That I have been a fool, and worse than a fool, I know well;
but--but--but I thought that your position in the world would
guarantee me from such treatment as this." Mr. Sowerby was by no
means without feeling, and the words which he now heard cut him very
deeply--the more so because it was impossible that he should answer
them with an attempt at indignation. He had robbed his friend, and,
with all his wit, knew no words at the present moment sufficiently
witty to make it seem that he had not done so. "Robarts," said he,
"you may say what you like to me now; I shall not resent it."
"Who would care for your resentment?" said the clergyman, turning on
him with ferocity. "The resentment of a gentleman is terrible to a
gentleman; and the resentment of one just man is terrible to another.
Your resentment!"--and then he walked twice the length of the room,
leaving Sowerby dumb in his seat. "I wonder whether you ever thought
of my wife and children when you were plotting this ruin for me!" And
then again he walked the room.
"I suppose you will be calm enough presently to speak of this with
some attempt to make a settlement?"
"No; I will make no such attempt. These friends of yours, you tell
me, have a claim on me for nine hundred pounds, of which they demand
immediate payment.
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