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It seemed to me (too soon, I dare say) that I was getting the upper hand of my uncle; and I began next to say that I must have the bed and bedclothes aired and put to sun-dry; for nothing would make me sleep in such a pickle. Is this my house or yours? said he, in his keen voice, and then all of a sudden broke off. Na, na, said he, I didnae mean that. Whats mine is yours, Davie, my man, and whats yours is mine. Bloods thicker than water; and theres naebody but you and me that ought the name. And then on he rambled about the family, and its ancient greatness, and his father that began to enlarge the house, and himself that stopped the building as a sinful waste; and this put it in my head to give him Jennet Cloustons message. The limmer! he cried. Twelve hunner and fifteenthats every day since I had the limmer rowpit!3 Dod, David, Ill have her roasted on red peats before Im by with it! A witcha proclaimed witch! Ill aff and see the session clerk.And with that he opened a chest, and got out a very old and well-preserved blue coat and waistcoat, and a good enough beaver hat, both without lace. These he threw on any way, and taking a staff from the cupboard, locked all up again, and was for setting out, when a thought arrested him. I cannae leave you by yoursel in the house, said he. Ill have to lock you out. The blood came to my face. If you lock me out, I said, itll be the last youll see of me in friendship. He turned very pale, and sucked his mouth in. This is no the way he said, looking wickedly at a corner of the floorthis is no the way to win my favour, David. Sir, says I, with a proper reverence for your age and our common blood, I do not value your favour at a boddles purchase. I was brought up to have a good conceit of myself; and if you were all the uncle, and all the family, I had in the world ten times over, I wouldnt buy your liking at such prices. Uncle Ebenezer went and looked out of the window for awhile. I could see him all trembling and twitching, like a man with palsy. But when he turned round, he had a smile upon his face. Well, well, said he, we must bear and forbear. Ill no go; thats all thats to be said of it. Uncle Ebenezer, I said, I can make nothing out of this. You use me like a thief; you hate to have me in this house; you let me see it, every word and every minute: its not possible that you can like me; and as for me, Ive spoken to you as I never thought to speak to any man. Why do you seek to keep me, then? Let me gang backlet me gang back to the friends I have, and that like me! Na, na; na, na, he said, very earnestly. I like you fine; well agree fine yet; and for the honour of the house I couldnae let you leave the way ye came. Bide here quiet, theres a good lad; just you bide here quiet a bittie, and yell find that we agree. Well, sir, said I, after I had thought the matter out in silence, Ill stay awhile. Its more just I should be helped by my own blood than strangers; and if we dont agree, Ill do my best it shall be through no fault of mine. |
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