Hubert Freeth's Prosperity (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. 1873 Excerpt: ...Hubert talk about that very canal affair, saying what the townspeople wanted was quite ridiculous and preposterous." "Well, well, my dear," said Mrs. Appersley, "my brother may be right, but he is not infallible." "Not in such a thing as that " interrupted the faithful wife, to whom such words were a sort of petty treason. "Why, if he don't know all about canals, and railways, and viaducts, I wonder who does?" "But even if he is right," resumed Mrs. Appersley, growing irate at anything like an argument, ' it is not for us to say such things." "Of course not," said Mrs. Freeth; "and I spoke so low that I am sure no one but you and Catherine could possibly hear me. But I do feel for Mr. Raybrooke very much indeed, and I don't see why I should not say so among ourselves. How I wish they would elect him and Reuben both " "That would never do," said Mrs. Appersley; "it would be as bad as having no member at all." "Why so?" "Aunty means," interrupted Catherine, "that two members of opposite politics would be always voting against each other, and so neutralising one another's votes." "Ah, I see," replied the gentle, unpolitical Mrs. Freeth. "What a pity It would have been so nice. Now it does seem a little as if Reuben were turning a friend out." "No, mamma dear," said Catherine, "you forget that Reuben does not know Mr. Raybrooke--he cannot possibly be called his friend." The words were rather pleasant words under the circumstances, and yet they came forth with something very like a little sigh. "Well, I did forget--but I remember now Reuben was not with us at the time of the children's par...