cause for which Italy was and is still contending; as also there is
hardly one who does not now regard that cause as well-nigh
triumphant; but, nevertheless, it was almost impossible to
sympathise with Mrs. Talboys. As Mackinnon said, she flew so high
that there was no comfort in flying with her.

"Well," said he, "Brown and the rest of them are down below. Shall
we go and join them?"

"Poor Brown! How was it that, in speaking of his troubles, we were
led on to this heart-stirring theme? Yes, I have seen them, the
sweet angels; and I tell you also that I have seen their mother. I
insisted on going to her when I heard her history from him."

"And what is she like, Mrs. Talboys?"

"Well; education has done more for some of us than for others; and
there are those from whose morals and sentiments we might thankfully
draw a lesson, whose manners and outward gestures are not such as
custom has made agreeable to us. You, I know, can understand that.
I have seen her, and feel sure that she is pure in heart and high in
principle. Has she not sacrificed herself; and is not self-
sacrifice the surest guarantee for true nobility of character?
Would Mrs. Mackinnon object to my bringing them together?"

Mackinnon was obliged to declare that he thought his wife would
object; and from that time forth he and Mrs. Talboys ceased to be
very close in their friendship. She still came to the house every
Sunday evening, still refreshed herself at the fountains of his
literary rills; but her special prophecies from henceforth were