Grimshaw.
Do you understand? Now, uncle, that is my ultimatum! For, please the
heavens above us! come what may! do what you will! turn me and my mother
out of doors, to freeze and starve--I will die, and see her die, before
I will sell my hand for a less price than will make her independent and
at ease for life! For, look you, I would rather see her dead, than leave
her in your power! Think of this, uncle! There is time enough to-morrow
and next day to make all the arrangements; only be sure I am in earnest!
Look in my face! Am I not in earnest?"
"I think you are, you little wretch! I could shake the life out of you!"
"That would be easy, uncle! There is not much to shake out. Only, in
that case, you would have no stalking-horse to take the estate over to
Dr. Grimshaw." And so saying, Jacquelina arose to leave the room.
"Come back here--you little vixen, you!"
Sans Souci returned.
"It's well to 'strike while the iron's hot,' and to bind you while
you're willing to be bound, for you are an uncertain little villain.
Though I don't believe you'd break a solemn pledge once given--hey?"
"No, sir!"
"Pledge me your word of honor, now, that if I buy this little farm of
Locust Hill, and settle it upon your mother, you will marry Dr.
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