It met with her entire approval. She hated
Tom. For all hatred, as well as for all love, there is doubtless a
reason, but the reasons for the hatreds of a woman of Mrs. Furze's
stamp are often obscure, and perhaps more nearly an exception than
any other known fact in nature to the rule that every effect must
have a cause.
"I would get rid of him," said she. "I think that his not replying
to you is ten times more aggravating than if he had gone into a
passion."
"You cannot get rid of him," said Catharine.
"Cannot! What do you mean, Catharine--cannot? I like that! Do you
suppose that I do not understand my own business--I who took him up
out of the gutter and taught him? Cannot, indeed!"
"Of course you CAN get rid of him, father; but I would not advise
you to try it."
"Now, do take MY advice," said Mrs. Furze: "send him about his
business, at once, before he does any further mischief, and gets
hold of your connection. Promise me."
"I will," said Mr. Furze, "to-morrow morning, the very first thing."
Morning came, and Mr. Furze was not quite so confident. Mrs. Furze
had not relented, and as her husband went out at the door she
reminded him of his vow.
"You will, now? I shall expect to hear when you come home that he
has had notice."
"Oh, certainly he shall go, but I am doubtful whether I had better
not wait till I have somebody in my eye whom I can put in his
place."
"Nonsense! you can find somebody easily enough.
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