Old Boniface; 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. 1886. Excerpt: ... VIII.--The New Westminster Catechism. KENNETH and the three Scotch ladies did not tarry long at Mrs. Swift's--long enough, however, to drink tea which was served in some extraordinary cups (the ownership of which had cost the indefatigable fancier much agitation as well as money) lately rescued from the grasping hand of a collector in St. Paul's Churchyard. There was, of course, no further opportunity for young Blackie to advance a step in the fascinating career upon which he had entered; he could only demand with his eyes--askance at that--a recognition of the common understanding between himself and the serene young woman who was pouring the tea quite as conscientiously as she might have been doing on yesterday, or yesterday fortnight. After they were gone Mrs. Swift, who had been greatly annoyed during the last halfhour by symptoms of impending yawning, made the excuse of a letter which demanded immediate attention, and left the room. You must have had a fatiguing day, Volney, said Kitty, laughing; Aunt Georgie has been a martyr to the necessity of a nap for the past half hour. I'm glad you didn't reach the Aquarium; she'd have been worn out, and, very likely, she'd have fallen asleep on the way home, and you know how she does dislike that. It has been a little dull to-day, admitted Volney, pleasantly. Perhaps it's because I'm not used to such things. I knew that I was beginning to feel rather weary, but I thought Mrs. Swift seemed to be enjoying it. Still, I call it hard work; a busy day at the bank is nothing beside it. Kitty was greatly amused at these rather doleful statements. If you keep on, she said, you'll make me wish that I'd gone. Tell me something about it. There were orphans, I suppose, in white caps--and pinafores? Whole rows...