our dislike to a particular line of conduct would never
make them cease from pursuing it."

"Mr. Gray"--surprise in her air, and some little indignation--"they and
their fathers have lived on the Hanbury lands for generations!"

"I cannot help it, madam. I am telling you the truth, whether you
believe me or not." There was a pause; my lady looked perplexed, and
somewhat ruffled; Mr. Gray as though hopeless and wearied out. "Then, my
lady," said he, at last, rising as he spoke, "you can suggest nothing to
ameliorate the state of things which, I do assure you, does exist on your
lands, and among your tenants. Surely, you will not object to my using
Farmer Hale's great barn every Sabbath? He will allow me the use of it,
if your ladyship will grant your permission."

"You are not fit for any extra work at present," (and indeed he had been
coughing very much all through the conversation). "Give me time to
consider of it. Tell me what you wish to teach. You will be able to
take care of your health, and grow stronger while I consider. It shall
not be the worse for you, if you leave it in my hands for a time."

My lady spoke very kindly; but he was in too excited a state to recognize
the kindness, while the idea of delay was evidently a sore irritation. I
heard him say: "And I have so little time in which to do my work. Lord!
lay not this sin to my charge."

But my lady was speaking to the old butler, for whom, at her sign, I had
rung the bell some little time before. Now she turned round.

"Mr. Gray, I find I have some bottles of Malmsey, of the vintage of
seventeen hundred and seventy-eight, yet left. Malmsey, as perhaps you
know, used to be considered a specific for coughs arising from weakness.
You must permit me to send you half-a-dozen bottles, and, depend upon it,
you will take a more cheerful view of life and its duties before you have
finished them, especially if you will be so kind as to see Dr. Trevor,
who is coming to see me in the course of the week. By the time you are
strong enough to work, I will try and find some means of preventing the
children from using such bad language, and otherwise annoying you."

"My lady, it is the sin, and not the annoyance. I wish I could make you
understand." He spoke with some impatience; Poor fellow! he was too
weak, exhausted, and nervous. "I am perfectly well; I can set to work to-
morrow; I will do anything not to be oppressed with the thought of how
litt