`` For tragedy implies some ponderable matter in dispute , some dignus vindice nodus ; and this piece of work was all about the petulance of a young ass that had been spoiled , and wanted nothing so much as to be tied up and soundly belted . However , that was not your father 's view ; and the end of it was , that from concession to concession on your father 's part , and from one height to another of squalling , sentimental selfishness upon your uncle 's , they came at last to drive a sort of bargain , from whose ill results you have recently been smarting . The one man took the lady , the other the estate . Now , Mr. David , they talk a great deal of charity and generosity ; but in this disputable state of life , I often think the happiest consequences seem to flow when a gentleman consults his lawyer , and takes all the law allows him . Anyhow , this piece of Quixotry on your father 's part , as it was unjust in itself , has brought forth a monstrous family of injustices . Your father and mother lived and died poor folk ; you were poorly reared ; and in the meanwhile , what a time it has been for the tenants on the estate of Shaws ! And I might add -LRB- if it was a matter I cared much about -RRB- what a time for Mr. Ebenezer ! '' `` And yet that is certainly the strangest part of all , '' said I , `` that a man 's nature should thus change . '' `` True , '' said Mr. Rankeillor . `` And yet I imagine it was natural enough . He could not think that he had played a handsome part . Those who knew the story gave him the cold shoulder ; those who knew it not , seeing one brother disappear , and the other succeed in the estate , raised a cry of murder ; so that upon all sides he found himself evited . Money was all he got by his bargain ; well , he came to think the more of money . He was selfish when he was young , he is selfish now that he is old ; and the latter end of all these pretty manners and fine feelings you have seen for yourself . '' `` Well , sir , '' said I , `` and in all this , what is my position ? '' `` The estate is yours beyond a doubt , '' replied the lawyer . `` It matters nothing what your father signed , you are the heir of entail . But your uncle is a man to fight the indefensible ; and it would be likely your identity that he would call in question . A lawsuit is always expensive , and a family lawsuit always scandalous ; besides which , if any of your doings with your friend Mr. Thomson were to come out , we might find that we had burned our fingers . The kidnapping , to be sure , would be a court card upon our side , if we could only prove it .
But it may be difficult to prove ; and my advice -LRB- upon the whole -RRB- is to make a very easy bargain with your uncle , perhaps even leaving him at XXXXX where he has taken root for a quarter of a century , and contenting yourself in the meanwhile with a fair provision . ''
David Ebenezer Quixotry Rankeillor Shaws Thomson money murder nodus sir