Ponsonby. 2vols (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. 1817. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XV... Go, straggle with tliy fate, pursue thy way, --Though thou art poor, the world around is gay. Thou hast no bread; but on thy aching sight Proud Luxury's pavilions glitter bright; In thy cold ear the song of gladness swells, Whilst vacant Folly chimes her tinkling bells: The careless crowd prolong their hollow glee, Nor one relenting bosom thinks of thee, Bowie. It was now the end of August; and London was almost deserted. Some were preparing to go into the country for the shooting season; others were gone to the sea-side, or to some watering-place. AH balls and parties were over; and all lovers real and imaginary were dispersed. Lady Ma;ulda was soon going to Brighton; and Henry had settled to meet her there. One morning when he called at her house, he found her walking up and down the room, in the greatest agitation. When he inquired the cause of her apparent uneasiness, she told him she was going to put his friendship to the test. "Can you doubt," said he, clasping her hand, "that there is not that thing on earth which I would refuse to do for your sake?" She then explained to him that she had contracted debts to a very large amount, which she must instantly discharge, as her creditors loudly protested they would arrest her, if she delayed another day paying the money they had so often demanded. "The sum I want to borrow is no less than twenty thousand pounds. I need not tell you how much I reproach myself for having allowed my debts to accumulate to so frightful an amount; but it is useless now to talk of repentance. The money I must procure, or suffer myself to be thrown into prison." A& she said this, she burst into tears. "For heaven's sake do not talk of a prison, while I have one farthing left in the world " exclaimed Henry passionat...