nd
being very clever in his way, returned, bringing them all pedigrees of
the very best kind. With only two exceptions, he traced them all down
into noble blood. These two, the cunning fellow had it, came of martyrs.
And to have come of the blood of martyrs, when all the others, as was
shown, came of noble blood, so displeased--the most ingenious (the old
lady shakes her head regrettingly) can't please everybody--the living
members of these families, that they refused to pay the poor man for his
researches, so he was forced to resort to a suit at law. And to this day
(I don't say it disparagingly of them!) both families stubbornly refuse
to accept the pedigree. They are both rich grocers, you see! and on this
account we were very particular about ours."

The young man thought it well not to interrupt the old woman's display
of weakness, inasmuch as it might produce a favorable change in her
feelings.

"And now, young man, what mission have you besides love?" she inquires,
adding an encouraging look through her spectacles.

"I am come to intercede--"

"You needn't talk of interceding with me; no you needn't! I've nothing
to intercede about"--she twitches her head spitefully.

"In behalf of your son."

"There--there! I knew there was some mischief. You're a Catholic! I knew
it. Never saw one of your black-coated flock about that there wasn't
mischief brewing--never! I can't read my Milton in peace for you--"

"But your son is in prison, Madam, among criminals, and subject to the
influence of their habits--"

"Precisely where I put him--where he won't disgrace the family; yes,
where he ought to be, and where he shall rot, for all me. Now, go your
way, young man; and read your Bible at home, and keep out of prisons;
and don't be trying to make Jesuits of hardened scamps like that Tom of
mine."

"I am a Christian: I would like to extend a Christian's hand to your
son. I may replace him on the holy pedestal he has fallen from--"

"You are very aggravating, young man. Do you live in South Carolina?"

The young man says he does. He is proud of the State that can boast so
many excellent families.

"I am glad of that," she says, looking querulously over her spectacles,
as she twitches her chin, and increases the velocity of her rocking. "I
wonder how folks can live out of it."

"As to that, Madam, permit me to say, I am happy to see and appreciate
your patriotism; but if you will grant me an order of release--"