His complexion deepened. He lost the
genial suavity of manner which is one of his greatest charms. A noble
indignation inspired his reply.
"They DO say it," he answered. "There are people who don't hesitate to
accuse Mr. Luker of telling a falsehood to serve some private interests
of his own. He has over and over again solemnly declared that, until
this scandal assailed him, he had never even heard of the Moonstone. And
these vile people reply, without a shadow of proof to justify them, He
has his reasons for concealment; we decline to believe him on his oath.
Shameful! shameful!"
Rachel looked at him very strangely--I can't well describe how--while he
was speaking. When he had done, she said, "Considering that Mr. Luker
is only a chance acquaintance of yours, you take up his cause, Godfrey,
rather warmly."
My gifted friend made her one of the most truly evangelical answers I
ever heard in my life.
"I hope, Rachel, I take up the cause of all oppressed people rather
warmly," he said.
The tone in which those words were spoken might have melted a stone.
But, oh dear, what is the hardness of stone? Nothing, compared to the
hardness of the unregenerate human heart! She sneered.
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