“The whole thing is a botch,” said the Angel. “You have put neither brains nor heart into it, and the result is ridiculous failure. What do you propose to do about it?”
“I credited you with more comprehension,” said the man. “My faults, such as they are, were born with me. I am sorry that you do not approve of me, but this is the way I was made; do you see?”
“I see!” said the Angel. He put out a strong white hand, and taking the man by the collar, tumbled him neck and crop into the ditch.
“What is the meaning of this?” cried the man, as he scrambled out breathless and dripping. “I never saw such behavior. Do you see what you have done? you have ruined my clothes, and nearly drowned me beside.”
“Oh yes!” said the Angel: “this is the way I was made.”
[THE BURNING HOUSE]
Some neighbours were walking together in the cool of the day, watching the fall of the twilight, and talking of this and that; and as they walked, they saw at a little distance a light, as it were a house on fire.