He'll make ducks and
drakes of the miser's gold. We shall have fine times when he comes to
the Hall."
"He'll lower the rents and the tithes upon us. Come, my lads, let's go
to the public-house and drink his health."
The male portion of the group instantly acceded to the proposal; and
Frederic Wildegrave set spurs to his horse and rode off, disgusted with
the scene he had witnessed, and returned to his home with a sorrowful
heart.
CHAPTER XXI.
All the fond visions faithful mem'ry kept,
Rush'd o'er his soul; he bow'd his head and wept,
Such tears as contrite sinners pour alone,
When mercy pleads before the eternal throne,
When naked, helpless, prostrate in the dust,
The spirit owns its condemnation just,
And seeks for pardon and redeeming grace,
Through Him who died to save a fallen race.--S.M.
By the light of a solitary candle, and seated at a small table in the
attic of a public-house, and close to the miserable bed in which Mary
Mathews was tossing to and fro in the restless delirium of fever, two
men were busily engaged in dividing a large heap of gold, which had been
emptied from a strong brass-bound box, that lay on the floor.
"Well, the old fellow died game," said Mathews. "Did you see how
desperately he clenched his teeth, and how tightly he held the key of
his treasures.
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