l as in disease; but the truth is, that
the knavery or distress of two or three Catholics who were relieved,
when in a state of famine, by a benevolent and kind-hearted nobleman,
who certainly would encourage neither dishonesty nor imposture, first
set this Reformation agoing. The persons I speak of, fearing that his
Lordship's benevolence might cease to continue, embraced Protestantism
_pro forma and pro tempore_. This went abroad, and almost immediately
all who were in circumstances of similar destitution adopted the same
course, and never did man pay more dearly for evangelical truth than did
his Lordship. In the forthcoming battle the parsons are to prove to the
world that all who belong to Popery must be damned, whilst the priests,
on the other hand, broil the parsons until they blaze in their own fat.
But, my God, when will charity and common sense prevail over bigotry and
brimstone!"

At this moment a servant entered to say that Poll Doolin--for she was
well known--wished to see Mr. Harman on very particular business.

"I can scarcely bear to look on the wretch," said Harman, "but as I
Strongly suspect, that she may in some shape be useful to us, I desired
her to come here. She called three times upon me, but I could not bring
myself to see or speak to' her; she shall be the bearer of no messages
to me," he said bitterly, "let her carry them elsewhere; d--n her."

He betrayed deep and powerful emotion as he spoke, but, as his allusions
were understood, there was--from a respect for his feelings, on the part
of his audience--no reply made to his observations.

"Since she called first," said Harman, pursuing the train of melancholy
thought, "some vague notion, like the shadow of a dream crossed me;
but, alas! it is transgressing the bounds of imagination itself even
to suppose that it could be true. However, if it were, it is in your
presence, sir" he said, addressing himself to Easel, "that I should wish
to have it detailed; and, perhaps, after all, this slight, but latent
reflection of hope, influenced me in desiring her to come here.
Gentlemen, excuse me," said he, covering his face with his hands, "I am
very wretched and unhappy--I cannot account for what has occurred; it
looks like an impossibility, but it is true. Oh, if he were a man!--but,
no, no, you all know how contemptible--what a dastardly scoundrel he
is!"

"Harman, my dear fellow," said Hickman, "we understand you, we respect
your feelings, and