Thus it seemed to me that this young clown, without in the least intending
to be offensive, was listening to me with a profound and lazy mockery.
I could not choose, however; and, such as he was, I must employ him or
none.
'Now, Tom Brice, a great deal depends on this.'
'That's true for her, Tom Brice,' said Meg, who now and then confirmed my
asseverations.
'I'll give you a pound _now_, Tom,' and I placed the coin and the letter
together in his hand. 'And you are to give this letter to Lady Knollys, at
Elverston; you know Elverston, don't you?'
'He does, Miss. Don't ye, lad?'
'E'es.'
'Well, do so, Tom, and I'll be good to you so long as I live.'
'D'ye hear, lad?'
'E'es,' said Tom; 'it's very good.'
'You'll take the letter, Tom? 'I said, in much greater trepidation as to
his answer than I showed.
'E'es, I'll take the letter,' said he, rising, and turning it about in his
fingers under his eye, like a curiosity.
'Tom Brice,' I said, 'If you can't be true to me, say so; but don't take
the letter except to give it to Lady Knollys, at Elverston. If you won't
promise that, let me have the note back.
Pages:
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660
661
662
663
664
665
666
667
668
669
670
671
672
673