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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 edition. Excerpt:...looked up nor spoke; Constantia, turning towards him, with vivacity, inquired "How long he had taken the whim of keeping bachelor's hall, though I beg your pardon for the suggestion," said she, "perhaps some fair lady"--here she stopped, for Philippa's agitation was evident, and Constantia perceived that her brother noticed it. When the ladies had retired, the Earl suddenly addressed his friend, "If I am not very much mistaken, Mr. Matthews, one of my sisters would have no objection to break in upon your bachelor scheme. Come, be candid, is the inclination mutual V "I hope, my lord," replied Mr. Matthews, "that you do not suspect me of the presumption." ' I see no presumption in it my friend," rejoined the Earl; "your family, your education, your talents; set you upon an equality with any woman, and though Philippa is not rich, yet her fortune and your income from the Rectory will supply ihe comforts, conveniences, and many of the elegances sflife." The conversatioi continued till the hour of repose, when after taking counsel of his pillow, Mr. Matthew resolved to solicit the favor of Miss Cavendish, and proved a successful wooer--a few months after, he became master of the Rectory--had a fire-side of his own, and an amiable companion to render that fire-side cheerful. In the course of twenty years many changes had taken place: the Earl of Hartford had married a beautiful, but very dissipated woman, who, though she brought him but a very small fortune, knew extremely well how to make use of his, and diffuse its benefits in a most elegant and fashionable style. Her profusions knew no bounds, and, the Earl being taken off by a rapid fever,' his affairs were found in so embarrassed a state...