Page:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (emended first edition), Volume 3.djvu/24

14 "That," answered the more low, deliberate voice of Lord Lowborough, "is just the remedy my own heart—or the devil within it, suggested—to meet him, and not to sever without blood. Whether I or he should fall—or both, it would be an inexpressible relief to me, if—"

"Just so! Well then—"

"No!" exclaimed his lordship with deep, determined emphasis. "Though I hate him from my heart, and should rejoice at any calamity that could befall him—I'll leave him to God; and though I abhor my own life, I'll leave that too, to Him that gave it."

"But you see in this case," pleaded Hattersley—

"I'll not hear you!" exclaimed his companion, hastily turning away. "Not another word! I've enough to do against the fiend within me."

"Then you're a white livered fool, and I wash my hands of you," grumbled the