And he strode out of the bank, making the whole place shake with his heavy tread.
“He’s one of the best-hearted fellows in existence,” said uncle Tom, looking at me with a humorous twinkle in his eye. “I’m very glad he’s come. I’ve been wanting an opportunity to introduce you.”
“Who’s Teazer? his dog?” I asked.
“His daughter. It’s his pet name for Theresa—as handsome a girl as ever you saw.”
“Not so bluff as her papa, perhaps?”
“Not she. I rather think Dick assumes that manner with strangers. He has an idea that it makes people see he is a man of the world—a practical, plain-spoken man who is not to be humbugged. In reality, any child could trick him. A big, honest heart beats in that stout form, Charlie. Don’t let his manner prejudice you.”
“I am not easily prejudiced.”
Uncle Dick returned to the bank punctually at four, and came in, roaring out, “What ho! House here, I say! Not ready yet! ’Sdeath, but I’ll be revenged!” making at the same time so horrible a face at me, that Mr. Spratling had to squeeze his mouth into his coat-sleeves, with his hands locked over the nape of his neck, to save the explosion of an incontrollable yell.
“That was Braham’s style in his recititavos,” said the old gentleman. “Did you ever hear of Braham?”
“Oh, yes,” I answered, thinking he was joking me, “and of Isaac and Jacob too.”