"So will Briarmains, bless you! I think I hear my father sending out the overlooker and five of the dyers, to look in six directions for the body of his prodigal son in the snow; and my mother repenting her of her many misdeeds towards me, now I am gone."

"Martin, how is Mr. Moore?"

"That is what you came for—just to say that word."

"Come, tell me quickly."

"Hang him! He is no worse; but as ill-used as ever—mewed up, kept in solitary confinement. They mean to make either an idiot or a maniac of him, and take out a commission of lunacy. Horsfall starves him: you saw how thin he was."

"You were very good the other day, Martin."

"What day? I am always good—a model."

"When will you be so good again?"

"I see what you are after; but you'll not wheedle me: I am no cat's paw."

"But it must be done: it is quite a right thing, and a necessary thing."

"How you encroach! Remember, I managed the matter of my own free-will before."

"And you will again."

"I won't: the business gave me far too much trouble: I like my ease."

"Mr. Moore wishes to see me, Martin; and I wish to see him."

"I daresay" (coolly).

"It is too bad of your mother to exclude his friends."