The Red Rag. a Novel (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. 1880. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III. THE ENEMY CAPITULATES. HE dramatic situation at the close of the last chapter was decidedly strong. As the lover went out at the window, the enraged parent came in at the door. "Not another word, Georgina " said the irate Mr. Buddlecombe, continuing the running fight, which had been going on between himself and his wife, down the stairs and all along the passages on their way back to the library, "not another word I mean to assert my authority." "And I mean to submit to it, Joshua, only up to that point where it continues to be lawful and just," returned Mrs. Buddlecombe, decisively. "I've told your father everything, Florry dear," she added, as Florence nestled up to her side. "Florence," said Mr. Buddlecombe, in the tones of a judge about to pronounce sentence on a hardened malefactor. "Yes, papa," faltered Florence, as she left her mother's side, and meekly stood with downcast eyes in front of her father. "You had better go to your room at once and superintend the preparations for your departure. I have directed your maid to commence immediately packing up all that you will require for a prolonged stay from home." "O papa " said Florence, with a start and turning pale, as she heard her sentence of banishment pronounced. "Yes, you go to your aunt Virginia's in the North to-morrow morning at an early hour, escorted by me." "And I say she shall not go," said Mrs. Buddlecombe, advancing with a resolute air and placing her arm round Florence as if to shield her. "She is as much my child as yours, Joshua. She shall not go." With lowering brow, Mr. Buddlecombe was about to assert his supremacy, when old Bolitho, who up to this moment had been surreptitiously fastening the window and drawing the curtains after Algernon's exit--covering his retrea...