Kenilworth: eBook EditionThe historical gap between '' The Abbot'' and "Kenilworth" is very slight. The latter deals with Queen Mary's '' sister and foe, the celebrated Elizabeth," says Scott. "The interest of the story is thrown upon that period when the sudden death of the first Countess of Leicester seemed to open to the ambition of her husband the opportunity of sharing the crown of his sovereign." The story gives a fine picture of the haughty Queen surrounded by her courtiers and men famous in history. Edward Tressilian, a young gentleman who has loved Amy Robsart, a maiden of good family, is distressed to hear that she is living sequestered in a country villa near Oxford. Believing her dishonored, he makes his way thither and entreats her to return to her father. She refuses, throwing out hints of a high and honorable alliance. Leaving in despair, he fights with Richard Varney, whom he suspects of base dealing toward Amy, but Varney is saved by the intervention of Lambourne. Varney is, in fact, only the tool and lieutenant of "England's proudest earl," Leicester, who, having become enamored of Amy Robsart, has recently persuaded her to enter into a secret but lawful marriage with him. The earl has fitted up the country nest of his bride—Cumnor Place—in truly regal style, but Amy is guarded by Varney and a surly steward named Foster, whose daughter is her sole maid ... |
Contents
Chapter IV | |
Chapter V | |
Chapter VI | |
Chapter X | |
Chapter XI | |
Chapter XII | |
Chapter XIII | |
Chapter XIV | |
Chapter XV | |
Chapter XVI | |
Chapter XVII | |
Chapter VII | |
Chapter VIII | |
Chapter IX | |
Chapter XVIII | |
Chapter XIX | |
Common terms and phrases
Abbot of Abingdon Alasco Amy Robsart answered Varney Anthony Foster apartment attend Berkshire betwixt Black Bear Blount called Castle chamber cloak command countenance Countess Countess of Leicester court courtiers Cumnor Place devil door Earl of Leicester Earl of Sussex Earl's Elizabeth exclaimed eyes fair father favour favourite fear Flibbertigibbet followed gentleman Giles Gosling gold Goldthred Grace guest hall hand hastily hath heard heart Heaven hither honour horse host Hostler instantly Janet Kenilworth knave lady Lady Paget Laneham Leicester's look Lord Leicester Lord of Leicester lord's lordship madam Master Tressilian Master Varney Mervyn's Michael Lambourne mistress night noble once person pleasure poor postern present Queen Raleigh replied Varney Richard Varney Scott secret seemed shalt Sir Hugh Robsart speak sword tell thee thine thou art thou hast thought thyself tomorrow Tony Foster Tower Wayland Smith word yonder