Ignorant, prejudiced, and passionate they might be.

In her anger Miss Stanbury, of Exeter, could be almost malicious; and her niece at Nuncombe Putney was very like her aunt.

Each could say most cruel things, most unjust things, when actuated by a mistaken consciousness of perfect right on her own side.

But neither of them could lie,--even by silence.

Let an error be brought home to either of them,--so as to be acknowledged at home,--and the error would be assuredly confessed aloud.