The Egoist by George Meredith
page 52 of 777 (06%)
page 52 of 777 (06%)
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"And which is which?"
"There's no distinction." "Rogue and mistress of Patterne do not go together." "Why not? She will be a novelty to our neighbourhood and an animation of the Hall." "To be frank, rogue does not rightly match with me." "Take her for a supplement." "You like her?" "In love with her! I can imagine life-long amusement in her company. Attend to my advice: prize the porcelain and play with the rogue." Sir Willoughby nodded, unilluminated. There was nothing of rogue in himself, so there could be nothing of it in his bride. Elfishness, tricksiness, freakishness, were antipathetic to his nature; and he argued that it was impossible he should have chosen for his complement a person deserving the title. It would not have been sanctioned by his guardian genius. His closer acquaintance with Miss Middleton squared with his first impressions; you know that this is convincing; the common jury justifies the presentation of the case to them by the grand jury; and his original conclusion that she was essentially feminine, in other words, a parasite and a chalice, Clara's conduct confirmed from day to day. He began to instruct her in the knowledge of himself without reserve, and she, as she grew less timid with him, became more |
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