' Uncle
Silas was speaking in a low tone, and with extraordinary deliberation. 'I
remember when I should have certainly knocked you down, sir, or _tried_ it,
at least, for a great deal less.'
'But seriously, sir, what _do_ you propose?' asked Doctor Bryerly, sternly
and a little flushed, for I think the old man was stirred within him; and
though he did not raise his voice, his manner was excited.
'I propose to defend my rights, sir,' murmured Uncle Silas, very grim. 'I'm
not without an opinion, though you are.'
You seem to think, sir, that I have a pleasure in annoying you; you are
quite wrong. I hate annoying anyone--constitutionally--I _hate_ it; but
don't you see, sir, the position I'm placed in? I wish I could please
everyone, and do my duty.'
Uncle Silas bowed and smiled.
'I've brought with me the Scotch steward from Tolkingden, _your_ estate,
Miss, and if you let us we will visit the spot and make a note of what we
observe, that is, assuming that you admit waste, and merely question our
law.'
'If you please, sir, you and your Scotchman shall do _no such thing_; and,
bearing in mind that I neither deny nor admit anything, you will please
further never more to present yourself, under any pretext whatsoever,
either in this house or on the grounds of Bartram-Haugh, during my
lifetime.
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