Gilbert Midhurst, M.P. (Volume 1) (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: ... However one may lament this wretched affectation, yet there is no compulsion in the case. You can avoid soiling your exquisite conscience very easily. But go no farther; make no silly, indiscreet avowal against these things." And Gilbert did not. But as the attachment with Mary was as strong as ever, and in fact threatened to become public, Montagu altered his tack. He found Gilbert loitering about the garden one morning after breakfast, and thus he opened proceedings. "I saw your old friend, Mr. Jasper, the other day, and he wished me to ask you if you would come to some arrangement about those day-schools of yours. Of course I did not know what to say, so I told him you would see him upon the subject. Everything seems in confusion on your account. He said he did not quite understand how to act, for as you had not attended or shown the slightest interest in the matter for the last month, he should be compelled to ask Mr. Tugwell, or some other kind friend, to help him in his arduous task." "Well?" said Gilbert, reddening. "Well, I thought it as well to tell you, because the poor children are at present quite neglected, and are running wild about the streets." "What nonsense. They have their master as usual." "Ay, but you know what schoolmasters are. They have lost that kind Mend, who used to tell them stories, and treat them to buns on the Saturdays." "I don't know what tec do," said Gilbert, perplexed. "Their clothes, poor children," continued Montagu, affecting not to see the young man's distress, "are getting shabby, and those who have had new ones are not fit to be seen, for you know very well what attention the poor get paid to them at the hands of tailors and contractors. Now, when you saw to these matters, the lads were decently clad. You used to ...