Novels and Romances, Viz (Volume 1; V. 85)

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. 1845. Excerpt: ... miles distant, were not so good as could be desired, when an event occurred which changed the whole course of his ideas, and fued him on the spot where he was. But I must not introduce an important character at the end of the chapter; and the one who is now about to appear, well deserves a clear stage and no favour. CHAPTER II. In walking up the village of Mallington, from the rectory towards the mansion which was called Mallington House, we forgot to notice the linen-draper's shop, kept by two maiden sisters, somewhat past their prime, but very respectable women in their way. They were, it is true, rather apt to inquire into and report the affairs of their neighbours; but this must not be attributed to them as any great sin, for, to say truth, the village afforded so few sources of amusement that, as they neither fished, shot, nor hunted, they had very little else to do during, at least, three quarters of their time. The Misses Martin, then, employed a portion of each day in settling the business of every one in the place, and as their tongues were somewhat feared, and they had the reputation of being wealthy, they were courted by their neighbours, invited to take tea at the surgeon's, and held a hand at cards with the solicitor. They were, however, thrifty people, notwithstanding the elevated position they held in the society of the place, served in their own shop, and let the first floor and part of the second, when any one seeking a pure and salubrious air came down to find it at Mallington. One afternoon, then about two o'clock, in the spring of the third year which Mr. Charlton spent in the country, a post-chaise drove into the village, and stopped at the little public-house--for it could not be called an inn--called the Bagpipes, which had been est...