That I could have looked on at calmly, for I want only men's arms and legs and do not ask for their souls; but to burn down the old house before you have collected wood and stone to build a new one I call wicked .-- It is cruelty and madness, and when so shrewd a woman as your mother is bent on carrying through such a measure, come what may, there is something more behind it." "You think she wants to get rid of you--you, Demetrius!" interrupted Marcus eagerly.

"But you are mistaken, you are altogether wrong.

What you have done for the estate..." "Oh! as for that!" cried the other, "what has my work to do with all this?
Ere the year is out everything that can remind us of the heathen gods is to be swept away from the hamlets and fields of the pious Mary.
That is what is intended! Then they will hurry off to the Bishop with the great news and to crown one marvel with another, the reversion will be secured of a martyr's nimbus.

And this is what all this zeal is for--this and nothing else!" "You are speaking of my mother, remember!" cried Marcus, looking at his brother with a touching appeal in his eyes.

Demetrius shook his shaggy head and spoke more temperately as he went on: "Yes, child, I had forgotten that--and I may be mistaken of course, for I am no more than human.