There was an intensity of expression in his sneer, but pain was there as well as anger; and it was with even a feeling of pity that Mr. Carleton answered
"The truth will be best reached, Sir, if I am allowed to choose my own words."
There was no haughtiness in the steady gravity of this speech, whatever there was in the quiet silence he permitted to follow. Thorn did not break it.
"I am informed of the particulars concerning this prosecution of Mr. Rossitur I am come here to know if no terms can be obtained."
"No!" said Thorn "no terms I wont speak of terms. The matter will be followed up now till the fellow is lodged in jail, where he deserves to be."
"Are you aware, Sir, that this, if done, will be the cause of very great distress to a family who have not deserved it?"
"That can't be helped," said Thorn. "Of course, it must cause distress, but you can't act upon that. Of course, when a man turns rogue, he ruins his family that's part of his punishment and a just one."
"The law is just," said Mr. Carleton, "but a friend may be merciful."
"I don't pretend to be a friend," said Thorn, viciously, "and I have no cause to be merciful. I like to bring a man to public shame when he has forfeited his title to anything else; and I intend that Mr. Rossitur shall become intimately acquainted with the interior of the State's prison."
"Did it ever occur to you that public shame might fall upon other than Mr. Rossitur, and without the State prison?"