Page:The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, Volume 1 - Smollett (1772).djvu/55

 endeavoured to seat her upon the settee, saying, "Prithee—good now—hold your tongue"—At that instant, who should burst into the room but our aunt Tabby! of all antiquated maidens the most diabolically capricious—Ever prying into other people's affairs, he had seen the woman enter, and followed her to the door, where he stood listening, but probably could hear nothing distinctly, except my uncle's last exclamation; at which the bounced into the parlour in a violent rage, that dyed the tip of her nose of a purple hue,—"Fy upon you, Matt! (cried she) what doings are these, to disgrace your own character, and disparage your family?"—Then, snatching the bank-note out of the stranger's hand, she went on—"How now, twenty pounds!—here is temptation with a witness!—Good-woman, go about your business—Brother, brother, I know not which most to admire; your concupissins, or your extravagance!"—"Good God (exclaimed the poor woman) shall a worthy gentleman's character suffer for an action that does honour to humanity?" By this time, uncle's indignation was effectually roused. His face grew