The Heir Presumptive. a Love Story (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. 1885. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. "THE HEIE PEESUMPTIVE." rpHE excitement of spreading the grand I news amongst their friends and relations, and of discussing the make, the material, and the cost of the various articles of dress necessary to a countess's trousseau, cause the next few weeks to fly rapidly enough. Each day the beautiful Miss Fuller is seen in public by the side of her betrothed earl--either on the box seat of his four-in-hand, or seated opposite to him in her mother's carriage, or encircled by his arm in the mazes of the waltz--and envious eyes follow her, and envious tongues are heard to wonder what on earth Lord Mountcarron can see in her above other women, that he should promote her to the position of his wife? Gladys hears it all (at secondhand, if not personally), and enjoys io beyond measure. This is what she is marrying the earl for--this is the harvest quickly gathered of her clever husbandry. Her breast swells with pride as she catches the ill-natured whispers that follow her--her eyes beam with delight as she sees the looks of detraction cast upon her beauty, and she gives herself consequential airs that make her royally hated. "Never mind, darling," whispers Winnie consolingly, " it is only their malice. They are so jealous of rour lovely face, and your splendid marriage, they cannot contain themselves." "But I do mind," replies the embryo countess. "It is meat and drink to me. I wouldn't miss it for all the world. Why, Winnie, what do you suppose I'm marrying him for, if it isn't to make the other girls die of envy?" Lord Mountcarron meanwhile is as atten five as a fiancee can possibly be. lie makes his bride elect the most beautiful presents. He dances attendance on her everywhere. Hardly a day passes but some relation or friend of his family leaves...