Scott's Novels (Volume 9)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1832. Excerpt: ... A Christian name?--No, none that I heard--yes, she -.nt something abont--a Catherine, I think it was. Catherine! answered the lady; No, my lord, it was Clara--rather a rare name in this country, and belonging, 1 think, to a young lady of whom your lordship should know something, unless your evening flirtations with Lady Binks have blotted entirely out of your memory your morning visits to Shaws-Castle. You are a bold man, my lord. I would advise you to include Mrs. Blower among the objects of your attention, and then you will have maid, wife, and widow upon your list. Upon my honour, your ladyship is too severe, said Lord Etheriogton; you surround yourself every evening with all that is clever and accomplished among the people here, and then you ridicule a poor secluded monster, who dares not approach your charmed circle, because he seeks for some amusement elsewhere. This is to tyrannize and not to reign--it is Turkish despotism! Ah! my lord, I know you well, my lord, said Lady Penelope-- Sorry would your lordship be, had yon not power to render yourself welcome to any circle which you may please to approach. That is to say, answered the lord, you will pardon me if I intrude on your ladyship's coterie this evening? There is no society which Lord Etherington can think of frequenting, where he will not be a welcome guest. I will plead then at once my pardon and privilege this evening--And now (speaking as if he had succeeded in establishing some confidence with her ladyship), what do you really think of this blind story? O, I must believe it concerns Miss Mowbray. She was always an odd girl--something about her I could never endure--a sort of effrontery--that is, perhaps, a harsh word, but a kind of assurance--an air of confidence--so that though I k...