"I think the king was right," said Paget passionately. "Rebellious
subjects are worse than open enemies like the French."
"My lord, you must excuse me if I do not agree with your opinions. Was
the king right to give a government to the Canadians at this precise
time? What can his Protestant North-American subjects think, but that he
designs the hundred thousand Catholics of Canada against their
liberties? It is intolerable; and the king was mobbed this afternoon in
the park, on the matter. As for the bishops who voted the Canada bill,
they ought to be unfrocked."
"Mr. Hervey, I beg to remind you that my uncle, who is of the see of St.
Cuthbert, voted for it."
"Oh, it is notorious that all the English bishops, excepting only Dr.
Shipley, voted for war with America! I hear that they anticipate an
hierarchy there when the country is conquered. And the fight has begun
at home, for Parliament is dissolved on the subject."
"It died in the Roman-Catholic faith," laughed Hyde, "and left us a
rebellion for a legacy."
"Captain Hyde, you are a traitor."
"Lord Paget, I deny it. My loyalty does not compel me to swear by all
the follies and crimes of the Government. My sword is my country's; but
I would not for twenty kings draw it against my own countrymen,"--then,
with a meaning glance at Lord Paget and an emphatic touch of his
weapon,--"except in my own private quarrel. And if this be treason, let
the king look to it. He will find such treason in every regiment in
England. They say he is going to hire Hessians: he will need them for
his American business, for he has no prerogative to force Englishmen to
murder Englishmen."
"I would advise you to be more prudent, Captain Hyde, if it is in your
power."
"I would advise you to mind your own affairs, Lord Paget."
"It is said that you married an American."
"If you are perfectly in your senses, my lord, leave my affairs alone."
"For my part, I never believed it; and now that Lady Suffolk is a widow,
with revenues, possibly you may"-"Ah, you are jealous, I perceive!" and Hyde laughed scornfully, and
turned on his heel as if to go upstairs.
Lord Paget followed, and laid his hand upon Hyde's arm.
"Hands off, my lord. Hands off all that belongs to me. And I advise you
also to cease your impertinent attentions to my cousin, Lady Suffolk."