It would give me great pain
to think that you were devoid of any of those sensibilities which
soften the hearts of other men, and lead them to generous impulses."
"Nay, be not harsh, uncle. You should know me better. I trust my
sensibilities, and senses too, may be sufficient for all proper
purposes, when the proper time comes for their employment; but
I can't flame up at every sunbeam, and grow enthusiastic in the
contemplation of Bill Johnson's cottage, and Richard Higgins's
hedgerow. A turnip-patch never yet could waken my enthusiasm,
and I do believe, sir--I confess it with some shame and a slight
misgiving, lest my admissions should give you pain--that my fancy
has never been half so greatly enkindled by Carthula, of the bending
spear, or Morven of the winds, as by the sedate and homely aspect
of an ordinary dish of eggs and bacon, hot from the flaming frying-pan
of some worthy housewife."
The uncle simply looked upon the speaker, but without answering.
He was probably quite too much accustomed to his modes of thought
and speech to be so much surprised as annoyed by what he said.
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