The Continental Annual and Romantic Cabinet, for 1832

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. 1832. Excerpt: ... Adeline St. Aubin was an orphan, and the want of parental guardianship was peculiarly trying to a girl like her, for she had received from nature a face and person unrivalled in Normandy. Youth and beauty are attractions always dangerous, frequently fatal to their possessors. It is not the most worthy that most successfully aspire to win their smiles. The voice of the deceiver is too often the sweetest, and therefore is the warning of parental experience necessary to protect the maiden in her innocence from cherishing a serpent in her bosom. Adeline--the interesting Adeline--the Rose of Rouen, as she was called in her native city on account of her fine complexion, had, it is true, friends and relatives--but what friend or relative can atone for the loss of a father and mother? She looked as if she needed the counsel of a parent. She was sitting in deep thought at the close of a July evening, in the recess of a window in the house of her amiable sister, in the ancient city of Rouen. Her work had glided out of her fingers, which hung down relaxed, and she was so rapt in reflection, that she did not hear the entrance of her little nephew and niece, until startled by their voices at her side. We have had such a long walk, and are so glad to be home again--we are so tired! You must to-bed early, and sleep off the fatigue, said Adeline, patting the glowing cheeks of her prattling favourites. Dear aunt Adeline, said Marie, climbing upon her lap, don't talk of bed, but tell us the remainder of the story about Blue Beard to-night.--Ah do! I will, Marie, said Adeline, passing her delicate fingers through the child's curly hair, if you promise not to be frightened in the dark--and if Charles will sit quietly on the footstool, until mamma comes back to...