The Surgeon's Secret, by Sydney Mostyn (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.1872 Excerpt: ... two members of parliament in four generations, we are, for all that, perfectly plain people, with a complete respect for our betters, but with a proper sense also of what is due to ourselves. It has been our pride to educate Cicely in a manner befitting the sphere to which she belongs, and out of which she has no claims. You take me?' Mr. Harlow nodded with a light look of perplexity. 'You'll excuse me if I'm blunt, Mr. Harlow; but the truth is my wife is somewhat puzzled to guess your intentions respecting Cicely. I am sensible that since we had the pleasure of meeting you at Mrs. Mortimer's garden-party, you have done us the honour to regard our dear child with a favourable, I believe I may say, with an admiring eye.' Mr. Harlow waved his hand, with a very grave face. 'Now, ' continued Mr. Drummond, 'you may conclude that the admiration of a man of your position must be flattering to people belonging to a sphere of life which thinks itself honoured if a nobleman condescends to give it a nod.' 'You are too humble.' 'I am sincere. To be sure I have never worked for a living, for the little money I possess came to me from my father. Idleness is, I believe, one qualification of gentility. But let me tell you that, had not my father died when I was young, he would very probably have apprenticed me to some city business; so that, if I have escaped being low, it has been by the narrowest shave in the world.' He laid his hand on Mr. Harlow's arm. 'Cicely has told her mother that on more than one occasion you have complimented her. You will pardon the child's candour. She has been bred in an old-fashioned school, whose first lesson to every girl is to conceal nothing from her mother.' 'A very proper lesson.' 'You will see that your politeness must affect a simple-m...