behaviour to me; and been more on my guard than I imagined there was a
necessity to be.

You may easily guess how much this conversation affected my brother at
the time. He could not, you know, but be very uneasy to hear two of
his stewards talk at this rate to his face.

He had from early days, by his violent temper, made himself both
feared and courted by the whole family. My father himself, as I have
lately mentioned, very often (long before my brother's acquisition had
made him still more assuming) gave way to him, as to an only son who
was to build up the name, and augment the honour of it. Little
inducement, therefore, had my brother to correct a temper which gave
him so much consideration with every body.

'See, Sister Bella,' said he, in an indecent passion before my uncles,
on this occasion I have mentioned--'See how it is!--You and I ought to
look about us!--This little syren is in a fair way to out-uncle, as
she has already out-grandfather'd, us both!'

From this time (as I now find it plain upon recollection) did my
brother and sister behave to me, as to one who stood in their way; and
to each other as having but one interest: and were resolved,
therefore, to bend all their force to hinder an alliance from taking
effect, which they believed was likely to oblige them to contract
their views.

And how was this to be done, after such a declaration from both my
uncles?