Besides, you have seen them only once.
The young lady has become your sister's friend; and I wonder that
your sister, even on her behalf, has not checked you in this
irrational and culpable fancy.'
'She has tried, sir, but uselessly. Husband or no husband, that
fellow is incapable of the feeling with which I am inspired towards
the beautiful young creature whom he treats like a doll. I say he
is as incapable of it, as he is unworthy of her. I say she is
sacrificed in being bestowed upon him. I say that I love her, and
despise and hate him!' This with a face so flushed, and a gesture
so violent, that his sister crossed to his side, and caught his
arm, remonstrating, 'Neville, Neville!'
Thus recalled to himself, he quickly became sensible of having lost
the guard he had set upon his passionate tendency, and covered his
face with his hand, as one repentant and wretched.
Mr. Crisparkle, watching him attentively, and at the same time
meditating how to proceed, walked on for some paces in silence.
Then he spoke:
'Mr. Neville, Mr. Neville, I am sorely grieved to see in you more
traces of a character as sullen, angry, and wild, as the night now
closing in. They are of too serious an aspect to leave me the
resource of treating the infatuation you have disclosed, as
undeserving serious consideration. I give it very serious
consideration, and I speak to you accordingly.
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