re doubtless aware of his character; a man who sets nets and springes in
long cover, and fishes wherever he takes a fancy. It is but a short step
from poaching to thieving."

"That is quite true," replied Lady Ludlow (who had a horror of poaching
for this very reason): "but I imagine you do not send a man to gaol on
account of his bad character."

"Rogues and vagabonds," said Mr. Lathom. "A man may be sent to prison
for being a vagabond; for no specific act, but for his general mode of
life."

He had the better of her ladyship for one moment; but then she answered--

"But in this case, the charge on which you committed him is for theft;
now his wife tells me he can prove he was some miles distant from
Holmwood, where the robbery took place, all that afternoon; she says you
had the evidence before you."

Mr. Lathom here interrupted my lady, by saying, in a somewhat sulky
manner--"No such evidence was brought before me when I gave the warrant.
I am not answerable for the other magistrates' decision, when they had
more evidence before them. It was they who committed him to gaol. I am
not responsible for that."

My lady did not often show signs of impatience; but we knew she was
feeling irritated, by the little perpetual tapping of her high-heeled
shoe against the bottom of the carriage. About the same time we, sitting
backwards, caught a glimpse of Mr. Gray through the open door, standing
in the shadow of the hall. Doubtless Lady Ludlow's arrival had
interrupted a conversation between Mr. Lathom and Mr. Gray. The latter
must have heard every word of what she was saying; but of this she was
not aware, and caught at Mr. Lathom's disclaimer of responsibility with
pretty much the same argument which she had heard (through our
repetition) that Mr. Gray had used not two hours before.

"And do you mean to say, Mr. Lathom, that you don't consider yourself
responsible for all injustice or wrong-doing that you might have
prevented, and have not? Nay, in this case the first germ of injustice
was your own mistake. I wish you had been with me a little while ago,
and seen the misery in that poor fellow's cottage." She spoke lower, and
Mr. Gray drew near, in a sort of involuntary manner; as if to hear all
she was saying. We saw him, and doubtless Mr. Lathom heard his footstep,
and knew who it was that was listening behind him, and approving of every
word that was said. He grew yet more sullen in manner; but still my la