“We may safely leave that to the jury and to their honors, the lords
justices, Madam. But if a young villain steals an heiress against her
will, he incurs the extreme penalty of the law.”
“Yes,” replied Lady Hawkshaw, “I dare say you think the law will
deal by Giles Vernon as it did by poor Jack Bassett, whom you got
transported for life for killing a hare which was already half dead;
or as it served Tobias Clark, the blacksmith, whom you got hanged for
stealing one of your sheep.”
These things were true, and the crowd gave three loud groans for Sir
Thomas Vernon. Before he could get his breath to reply, Lady Hawkshaw
continued,--
“No wonder you are afraid to sleep without candles burning in your room
all night. Sir Thomas.”