Volume Ii Part 4 (2/2)
”Keep faith with me,” said Miser Farebrother, fiercely, taking his hand from Jeremiah's arm, and standing erect, ”and I'll keep faith with you.
Trick me, deceive me, rob me, and I'll make England too hot to hold you!”
”Why do you speak to me like that?” asked Jeremiah, in an injured tone.
”Because I know the world,” retorted the miser; ”because I know human nature. Did I show it to them just now, or did I not? Did I compel them to be honey to my face, while they hated me in their hearts? Play tricks with me, and I'll serve you worse!”
”We have made a bargain,” said Jeremiah, submissively, ”and I will keep to it, and be grateful to you all my life.”
”That is what I want,” said Miser Farebrother. ”While I am alive I am master. When I am gone, you will have your turn.”
After that they walked on in silence; but Jeremiah's thoughts, fas.h.i.+oned into words, may be thus construed: ”When you are gone! You think I will wait till then, do you? You old fool! you're not in it with me!”
For a few moments after Miser Farebrother left the Lethbridges they gazed at each other in silence. Then said f.a.n.n.y:
”Would you like to know what I think of Uncle--no--Miser Farebrother?
Well, I think he's a brute!”
”Hush, hush, f.a.n.n.y!” said Mrs. Lethbridge. ”For Phoebe's sake!”
CHAPTER IV.
A SACRED PROMISE--WON BY GUILE.
Upon the happy musings of the lovers came a harsh interruption. They turned and saw Miser Farebrother and Jeremiah.
”I have been looking for you, Phoebe,” said the miser; ”and so has Jeremiah.”
”Your flowers, miss,” said Jeremiah, offering them.
With her father's eye upon her, she could not choose but take them.
”You sent me back for them, you know,” said Jeremiah. ”I should have brought them before, but for--”
”But for my calling to him,” interrupted Miser Farebrother, ”upon a matter of business. I am pleased that your friends have enjoyed themselves. You have had a pleasant birthday, Phoebe?”
”Very pleasant, father; I shall never forget it. Father, this is Mr.
Cornwall, who brought me the presents I showed you.”
”I trust you will excuse me,” said Fred, gazing with interest at Phoebe's father, ”for intruding myself. But Miss Farebrother and I have met so often at Mrs. Lethbridge's house that I thought I might venture.”
”All my daughter's friends,” said Miser Farebrother, in his blandest tone, ”are welcome here. A very charming family, the Lethbridges.”
”Indeed they are,” said Fred, warmly.
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