The Forgery; Or Best Intentions (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. 1853 edition. Excerpt: ... strong effort in his bosom to overcome the"prejudices of education and the common habits of feeling in his class and country, but it was in vain. That men should say he, the Count d'Artonne, whose blood had come down pure since the foundation of the monarchy, whose family was allied to some of the first in the land, who had always stood amongst the high nobility of France--that he had given his daughter to a roturier, to the son of a peasant It was quite impossible; it could not be done. He might deeply regret it; he might feel for the young man most sincerely; he might do anything he could to serve him: but still he could not enter into an alliance such as that; still he could not look upon himself as bound by a promise made under such a mistake. Francis could not expect it himself, he thought; Julie, too, would surely shrink from such a union. The Count d'Artonne had either forgotten the feelings of his youth, or knew not how firmly the first affection of her heart had taken possession of Julie d'Artonne. Hastening to the chamber of his wife, the count communicated to her the news he had received. Madame d'Artonne was more moved than he had been: she acknowledged that it was impossible, that it could not be thought of, to unite their daughter to the son of a peasant of Picardy; but yet she wept at the thought of the anguish it would occasion to all, and judged better than her husband of what would be the feelings of her child. After a brief conversation with the countess, Monsieur d'Artonne proceeded to his daughter's chamber. She was not there, and going down to the saloon he entered somewhat suddenly. Julie was standing alone near the window; and the moment she heard the door open she started and looked round, while the warm blood...