The Martins of Cro' Martin; Paul Goslett's Confessions Volume 2 (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. 1906 edition. Excerpt: ...and, from the condescension by which I accorded you a certain degree of influence in this family, you have aspired to become its head. Do not affect any misconception of my meaning. My son has told me everything--everything--from your invaluable aid to him in his pecuniary difficulties, to your sage counsels on his betting-book; from the admirable advice you gave him as to his studies, to the disinterested offer of your own tuition. Be assured if he has not understood all the advantages so generously presented to him, I, at least, appreciate them fully. I must acknowledge you have played your game cleverly, and you have made the mock independence of your character the mask of your designs. With another than myself you might have succeeded, too," said her Ladyship, with a smile of bitter irony; "but I have few self-delusions, Miss Henderson, nor is there amongst the number that of believing that any one serves me, in any capacity, from any devotion to my own person. I flatter myself, at least, that I have so much of humility." "If I understand your Ladyship aright, I am charged with some designs on Captain Martin? " said Kate, calmly. "Yes; precisely so," said Lady Dorothea, haughtily. "I can only protest that I am innocent of all such, my Lady," said she, with an expression of great deference. "It is a charge that does not admit of any other refutation, since, if I appeal to my conduct, your Ladyship's suspicions would not exculpate me." "Certainly not." "I thought so. What, then, can I adduce? I'm sure your Ladyship's own delicacy will see that this is not a case where testimony can be invoked. I cannot--you would not ask me to--require an acquittal from the lips of Captain Martin himself; humble as I stand here, my Lady, you never could mean to...