A Poor Player (Volume 1); A Story of Kent (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. 1888. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIII. PROVOCATION. As Violet left Leslie she little knew what the spell was that held him to the spot. The persistency with which circumstances tied Leslie to this spot almost suggested in his mind an idea of-its being somewhat providential. Leslie muttered--"If this should be Edith's cousin approaching, ought I to speak or not? and how far would it be wise to question him?" He thought it would be better to let Violet get far enough away before he went to the Laundry Cottage to meet Edith. These and other thoughts were running through Leslie's mind as Lionel was approaching in company with Fergus Fitzroy, whom Lionel had met as the latter was returning from the village pub. Fitzroy was imbued with a more spirited determination than ever to have it out with Hopper. Both being strangers to Leslie, Lionel, on their meeting him, said--"Why, it's Mr. Leslie of the theatre, I think." "Don't you think again," said Leslie, " be sure of it." "My name's Lionel Lovebird," continued the youth; "you ought to know this gentleman. This is Mr. Fergus Fitzroy, tragedian." The formal introduction having taken place which entailed a large amount of grotesque action on the part of the tragedian, especially in connection with a stage flourish of the hat, during which Leslie was taking stock, reviving recollections of that gentleman, and mentally recalling incidents his knowledge of which the tragedian was entirely oblivious--this ceremony concluded, Leslie addressed him saying--"It's a rare thing to meet a tragedian of your strong and matured aspect. It's like a friend giving one a magnum of port, with a dash of whitewash and the cobweb all over it." This idea was suggested to Leslie by Fitzroy's generally somewhat seedy attire, especially the hat, which was a grey fe...