Chapter 11.10 - Shirley

Sometimes, Uncle, when I forget." "'Then it is that which is poisoning you. The paint's a deleterious child. There is white lead and red lead and verdigris and gambodge and twenty other poisons in those collar cakes. Lock them up. Get your bonnet on. I want you to make a call with me.' "'With you, Uncle?' The question was asked in a tone of surprise. She was not accustomed to make calls with her uncle. She never rode or walked out with him on any occasion. "'Quick, quick. I'm always busy, you know. I've no time to lose.' She hurriedly gathered up her materials, asking meantime where they were going. "'To Fieldhead.' "'Fieldhead? What? To see old James Booth, the gardener? Is he ill?' "'We are going to see Miss Shirley Kieldar.' "'Miss Kieldar? Is she come to Yorkshire? Is she at Fieldhead?' "'She is. She's been there a week. I met her at a party last night, the party to which you would not go. I was pleased with her. I chose that you shall make her acquaintance. It will do you good.' "'She has now come of age, I suppose.' "'She has come of age, and will reside for time on her property. I lectured her on the subject. I showed her her duty. She is not intractable. She is rather a fine girl. She will teach you what it is to have a sprightly spirit. Nothing lackadaisical about her.' "'I don't think she will want to see me, or to have me introduced to her. What good can I do her? How can I amuse her?' "'Oh, per sure. Put your bonnet on.' "'Is she proud, uncle?' "'Don't know. You would hardly imagine she would show her pride to me, I suppose. A chit like that would scarcely presume to give herself airs with the rector of her parish, however rich she might be.' "'No. How did she behave to other people?' "'Didn't observe. She holds her head high, and probably can be saucy enough where she dare. She wouldn't be a woman otherwise. There. Away now for your bonnet at once.'