Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 5, 2025
"We have something very dreadful to tell you," she said, interrupting him. "You have been presented in this house, Mr. Turlington, as a gentleman engaged to marry Lady Winwood's cousin. Miss Natalie Graybrooke." She paused there at the outset of the disclosure. A sudden change of expression passed over Turlington's face, which daunted her for the moment.
On entering the room, Turlington purposely closed the door with a bang. Natalie started. Miss Lavinia looked up reproachfully. The object was achieved Sir Joseph was roused from his sleep. "If you are going to the vicar's to-night. Graybrooke," said Turlington, "it's time you were off, isn't it?" Sir Joseph rubbed his eyes, and looked at the clock on the mantel-piece.
They were a party of five round the cabin table. First, Sir Joseph Graybrooke. Inheritor of a handsome fortune made by his father and his grandfather in trade. Mayor, twice elected, of a thriving provincial town. Officially privileged, while holding that dignity, to hand a silver trowel to a royal personage condescending to lay a first stone of a charitable edifice.
They shut the gate after entering the inclosure, but carefully forbore to lock it as well, and carefully restricted their walk to the westward side of the garden. One of them was Natalie Graybrooke. The other was Mrs. Sancroft's eldest daughter. A certain temporary interest attached, in the estimation of society, to this young lady. She had sold well in the marriage market.
"You are not an observant man, Graybrooke. I am. I see signs of his presuming with all of us, and especially with Natalie. I don't like the manner in which he speaks to her and looks at her. He is unduly familiar; he is insolently confidential. There must be a stop put to it. In my position, my feelings ought to be regarded. I request you to check the intimacy when we get on shore."
"Launcelot Linzie, you have been received on board my vessel in the capacity of medical attendant on Miss Natalie Graybrooke, at her father's request. Keep your place, if you please. When I want your advice, I'll ask you for it."
Miss Graybrooke nodded her head responsively, and settled herself in her chair, as if summoning her attention in anticipation of a coming demand on it. To persons well acquainted with the brother and sister these proceedings were ominous of an impending narrative, protracted to a formidable length.
"Don't keep me in suspense, Richard," proceeded Sir Joseph. "Speak out. Is it yes or no?" Turlington struck his hand excitedly on the table, and burst out on a sudden with the answer which had been so strangely delayed. "Twenty thousand with all my heart!" he said. "On this condition, Graybrooke, that every farthing of it is settled on Natalie, and on her children after her.
Miss Lavinia took the telegram from the floor, and read these lines: "Lady Winwood, Hertford Street, London. To Natalie Graybrooke, Church Meadows, Baxdale, Somersetshire. Dreadful news. R. T. has discovered your marriage to Launce. Instant flight with your husband is your only chance. I would have communicated with Launce, but I do not know his address.
"Even papa can be hard on me, it seems, when Richard asks him!" she exclaimed. She handed the telegram to Launce. Her eyes suddenly filled with tears. "You love me," she said, gently and stopped. "Marry me!" she added, with a sudden burst of resolution. "I'll risk it!" As she spoke those words, Lady Winwood read the telegram. It ran thus: "Sir Joseph Graybrooke, Muswell Hill.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking