witness their silly narrow jealousies and assumptions; when
their palaver about forms, and traditions, and superstitions, is sounding in my
ear; when I behold their insolent carriage to the poor, their often base
servility to the rich, I think the Establishment is indeed in a poor way, and
both she and her sons appear in the utmost need of reformation. Turning away
distressed from minster-tower and village-spire - ay, as distressed as a
churchwarden who feels the exigence of whitewash, and has not wherewithal to
purchase lime - I recall your senseless sarcasms on the fat bishops the pampered
parsons, old mother church, etc. I remember your strictures on all who differ
from you, your sweeping condemnation of classes and individuals, without the
slightest allowance made for circumstances or temptations; and then, Mr. Yorke,
doubt clutches my inmost heart as to whether men exist clement, reasonable, and
just enough to be intrusted with the task of reform. I don't believe you are of
the number.«
    »You have an ill opinion of me, Miss Shirley: you never told me so much of
your mind before.«
    »I never had an opening; but I have sat on Jessy's stool by your chair in
the back-parlour at Briarmains, for evenings together, listening excitedly to
your talk, half-admiring what you said, and half-rebelling against it. I think
you a fine old Yorkshireman, sir: I am proud to have been born in the same
county and parish as yourself - truthful, upright, independent you are, as a
rock based below seas; but also you are harsh, rude, narrow, and merciless.«
    »Not to the poor, lass - nor to the meek of the earth - only to the proud
and high-minded.«
    »And what right have you, sir, to make such distinctions? A prouder - a
higher-minded man than yourself does not exist. You find it easy to speak
comfortably to your inferiors - you are too haughty, too ambitious, too jealous
to be civil to those above you. But you are all alike. Helstone also is proud
and prejudiced. Moore, though juster and more considerate than either you or the
Rector, is still haughty, stern, and, in a public sense, selfish. It is well
there are such men as Mr. Hall to be found occasionally: men of large and kind
hearts, who can love their whole race, who can forgive others for being richer,
more prosperous, or more powerful than they are. Such