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. 1885 edition. Excerpt:...paused a moment, his keen eyes moist, his shrewd brown face softened; then, with a sudden change of tone, turning sharply on Jane: "You are quite another sort. You are a Welby all over! and a fine girl," he added, with a sort of effort. "You'll make friends with me by-and-by." Then, looking round him critically, he drew a chair beside Mildred. "And how are you? Why, where are your roses? You are as white as a sheet!" "It is my nature to," replied Mildred goodhumouredly; "and I suppose I miss the country air." "So--you were a country girl?" "I was always part of the year in the country." "Whereabouts?" began Gribble; then correcting himself, "That ain't polite, but do you know I'm uncommon curious; I like to know the ins and outs of everything. I like to ask questions, but I won't if it gives offence. So I'll wait to question you till you know me better. Well, miss," to Jane, "do you forgive your old Nunks yet for wanting to kiss you? Maybe, if I had been a good-looking young chap of a cousin, you wouldn't have been so offended, hey!" "Never having seen or heard of you before, I was rather startled," returned Jane icily. "Well, there's your bright little sister. She didn't know anything about me either!" "Hum! I see, I see," rejoined Gribble significantly, as he pulled down his waistcoat, a familiar action of his when irritated or contradicted. The entrance of Mr. Welby, portly, well-dressed, well-brushed, and generally well-got-up, gave a turn to the conversation. He quite towered, both in height and style, above Gribble, who was in a...