'
Mr Bramble's eyes began to glisten, and his teeth to chatter. 'If
stated fairly (said he, raising his voice) the question is,
whether I have spirit to shake off an intolerable yoke, by one
effort of resolution, or meanness enough to do an act of cruelty
and injustice, to gratify the rancour of a capricious woman --
Heark ye, Mrs Tabitha Bramble, I will now propose an alternative
in my turn. Either discard your four-footed favourite, or give me
leave to bid you eternally adieu -- For I am determined that he and
I shall live no longer under the same roof; and to dinner with
what appetite you may' -- Thunderstruck at this declaration, she
sat down in a corner; and, after a pause of some minutes, 'Sure I
don't understand you, Matt! (said she)' 'And yet I spoke in plain
English' answered the 'squire, with a peremptory look. 'Sir
(resumed this virago, effectually humbled), it is your
prerogative to command, and my duty to obey. I can't dispose of
the dog in this place; but if you'll allow him to go in the coach
to London, I give you my word, he shall never trouble you again.'
Her brother, entirely disarmed by this mild reply, declared, she
could ask him nothing in reason that he would refuse; adding, 'I
hope, sister, you have never found me deficient in natural
affection.
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