In the Vanguard (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. 1913 edition. Excerpt: ... Act m SCENE in A Few Minutes Later Than The Last Scene; A sparsely furnished room in Mr. Gordon's simple house. Two long windows lead to a pleasant porch, which in summer-time becomes part of the room; one of the windows stands open for ventilation. On one side of the room, there is a door leading to the corridor, and on the other side is a large old-fashioned fireplace. Here a bright fire of balsam boughs crackles cheerfully, for though it is the end of May, the weather is uncertain. Mr. Gordon sits by the fire reading a newspaper. Mr. Gordon is a sallow, dyspeptic-looking man with a mouth that shuts like a steel trap; he is nervous and irritable, but to his own mind and that of his wife, he is the just judge whose word is law. Mrs. Gordon, an anxious care-worn woman, is looking out of the closed window. Mrs. Gordon Hesitatingly. When Philip comes, Father, I hope you will be kind to him--Mr. Gordon Sharply. He ought to be beaten with many stripes for he knew better. Mrs. Gordon 0 Father After a pause. Don't you think it is most time for Philip to come, Father? Mr. Gordon does not answer. After a pause, Mrs. Gordon speaks again. Don't you think it is most time for Philip to come, Father? Mr. Gordon does not answer. Father, what time is it? Mr. Gordon With nervous irritation. What is time? Mrs. Gordon Patiently. 1 don't know, Father, but what time is it? Mr. Gordon Who always treats his grey-haired wife as though she were a child, looking at his watch. It is eleven o'clock; time for you to allow me to finish my paper. Mrs. Gordon is silenced; she continues her watch at the window. Mr. Gordon rattles his newspaper in an emphatic, almost aggressive way. Mrs. Gordon Suddenly with as much excitement as she was ever known to show. There he is--there...