Hartas Maturin (Volume 3); 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. 1888. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XII. THE "REWARD OP IT ALL." Many months later, a group, whom we may perhaps recognize, was sitting on a lawn at Reigate, which is also not quite unknown to us. It was a delicious May day--a day in a month which, for once in a way, was not wintry and cold; and, as a natural consequence, " all things that loved the sun were out of doors," and intended remaining there. "The very healthiest place in the world is London." This paradoxical remark emanated from a gentleman blessed with a moustache and most regular features, and who in other respects bore a remarkable likeness to our old friend Staunton. Everybody was too lazy to contradict him, so he proceeded, after a pause--"It's far healthier than any Greek island." This was intended to draw one of the Miss Vanes into a controversy. It merely resulted. in a satirical remark from Bob Betteridge, who was sitting with a sheathed sword by his side--he had brought it up from "the Yard" by special request to exhibit it to his fair friends--in one of the most comfortable lounging-chairs that his father's residence could boast. He did not look at all martial himself. "You should write a book on the subject, and call it Staunton on Climate;' get some law-publisher to print it, and Shanks to put a preface, and it would sell like wildfire." "Mr. Staunton ought to visit Lesbos before he talks of any English climate," said Mrs. Vane. "By-the-by, how's the work on 'Wills' getting on?" said Bob, in a tone of interest. Mr. Staunton replied generally that lawbooks never had much of a sale, except in the Vol. m. 57 profession; but he believed it was in its second edition. "You should bind it in yellow backs, and pretend it's a sensational novel," said Bob, irreverently. Mildred felt roused. "I have read some of it, a...