Echoes of the Past from a Retired Hamlet (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. 1870. Excerpt: ... Chapter v. "I Wonder what it is the Forbes have to shew us," said Susie, as she entered the schoolroom the next morning--"nothing very pretty, I should think, at this season; it can be nothing out of doors in November, that's certain. What do you think, Miss Jerningham?" "If I were to put on my considering cap for twenty-four hours," said that lady, "I might never guess the truth, so I shall patiently wait till we go to the Hall." "That is true," returned Susie; "still it is pleasant to picture to one's self what may happen. What are you doing there, Ted?" impetuously throwing up the window--"you naughty Ted, walking on my bed. What is that? what have you got in your hand?" "Oh, Miss Susie," said Ted, in a disappointed tone, "I did not know you were down yet; it was to have been a surprise." "Oh . I am greatly surprised, Ted," said Susie, jumping out of the window, "only tell me what you have got in your hand?" "Only a piece of leather, Miss." "Why, it looks like a tether," said Susie. "Perhaps it be one Miss," said Ted, chuckling. "Susie, Susie don't you hear the prayer bell," called Miss Jerningham. Susie essayed to linger, but ultimately obeyed the summons. As soon as she had despatched her morning meal, she hastened back, flung up the window, and to her great surprise, she saw a most beautiful Angola goat, tethered by the piece of leather she had seen in Ted's hand; with a paper, attached by a ribbon, round its neck, with the words, --"Willie Forbes to his friend Susie," written upon it. "Now, did not I say he was a dear fellow, and that I was very fond of him?" said Susie, turning to Alice, who had just entered the schoolroom. "Who's a dear fellow?" said Alice. "You never take anything, Alice dear; you are so matter-of-fact." "Matter-of-fact, my dear...