Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 1.djvu/244

232 me still, that I could not bear to hear her name aspersed by others—I merely walked to the window, and having spent a few seconds in vengibly biting my lips, and sternly repressing the passionate heavings of my chest, I observed to Miss Wilson, that I could see nothing of her brother, and added that as my time was precious, it would perhaps be better to call again to morrow, at some time when I should be sure to find him at home.

"Oh no!" said she, "if you wait a minute, he will be sure to come; for he has business at L—" (that was our market town) "and will require a little refreshment before he goes."

I submitted accordingly, with the best grace I could; and happily, I had not long to wait. Mr. Wilson soon arrived, and indisposed for business as I was at that moment, and little as I cared for the field or its owner, I forced my attention to the matter in hand, with very creditable determination, and quickly concluded the bargain—perhaps more to the thrifty