Redmain with
all her heart; first, because Hesper Mortimer hates him, and
next, but twice as much, because she is going to love him. It is
a great pity _you_ should have him, Hesper. I wish you would
hand him over to me. _I_ shouldn't mind what he was. I
should soon tame him."
"You ought to be ashamed of yourself," said Hesper, with
righteous indignation. "_You would not mind what lie was!_"
Sepia laughed--this time her curious half-laugh.
"If I did, I wouldn't marry him, Hesper," she said. "Which is
worse--not to mind, and marry him; or to mind, and marry him all
the same? Eh, Cousin Hesper Mortimer?"
"I _can't_ make you out, Sepia!" said Hesper. "I believe I
never shall."
"Very likely. Give it up?"
"Quite."
"The best thing you could do. I can't always make myself out.
But, then, I always give it up directly, and so it does me no
harm. But it's ten times worse to worry your poor little heart to
rags about such a man as that; he's not worth a thought from a
grand creature like you. Where's the use, besides? Would you
stand staring at your medicine a whole day before the time for
taking it comes? I wouldn't have my right leg cut off because
that is the side my dog walks on, and dogs go mad! Slip, cup, and
lip--don't you know? The man may be underground long before the
wedding-day: he's anything but sound, they tell me. But it would
be far better soon after it, of course.
Pages:
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181