Rhoda Fleming — Volume 5 by George Meredith
page 50 of 110 (45%)
page 50 of 110 (45%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
|
Rhoda stood over her uncle to conceal him.
"He shall not speak till he has had some rest. And yes, mother, he shall have some warm tea upstairs in bed. Boil some water. Now, uncle, come with me." "Anybody broke?" Anthony rolled the words over, as Rhoda raised his arm. "I'm asked such a lot, my dear, I ain't equal to it. You said here 'd be a quiet place. I don't know about money. Try my pockets. Yes, mum, if you was forty policemen, I'm empty; you'd find it. And no objection to nod to prayers; but never was taught one of my own. Where am I going, my dear?" "Upstairs with me, uncle." Rhoda had succeeded in getting him on his feet. The farmer tapped at his forehead, as a signification to the others that Anthony had gone wrong in the head, which reminded him that he had prophesied as much. He stiffened out his legs, and gave a manful spring, crying, "Hulloa, brother Tony! why, man, eh? Look here. What, goin' to bed? What, you, Tony? I say--I say--dear me!" And during these exclamations intricate visions of tripping by means of gold wires danced before him. Rhoda hurried Anthony out. After the door had shut, the farmer said: "That comes of it; sooner or later, there it is! You give your heart to money--you insure in a ship, and as much as say, here's a ship, and, blow and lighten, I defy you. |
|


