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Le Fanu, Joseph Sheridan, 1814-1873

"Uncle Silas A Tale of Bartram-Haugh"

I presume you have chosen
her chiefly for her virtues and her graces.'
Mrs. Sarah Matilda, not apprehending this compliment quite as Uncle Silas
meant it, dropped a courtesy, notwithstanding her agitation, and, wiping
her eyes, said, with a blubbered smile--
'You're very kind, sure.'
'I hope, for both your sakes, she has got a little money. I don't see how
you are to live else. You're too lazy for a game-keeper; and I don't
think you could keep a pot-house, you are so addicted to drinking and
quarrelling. The only thing I am quite clear upon is, that you and your
wife must find some other abode than this. You shall depart this evening:
and now, Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Ruthyn, you may quit this room, if you
please.'
Uncle Silas had risen, and made them one of his old courtly bows, smiling a
death-like sneer, and pointing to the door with his trembling fingers.
'Come, will ye?' said Dudley, grinding his teeth. 'You're pretty well done
here.'
Not half understanding the situation, but looking woefully bewildered, she
dropped a farewell courtesy at the door.
'Will ye _cut_?' barked Dudley, in a tone that made her jump; and suddenly,
without looking about, he strode after her from the room.


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