Mr. Masters nodded his head. "That's just it," said Mrs. Masters.
"I don't see why a man isn't to go to law if he pleases--that
is, if he can afford to pay for it. I have nothing to say against
gentlemen's sport; but I do say that they should run the same
chance as others. And I say it's a shame if they're to band
themselves together and make the county too hot to hold any one as
doesn't like to have his things ridden over, and his crops
devoured, and his fences knocked to Jericho. I think there's a
deal of selfishness in sport and a deal of tyranny."

"Oh, Mrs. Masters!" exclaimed Larry.

"Well, I do. And if a poor man,--or a man whether he's poor or no,"
added Mrs. Masters, correcting herself, as she thought of the money
which this man ought to have in order that he might pay for his
lawsuit,--"thinks himself injured, it's nonsense to tell me that
nobody should take up his case. It's just as though the butcher
wouldn't sell a man a leg of mutton because Lord Rufford had a
spite against him. Who's Lord Rufford?"

"Everybody knows that I care very little for his lordship," said'
Mr. Twentyman.

"Nor I; and I don't see why Gregory should. If Goarly isn't
entitled to what he wants he won't get it; that's all. But let it
be tried fairly."

Hereupon Mr. Masters took up his hat and left the room, and Mr.
Twentyman followed him, not having yet expressed any positive
opinion on the delicate matter submitted to his judgment. Of