Author Description

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. 1887 Excerpt:...that indescribable look of luxury that results from a judicious and tasteful arrangement of everything, even to the smallest ornament. Then that most graceful tribute of welcome--nosegays of sweet flowers--was not wanting in an abode where hospitality and good taste went hand in hand. The sweetest spot in all the room, however, was the low, deep window-seat, from whence there was a never-ceasing interest to eye and ear. Immediately beneath lay the small pleasure-garden with its grass-plot, and beds laid out on ungeometrical plans, and blossoming with flowers, old-fashioned, but none the less sweet, that loaded the air with their rich perfume. Beyond lay the steep road, hedged on either side; and in the far distance, between clumps of tall forest trees, one could catch a glimpse of the blue channel rippling in the summer sunshine. "How beautiful! how delicious!" exclaimed both the children. In their few excursions to familiar seaside haunts, they had never in their lives seen anything half so exquisite as the view which was now spread before them. It was as much as the little girls could do to tear themselves away from so enchanting a scene, and to allow the rosy-cheeked housemaid to change their travel-stained clothes for cool cambric frocks. Then, outwardly refreshed, they descended to the dining-room. What a delicious tea that was! Rex did equal justice to everything alike; but his cousins hardly touched the solid portion of the meal. The home-made bread and the goldencoloured butter tasted so delicious, and they had never before had the opportunity of enjoying so unstinted a supply of fresh fruit and Devonshire cream. When tea was over, Mr. Martyn was quite as eager as the children to renew his acquaintance with the sea-shore, so he accompanied...