Mother has always said that she will let me try to publish 'Hart's-
tongue Well' when I am twenty-one!"
"Living on you instead of mother?"
"Oh no, Armie, you know we are one. Though perhaps a mere story like
that is not worthy to do such work. Yet I think there must be
something in it, as Duke cared for it."
"That would be proof positive but for the author," said Armine,
smiling; "but poor Allen's attempts have rather daunted my literary
hopes."
"I really believe Allen would write better sense now, if he tried,"
said Babie. "I believe Lady Grose is making something of him!"
"Without intending it," said Armine, laughing.
"No; but you see snubbing is wholesome diet, if it is taken with a
few grains of resolution, and he has come to that now!"
For Allen had continued not only to profess to be, but to be willing
to do anything to relieve his mother, and Dr. Medlicott had, with
much hesitation and doubt, recommended him for what was called a
secretaryship to a paralytic old gentleman, who had been, in his own
estimation, eminent both in the scientific and charitable worlds, and
still carried on his old habits, though quite incapable. It really
was, as the Doctor honestly told Allen, very little better than being
a male humble companion, for though old Sir Samuel Grose was fussy
and exacting from infirmity, he was a gentleman; but he had married
late in life a vulgar, overbearing woman, who was sure to show
insolent want of consideration to anyone she considered her inferior.
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