Orlandino (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. 1848. Excerpt: ... paying for me. Then came the scarcity, and then I'd be dead long ago but for the young ladies that" "Good-morning," repeated Walter, and left the house. Walter expected to have found Orlandino at the door; but he was not there; and as Walter looked round, he saw only the gossoon running across the bog. After walking a few steps farther up the lane, he perceived Orlandino leaning against a tree. He did not move till Walter came quite close to him and touched his arm; then he started. It was no theatric start, but a real wakening from deep and painful reverie. After staring at Walter, as if trying to collect himself, he spoke, but in so hurried and confused a manner, as to be hardly intelligible. "The gossoon Ay--true--I heard something--he told me. In short, it has altered all my plans, all my determination " "What plans?--what determination?" said Walter. Orlandino looked bewildered, and replied incoherently--" Till that moment I was not clear--I was not sure it was her voice; till the glimpse I caught of her.--That wasted creature --that was my mother; and that hovel she was in--and it all my doing " he groaned. "Your letters were all lost, I suppose?" said Walter. "No, sir, they were not lost; I never wrote one line " Walter turned away with disgust. "Oh stay, Master Walter; hear me; do not give me up without a hearing. I am not a hardened sinner yet indeed " He spoke with the greatest emotion--the tears were in his eyes.--" Oh do not give me up " Walter was moved, but he tried to speak with composure. "I do not give you up; but what can I do for you? I wish to serve you; but till I know the facts, I cannot but condemn you as most unfeeling to your poor mother." "Oh, then, it was not from want of feeling.--I would tell you all, sir, if you would liste...