Always Ready, Or, Every One His Pride (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. 1859. Excerpt: ... be careful of her bonnet, and be sure not to joust the pinners." Here the young bride, both having taken their seats in the railway carriage, began scratching her elbow; at sight of which, the widow was so convulsed with laughter--why or wherefore, our young beauty is left to guess--that she had barely time to say good-bye, before the train was in motion, and in another minute or two out of sight; and as they are not alone--for the carriage is crammed full--we will follow them as far as their journey's end only. Away they went, through hills and over dales, passing the various frightful viaducts with a speed truly astonishing, taking into consideration the many short curves they had to whirl by. Then the English Channel, thickly studded with ships of various nations, wending their way peacefully along to the destined ports, richly laden with the produce of their country, passed in quick review, like a moving panorama, and the surf thrown up the pebbly beach by the long ground swell that came rolling in from the vast Atlantic, rumbled joyously to their ears. But what is this? St. Thomas's? Yes, they had over-run their mark, and instead of reaching Torquay, had arrived at Exeter. Well, it is excusable under such circumstances: back they would have to go again. "Never mind, Annie," exclaimed the bridegroom, noticing her disappointed looks; "perhaps it's all for the best; 'for oftentimes, ' as we say at sea, 'is the longest way round the shortest way home;' and if your papa gives chase, why perhaps it's the best way of missing him." This turned out to be correct; for old Rennoldson had despatched a trusty messenger, with full powers and strong injunctions to be sure to bring the runaway back, either dead or alive; being determined to uphold his reputation of ..".