A Maiden All Forlorn; And Other Stories

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.1885 Excerpt: ... A PASSIVE CRIME. CHAPTER I. THE MOMENT APPROACHES. From its site upon the high rocks that overhang the sea, Penruddock Castle, in all its Gothic and somewhat savage grandeur, frowns down upon the vale beneath; upon plain and upland, park and winding stream, and the pretty cottage far below, that lies half-hidden by the spreading foliage. Although belonging to sunny June, the day is dark and lowering. The ocean, with a sudden roar, is rushing inland, to break out with furious hisses upon the long, low beach. The sky is overcast; no faintest gleam of sunshine comes to lighten the gloom, or throw some brightness on the scene, so replete with heaviness and a vague melancholy. And such a winter wears the face of heaven, that all the happy birds lie cowering out of sight. Upon the castle walls the flag waves fretfully in the breeze. A sense of desolation and of coming evil is over all the place. The servants go softly to and fro, as though waiting solemnly for death's messenger, who comes with hurried feet. The moaning winds and drifting clouds murmur of misery, and plainly tell of dawning grief. Beneath, in the valley, upon the grass plot that belongs to the cottage, a man is walking slowly up and down with lowered head, and a heart filled with envy and vain longing. His face, though handsome and suggestive of good breeding, is dark, stern, and impenetrable. His arms are crossed behind his back. Just now an expression, almost evil, mars the beauty of his features. His thoughts, busy with the past and the present, are full of discontent. Sometimes, as though unconsciously, he lifts his eyes to gaze upon the crimson flag floating so high above him, marking the spot where his sister-in-law, the lady of Penruddock, lies at the point of death, very certainly to fol...