The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 03, No. 18, April, 1859 by Various
page 34 of 306 (11%)
page 34 of 306 (11%)
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quiet air a day before made such a picture of content, would hardly
be recognized in this furious, gesticulating lunatic, whose oaths and objurgations came belching forth like sulphurous flames. It was on his gentle sister-in-law that the weight of his wrath fell. She tried to pacify him, until she became actually alarmed for her safety, and turned to fly. "Go!" he exclaimed. "You've done enough. You've ruined me. Pack off! You've beggared me. Now look out for yourself! Don't let me see your face again!" Trembling and tearful, Mrs. Sandford went to her room to gather her wardrobe. She had not intended to remain a burden upon her brother-in-law. Now she must go at once. Even if he were to repent of his blind rage and ask her forgiveness, she felt that there was an impassable gulf between them. During the confusion that followed, Number Two, feeling hungry, went down with Biddy to lunch. "It's about the last ov it here, Sirr," said the girl, "an' we may as well ate what is good and drink something betther than cold wather." So saying, the best the house afforded was set out;--wines of rare vintages were uncorked, and glasses hob-a-nobbed. Mr. Sandford, exhausted with his delirium, went to his room, and there languidly paced the floor back and forth, without cessation, like a caged white bear in midsummer. Charles crawled up to his own bed. Marcia remained in the parlor, her busy brain turning over the unusual events |
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