The Pocket Edition of the Works of George Meredith (Volume 7); The Adventures of Harry Richmond. REV. Ed (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.1906 Excerpt: ... "You have sent word--?" "I have despatched a paragraph to the effect, that the prince and princess have arrived to ratify the nuptial preliminaries." "You expect it to appear this day?" "Or else my name and influence are curiously at variance With the confidence I repose in them, Richie." "Then I leave you to yourself," I said. "Prince Ernest k'nows he has to expect this statement in the papers?" "We trumped him with that identical court-card, Richie." "Very well. To-morrow, after we have been to my grandfather, you and I part company for good, sir. It costs me too much." "Dear old Richie," he laughed, gently. "And now to bye-bye My blessing on you now and always." He shut his eyes. CHAPTER LI AN ENCOUNTER SHOWING MY FATHER S GENIUS IN A STRONG LIGHT The morning was sultry with the first rising of the sun. I knew that Ottilia and Janet would be out. For myself, I dared not leave the house. I sat in my room, harried by the most penetrating snore which can ever have afflicted wakeful ears. It proclaimed so deep-seated a peacefulness in the bosom of the disturber, and was so arrogant, so ludicrous, and inaccessible to remonstrance, that it sounded like a renewal of our midnight altercation on the sleeper's part Prolonged now and then beyond all bounds, it ended in the crashing blare whereof utter wakefulness cannot imagine honest sleep to be capable, but a playful melody twirled back to the regular note. He was fast asleep on the sittingroom sofa, while I walked fretting and panting. To this twinship I seemed condemned. In my heart nevertheless there was a reserve of wonderment at bis apparent astuteness and resolution, and my old love for him whispered disbelief in his having disgraced me. Perhaps it was wilful self-deception. It helped me to meet him with a...