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I am sure our object is the same. Let us attain it like sensible men, who have ceased to be boys some time. Do you drink? With my friends, returned the other. At least, said Mr Chester, you will be seated? I will stand, returned Mr Haredale impatiently, on this dismantled, beggared hearth, and not pollute it, fallen as it is, with mockeries. Go on. You are wrong, Haredale, said the other, crossing his legs, and smiling as he held his glass up in the bright glow of the fire. You are really very wrong. The world is a lively place enough, in which we must accommodate ourselves to circumstances, sail with the stream as glibly as we can, be content to take froth for substance, the surface for the depth, the counterfeit for the real coin. I wonder no philosopher has ever established that our globe itself is hollow. It should be, if Nature is consistent in her works. You think it is, perhaps? I should say, he returned, sipping his wine, there could be no doubt about it. Well; we, in trifling with this jingling toy, have had the ill-luck to jostle and fall out. We are not what the world calls friends; but we are as good and true and loving friends for all that, as nine out of every ten of those on whom it bestows the title. You have a niece, and I a sona fine lad, Haredale, but foolish. They fall in love with each other, and form what this same world calls an attachment; meaning a something fanciful and false like the rest, which, if it took its own free time, would break like any other bubble. But it may not have its own free timewill not, if they are left aloneand the question is, shall we two, because society calls us enemies, stand aloof, and let them rush into each others arms, when, by approaching each other sensibly, as we do now, we can prevent it, and part them? I love my niece, said Mr Haredale, after a short silence. It may sound strangely in your ears; but I love her. Strangely, my good fellow! cried Mr Chester, lazily filling his glass again, and pulling out his toothpick. Not at all. I like Ned tooor, as you say, love himthats the word among such near relations. Im very fond of Ned. Hes an amazingly good fellow, and a handsome fellowfoolish and weak as yet; thats all. But the thing is, Haredalefor Ill be very frank, as I told you I would at firstindependently of any dislike that you and I might have to being related to each other, and independently of the religious differences between usand damn it, thats importantI couldnt afford a match of this description. Ned and I couldnt do it. Its impossible. Curb your tongue, in Gods name, if this conversation is to last, retorted Mr Haredale fiercely. I have said I love my niece. Do you think that, loving her, I would have her fling her heart away on any man who had your blood in his veins? You see, said the other, not at all disturbed, the advantage of being so frank and open. Just what I was about to add, upon my honour! I am amazingly attached to Nedquite doat upon him, indeedand even if we could afford to throw ourselves away, that very objection would be quite insuperable.I wish youd take some wine? Mark me, said Mr Haredale, striding to the table, and laying his hand upon it heavily. If any man believespresumes to think that I, in word or deed, or in the wildest dream, ever entertained remotely the idea of Emma Haredales favouring the suit of any one who was akin to youin any wayI care not whathe lies. He lies, and does me grievous wrong, in the mere thought. Haredale, returned the other, rocking himself to and fro as in assent, and nodding at the fire, its extremely manly, and really very generous in you, to meet me in this unreserved and handsome way. Upon my |
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