"Yes, for a slave to use," said Stark.
"It's a nice point. I'm a casuist, you know. I could mention a few classical lies that have helped to make the world what it is to-day—
"'Why should not conscience have vacation
As well as other courts o' the nation?'"
"You jest to ask such a question, or you mistake me, Mr. Norcot."
"'Tis easy to understand how willingly men would give their monitor a life-long holiday if they could. Yet, 'He that sins against his conscience sins with a witness.' Fuller. That inimitable man! I wish my young clerical cousin had something of his sublime sense and understanding. But Relton's a good lad, and no bishop can marry you tighter."
"Be frank, Mr. Norcot," said Stark. "Here am I, and I trust you. I accept your word that Miss Malherb is also here, and that she is well. But I am determined to take her back to her father and mother, because I learn that they are ignorant of her safety, and are suffering much, as it is natural they should suffer."
Peter beamed upon his visitor.
"'How fresh and green you are in this old world!' Now I understand why your plots miscarried and you failed of your heroic enterprises, Cecil Stark. Think you that if I'd been rogue enough to bear off this maid for selfish ends, I should welcome you so warmly and prepare so frankly to tell you the truth? Suppose—as doubtless you do suppose—that I had Miss Grace here, and my parson cousin here, and my Special License to marry her here, should I make you a welcome and honoured guest? What was your plan of action then? Do reveal it. As a student of character I should like to know."
"I trusted to right and honour, and still do so."
"Yet you'd have cut but a poor figure if I had proved that wolf-hearted wool-dealer you so rudely described."