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Le Fanu, Joseph Sheridan, 1814-1873

"Uncle Silas A Tale of Bartram-Haugh"

'
And Doctor Bryerly held up his head, and wagged it resolutely.
'You are born to this world's wealth; in its way a great blessing, though a
great trial, Miss, and a great trust; but don't suppose you are destined
to exemption from trouble on that account, any more than poor Emmanuel
Bryerly. As the sparks fly upwards, Miss Ruthyn! Your cushioned carriage
may overturn on the highroad, as I may stumble and fall upon the footpath.
There are other troubles than debt and privation. Who can tell how
long health may last, or when an accident may happen the brain; what
mortifications may await you in your own high sphere; what unknown enemies
may rise up in your path; or what slanders may asperse your name--ha, ha!
It is a wonderful equilibrium--a marvellous dispensation--ha, ha!' and he
laughed with a shake of his head, I thought a little sarcastically, as if
he was not sorry my money could not avail to buy immunity from the general
curse.
'But what money can't do, _prayer_ can--bear that in mind, Miss Ruthyn. We
can all pray; and though thorns and snares, and stones of fire lie strewn
in our way, we need not fear them.


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