'It _is_ as it may be, and that is as I say, sir; and considering how you
have treated me--your mean, treacherous, and infamous suit, and your cruel
treason to your poor wife, I am amazed at your effrontery.'
I turned to leave him, being, in truth, in one of my passions.
'Don't ye be a flying' out,' he said peremptorily, and catching me roughly
by the wrist,' I baint a-going to vex ye. What a mouth you be, as can't see
your way! Can't ye speak wi' common sense, like a woman--dang it--for once,
and not keep brawling like a brat--can't ye see what I'm saying? I'll take
ye out o' all this, and put ye wi' your cousin, or wheresoever you list, if
ye'll gi'e me what I say.'
He was, for the first time, looking me in the face, but with contracted
eyes, and a countenance very much agitated.
'Money?' said I, with a prompt disdain.
'Ay, money--twenty thousand pounds--_there_. On or off?' he replied, with
an unpleasant sort of effort.
'You ask my promise for twenty thousand pounds, and you shan't have it.'
My cheeks were flaming, and I stamped on the ground as I spoke.
If he had known how to appeal to my better feelings, I am sure I should
have done, perhaps not quite that, all at once at least, but something
handsome, to assist him.
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