On the Brink (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1868 edition. Excerpt: ...Lord Tenby are perfectly well known to me, it only remains for me to say, that if you and Lady Emily do not this very day leave the house inhabited by my daughter, or if either of you ever again presume to intrude your visits upon her, I will lay the whole case before the Commander-in-chief, who will decide whether you are a proper person to remain in her Majesty's service. I shall also publish all the details, that society may judge how far you are entitled to its intimacy.' "When Mr. Halsted related the story to Mr. Burnthwaite, he said that the colonel had not a word to say for himself. He sunk into a chair as if paralyzed. It was only when Mr. Halsted had finished speaking, that he said that the whole story was a fabrication from beginning to end. "With Lord Tenby it was different. Mr. Halsted was proceeding to make some remarks on the indelicacy of his conduct, when his lordship stopped him at once. 'Let us understand each other, Mr. Halsted, ' he said. 'I shall allow no one to dictate to me what guests I am, or am not, to receive in my house. Your daughter is now my wife, and I feel myself perfectly competent to assist her in selecting her friends and acquaintance, without your interference. As for the absurd story with which you have just amused us, it is, as my friend Colonel Brooklyn very justly designates it, a fabrication from beginning to end. He is an old friend of mine, and I was very happy to have it in my power to lend him a sum of money of which he stood in need. As for the other parts of your romance, I should take shame to myself if I thought it necessary to defend a lady whom I respect and esteem from the idle gossip of discontented servants. I am afraid, Mr. Halsted, the intelligence furnished you by your private...