Almost Too Late (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. 1884 Excerpt: ... easy work to moralise beside the sea, --that is, to think we moralise, --and make up our minds vaguely on various points; whilst the monotonous refrain, which cannot be analysed or interpreted, gives its drowsy dreamy opinion that all will be well at last. What wonder if, after forming many resolutions for punctuality in the future, and casting back many looks towards an irrevocable past, Ora's head should sink gently against its hard pillow, and the restless thoughts be imprisoned behind the bars of sleep? And whilst she slept the fleeting glory of the autumn day faded, and the gorgeous sunshine burnt itself out, and the tide came creeping up the darkening sands, like the stealthy encroachment of an advancing enemy. # She was dreaming that she was in the garden at home gathering flowers, and in her dream fancied she felt the cold, slimy touch of a coiling snake upon her outstretched hand. The impression was so strong that she awoke with a little scream, still to feel the same chill, strange sensation. Where was she? What had she been doing? The question answered itself speedily as she jumped up, to discover the tide was surrounding her on all sides. The waves had already wetted the lowest flounce of her dress, and her glove was penetrated by the salt water. This, then, was the snake of her dream "Lucky for me I woke up when I did " she exclaimed aloud. "Another ten minutes and I should have been caught by the tide " Her limbs felt quite cramped, as she jumped up and prepared to make the best of her way home. There were still several feet of the little rocky cove in which she had taken her unpremeditated nap, left high and dry; and, without a doubt that it was so all along the shore, she scrambled over the loose stones and boulders. She ...