encouraged by finding that even Christian was in the dark.
"Well, it's a law term—speaking in a figurative sort of way — meaning that a Radical was no gentleman."
"Perhaps it's partly accounted for by his getting his money so fast, and in foreign countries," said Mr Crowder, tentatively. " It's reasonable to think he'd be against the land and this country — eh, Sircome?"
Sircome was an eminent miller who had considerable business transactions at the manor, and appreciated Mr Scales's merits at a handsome percentage on the yearly account. He was a highly honourable tradesman, but in this and in other matters submitted to the institutions of his country; for great houses, as he observed, must have great butlers. He replied to his friend Crowder sententiously.
"I say nothing. Before I bring words to market, I should like to see 'em a bit scarcer. There's the land and there's trade — I hold with both. I swim with the stream."
"Hey-day, Mr Sircome! that's a Radical maxim," said Mr Christian, who knew that Mr Sircome's last sentence was his favourite formula. " I advise you
