Calthorpe; Or, Fallen Fortunes. 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. 1821 Excerpt: ...I believe was as respectable a man as ever lived. It is much to be regretted that his name has not been preserved. Let me tell you, Mr. Pierrepoint, cried Mrs. Hanson, marching with affectionate alacrity to the relief of her discomfited husband, this is the first time that ever the respectability of either of our families was questioned. It has not been questioned now, Madam. In every respect they were quite as good as ourselves. I dare say they were. Whatever you may dare say, nobody else doubts it... Nor do I, Madam l Well, then, there was no occasion for throwing out any of your sneers, added the Deputy r. I threw out none, replied Pierrepoint, and.thought of none. Your filial sensibility is easily wounded. I meant no disrespect to your ancestors, as f know nothing of them, and have no objection to suppose your dynasty, if it could be traced, would prove not less superb than that of your boating hero. At any rate, it is not to be supposed that I can look with contempt on people of low birth: Till it can be proved, that human beings have an option in these matters before they come into the world, I shall not think the birth of any one either an honour, or a disgrace. A benefit or a misfortune it may be, but it ought neither to be the subject of admiration or reproach. Though folly may be vain of what is called high birth, and pride may feel ja groundless alarm, when accidentally reminded of that which ought least to annoy, --a lowly origin. Henry felt the truth of most of these remarks, though he could not but think Pierrepoint deficient, both in good-nature and good manners, for urging them at that moment. This he did not scru...