of Rosa Elsworthy, let the truth be what it might,
in the mouths of every maid and every mistress in Carlingford. He was
seized with a sudden apprehension of this aspect of the matter, and it
was not wonderful if Mr Wentworth drew his breath hard and set his
teeth, as he ordered the woman away, in a tone which could not be
disobeyed.

"I don't want to make no talk," said Elsworthy, who during this time
had made many efforts to speak; "I've sait it before, and I say it
again--it's Mr Wentworth's fault if there's any talk. She was seen
here last night," he went on rapidly, "and afore six o'clock this
blessed morning, you, as are never known to be stirring early, meets
us at the door, all shaved and dressed; and it aint very difficult to
see, to them as watches the clergyman's countenance," said Elsworthy,
turning from one to another, "as everything isn't as straight as it
ought to be; but I aint going to make no talk, Mr Wentworth," he went
on, drawing closer, and speaki