Only George [By J.O. Brookfield]. (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.1866 Excerpt: ... The air without was dull and foggy, but in Mrs. Neville's pretty drawing-room in May fair it is always cheerful and bright. Certain faithful friends and admirers, in various degrees of intimacy, are dropping in as usual to spend an hour or two before dinner. Their faces no longer present the sweet blank page of youth, neither have they yet been stamped with the full history of threescore years and ten. They are for the most part middle-aged people. Who is old in these days? The first who arrived was considered by the rest to be the most fortunate, since they could secure those few private words about themselves and their own personal concerns which they were accustomed to pour out by the side of Mrs. Neville's sofa. To-day Lady Adela Towers was this privileged person. She was unmarried, although past forty, and had lived for the last few years with her brother, Lord Chilworth, who was a widower, with two children, and the owner of Chilworth Castle. Lady Adela had brought a letter for her friend Mrs. Neville to read; and as it was her way to begin abruptly what she had to say, we will do the same in speaking of her affairs. The letter was from her brother's solicitor, Mr. Cope. Mrs. Neville took it, and read out loud: "The Hermitage, Chilworth, "November 2d, 1855. "dear Lady Adela, --It is now this day twelve months since I ventured to address you by word of mouth upon a question which is, as you are aware, of very serious importance to me. On that occasion you were good enough to say that you would take into consideration the proposal I then laid before you, and that you would give me your answer in the course of a year's time. I have endeavoured to await patiently your own convenience for the time specified, and I will now remind you, dear Lady Adela, that ...