such
a countenance--like one of those demon-grotesques we see in the Gothic
side-aisles and groinings--a dreadful grimace, monkey-like and insane--and
his thin hand caught up his ebony stick, and shook it paralytically in the
air.

'If ye touch me wi' that, I'll smash ye, by ----!' shouted Dudley, furious,
raising his hands and hitching his shoulder, just as I had seen him when he
fought Captain Oakley.

For a moment this picture was suspended before me, and I screamed, I know
not what, in my terror. But the old man, the veteran of many a scene of
excitement, where men disguise their ferocity in calm tones, and varnish
their fury with smiles, had not quite lost his self-command. He turned
toward me and said--

'Does he know what he's saying?'

And with an icy laugh of contempt, his high, thin forehead still flushed,
he sat down trembling.

'If you want to say aught, I'll hear ye. Ye may jaw me all ye like, and
I'll stan' it.'

'Oh, I may speak? Thank you,' sneered Uncle Silas, glancing slowly round at
me, and breaking into a cold laugh.

'Ay, I don't mind cheek, not I; but you must not go for to do that, ye
know. Gammon. I won't stand a blow--I won't fro _no_ one.

'Well, sir, availing myself of your permission to speak, I may remark,
without offence to the young lady, that I don't happen to recollect the
name Mangles among the old families of England. I presume you have chosen
her chiefly for her virtues and her graces.'

Mrs. Sarah Matilda, not apprehending this compliment quite as Uncle Silas
meant it, dropped a courtesy, notwithstanding her agitation, and, wiping
her eyes, said, with a blubbered smile--

'You're very kind, sure.'

'I hope, for both your sakes, she has got a little money. I don't see how
you are to live else. You're too lazy for a game-keeper; and I don't
think you could keep a pot-house, you are so addicted to drinking and
quarrelling. The only thing I am quite clear upon is, that you and your
wife must find some other abode than this. You shall depart this evening:
and now, Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Ruthyn, you may quit this room, if you
please.'

Uncle Silas had risen, and made them one of his old courtly bows, smiling a
death-like sneer, and pointing to the door with his trembling fingers.

'Come, will ye?' said Dudley, grinding his teeth. 'You're pretty well done
here.'

Not half understanding the situation, but looking woefully bewildered, she
dropped a farewell courtesy at the doo