Dr. Rameau (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889. Excerpt: ... we have fancied, planned, or wished shall count for nothing, if you tell us that our projects do not please you.' She smiled, knowing already what her father was going to tell her, and half-rising, leaning on his shoulder, she kissed him fondly. 'You are over eighteen, ' resumed the doctor, 'a grown-up girl now, and you may aspire to a different life from that which you have hitherto led with two old men, not always pleasant companions, like Talvanne and myself.' This time Adrienne could not refrain from speech, and she interrupted her father with loving vivacity. 'Yet I should like to go on living just as we do now, for I don't think I could be more happy than with my dear godfather and you.' 'You will certainly not be more loved, ' said Rameau, 'for ever since you were born we have placed you first in everything. But, my dear child, we shall not be always here; the day must come when you will be obliged to do without the love which we have always borne you. We must, therefore, think of your future, and the future of a girl is--marriage. Oh, you must not think that I approach this question without pain. If you have hitherto been happy with us, you have been the last charm, the supreme consolation that life reserved for us. You have restored some animation and gaiety to this house which has known so much trouble and sorrow; you have been its sunshine and its smile. And so, I assure you that the thought of making over all this happiness to another gives us the heartache; but we are not so selfish as to allow you to sacrifice yourself to our happiness, and we wish to give you a companion with whom you may walk through life in full security.' 'So that you think of separating yourself from me?' 'No, my dear child; for I hope that he who shall be your husband wi...