Sketches of Booksellers of Other Days (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. 1901 Excerpt: ...to manage her printing business. As he was disappointed of his first love he had formed the intention of disposing of his materials, and was therefore the more willing to enter into the employment of this gentlewoman, and he soon found that her conversation and fine education "almost wounded him with love," particularly as he must never expect to see his first love again. "But see the wonderful effects of Divine Providence in all things ... One Sunday morning Mr. Philip Wood entering my chambers, where I sometimes used to employ him too, when slack of business in other places, 'Tommy, ' said he, 'all these fine materials of yours must be removed to York, ' at which, wondering, 'What mean you?' said I. 'Aye, ' said he, 'and you must go too, without it's your own fault; for your first sweetheart is now at liberty, and left in good circumstances by her dear spouse, who deceased but of late.' 'I pray heaven, ' said I, 'that his precious soul may be happy, and, for aught I know, it may be as you say, for indeed I think I may not trifle with a widow as I have formerly done with a maid.'" He told his mistress that he had business in Ireland, as an excuse for starting off at once for York, promising her that he would be back in a month; if not, he had left everything in order, so that she might carry on the business with any other person; but she said she would not have anyone in the business but him, and she should expect him to return. Respectfully taking leave of her, he never beheld her again, but he heard that she was very indifferently married. He took leave of his friends at the Black Swan, in Holborn, and started in the stage-coach, which landed him safely in York in four days. There he found his " dearest" once more, though much al...