United States or Pakistan ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
But he made the best of breeches, put no shoddy or cheap stitching into them, and was, upon the whole, an honest tradesman. From 9.30 to 5.15 were Mr. Neefit's hours; but it had come to be understood by those who knew the establishment well, that from half-past twelve to half-past one the master was always absent.
Neefit had been almost heart-broken, because he was not satisfied that his victim was really punished by any of those tortures which his imagination invented, and his energy executed. Even when the "pretty little man" was smashed, and was, in truth, smashed of malice prepense by a swinging blow from Neefit's umbrella, Neefit did not feel satisfied that he would thereby reach his victim's heart.
It was easier to talk of his own affairs sitting at ease in his own arm-chair, than to carry on the discussion among the various sporting garments which adorned Mr. Neefit's little back room, subject to interruption from customers, and possibly within the hearing of Mr. Waddle and Herr Bawwah.
Waddle started, and stood with his mouth open, looking up at his friend. "Base, mercenary, false-hearted loon! What is it that he wants?" "Old Neefit's money. That's it, you know."
He kept himself alone on that evening; and though he hunted on the following day, he was not found to be a lively companion either by Cox or Pepper. The lieutenant was talking about Neefit and Neefit's daughter all day: but Mr. Pepper, who was more discreet, declined to canvass the subject. "It's nothing to me who a man marries and who he don't," said Mr. Pepper.
He professed the greatest respect for Miss Neefit, a respect which had, if possible, been heightened by her behaviour in this matter, but it must now be understood that the whole affair was at an end. Neefit would not understand this, but Neefit's further letters, which had not been unfrequent, were left unanswered.
Neefit's money had been repaid, but Neefit would not understand that the young heir's obligations to him had by any means been acquitted by that very ordinary process. He had risked his money when payment was very doubtful, and now he intended to have something beyond cash in return for all that he had done.
The fact is, one has got to get used to these things, and I am not used to it yet. I soon shall be, or to something worse." Such was the nature of Ralph's thoughts as he walked away from Mr. Neefit's house to his club. Mr. Neefit, as he went home, had his speculations also. In making breeches he was perfect, and in putting together money he had proved himself to be an adept.
To Neefit's establishment in Conduit Street he had gone once, and had had words, as Waddle had told to his rival. Neefit was still persistent in his wishes, still urgent that Newton should go forth to Hendon like a man, and "pop" at once.
Newton of Newton Priory if she marries me; and the investment of Neefit's twenty thousand pounds won't be so bad." "Nothing on earth can make her a lady." "I'm not so sure of that," said Ralph. "Nothing on earth can make her mother a lady; but of Polly I should have hopes. You, however, are against it?" "Certainly." "Then what ought I to do?" Sir Thomas rubbed the calf of his leg and was silent.
Word Of The Day