He was aware that this poor clergyman had done his duty laboriously and efficiently, and he was also aware that though he might have been committed by the magistrates, and then let out upon bail, he should not be regarded now, in these days before his trial, as a convicted thief.

But to explain all this to Mrs.Proudie was beyond his power.
He knew well that she would not hear a word in mitigation of Mr.
Crawley's presumed offence.

Mr.Crawley belonged to the other party, and Mrs.Proudie was a thorough-going partisan.

I know a man,--an excellent fellow, who, being himself a strong politician, constantly expresses a belief that all politicians opposed to him are thieves, child-murderers, parricides, lovers of incest, demons upon the earth.

He is a strong partisan, but not, I think, so strong as Mrs.
Proudie.