“My lord, it is a pity we cannot try them by the ecclesiastical court,” said the dean, with a sigh.
“Or by the India delinquent bill,” said the bishop, with vexation.
“So totally innocent as I am!” she vociferated with sobs. “Every one knows I never touch a card at home, and this libel charges me with playing at my own house; and though, whenever I do play, I own I am apt to win, yet it is merely for my amusement.”
“Win or not win, play or not play,” exclaimed both the churchmen, “this is a libel—no doubt, no doubt, a libel.”
Poor Henry’s confined knowledge of his native language tormented him so much with curiosity upon this occasion, that he went softly up to his uncle, and asked him in a whisper, “What is the meaning of the word libel?”
“A libel,” replied the dean, in a raised voice, “is that which one person publishes to the injury of another.”
“And what can the injured person do,” asked Henry, “if the accusation should chance to be true?”
“Prosecute,” replied the dean.
“But, then, what does he do if the accusation be false?”
“Prosecute likewise,” answered the dean.