Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878 edition. Excerpt: ...Captain Standish calls" on you," said Mrs. Dulcimer. "It must be so awkward for a young woman like you to receive a gentleman, when your husband is out." "Captain Standish is nbt quite a dragon," replied Bella, laughing. "I am not afraid of him." "My dear, I am told he is a very fascinating man," said Mrs. Dulcimer, "and that is the worst kind of dragon for a young married woman. He certainly ought to marry Clementina, and if you and I exercise a little diplomacy I believe he will do it. Look at your position. I feel proud of that. If it hadn't been for me you might have never been Mrs. Piper. Poor Mr. Piper might never have repeated his offer if I had not encouraged him." "You are all that is kind and good," said Bella, inwardly rebelling against this patronage and interference. "Now go and invite your sister to stay with you, dear. And see that she is becomingly dressed. And you can polish her up a little in the next fortnight. Clementina sadly wants polish. She has never had your opportunities, you know." CHAPTER XII. Playing with Fire. CAPTAIN STANDISH accepted Mrs. Piper's invitation. He' rode over to answer her note in person; and to give her another lesson in archery. This time Clementina was with her and shared in the lesson. Captain Standish had no objection to teach two pretty girls instead of one, but he preferred Mrs. Piper, as the prettier and more fascinating of the two. She possessed a great superiority too, in his eyes, as a married woman. It was the rule of this great man's life, when he condescended to flirtation, to flirt with a married woman. No harm could come of it to himself. There was al 'ways the...