"Of course I think it right that he should do
something," Violet had said. "And he will if you bid him," replied
the Earl. Violet expressed a great doubt as to this willingness of
obedience; but, nevertheless, she promised to do her best, and she
did her best. Lord Chiltern, when she spoke to him, knit his brows
with an apparent ferocity of anger which his countenance frequently
expressed without any intention of ferocity on his part. He was
annoyed, but was not savagely disposed to Violet. As he looked at
her, however, he seemed to be very savagely disposed. "What is it you
would have me do?" he said.
"I would have you choose some occupation, Oswald."
"What occupation? What is it that you mean? Ought I to be a
shoemaker?"
"Not that by preference, I should say; but that if you please." When
her lover had frowned at her, Violet had resolved,--had strongly
determined, with inward assertions of her own rights,--that she would
not be frightened by him.
"You are talking nonsense, Violet. You know that I cannot be a
shoemaker."
"You may go into Parliament."
"I neither can, nor would I if I could. I dislike the life."
"You might farm."
"I cannot afford it."
"You might,--might do anything. You ought to do something. You know
that you ought.
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