Page:Arminell, a social romance (1896).djvu/73

 A VISION.

another word Arminell left the cottage. As she did so, she passed Captain Saltren speaking to Captain Tubb. The former scarce touched his hat, but the latter saluted her with profound respect.

When she was out of hearing, Saltren, whose dark eyes had pursued her, said in a low, vibrating tone:

"There she goes—one of the Gilded Clique."

"I think you might have shown her more respect, man," said Tubb. "Honour to whom honour is due, and she is honourable."

"Why should I show respect to her? If she were a poor girl earning her bread, I would salute her with true reverence, for God hath chosen the poor, rich in faith. But is it not written that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for the rich to enter into heaven?"

"You've queer fancies, Cap'n."

"They are not fancies," answered Saltren; "as it is written, so I speak." Then he hesitated. Something was working in his mind, and for a moment he doubted whether to speak to one whom he did not regard as of the elect.

But Saltren was not a man who could restrain himself under an over-mastering conviction, and he burst forth in a torrent of words, and as he spoke his sombre eyes gleamed with excitement, and sparks lit up and flashed in them.