"Yes, they are," and Carmichael unbent again, "and will stick by their
side whether it be right or wrong. They 're something like a woman in
their disposition."

"Indeed," said Kate, who did not think Carmichael had responded very
courteously to her lead, "that is very interesting. They are, you
mean, full of prejudices and notions."

"If a Highlander takes you into his friendship, you may say or do what
you like, he will stand by you, and although his views are as different
from yours as black from white, will swear he agrees with every one.
If he 's not your friend, he can see no good in anything you do,
although you be on his own side."

"In fact, he has very little judgment and no sense of justice; and I
think you said," Kate went on sweetly, "his nature reminded you of a
woman's?"

"You're sure that you like cheroots?" for the General did not wish this
lad, Radical though he was, sacrificed on his first visit; "some men
are afraid of the opium in them."

"Please do not interrupt Mr. Carmichael when he is making a capital
comparison," and Kate held him to the point.

"What I intend is really a compliment," went on Carmichael, "and shows
the superior fineness and sensitiveness of a woman's mind."

Kate indicated that she was sure that was his meaning, but waited for
details.

"You see," with the spirit of one still fresh to the pulpit, "a man is
slower, and goes by evidence; a woman is quicker, and goes by her
instincts."

"Like the lower animals," suggested Kate, sweetly, "by scent, perhaps.
Well?"

"You are twisting my words, Miss Carnegie." Carmichael did not like
being bantered by this self-possessed young woman. "Let me put it this
way. Would a jury of women be as impartial as a jury of men? Why, a
bad-looking man would have no chance, for they would condemn him at
once, not for what he did, but for what they imagined he was."

"Which would save a lot of time and rid society of some precious
scoundrels," with vivid recollections of her own efforts in this
direction. "Then you grant that women have some intelligence, although
no sense of justice, which is a want?"

"Far brighter than men," said Carmichael, eagerly; "just consider the
difference between a man's and a woman's speech. A man arranges and
argues from beginning to end, and is the slave of connection. He will
labour every idea to exhaustion before he allows it to escape, and then
will give a solemn cough by way of punctuatin