Stanhope (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.1845 Excerpt: ... Yeak after year rolled away, and the period of my pupilage was drawing to a close. I had not had any communication with Lord Dorvil or the Lady Flora since the memorable night on which I first entered the chateau of Monsieur Vernet. I knew well, however, that my kind preceptor, from whom I always received a most liberal allowance of pocket-money and everything necessary for my expenses in the position in which I was then placed, kept up a regular correspondence with his lordship; and from him I found that it was to his lordship's bounty I was ever indebted; and--what to me appeared of far more importance--I could also occasionally gather from Monsieur Vernet's remarks, that Lord Dorvil never spoke of me but with the greatest kindness and good feeling. My last interview with his lordship had made a deep and lasting impression on my memory. The kind and tender manner in which he bade me farewell, and the gentle yet ambiguous words which he uttered in reference to Lady Flora, all served to establish him firmly in my affections. The secrecy of my birth and parentage had long been to me a matter of serious reflection. Of one thing I was certain--namely, that Lady Flora Dorvil was my mother; and beyond this everything was obscured in mystery. A thousand wild surmises had, from time to time, been formed and abandoned; and the more frequently I recalled to my remembrance every little circumstance that attended our meeting at Nurse Jacqueline's, the more puzzled and perplexed I became. On this subject alone Monsieur Vernet was close and reserved, and always pointedly avoided answering any question my curiosity might tempt me to ask. A time, however, soon came when the mystery was cleared away, and my suspicious wonder set at rest. One morning, as Monsieur Vernet, Na...