Edith Mortimer; Or, the Trials of Life at Mortimer Manor (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. 1857 Excerpt: ...stood, with her head bowed, resting on her hands. Lady Sarah came back. "The merciful Giver of Good has blessed your father with a great possession--the heart of an excellent woman. The house of Mortimer, Edith, will receive one well worthy of its name, and probably will be continued in the place assigned to it, by this desirable marriage. I think we had better thank God." Now Edith put her hand within her aunt's, and laid her head on her shoulder. "But I--I--what am I to do? Oh, I am so weak; and oh, aunt, the waving trees at Menadarva show such an inviting shade; and I am not wanted here, and there I am longed for. I cannot live without my own world, and this is not mine any more." "You need not answer that letter to-night. Come and see your father." Lady Sarah led her away. Edith's face brightened when she met her father's anxious glance. "Dearest child, my darling, tell me what you think?" "That you have chosen my own particular friend, papa." "Thank you, thank you, Edith." And in his voice, and look, and nervous embrace, Edith saw and felt how he loved Helen Thetford. 105 CHAPTER XI. HARD TRUTHS. Edith was asleep--sleeping sound and still--the sleep of the strong-willed who choose to rest, and are determined to put off thought till the morrow. When she had come into her room, she had given one glance to the locked-up desk. There lay her life. She knew it. Everything there was just as she had left it. And it might wait. In another part of that room, which knew so much of the thoughts that were her happiness, was the little French bed, all ready; holy water by the side; the Crucifix overbead; and opposite on a bracket, the fair statue of Her who by the side of Him who keepeth Israel, stands crow...