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Stevenson, Robert Louis, 1850-1894

"Weir of Hermiston"

There's no a hair on ayther o' the Weirs
that hasna mair spunk and dirdum to it than what he has in his hale
dwaibly body! Settin' up his snash to me! Let him gang to the black
toon where he's mebbe wantit - birling in a curricle - wi' pimatum on
his heid - making a mess o' himsel' wi' nesty hizzies - a fair
disgrace!" It was impossible to hear without admiration Kirstie's
graduated disgust, as she brought forth, one after another, these
somewhat baseless charges. Then she remembered her immediate purpose,
and turned again on her fascinated auditor. "Do ye no hear me, tawpie?
Do ye no hear what I'm tellin' ye? Will I have to shoo ye in to him?
If I come to attend to ye, mistress!" And the maid fled the kitchen,
which had become practically dangerous, to attend on Innes' wants in the
front parlour.
TANTAENE IRAE? Has the reader perceived the reason? Since Frank's
coming there were no more hours of gossip over the supper tray! All his
blandishments were in vain; he had started handicapped on the race for
Mrs.


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