“You also offer me a brother-in-law whose destination may be the scaffold,” she said brutally; “do not forget that.”
This was not to be denied, and for a moment he was put out. But it was on these occasions that he shone.
“Let us dismiss family matters from our minds and think only of ourselves,” said he; “my brother is an outlaw, and as such is unacceptable to you, and your grandson has every reason to be ashamed to meet me. We can set these disadvantages, one against the other, and agree to ignore them.”
“I am not disposed to ignore Archie,” said she.
“Well, ma’am, neither am I. I hope I am a large-minded man—indeed, no one can sit on the bench for the time that I have sat on it and not realize the frailty of all creatures——”
“My lord——” began Christian.
But it is something to have learned continuance of speech professionally, and Balnillo was launched; also his own magnanimous attitude had taken his fancy.
“I will remember nothing against him,” said he. “I will forget his treatment of my hospitality, and the discreditable uses to which he put my roof.”
“Sir!” broke in Christian.
“I will remember that, according to his lights, he was in the exercise of his duty. Whatsoever may be my opinion of the profession to which he was compelled, I will thrust it behind me with the things best forgotten.”