He was, consequently, less surprised, and not at all hurt, at the evident manner in which the sailor repudiated his statement, as doing violence equally to reason, justice, and probability.
"Good, honest, well-meaning old England tolerates many grievous things, notwithstanding, Sir Gervaise," he answered; "among others, it tolerates the law of the half-blood.

Much depends on the manner in which men view these things; that which seems gold to one, resembling silver in the eyes of another.

Now, I dare say,"-- this was said as a feeler, and with a smile that might pass for ironical or confiding, as the listener pleased to take it--"Now, I dare say, the clans would tell us that England tolerates an usurper, while her lawful prince was in banishment; though _you_ and _I_ might not feel disposed to allow it." Sir Gervaise started, and cast a quick, suspicious glance at the speaker; but there the latter stood, with as open and guileless an expression on his handsome features, as was ever seen in the countenance of confiding sixteen.
"Your supposititious case is no parallel," returned the vice-admiral, losing every shade of suspicion, at this appearance of careless frankness; "since men often follow their feelings in their allegiance, while the law is supposed to be governed by reason and justice.

But, now we are on the subject, will you tell me.

Sir Reginald, if you also know what a _nullus_ is ?" "I have no farther knowledge of the subject, Sir Gervaise," returned the other, smiling, this time, quite naturally; "than is to be found in the Latin dictionaries and grammars." "Ay--you mean _nullus, nulla, nullum_.