"But, uncle—I love my cousin!"
"Get out!"
"Give her to me."
"Don't bother me!"
"It will be my death!"
"Nonsense! you'll console yourself with some other girl."
"Pray—"
My uncle, whose back had been towards me, whirled round, his face red to bursting, and brought his closed fist down upon the counter with a heavy thump.
"Never!" he cried; "never: Do you hear what I say?"
And as I looked at him beseechingly and with joined hands, he went on:—