Oxley (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. 1873. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XLVIII. HEART TO HEART. Stephen was startled, as well as Zandy, by their sudden meeting; he raised his hat and offered his hand, but did not speak at once; indeed, Zandy was the first to find voice, though it was not altogether a steady one. "So you have really come to Oxley," she said, smiling. "Yes, I arrived a few hours ago. It is not so much changed as I supposed," Stephen answered. "I never liked thriving villages," Zandy said; "I am glad Oxley is not in danger of being spoiled into a busy town, like the little girl's kitten that was spoiled into a great cat. Have you been to see your 'city friends and their country relations?'" she asked, as they walked on towards the house. "No--not yet; I have been prowling about, taking observations--also playing the part of eavesdropper." An instant conviction flashed across Zandy, but she made no sign, and Stephen added, "I heard something that took me back to Nice." "Did you?--an Allegretto?" Zandy said, in such a matterof-course tone that Stephen glanced at her inquiringly. "Yes, my favorite Allegretto; it would not.have taken me quite so by surprise if I had heard it here,"--they were at Mr. Craighead's gate--" but it did strike me strangely to hear those familiar strains anywhere else." "It was the parsonage," Zandy said. "The Allegretto is a favorite of my Aunt Edith's, too. You will come in now, will you not, Mr. Hollister?" she asked; "you will be sure to find the welcome Uncle William promised you, though he isn't here himself yet." "Thank you; I was on my way to claim it when I found, through your music, that you were not at home." They went in, and Zandy looked into the drawing-room and library, but found no one. "Come out to the other piazza, Mr. Hollister, there must be some one there;" the ...