Ninian Jamieson, and a Practical Novelist

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. 1897. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER I II NOW OR NEVER The Provost's dressing-room was immediately above the study, and as large as it. A little room opened off it, corresponding to that which contained the novels below; it was his bedroom. Two entire sides of the dressing-room were fitted up as a wardrobe, one with shelves three feet broad, and the other with pegs; sliding panels of oak extended from floor to ceiling; and as the other walls were wainscotted in oak, the existence of the wardrobe could not easily be detected. In the centre of this apartment mirrors were arranged as in a tailor's fitting-on room. The rest of the furnishings were not distinguished by any peculiarity. 'Now, ' said the Provost, 'I have a great many costumes here. There are the princely fashions of half-a-dozen centuries for myself, and a variety of garbs in which I sometimes dress my servants; among them is the very thing for you.' The Provost moved a panel and took from the wardrobe a cap with ass's ears and a cock's comb, having a bell on each ear and on the comb; a coat, the skirt of which was cut into peaks, with immense peaks at the elbows; and a pair of tights. One half of each of these garments was red, the other yellow. He also brought out a pair of long-toed shoes, of which the one was blue and the other green 'I got these, ' he said, 'last Christmas for my coachman, who is a bit of a wag. You can wear them in the meantime.' Mortimer gasped and trembled; he placed his hands on the toilet-table to steady himself, and tried to speak, but passion choked him. 'Don't you like the dress?' asked Jamieson. 'No, ' began Mortimer, but he could get no farther. 'Give it a trial, ' said Jamieson, turning to the wardrobe to select a dress for himself. 'Come, ' he said, having made his choice and finding Mortimer'