in that indolent repose which gives to the landscape, in the golden
light of a summer's evening, such a poetical and pastoral effect.

Purcel, on coming in sight of the parsonage, instead of keeping his
horse to the rapid pace at which he had driven him along until then, now
drew him up, and advanced at a rate which seemed to indicate anything
but that of a man whose spirits were cheerful or free from care. On
reaching the front entrance he discounted very slowly, and with a solemn
and melancholy air, walked deliberately, step by step, till he stood
at the hall door, where he gave a knock so spiritless, depressed and
disconsolate, that it immediately communicated itself, as was intended,
to the usually joyful and rosy countenance of the rector, who surveyed,
his agent as if he expected to hear that he either had lost, or was
about to lose, half his family or the whole of his wealth.

"How do you do, Purcel?--eh, what's this? Is there anything wrong? You
look very much dejected--what's the matter? Sit down."

"Thank you, sir; but I really do not think I am well--at least my
spirits are a great deal depressed; but indeed, Dr. Turbot, a man must
be more or less than a man to be able to keep up his spirits in such
times."

"Oh! ho, my worthy proctor, is that all? Thank you for nothing, Purcel.
I understand you; but you ought to know I am not to be caught now by
your 'calamities'."

"My calamities! I declare to goodness, Dr. Turbot, I could rest
contented if they were nobody's calamities but my own; unfortunately,
however, you are as deep in them as I am, and in a short time, God
knows, we will be a miserable pair, I fear."

"Not at all, Purcel--this is only the old story. Raw-heads and
bloody-bones coming to destroy the tithes, and eat up the parsons. Let
me see--it is now three years since you commenced these 'lamentations.'"

"Three years ago; why we had peace and quietness then compared to what
we have at present," replied Purcel.

"And what have we now, pray?"

"Why, sir, the combinations against tithes is quite general over the
whole country."

"Well; so was it then upon your own showing. Go on."

"As I said, sir, it was nothing at that time. There is little now but
threatening notices that breathe of blood and murder."

"Very good; so was it then upon your own showing. Go on."

"But of late, sir, lives have been taken. Clergymen have been threatened
and fired at."

"Very good; so was it then upon you!