It was, however, with
an affectation of indifference that he spoke.
``I congratulate you on your improvement in
wordly knowledge, Adam. It is just the time to
desert the poor heir, and stick by him that is in
immediate possession of the wealth.''
``I staid last night at General Witherington's,''
answered Hartley, ``because he is extremely ill.''
``Tell him to repent of his sins, then,'' said
Richard. ``Old Gray used to say, a doctor had
as good a title to give ghostly advice as a parson.
Do you remember Doctor Dulberry, the minister,
calling him an interloper? Ha! ha! ha!''
``I am surprised at this style of language from
one in your circumstances.''
``Why, ay,'' said Middlemas, with a bitter smile,
it would be difficult to most men to keep up
their spirits, after gaining and losing father, mother,
and a good inheritance, all in the same day.
But I had always a turn for philosophy.''
``I really do not understand you, Mr Middlemas.''
``Why, I found my parents yesterday, did I
not?'' answered the young man. ``My mother,
as you know, had waited but that moment to die,
and my father to become distracted; and I conclude
both were contrived purposely to cheat me
of my inheritance, as he has taken up such a prejudice
against me.
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