Norman Sinclair [A Novel].

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. 1861. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIX. AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE. Beeakfast, at Wilbury Hall, was a regular meal, at which it was understood that all the company should assemble; not, as in some houses, a prolonged and desultory repast, to suit the habits of the lazy or irregular. Ten o'clock was the stated hour; and here I may remark, as the question of early rising seems anew to be earnestly discussed, that ten, during the winter months at least, appears to me to be an admirable point of compromise between the slothful and the restless. It is a horrid nuisance, either in country or town, to be compelled to leave the warm and comfortable couch in the grey and cheerless dawn, to perform an unsatisfactory toilette by gas or candle light; and precipitately to undergo that semi-scalping process which the majority of the sons of Adam, who still adhere to the use of razors, are doomed matutinally to inflict upon their smarting countenances. Let the sun by all means have the precedence. It is time enough to rise when he has appeared above the horizon; but to be moving before him, is an act of disrespect to the sovereign orb of day. Able counsel, who have undertaken the defence of the sluggard who maintains that he may lawfully and legitimately keep possession of his pillow until eleven, have framed a tolerable argument in his behalf; but they cannot subvert the leading dictum of Solomon, who, being himself of luxurious habits, has pronounced authoritatively on the other side. Ten, therefore, we may assume to be the proper hour for breakfast, and it was so observed at Wilbury. During the meal the plans for the day were discussed and arranged with that perfect freedom of choice to all the guests which renders English country life so peculiarly attractive. Some of the gentlemen, who were keen sp...