Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1891 edition. Excerpt:...unusual specimen of feminine character offered to his observation in his new friend. She was curiously true, and perfectly natural. "This absolute sincerity," he thought, "will always prevent her being a charming woman. She has no shade of coquetry in her nature, and without it no woman can be attractive. A false woman is, of course, a horrible thing, when we find her out--but absolute sincerity is really about the most repellent quality a woman can possess, as far as men are concerned. I doubt if it is even good for themselves. Such natures, if they love, love too deeply. They give much more than they get. This girl, this woman--for, with all her simplicity, she is most womanly--may suffer cruelly yet, nor can anyone help her.' "My father would like to see you, Mr. Brandon," said Claude, coming noiselessly into the room. Brandon followed her upstairs. He found Mr. Tracey, propped up with pillows, in a large bedroom, the furniture of which was old and faded, the carpet patched, the bed curtains washed out, but everything was clean and well cared for. The unusual quiet and content of his old friend's face struck Brandon as an alarming symptom. Mr. Tracey held out his hand feebly, but did not speak at first. "I hope you are feeling all right, this morning," said Brandon cheerfully. ' Yes, quite comfortable. It is nice, lying quietly here," "Well, Mr. Tracey, I fancy you had a good deal of quiet always in your study." "Ay, but I was not quiet in myself. Now I am." After a few more desultory remarks, Brandon tried to approach the subject of Tracey's provision for his daughter. "Can I do anything for you in the way of business?" he asked. "I should he most happy to make...