But she wouldn't if she didn't want me. She has
no heart and no head, and no sense, and no feelings, and no griefs or
cares, whatever. I was going to say no pleasures--but the fact is, she
does like her dinner, and she is pleased when people admire her."
"And you do?" said Pen, interested out of himself, and wondering at the
crabbed homely little old man.
"It's a habit, like taking snuff, or drinking drams," said the other.
"I've been taking her these five years, and can't do without her. It was
I made her. If she doesn't send for me, I shall follow her: but I know
she'll send for me. She wants me. Some day she'll marry, and fling me
over, as I do the end of this cigar."
The little flaming spark dropped into the water below, and disappeared;
and Pen, as he rode home that night, actually thought about somebody but
himself.
CHAPTER XV
The happy Village
Until the enemy had retired altogether from before the place, Major
Pendennis was resolved to keep his garrison in Fairoaks. He did not
appear to watch Pen's behaviour or to put any restraint on his nephew's
actions, but he managed nevertheless to keep the lad constantly under his
eye or those of his agents, and young Arthur's comings and goings were
quite well known to his vigilant guardian.
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