Her eye seemed to have forgotten its bland and benevolent
aspect, and was fixed sharply upon him. For a moment his spiritual
pride was daunted, and that natural and inherent principle, not extinct
though often dormant,--a deference to superiority, whether of intellect
or station--rendered him for a while mute and inoffensive. It is even
said that he made a sort of half-conscious obeisance; but his mind
misgiving him during the offence, which smote him on the sudden as an
act of homage and idolatrous veneration, he breathed out a very audible
prayer.
"Pardon thy servant in this matter, even if I have bowed in the house of
Rimmon." As he said this, he threw himself back, lifting his narrow eyes
towards the ceiling; then thrusting out his hand with the despatch at
arm's length, he was striding forward, but Ogle intervened ere he had
made his way to the Countess.
"With all courtesy, friend," said he, "these communications must proceed
from the officer on duty."
With great gallantry and respect the captain presented it to his
mistress.
"Eye-service and will-worship!" growled Gideon. "'Tis like your vain and
popish idolatry and the like, through the ministry of saints, even to a
woman, vain and sinful as yourselves.
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