It is unnecessary
that we should state his purpose; it is as little necessary that we
should say that it was unavailing. Men of the kind of whom we speak,
though perhaps not insensible to some of the bolder virtues, have no
sympathy or love for a faith which teaches forbearance under wrong and
insult, and meekness under blows. If they did not utterly laugh in his
face, therefore, at his exhortations, it was because, at the very first,
they had to a man turned their backs upon him, and were now generally
mounted. Following the common lead, Ralph approached the group where
stood his fair friend of the morning; and acknowledged, in an
under-tone, to herself, the correctness of her opinion in regard to the
merits of the sermon. She did not reply to the observation, but seeing
his hand upon the bridle, asked hurriedly--
"Do you, sir--does Mr. Colleton go with this party?"
"I do; the circumstance are all so novel, and I am curious to see as
much of manners and events foreign to those to which I have been
accustomed, as may be practicable.
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