'
'What can you mean, sir?' I exclaimed, rising in indignant bewilderment.
'I mean, Maud, if ye'll marry me, you'll never ha' cause to complain; I'll
never let ye want for nout, nor gi'e ye a wry word.'
'Actually a proposal!' I ejaculated, like a person speaking in a dream.
I stood with my hand on the back of a chair, staring at Dudley; and
looking, I dare say, as stupefied as I felt.
'There's a good lass, ye would na deny me,' said the odious creature,
with one knee on the seat of the chair behind which I was standing, and
attempting to place his arm lovingly round my neck.
This effectually roused me, and starting back, I stamped upon the ground
with actual fury.
'What has there ever been, sir, in my conduct, words, or looks, to
warrant this unparalleled audacity? But that you are as stupid as you are
impertinent, brutal, and ugly, you must, long ago, sir, have seen how I
dislike you. How dare you, sir? Don't presume to obstruct me; I'm going to
my uncle.'
I had never spoken so violently to mortal before.
He in turn looked a little confounded; and I passed his extended but
motionless arm with a quick and angry step.
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