[Evan Harrington by George Meredith]@TWC D-Link book
Evan Harrington

CHAPTER I
10/15

His sisters over there--they were fine women.' 'Oh! a fine family, every one of 'em! and married well!' exclaimed the publican.
'I never had the exact rights of that "Marquis" affair,' said Grossby; and, remembering that he had previously laughed knowingly when it was alluded to, pursued: 'Of course I heard of it at the time, but how did he behave when he was blown upon ?' Barnes undertook to explain; but Kilne, who relished the narrative quite as well, and was readier, said: 'Look here! I 'll tell you.

I had it from his own mouth one night when he wasn't--not quite himself.

He was coming down King William Street, where he stabled his horse, you know, and I met him.

He'd been dining out-somewhere out over Fallow field, I think it was; and he sings out to me, "Ah! Kilne, my good fellow!" and I, wishing to be equal with him, says, "A fine night, my lord!" and he draws himself up--he smelt of good company--says he, "Kilne! I'm not a lord, as you know, and you have no excuse for mistaking me for one, sir!" So I pretended I had mistaken him, and then he tucked his arm under mine, and said, "You're no worse than your betters, Kilne.

They took me for one at Squire Uplift's to-night, but a man who wishes to pass off for more than he is, Kilne, and impose upon people, he says, "he's contemptible, Kilne! contemptible!" So that, you know, set me thinking about "Bath" and the "Marquis," and I couldn't help smiling to myself, and just let slip a question whether he had enlightened them a bit.


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