The Haven Under the Hill; A Novel General Books, May 11, 2012 - 188 pages 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. 1892 Excerpt: ...had heard it with deep interest. A new curate was such a rare event in the neighbourhood of Grancester; and Lady Anna could be trusted to use her influence in favour of a single man. She was not, they imagined, a woman to wish to divide the honours of her position with a curate's wife. Judge, then, the surprise there was in the air when, three weeks later, it became known that Dr. Wilderslowe had arranged for the coming of a curate who was not only married, but whose wife was said to be one of the most beautiful women ever seen. 'At least, she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, ' said Mr. Cumberland, an elderly, gray-haired;widower, who was supposed to have very aristocratic connections and to have seen a good, deal of something that was called 'life.' Some few years ago he had happened to meet the lady of whom he was speaking. She was just married then, and looked quite a girl, ' he said, 'but she was surpassingly beautiful.' Dr. Wilderslowe knew but very little of the clergyman who was to take Mr. Caringford's place. He knew that he was not a very young man, and that he was married and had two children. 'They can't lodge with Mrs. Barnes, Anna, ' the Vicar said one afternoon, just after he had made his decision. Lady Anna was pouring out tea in the firelight. Bertie was playing at her feet; the wind was sweeping the long jessamine sprays, which were beating with sharp strokes upon the window-pane. 'They can't lodge there, you know, dear. Mrs. Barnes can only spare one bedroom.' 'But they won't want lodgings, ' said Lady Anna. 'They will want a house to themselves. There are several to be let on the Grancester Road.' 'But those are expensive houses, my dear.' 'Are they 1 Well, I should think and hope Mr. Fairfax has some private means. But, however, ... |
