Sir Michael Paulet (Volume 1); 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. 1845. Excerpt: ... playing on the greensward, to the rosy lips which had uttered tones so soft, so witching. c Nay, Captain Greville, I asked not for flattery," answered the lady colouring slightly--it might be at the words--it might be at the look. "I gave no flattery; I gave but the truth," said the young soldier earnestly. "Flanders has not a scene so fair as this; and for her maidens--they--" "Are beautiful, no doubt: but we will not discourse on them," said Frances quickly, closing the sentence with a still higher bloom; and adding with a consciousness which she could not control: "you are not looking at the landscape as I prayed you. How bright and lovingly the sun rests on those fine old woods, and how the river sparkles as it flows along." "Ay: how well the Hall stands out among those woods, as though their ruler and their king. I never saw the home of my forefathers look so venerable, nay nor so joyous either; it hath flung off its winter gloom, and donned its summer garb of joy, as if to greet a bride. See how the sun is gleaming on it now! It only needs that fair young bride to make it all it should be." "Persuade your uncle to fulfil this fancy: he would play bridegroom well." "Now heaven forefcnd! The bride I spoke of should be mine--of my own choosing. The old Hall merits a fair mistress--doth it not?" "It has your cousin: --will not that suffice?' "What Nella? Ah, poor Nella! An orphan from her birth. Her father died upon the battle-field--her mother followed as she first drew breath. Stinted in growth, she can be bride to none, and is no fitting mistress for that ancient Hall. No: I would give my mother's home a mistress fairer, ay, and dearer too." "And would you be equally bountiful to the Moat, that stands out so boldly to the right?" enquired Frances quic...