The Bar-Sinister, Or, Memoirs of an Illegitimate [Signed C.E.L.]. (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1836. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... I should have expected him to choose from amongst all the varieties of the female kind. The social repast was enlivened by much conversation; but I perceived that neither Emily nor myself was inclined to do honour to the culinary perfections of the maitre (Thotel. I was too happy either to eat or to drink; the delicacies of the table circulated untasted, and I had nearly omitted the courtesy of asking the ladies to take wine. The evening was spent most delightfully; the hours flew, and twelve o'clock had already arrived ere we thought of separating. Sleep is a capricious sort of refreshment, which eludes extremes of all kinds. The couch of the wretched and happy, are alike seldom visited by repose; and it is only after the excitement of feeling has subsided, that the balm of slumber seals the heavy eyelids in sweet oblivion. In vain I called the aid of reality and reason to quiet the tumultuous agitation of my breast; the hours of darkness were passed in wakeful consciousness of present felicity. I arose early, in secret hopes of meeting Emily before breakfast, and I was not disappointed; she had already commenced her embroidery when I entered the drawing-room. The conversation of the preceding day was eagerly resumed by my saying, -- "It is very singular, Miss Vyvian, that my last letter was not received by you." "There has been some mistake," returned she, "or I have been deceived ..." A flash of indignation illuminated her features as she spoke. "Perhaps not," said I, solemnly. "Your guardian, Lord Glenmore, was at Hastings, and from him I was led to believe that my visits would no longer be tolerated by Mr. Herbert or himself. Motives of delicacy prevent my showing you his lordship's communication, which decided at once my departure for the Continent...