Tales of a Briefless Barrister (Volume 3) (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. 1829. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER V. In pursuance of his promise, and in consequence of his father's request, Robert Oldham, at his next visit to Maria Franklin, made inquiries concerning the unusually long call which his Lordship had made on her father. Maria, with her usual pertness and vivacity, answered, " It was in compliment to me." "Nonsense " said the young gentleman. "No nonsense, I can assure you, my worthy neighbour, it is all fact and truth; but don't be jealous. I wish you had been present, you would have been delighted with him. He talked so eloquently, so impassionedly, and with such exquisite taste, I never had such a compliment paid me in my whole life." "Compliment?" asked the young gentleman. "Compliment," answered the young lady, "not in direct terms; but by the ingenious manner in which he flattered my taste and understanding. You never paid me half such attention: I verily believe, if my father had not been present, he would have made me an offer of his hand. If he had, you know, I should have told him I was engaged." "Maria," replied Robert Oldham, "if you can be serious, you will oblige me." "I really don't think I can," said the young lady; "but I never tried, though, perhaps, to oblige you, I might make the attempt, and that's saying a great deal. I hope you appreciate the compliment;--by the way, if you are fond of seriousness, Lord Summerfield will suit you exactly, for he is as grave and solemn in his manner of speaking as if he had been brought up to the Church. He is a man of universal knowledge." "You must be especially ingenious to discover universal knowledge in the course of an hour's conversation." "Our sex has naturally an extraordinary degree of acuteness and penetration." "Some individuals have, I will grant you," said the young gentleman. "O...