Complete Short Works of George Meredith by George Meredith
page 62 of 428 (14%)
page 62 of 428 (14%)
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Margarita directed his attention to Guy, he turned to him with a glance
of astonishment that yielded to cordial greeting. 'Well done, Berthold, my brave boy! All are friends who sit at table,' said Gottlieb. 'In any case, at my table: "'Tis a worthy foe Forgives the blow Was dealt him full and fairly," says the song; and the proverb takes it up with, "A generous enemy is a friend on the wrong side"; and no one's to blame for that, save old Dame Fortune. So now a bumper to this jovial make-up between you. Lisbeth! you must drink it.' The little woman bowed melancholy obedience. 'Why did you fling and run?' whispered Guy to Berthold. 'Because you were two against one.' 'Two against one, man! Why, have you no such thing as fair play in this land of yours? Did you think I should have taken advantage of that?' 'How could I tell who you were, or what you would do?' muttered Berthold, somewhat sullenly. 'Truly no, friend! So you ran to make yourself twenty to two? But don't be down on the subject. I was going to say, that though I treated you in a manner upright, 'twas perhaps a trifle severe, considering your youth: |
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