“My dear Duke, I know what I am to think of the Irishman, but I scarcely know what to think of you.”
“You disapprove of my connection with that man.”
“Very much.”
“Tell me your sentiments without reserve; I know you have had a strong desire for some time to come to an explanation with me.”
“You have been ill, and I wish to spare you.”
“I don’t want your forbearance. Speak.”
“At another time, my friend, at another time.”
“No delay. Alumbrado is no stranger to my history, and consequently may hear your observation on it.”
“If you insist upon if, then I must tell you that I am extremely vexed at the idea that the fellow, who dared to sport with your understanding has enjoyed the triumph of guiding you in leading-strings whithersoever he chose. I am glad that you have rendered his magical labours so toilsome; I am rejoiced at the resistance which you have opposed to his attacks; but it grieves me that he has conquered you so dishonestly and artfully. I cannot but confess that the artifice to which your penetration yielded, has been enormous; however, I am angry with you because the man whom you really had discovered to be a cheat, succeeded a second time in gaining your confidence.”
“Do you then imagine that the Irishman has imposed on me in the latter period of our connection as well as in the beginning of it?”