The Entail; or, The Lairds of Grippy
These were, however, confessions that escaped from him unawares, like the sparks that are elicited in violent percussions,--for he soon drew himself firmly and bravely up, as if he prepared himself to defy the worst that was in store for him; but this resolution also as quickly passed away, and he returned to his easy-chair, and sat down, as if he had been abandoned of all hope, and had resigned himself into a dull and sleepy lethargy.