It is really astounding the growing sympathy displayed for murderers within the last few years. We do not remember a solitary instance of pity being displayed on the part of the public for any murdered person.
Strange to say this idea never enters anybody’s head. The central point of attraction is the criminal himself, and of late the public have gone further than this—they have subscribed liberally towards a fund for murderers’ wives and relatives.
Some alteration in the mode of administering justice will have to be made, as we are going on at present. The evil is beginning to assume gigantic proportions, and nobody’s life will be safe.
CHAPTER LX.
THE EARL AND THE FARMER—MR. WRENCH ENGAGED.
Owing in a great measure to the kind ministrations of her father and her two friends, John and Maude Ashbrook, Miss Jamblin recovered from the terrible shock she had received from her brother’s untimely end. She was sad, it is true, and her spirits seemed to be crushed, but she was no longer in a dangerous state, and was able to converse freely with her companions, and view matters with something like a spirit of resignation.
One morning the inmates of Stoke Ferry Farm House were surprised at seeing Lord Ethalwood’s carriage being driven up to the front door of the house, his lordship himself being in the vehicle in question.
The footman signified that the Earl desired to speak to Mr. Jamblin, who was of course a little disconcerted, as it was the first time he had been honoured by a visit from so distinguished a personage.
The earl was shown into the best room, and the farmer, in a great state of flustration, entered at once to pay his respects to his landlord.
“Your servant, my lord,” said Jamblin; “and many thanks for all your kindness and consideration.”