"
"I dare say; very great reluctance indeed. And very reluctant
he was, I make no doubt, to sit next to Lady Maud. I wonder
he does not fly higher, and preach to Lady Joan; but she is
too sensible a woman for such fanatical tricks."
"St Lys thinks it his duty to enter all societies. That is
the reason why he goes to Mowbray Castle, as well as to the
squalid courts and cellars of the town. He takes care that
those who are clad in purple and fine linen shall know the
state of their neighbours. They cannot at least plead
ignorance for the nonfulfilment of their duty. Before St
Lys's time, the family at Mowbray Castle might as well have
not existed, as far as benefiting their miserable vicinage.
It would be well perhaps for other districts not less
wretched, and for other families as high and favoured as the
Mowbrays, if there were a Mr St Lys on the spot instead of a
Mr Slimsey."
"I suppose that is meant for a cut," said Lord Marney; "but I
wish the people were as well off in every part of the country
as they are on my estate. They get here their eight shillings
a week, always at least seven, and every hand is at this
moment in employ, except a parcel of scoundrels who prefer
woodstealing and poaching, and who would prefer wood-stealing
and poaching if you gave them double the wages.
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