Where there is power, there is
room for ambition. You recollect that churchmen have put their feet
upon the necks of princes."
"Yes, but that was when there was one church only in Christendom.
It was a monopoly, and consequently a tyranny. Now there are
a thousand, always in conflict, and serving very happily to keep
each other from mischief. They no longer put their feet on princes'
necks, though I believe that the princes are no better off for this
forbearance--there are others who do. But only fancy that this time
was again, and think of the comical figure our worthy brother John
Cross would make, mounting from such a noble horse-block!"
The idea was sufficiently pleasant to make Stevens laugh.
"I am afraid I shall have greater trouble in converting you, Miss
Cooper, than any other of the flock in Charlemont. I doubt that
your heart is stubborn--that you are an insensible!"
"I insensible!" she exclaimed, and with such a look! The expression
of sarcasm had passed, as with the rapidity of a lightning-flash,
from her beautiful lips; and a silent tear rose, tremulous
and large, with the same instantaneous emotion, beneath her long,
dark eyelashes.
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