"And if he was not only inoffensive, but ready to do every service in his
power to those who are in want of his assistance, we should not return
evil for good, should we?"

"That would be uncharitable, to be sure; and, moreover, a scandal," said
the verger.

"Then," said Mr. Marshal, "will you walk with me as far as the Widow
Smith's, the poor woman whose house was burnt last winter? This
haymaker, who lodged near her, can show us the way to her present abode."

During his examination of Paddy M'Cormack, who would tell his whole
history, as he called it, _out of the face_, Mr. Marshal heard several
instances of the humanity and goodness of O'Neill, which Paddy related to
excuse himself for that warmth of attachment to his cause that had been
manifested so injudiciously by pulling down the rick of bark in revenge
for the rest. Amongst other things, Paddy mentioned his countryman's
goodness to the Widow Smith. Mr. Marshal was determined, therefore, to
see whether he had, in this instance, spoken the truth; and he took Hill
with him, in hopes of being able to show him the favourable side of
O'Neill's character.

Things turned out just as Mr. Marshal expected. The poor widow and her
family, in the most simple and affecting manner, described the distress
from which they had been relieved by the good gentleman; and lady--the
lady was Phoebe Hill; and the praises that were bestowed upon Phoebe were
delightful to her father's ear, whose angry passions had now all
subsided.

The benevolent Mr. Marshal seized the moment when he saw Mr. Hill's heart