Pique [By S. Ellis]. (Volume 1) (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. 1850. Excerpt: ... From this slight elevation, a fine view might be obtained of the beautiful wooded valley, in the centre of which stood the mansion of "Wardour. Groups of noble oaks and sycamores, some of gigantic size, surrounded it on all sides; and through the middle of the valley a narrow streamlet flowed, now flashing in the rays of the setting sun, like burnished silver, now coquettishly disappearing behind the stately clumps of timber. The mansion of Wardour Court was a venerable looking pile, and dated from the reign of Elizabeth. It was a low, compact edifice, of considerable dimensions, built of brick, with facings and quoins of white stone. Around the roof ran a low parapet of carved stone, and in the centre arose a tall clock-tower. The principal entrance was by a porch of massive oak elaborately carved, and otherwise ornamented with grotesque figures and devices. Over this, the hatchment affixed on the decease of Lord Willingham still remained. In front of the mansion was a court of greensward, separated from the park by a sunk fence and balustrade, decorated with balls, stone rosettes, and huge lotus-shaped vases, in which pink hydrangeas flourished luxuriantly. Behind the mansion, and parallel on either side with the court, were long avenues of firs and cedars, imparting a dark, gloomy aspect to the tout ensemble. Lady Catherine had done her best to lessen the sombreness of her ancient abode, by training a variety of bright looking creepers to contrast their showy blossoms with its dark, weather-stained walls. At various seasons of the year, brilliant clusters of roses, japonica, passion flowers, and other beautiful plants bloomed around her windows and twined over the porch; and beyond, flights of stone-steps conducted, from terrace to terrace, into garden...