"Can you call yourself my sister, and refuse me this trifling
service, which her brother, who loves her and esteems her ten times more
sincerely than you do, would not think of refusing me if he was at home?"
"Why should he? He is in the flesh himself; let the carnal introduce one
another. I really must decline; but I am very, very sorry that you feel
hurt about it."
"And I am very sorry I have not an amiable worldling for my sister,
instead of an unamiable and devilish conceited Christian." And with these
bitter words, Alfred snatched a candle and bounced to bed in a fury. So
apt is one passion to rouse up others.
Jane Hardie let fall a gentle tear: but consoled herself with the
conviction that she had done her duty, and that Alfred's anger was quite
unreasonable, and so he would see as soon as he should cool.
The next day the lover, smarting under this check, and spurred to fresh
efforts, invaded Sampson. That worthy was just going to dine at Albion
Villa, so Alfred postponed pumping him till next day. Well, he called at
the inn next day, and if the doctor was not just gone back to London!
Alfred wandered disconsolate homewards.
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