"Well, Master Adam, I
cannot but wish you joy of the patriarchal arrangement. You have served
five years for a professional diploma--a sort of Leah, that privilege of
killing and curing. Now you begin a new course of servitude for a lovely
Rachel. Undoubtedly--perhaps it is rude in me to ask--but undoubtedly
you have accepted so flattering an arrangement?"
"You cannot but recollect there was a condition annexed," said Hartley,
gravely.
"That of rendering yourself acceptable to a girl you have known for so
many years?" said Middlemas with a half-suppressed sneer. "No great
difficulty in that, I should think, for such a person as Mr. Hartley,
with Doctor Gray's favour to back him. No, no-there could be no great
obstacle there."
"Both you and I know the contrary, Mr. Middlemas," said Hartley, very
seriously.
"I know?--How should I know any thing more than yourself about the state
of Miss Gray's inclinations?" said Middlemas. "I am sure we have had
equal access to know them."
"Perhaps so; but some know better how to avail themselves of
opportunities. Mr. Middlemas, I have long suspected that you have had the
inestimable advantages of possessing Miss Gray's affections, and"----
"I?" interrupted Middlemas; "you are jesting, or you are jealous. You do
yourself less, and me more, than justice; but the compliment is so
great, that I am obliged to you for the mistake.
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