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Le Fanu, Joseph Sheridan, 1814-1873

"Uncle Silas A Tale of Bartram-Haugh"

Tres-bien!
we shall see; Monsieur Ruthyn he shall know everything. For me I do not
care--not at all--I shall be rather pleased, on the contrary. Let him
decide. If I shall be responsible for the conduct and the health of
Mademoiselle his daughter, it must be that I shall have authority to direct
her wat she must do--it must be that she or I shall obey. I ask only witch
shall command for the future--voila tout!'
I was frightened, but resolute--I dare say I looked sullen and
uncomfortable. At all events, she seemed to think she might possibly
succeed by wheedling; so she tried coaxing and cajoling, and patted my
cheek, and predicted that I would be 'a good cheaile,' and not 'vex poor
Madame,' but do for the future 'wat she tell a me.'
She smiled her wide wet grin, smoothed my hand, and patted my cheek, and
would in the excess of her conciliatory paroxysm have kissed me; but I
withdrew, and she commented only with a little laugh, and a 'Foolish little
thing! but you will be quite amiable just now.'
'Why, Madame,' I asked, suddenly raising my head and looking her straight
in the face, 'do you wish me to walk to Church Scarsdale so particularly
to-day?'
She answered my steady look with a contracted gaze and an unpleasant frown.


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