of it some day, when those they've trod on rise and blow 'em up
sky-high,--earls and marquises and all! It's coming, and they may look
out for it!"

Cedric had perched himself as usual on the high stool and pushed his
hat back, and put his hands in his pockets in delicate compliment to Mr.
Hobbs.

"Did you ever know many marquises, Mr. Hobbs?" Cedric inquired,--"or
earls?"

"No," answered Mr. Hobbs, with indignation; "I guess not. I'd like to
catch one of 'em inside here; that's all! I'll have no grasping tyrants
sittin' 'round on my cracker-barrels!"

And he was so proud of the sentiment that he looked around proudly and
mopped his forehead.

"Perhaps they wouldn't be earls if they knew any better," said Cedric,
feeling some vague sympathy for their unhappy condition.

"Wouldn't they!" said Mr. Hobbs. "They just glory in it! It's in 'em.
They're a bad lot."

They were in the midst of their conversation, when Mary appeared.

Cedric thought she had come to buy some sugar, perhaps, but she had not.
She looked almost pale and as if she were excited about something.

"Come home, darlint," she said; "the misthress is wantin' yez."