Page:Eliot - Felix Holt, the Radical, vol. I, 1866.djvu/129

Rh tions that most beset those who have great natural gifts, and are wise after the flesh, are pride and scorn, more particularly towards those weak things of the world which have been chosen to confound the things which are mighty. The scornful nostril and the high head gather not the odours that lie on the track of truth. The mind that is too ready at contempt and reprobation is—"

Here the door opened, and Mr Lyon paused to look round, but seeing only Lyddy with the tea-tray, he went on:—

"Is, I may say, as a clenched fist that can give blows, but is shut up from receiving and holding ought that is precious—though it were heaven-sent manna."

"I understand you, sir," said Felix, good-humouredly, putting out his hand to the little man, who had come close to him as he delivered the last sentence with sudden emphasis and slowness. "But I'm not inclined to clench my fist at you."

"Well, well," said Mr Lyon, shaking the proffered hand, "we shall see more of each other, and I trust shall have much profitable communing. You will stay and have a dish of tea with us: we take the meal late on Thursdays, because my daughter is detained by giving a lesson in the French tongue.