I am afraid I have a turn for this passion naturally, but for
love as well, ten times more intense--so that one pretty well
counterbalances the other.
To carry out the vine-simile, I might as well add at once that, in the
end, the parasitical plant has triumphed, and stifled the sterner
growth. In other words, Christianity has conquered Judaism.
"I suppose I may soon expect a visit from Mr. Bainrothe," I said one
day to Mrs. Clayton. "I think my birthday approaches; can you tell me
the day of the month? I know that of the week from remembering the
Sabbath chimes."
I thought she started slightly at this announcement, but she replied,
unflinchingly:
"The 5th, yes, I am quite sure it is the 5th of the month."
"Do you never see a newspaper, Mrs. Clayton, and, if so, can you not
indulge me with a glimpse of one? I think it would do me good--remind me
that I was alive, I have seen none since the account of Miss Lamarque's
safety, for which God be praised."[6]
"No, Miss Monfort, it is simply impossible. I should be transgressing
the rules of the establishment."
"Dr. Englehart's, I suppose, as if indeed there were such a person," I
said, impetuously--unguardedly.
"Do you pretend to doubt it?" she asked, slowly, setting her greedy eyes
upon my face, and dropping her darning-work and shell upon her knee.
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