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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. 1844. Excerpt:... "It is better," said Mrs. Egerton, "to be poor and prudent, as they are, than to be rich, and dashing, and speculative, as we too often are." "Yet, my dear," rejoined her husband, "if we had been only poor and prudent little islanders, without industry and enterprise, colonies, and commerce, how quickly, a few years ago, should we have become a province of the proud country we are quitting! If the hive had been less richly stored, its inhabitants less effectually armed and guided, it would have become an easy prey, instead of an invulnerable bulwark. But we must now retire; for, like Richard, 'we must be stirring with the lark to-morrow.'" CHAPTER X. At an early hour the next morning, our party embarked on board the Water Witch, a fine vessel, which promised a far different, as well as shorter voyage than their previous one. Everything was favourable; the day increased in beauty as the sun gained power; the land they left looked beautiful; for the situation of Boulogne on a hill-side shewed the better portion of its buildings to advantage, and the column in particular was conspicuous and imposing. Most of the passengers, like themselves, were English, returning to the homes they loved; and much of pleasant remark and recollection was stirring amongst them, to the great amusement of our young party. Mr. and Mrs. Egerton, usually engrossed by their children, and sympathising entirely in their pleasures or pains, did not, however, on this particular morning, exhibit their wonted spirits. They were evidently oppressed by somewhat that affected their minds in a painful degree; for they conversed only with each other, and frequently cast wistful looks towards the dear group who were gazing towards the distant coast, now receding from their view. On approaching...