"Tried by Fire.." (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.1879 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXVIII. THE LITTLE BRIDE. "Sir Peter. Lady Teazle, Lady Teazle, I'll not bear it Lady Teazle. Sir Peter, Sir Peter, you may bear it or not, as you please; but I ought to have my own way in everything, and, what's more, I will too. What though I was educated in the country, I know very well that women of fashion... are accountable to nobody after they are married." Midlandshire was a quiet county, as free from any stirring interest as most country neighbourhoods; and Lady Selton, her manners, conduct and conversation, soon created quite a little breeze of excitement in the surrounding district. Every one had something new to tell or to say about her, and she was soon the one conversational topic of her new neighbours and acquaintances. But opinions varied, --nay, discussion waxed quite warm, over the motives and meaning of her behaviour. Some said "she was young, a mere child, and knew nothing of the ways of the world, ... her freshness was amusing, her simplicity delightful. She would learn all the duties of her position in time; but meanwhile it was quite pretty to see the little thing trying to play the grande dame, and then forgetting herself, and running off to some childish prank or other; while all the while you could see that she was bubbling over with fun and frolic, which it was almost impossible for her to repress. It was hard on a merry little thing like that, to have to take her place among staid matrons, and entertain dowagers three times her own age. What could you expect? People ought to make all allowance for her. Her young husband looked after her a little anxiously at times, but no wonder; he was afraid of her giving offence to any one by her original ways, but he might be sure that no one, with any kindness of heart or natural fee...