“‘Deed, Mr. Chairles,” said Fleming, “I have nae doubt it’s real important to you to be able to take that comfort to yoursel’, being one of the family, and in a manner bound to do your best; but as for me, I’m but a servant. I’ve served my forty year, which is long enough to gi’e me the best of characters in ony place; and I’ve saved a pickle siller, and invested it--by your advice, Sir, and that of ithers--in a very advantageous manner; and if I’m ever to mairry a wife, and hae a fireside of my ain, I have nae time to lose. I’m no saying but what you’ll make a great hand o’t, and carry the leddies through and break them in; but for me at my age to stand yon bit creature’s temper and her ignorance, and haud my tongue and clip my words to please her--by George! it’s what I’ll no do! And when I’m driven to sweer, Mr. Chairles--” “And, by George! I’ll not do it either!” said Mr. Charles, smiting his lean thigh. He was so roused up and stimulated by this valiant resolution, that he took another glass of sherry on the spot, a thing he had not been known to do for years. “I wish ye joy of the wife, &c.,” he said. “I’ll not follow your example in that; but why I should make myself miserable and ridiculous, for an idiot of a strange woman, at my time of life! By George! I’ll not do it, any more than you!” END OF VOL. I. * * * * * PRINTING OFFICE OF THE PUBLISHER. * * * * * February 1887. Tauchnitz Edition. Latest Volumes: Alicia Tennant. By Frances Mary Peard, 1 vol. Living or Dead. By Hugh Conway, 2 vols. King Arthur: not a Love Story. By Mrs. Craik, Author of “John Halifax,” 1 vol. A Mental Struggle. By the Author of “Molly Bawn,” 2 vols. Transformed. By Florence Montgomery, 1 vol. The Heir of the Ages. By James Payn, 2 vols. A Country Gentleman and his Family. By Mrs. Oliphant, 2 vols. A Fallen Idol. By F. Anstey, 1 vol. Court Royal. By the Author of “Mehalah,” 2 vols. Her Week’s Amusement. By the Author of “Molly Bawn,” 1 vol. Masollam. By Laurence Oliphant, 2 vols. The Evil Genius. By Wilkie Collins, 2 vols. A Playwright’s Daughter and Bertie Griffiths. By Mrs. Annie Edwardes, 1 vol. My Friend Jim. By W. E. Norris, 1 vol. As in a Looking Glass. By F. C. Philips, 1 vol. A House Party. By Ouida, 1 vol. Doctor Cupid. By Rhoda Broughton, 2 vols. One Thing Needful. By Miss Braddon, 2 vols. Jo’s Boys. A Sequel to “Little Men.” By L. M. Alcott, 1 v. By Woman’s Wit. By Mrs. Alexander, 1 vol. Children of Gibeon. By Walter Besant, 2 vols. Oceana or England and her Colonies. By James Anthony Froude, 1 vol. Cut by the County. By Miss Braddon, 1 vol. Once Again. By Mrs. Forrester, 2 vols. A complete Catalogue of the Tauchnitz Edition is attached to this work.