|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 6
"They have not, since we have been in this part of the world, but when
in England, I am told, they spend part of every summer here."
"And if they come, they will spoil both our pleasure and our privacy;
say what you will, great people are a nuisance in a small village."
"To those who are situated like us, I grant it is unpleasant, but they
may do a great deal of good to their poor tenants. But, hark, it is
striking two,--our dinner hour,--mamma will wonder what is become of
us; there is a short cut through the Park, which we will take, it will
save, at least, a quarter of a mile." So through the Park they went,
and as they left it, to cross the road, a gentleman suddenly turned
the corner, and Mr. Barclay stood full before them.
"Why, Mr. Barclay," exclaimed Ethelind, "where, in the name of wonder,
did you come from? did you rise from the lake, or drop from the
clouds? I thought you were many miles away."
"And so I expected to be," said he, shaking hands with her, and bowing
to Beatrice, "but circumstances wholly unexpected, compelled me to
return."
"And are you going to remain?"
"For some months, I believe."
"I am really glad to hear it, and so, I am sure, will mamma be; but in
the agreeable surprise your unlooked for return gave, I forgot to
introduce Miss Trevor." The conversation now took a general turn, and
Mr. Barclay accompanied them to their door, where he only staid to
shake hands with Mrs. Fortescue, and then took his leave, promising to
return in the evening.
As may naturally be supposed, many weeks followed of delightful
intercourse; Mr. Barclay, when ever it did not interfere with his
duties, was the constant attendant of Ethelind, and Beatrice; he spent
every evening at Mrs. Fortescue's cottage, affording much speculation
to the village gossips, as to which of the two young ladies would
ultimately become the curate's choice. With their aid he carried out
his much cherished object of establishing a Sunday School, and
everything was going on quietly, till, at length, an unusual bustle
was observed in the village; artizans of every description were sent
from London, and the news was soon spread, that after the necessary
repairs and preparations were completed, the family might be expected.
This was anything but welcome intelligence to Ethelind and Beatrice,
who feared all their enjoyment would be disturbed. When Mr. Barclay
came in the evening, he confirmed the report and little else was
talked of.
"It is really provoking," said Ethelind "I am quite of Beatrice's
opinion, and think great folks anything but desirable in such a small
place, at least, to people circumstanced as we are."
"I am of opinion," said Mr. Barclay, "you will find it quite the
reverse."
"Shall you remain as curate," asked Mrs. Fortescue.
"Frederic Eardly purposes to make poor Bennet his curate."
"But if he is so ill he will not be able to do the duty," said
Beatrice.
"It is not hard, and Eardly is well able to do it himself."
"But will he," said she, "I really feel curious, to see how this
embryo bishop will get on, as I suppose nothing less is the object of
his taking orders."
"Oh, Miss Trevor, judge not so harshly. Is it not possible that in
singleness of heart, he may have gone into the Church, unmindful of
all but the sacred calling? I do not pretend to judge, but I believe
no worldly honour or pecuniary consideration influenced his choice, as
I know his grandfather left him quite independent."
"Oh, don't tell me, Mr. Barclay, it is very unlikely; but it is
natural that you should take his part because--"
"Because, what?" responded Mr. Barclay, "do you think money or
interest would prompt me to say what I don't think or mean?"
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|