Proudie
as a red cloth is supposed to act on a bull; but when that allusion
connected the name of Mr. Slope in a friendly bracket with that of
Mrs. Proudie's future son-in-law it might be certain that the effect
would be terrific. And there was more than this: for that very Mr.
Slope had once entertained audacious hopes--hopes not thought to be
audacious by the young lady herself--with reference to Miss Olivia
Proudie. All this Mrs. Grantly knew, and, knowing it, still dared to
mention his name.
The countenance of Mrs. Proudie became darkened with black anger,
and the polished smile of her company manners gave place before
the outraged feelings of her nature. "The man you speak of, Mrs.
Grantly," said she, "was never known as a friend by Mr. Tickler."
"Oh, indeed," said Mrs. Grantly. "Perhaps I have made a mistake. I am
sure I have heard Mr. Slope mention him."
"When Mr. Slope was running after your sister, Mrs. Grantly, and was
encouraged by her as he was, you perhaps saw more of him than I did."
"Mrs. Proudie, that was never the case."
"I have reason to know that the archdeacon conceived it to be so, and
that he was very unhappy about it." Now this, unfortunately, was a
fact which Mrs. Grantly could not deny.
"The archdeacon may have been mistaken about Mr.
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