Wildersmoor; A Novel (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901 edition. Excerpt: ...don't suppose Hazelrigg's easy ways did any harm. I am not sure that we do not overteach in these days, cram people so much with the ideas of others that they lack room to grow any of their own. Not that I wish to curb your enthusiasm, Crosier." "No--no, not all. I quite understand. But I really cannot excuse Hazelrigg's absences." The matter harassed Crosier's soul till the arrival of Mrs. Holt and Esme Rusholme by the three o'clock train. Fleming entertained his visitors in a little room opening out of the long white drawing-room, and also looking out on the gardens at the back of the Hall. A lawn gay with bright beds of crocus and cyclamen, stretched from under the French windows to a group of beeches. Beyond the beeches rose the Pike, bearing on its slopes terraced walks, warm and sheltered even in winter by reason of the hill protecting from the north and east. This little room was in tones of pinky chestnut, with pale spindle-legged furniture that harmonized with the yellow flower-painted case of the piano. On the walls were a few fine water-colours, and two curious old mirrors, oval in shape, the frames formed by twisted gilt dragons; some carved book-shelves in one corner; and a high carved chimney-piece, under which a true northern fire blazed in the wide deep grate. "This is a pretty room," Mrs. Holt observed, approvingly, while she sipped tea out of funny little cups that had come over from Holland long ago. "I recollect your mother having it done up in this colour. It needs more drapery about--embroideries, I mean. No, thank you. I never touch sweet things," this to the Curate, who was nervously skipping about with a cake-basket. "Yes, more embroideries. I always admire the drawing-room at your house, Esme. You have quite...