Volume I Part 39 (2/2)

Pretty mopsy-eyed soul!--was her expression!--And was it willing to think it had still a brother and sister? And why don't you go on, Clary?

[mocking my half-weeping accent] I thought I had a father, and mother, two uncles, and an aunt: but I am mis--taken, that's all--come, Clary, say this, and it will in part be true, because you have thrown off all their authority, and because you respect one vile wretch more than them all.

How have I deserved this at your hands, Sister?--But I will only say, I pity you.

And with that disdainful air too, Clary!--None of that bridled neck!

none of your scornful pity, girl!--I beseech you!

This sort of behaviour is natural to you, surely, Bella!--What new talents does it discover in you!--But proceed--If it be a pleasure to you, proceed, Bella. And since I must not pity you, I will pity myself: for n.o.body else will.

Because you don't, said she--

Hush, Bella, interrupting her, because I don't deserve it--I know you were going to say so. I will say as you say in every thing; and that's the way to please you.

Then say, Lovelace is a villain.

So I will, when I think him so.

Then you don't think him so?

Indeed I don't. You did not always, Bella.

And what, Clary, mean you by that? [bristling up to me]--Tell me what you mean by that reflection?

Tell me why you call it a reflection?--What did I say?

Thou art a provoking creature--But what say you to two or three duels of that wretch's?

I can't tell what to say, unless I knew the occasions.

Do you justify duelling at all?

I do not: neither can I help his duelling.

Will you go down, and humble that stubborn spirit of yours to your mamma?

I said nothing.

Shall I conduct your Ladys.h.i.+p down? [offering to take my declined hand].

What! not vouchsafe to answer me?

I turned from her in silence.

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