Prev | Current Page 117 | Next

Reade, Charles, 1814-1884

"A Woman-Hater"

"'
"Then," said Misander, with a good deal of malicious, intent, "you are
quite sure your yeoman is not a--_pauper--_an _adventurer--"_
"Positive."
"And a _gambler."_
"No; I am not at all sure of that. But nobody is all-wise. I am not, for
one. He is a fine fellow; as good as gold; as true as steel. Always
polite, always genial; and never speaks ill of any of you behind your
backs."
Miss Maitland bridled at that. "What I have said is not out of dislike to
the young man. I am warning a brother to take a little more care of his
sister, that is all. However, after your sneer, I shall say no more
behind Mr. Severne's back, but to his face--that is, if we ever see his
face again, or Zoe's either."
"Oh, aunt!" said Fanny, reproachfully. "It is only the rain. La! poor
things, they will be wet to the skin. Just see how it is pouring!"
"That it is: and let me tell you there is nothing so dangerous as a
_te'te-'a-te'te_ in the rain."
"A thunder-storm is worse, aunt," said Fanny, eagerly; "because then she
is frightened to death, and clings to him--_if he is nice."_
Having galloped into this revelation, through speaking first and thinking
afterward, Fanny pulled up short the moment the words were out, and
turned red, and looked askant, under her pale lashes at Vizard.


Pages:
105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129