A Shadow on the Threshold (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. 1877 edition. Excerpt: ...to excuse," Philip answers, gently, as he looks down upon the bowed, bent head. "I suppose age gives all of us 1 a keener sense of what should be, a greater pain to see what is.'" "Don't I remind you," the old man asks, with a grim little smile, "of the alderman who entreated the beggar to go away from him, she distressed him so much, because he hadn't her appetite? Now will you have a cup of tea with me? Your little--friend there," he adds, with a 3mile to Philip, "looks tired. Bless me you needn't look at her in alarm. A cup of tea will refresh her. Sight-seeing is wearisome work for her, though I dare say, even at home, she doesn't lie in an easy-chair all day. Eh? Come," he goes on, as Philip laughs at the thought of my days spent in an easy-chair," I'm as fond of tea as Hazlitt was; as poor Poe was of wine, or ColeE ridge of opium. There's no harm in it. It will do good to--to you both." Very politely, even gratefully, Philip thanks him and refuses, and I am very glad. Still (though I'm sure I don't know why), I can't help offering the old man my hand again before we go. "We have promised to be at home to tea," I say. "And do you pretend you would not disappoint them at home?" "No, I would not indeed." "Then you are a sillier girl even than I thought you." "Is that possible?" I ask, laughing, laying my other hand on Philip's arm, because I see an angry light in his eyes, and this stranger is so unhappy in his nature, and so old. "Philip," I whisper, as we pass on, " he only speaks without thinking." "That is no real excuse for a man who is capable of thinking," Philip answers, angrily; but presently regains...