Christina North, by E.M. Archer (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. 1872. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V. Mr. Warde met Christina with an outstretched hand and his usual cordial friendly greeting, and never gave a thought to her late companion; indeed, he was pre-occupied, and thinking of something quite different; and though his expression was as straightforward and candid as ever, there was a shadow of perplexity in it which was not customary with him. "I have been with your grandfather," he said; "he seems very much out of spirits. If you can spare me a few minutes, I should like to have a little talk with you." They were still some way from the house, and he turned and began to pace back slowly by her side. It was such a sudden awakening, so rapid and complete a transition from coloured clouds to common grey sky, that Christina felt her heart sink, and had no thought or curiosity about what he might be going to say. Only it would be pleasant to be free to think, and not attend to anyone's conversation. "Your grandfather is very low," said Mr. Warde again; "I cannot help thinking that he has something upon his mind, and it has occurred to me that it may possibly be something connected with his money matters." "Very likely," said Christina, despondingly; "we are always in difficulties." It was not a complaint, but a simple statement of a fact which she did not at that moment care to take the trouble to conceal. "Very well," said Mr. Warde, cheerfully; "I thought it might possibly be the case. It does not matter when people are young, unless they have others dependent on them," said the Rector, who was as far from pitying Christina as she was from making any complaint. "But when a man comes to your grandfather's time of life, it is a different thing; and what I wanted to say to you was this. I have no one dependent upon me, except my parishioners, ...