“You may have the money again, if you want it,” said he; for, like other bullies, when he felt that his power was gone, he was disposed to make peace.
“I don’t want it now. I have sold out my stock at a loss to gratify your malice. If you can do anything more to crush me, I hope you will do it.”
“I don’t want to crush you. What are you talking about?” added my uncle, impatiently.
“I don’t know what you mean by crowding me so hard, then.”
“Paley, you are living too fast. All I have done has been for your good.”
“I don’t see it; and I don’t exactly know by what right you purpose to take the management of my affairs into your own hands. You have an offer for my house, and you have attempted to drive me out of it. Let me say that I would go into bankruptcy, or into the State Prison, before I would submit to any such dictation. I am of age and I think I am able to take care of myself. I hear that Aunt Rachel is better to-day, and is steadily improving. I shall take the first occasion to tell her how you have used me.”
“Do you want to make trouble in the family?” asked he, evidently startled by my threat; for the handling of the invalid’s property was of some importance even to a gentleman of Captain Halliard’s wealth.
“I want justice done, though the heavens fall. Aunt Rachel never intended that I should be driven up to pay this thousand dollars, as you have done the business.”
“I did what I thought was best for you and for her.”
“All right; if you are satisfied, I am.”