'For my part (added he) I shall never quarrel
with you again upon this subject; and what I have said now, has
been suggested as much by my regard for you, as by my contempt of
him' -- Mr Serle, then pulling off his spectacles, eyed uncle very
earnestly, saying, in a mitigated tone, 'Surely I am much
obliged -- Ah, Mr Bramble! I now recollect your features, though I
have not seen you these many years.' 'We might have been less
strangers to one another (answered the squire) if our
correspondence had not been interrupted, in consequence of a
misunderstanding, occasioned by this very --, but no matter -- Mr
Serle, I esteem your character; and my friendship, such as it is,
you may freely command.' 'The offer is too agreeable to be
declined (said he); I embrace it very cordially; and, as the
first fruits of it, request that you will change this subject,
which, with me, is a matter of peculiar delicacy.'
My uncle owned he was in the right, and the discourse took a more
general turn. Mr Serle passed the evening with us at our
lodgings; and appeared to be intelligent, and even entertaining;
but his disposition was rather of a melancholy hue.
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