He himself looked afraid of the consequences but as if he was determined to bear them without flinching.

For a minute there was silence.

Then my lady replied--"Mr.Gray, I respect your plain speaking, although I may wonder whether a young man of your age and position has any right to assume that he is a better judge than one with the experience which I have naturally gained at my time of life, and in the station I hold." "If I, madam, as the clergyman of this parish, am not to shrink from telling what I believe to be the truth to the poor and lowly, no more am I to hold my peace in the presence of the rich and titled." Mr.Gray's face showed that he was in that state of excitement which in a child would have ended in a good fit of crying.

He looked as if he had nerved himself up to doing and saying things, which he disliked above everything, and which nothing short of serious duty could have compelled him to do and say.

And at such times every minute circumstance which could add to pain comes vividly before one.