The Rose of Joy (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. 1903 Excerpt: ... afternoon of the day that Dally and Susan were coming they stood together on the narrow balcony that hung above the river. "It's to-day that Dally and the little provincial bride are to appear, isn't it? " said Archie. Juliet hung over the railing, and looked into the narrow, deep lane that lay between the house and the river. "I don't see anyone coming yet. I won't soon forget the miseries of that wedding," she said, turning round to face her cousin again. "Dismal enough," said Archie. "That brewess--the aunt, I mean--had a smiting way with her. She will keep a tight rein on Dally, I should think. They are going actually to live in her house." "Poor Susan " said Juliet. She pulled her hat farther down over her eyes, till her face was in shadow, all but the pretty, smiling mouth. Archie sat on the railing with the sun shining on his brown face, looking at her with great contentment. When she was there it seemed as if the girl bloomed out, as most people bloom when they are happy, into a new loveliness. True, she had a great respect and affection for his mother--chiefly respect, it must be owned--and she tried to make that suffice to explain the glamour in which to her fancy the place was steeped. Every inconvenience there was but an added attraction. What did it matter to her that the house was tiny and airless and dark--that even on a summer morning she needed to light a candle to see to do her hair? It was all, she thought, delightful. If Lady Agnes ever noticed this curious adaptability on the part of a girl who was usually given to a good deal of self-indulgence, she never said so. Certainly Juliet had arrived a fortnight before, when there was no prospect of Archie's return; but she bloomed and brighte...