There had been men in the yard, and others standing about on the stairs, and the public room was full of men who were curious to see the clergyman who had stolen twenty pounds, and to hear what would be the result of the case before the magistrates.

He must be committed; so, at least, said everybody; but then there would be the question of bail.

Would the magistrates let him out on bail, and who would be the bailsmen?
"Why are the people here ?" said Mr.Crawley.
"I suppose it is the custom when the magistrates are sitting," said his wife.
"They have come to see the degradation of a clergyman," said he;--"and they will not be disappointed." "Nothing can degrade but guilt," said his wife.
"Yes,--misfortune can degrade, and poverty.

A man is degraded when the cares of the world press so heavily upon him that he cannot rouse himself.

They have come to look at me as though I were a hunted beast." "It is but their custom always on such days." "They have not always a clergyman before them as a criminal." Then he was silent for a while, while she was chafing his cold hands.