persecuting those who think otherwise from ourselves on doctrinal
points, we shall endeavour to show its real Christian tendency, by
emulating each other in actions of good-will towards man, as the best
way of showing our love to God."

"Your ladyship speaks what your own kind heart dictates," answered
Bridgenorth, who had his own share of the narrow-mindedness of the
time; "and sure am I, that if all who call themselves loyalists and
Cavaliers, thought like you--and like my friend Sir Geoffrey"--(this
he added after a moment's pause, being perhaps rather complimentary
than sincere)--"we, who thought it our duty in time past to take arms
for freedom of conscience, and against arbitrary power, might now sit
down in peace and contentment. But I wot not how it may fall. You have
sharp and hot spirits amongst you; I will not say our power was always
moderately used, and revenge is sweet to the race of fallen Adam."

"Come, Master Bridgenorth," said the Lady Peveril gaily, "those evil
omenings do but point out conclusions, which, unless they were so
anticipated, are most unlikely to come to pass. You know what
Shakespeare says--

'To fly the boar before the boar pursues,
Were to incense the boar to follow us,
And make pursuit when he did mean no chase.'

"But I crave your pardon--it is so long since we have met, that I
forgot you love no play-books."

"With reverence to your ladyship," said Bridgenorth, "I were much to
blame did I need the idle words of a Warwickshire stroller, to teach