Ordeal of Richard Feverel — Volume 3 by George Meredith
page 35 of 97 (36%)
page 35 of 97 (36%)
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"Who'd a' thought, when you sat over there once, of its comin' to this?" ejaculated the farmer, drawing ease and reflection from tobacco. "You didn't think much of her that day, young gentleman! I introduced ye. Well! things comes about. Can't you wait till she returns in due course, now?" This suggestion, the work of the pipe, did but bring on him another torrent. "It's queer," said the farmer, putting the mouth of the pipe to his wrinkled-up temples. Richard waited for him, and then he laid down the pipe altogether, as no aid in perplexity, and said, after leaning his arm on the table and staring at Richard an instant: "Look, young gentleman! My word's gone. I've spoke it. I've given 'em the 'surance she shan't be back till the Spring, and then I'll have her, and then--well! I do hope, for more reasons than one, ye'll both be wiser--I've got my own notions about her. But I an't the man to force a gal to marry 'gainst her inclines. Depend upon it I'm not your enemy, Mr. Fev'rel. You're jest the one to mak' a young gal proud. So wait,-- and see. That's my 'dvice. Jest tak' and wait. I've no more to say." Richard's impetuosity had made him really afraid of speaking his notions concerning the projected felicity of young Tom, if indeed they were serious. The farmer repeated that he had no more to say; and Richard, with "Wait |
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