Burton Abbots; A Woman's Story. a Woman's Story (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1863. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX. THE STRANGER IN MOURNING. "Keep thy soul down Put on a mask I 'tis worn Alike by power and weakness; and the smooth And spacious intercourse of life requires Its aid in every scene." "Captain and Mr. Vivian have been here to call when you were out, Ma'am, and they left their cards," Hannah said one morning when we came in from our walk. "Captain Vivian " Cecil said with a little accent of surprise. "Yes, Ma'am, Mr. Vivian gave him his arm across the street, and he seemed so sorry to find you were out. He sat down for a minute on a chair that I brought from the dining-room, and then he went back again--he's terrible lame, poor gentleman." "What can Captain Vivian have called on us for?' Cecil remarked to me whilst going upstairs. "I thought he was too lame to walk at all. I wonder his son did not mention his intention to us when we met him yesterday at Coatham." We were interrupted by a request for some household requisite, and still having our walking things on, Cecil proposed our going in search of it ourselves. We left the children to be tidied for dinner, and proceeded down the street. We met George Vivian almost at the door. He stopped and shook hands with us. "My father and I called at your house this morning, and were sorry to find you not at home," he said. Cecil expressed herself very sorry to have missed them. "Oddly enough my father has discovered that Mr. Claridge is an old friend of his," George pursued; " he knew him years ago, and nothing would serve him but to come immediately and make your acquaintance. He walked across the street, which is a thing he has not attempted for the last five years, but I fear he will have to pay the penalty of his rashness, for he has been suffering very much since he came in." "Oh, I am so sorry," ...