The Egoist by George Meredith
page 389 of 777 (50%)
page 389 of 777 (50%)
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as an enemy to be delivered from, gasping, uncertain of her breath.
"Never let me be asked to endure such a thing again!" "You are unlikely to be running away from father and friends again." She panted still with the fiery liquid she had gulped: and she wondered that it should belie its reputation in not fortifying her, but rendering her painfully susceptible to his remarks. "Mr. Whitford, I need not seek to know what you think of me." "What I think? I don't think at all; I wish to serve you if I can." "Am I right in supposing you a little afraid of me? You should not be. I have deceived no one. I have opened my heart to you, and am not ashamed of having done so." "It is an excellent habit, they say." "It is not a habit with me." He was touched, and for that reason, in his dissatisfaction with himself, not unwilling to hurt. "We take our turn, Miss Middleton. I'm no hero, and a bad conspirator, so I am not of much avail." "You have been reserved--but I am going, and I leave my character behind. You condemned me to the poison-bowl; you have not touched it yourself" |
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