Dick struck him full in the face with the steel guardDick struck him full in the face with the steel guard.[page362.
Dick struck him full in the face with the steel guard.
[page362.
“I have found the greatest villain that lives,” cried Dick, stepping into the road. “He shall soon cease to live.”
Back went Mathews with an oath—back half a dozen steps.
The whiz of Dick’s sword through the air was like the sudden sweep of a hailstorm.
Mathews had already drawn his weapon. In a second he had rushed upon Dick. Nothing could have resisted such an attack. Dick made no attempt to resist it. He sprang to one side and so avoided the point of the sword. He took care that Mathews should not have another such chance. The man had barely time to turn and put up his guard before Dick was upon him. With heads bent eagerly forward (the situation was not one for the punctilios of the duello), the men crossed blades—the rasp of steel against steel—the heavy breathing—the quick lunge and the deft response—a little gasp—a flash—more rasping of steel—backward and forward—flat hands in the air—a fierce lunge—a second—a third—fierce—fiercer—fiercest—a whiz and a whirl. Mathews’ sword flashed through the air. The two postboys with the lantern sprang apart to avoid its fall. The next instant Mathews had sprung upon Dick, catching him by the throat, and trying to force him back. Dick tried to shorten his sword, but failed. Mathews made a clutch for the blade, but missed it, and Dick struck him full in the face with the steel guard; a second blow made a gash on his left temple, and the man went down in a heap. He fell neither backward nor forward. His legs seemed to be paralysed, and he went down as though a swordsman had cut him through as one does a sheep.
Dick took the man’s sword—a grinning postboy had picked it up—and snapped it in two across his knee.
“He is not dead—he cannot be dead!” cried Betsy.
“I am sorry to say that he will not die just now—vermin are not so easily killed,” said Dick.
Dick ordered the postboys to return to the chaise.
“We will return with you to Bath,” said he. “Put the harness of your horse which was shot on mine. We will join you before you have got the horse in the traces. Carry the man to the bank and lay him among the trees.”
“Not back to Bath, Dick—not back to Bath,” said Betsy, when the postboys had gone.
“Good heavens! if not to Bath—whither?” he cried.
“The thought came to me just now—an inspiration,” she said. “I will not return home. I have not the courage. Do you know what has happened? I have told Mr. Long that I cannot marry him, and when my father heard it he was furious, and gave me notice that I must begin singing once more at his concerts. I cannot do that! Oh, it would kill me, Dick!”
“Dear one,” he said, “I will do my best to carry out any plan that you may suggest—I give you my promise, dear Betsy.”
“I spoke to Mr. Long of my hope—of the one longing there is in my heart, Dick. Your sisters told me of the convent at Lille, beside where they lived. The old grey building among the ancient trees—far away from any sound of the world. Oh, surely that is the one spot in the world where rest—the divine rest—the peace of God—may be found. O Dick, Dick, if you could know how I long for it!”
He started away from her.
“Is it possible that that is your choice, Betsy?” he cried, and there was agony in his voice. “Is it possible that you can shut yourself off from your friends—from those who love you? Ah, dear child, you know that I——”
“Do not say it—ah, do not say the words that are trembling on your lips, Dick. You will not say them when you know that they will make me miserable. Dick, I will think of you as my dear, dear brother, and you will take me away to that place of rest. Ah, I feel that all I have gone through to-day since that man sent a forged message to me at nine o’clock to the effect that my father wished me to play the harpsichord in his place at the concert, and so trapped me into the chair which he had waiting and on to the chaise, the linkmen whom he had bribed standing so close to the windows that I was quite concealed, and my cries to the passers-by were unheeded,—all that I have gone through, I say, must have been designed by Heaven to enable me to reach my goal—my place of rest.”
“I will take you there, Betsy,” he said in a low voice. “You may trust me to take you there, dear sister—sweet sister Betsy.”
She put her arms about him and kissed him on both cheeks.
It was the scheme of a boy and a girl, that flight of Richard Brinsley Sheridan and Elizabeth Linley to France as brother and sister. It has never been explained, nor can any explanation of it be offered that is not founded upon the passionate yearning of that purest-minded girl that ever lived in the world, for a time of seclusion such as she had never known—for a period of tranquillity such as had never come to her.
Dick led her to the chaise, and gave the postboys ordersto go on to the next stage at which Mathews had ordered fresh horses to await his arrival. The men grumbled. Dick threatened them with hanging. They should have trouble in proving to any jury that they were not privy to the abduction of the lady, he said; adding, that if they did not keep the secret of the change in the lady’s companionship at the various stages of the journey, they would be running their heads into the hangman’s noose. The men protested that they were on his side down to every rowel of their spurs, and one of them went so far, in demonstration of his good-will, as to curse soundly Captain Mathews and all his connections.
In the chaise Betsy gave Dick a circumstantial account of the attack made by the highwaymen—the highwaymen of Providence, Dick ventured to term them. The two shots which he had heard in the distance when he was assuring himself that his horse had become lame, were fired, the first by Mathews on the appearance of the highwaymen, the second by one of the highwaymen. Only the latter had taken effect; it had brought down the off-wheeler, and then, the chaise coming to a standstill, a man had stood with a cocked pistol at each of the windows until Mathews handed over his purse. The robbers had then ridden off, and while Mathews was helping the postboys to disentangle the harness of the dead horse, she had, unperceived by any one, crept out of the chaise and made her way up the bank where she had hidden among the trees.
“But I never doubted that you would come to my help, Dick,” she said in conclusion. “Oh, no! I had faith in you from the very first to the very last. When we saw the figures of the two highwaymen in the distance, I cried out, ‘’Tis Dick—Dick and Mr. Long come to save me!’ And when I heard the sound of your horse galloping on the road I said, ‘’Tis Dick come to save me!’ I had called out your name before the horse came abreast of the bank. But howdid you learn what had happened? Who could have been near us when that man dragged me from the chair and forced me into the chaise?”
He told her that it was Mrs. Abington who had come to him with the news, and she was amazed.
“But how could she—why should she be at that part of the road at such an hour?”
“Alas, my dear Betsy, she had a fancy that you were being carried off, not by Mathews, but another,” said Dick. “She must have acquired by some means an inkling of the plot, and she was foolish enough to take it for granted that the man who was playing the chief part was—some one else. But we cannot refuse her our gratitude. When she had found out that it was Mathews who was the abductor, she did not falter in her purpose. It is to her that we owe your safety.”
There was a long pause before Betsy said:
“She acted honourably—nobly. ’Tis for us to respond in like. We shall not fail, Dick.”
At the end of the next stage Dick wrote a letter to Mr. Long acquainting him in brief with all that had occurred, and telling him of Betsy’s desire to go to the convent at Lille. He ordered the letter to be posted to Bath at once. Betsy wrote to her father.
When they reached London he drove with her to the house of a friend of his—a Mr. Ewart; and Mr. Ewart and his wife assumed that Betsy was his elder sister.
“Yes, this is Elizabeth,” said Dick. “I am taking her on to Lille for a holiday.”
Mrs. Ewart, knowing that the Sheridan family had lived at Lille for some years, merely said:
“You must have formed many friendships in France, my dear?”
“I have got some dear friends there,” said Betsy.
Mr. Ewart found out that a packet was leaving Margatein two days for Calais, and at Dick’s request wrote to secure cabins aboard. After staying two nights at the Ewarts’ house, the boy and girl posted to Margate, and duly set sail in the packet, which was really only a smack, but one with a reputation for making rapid passages. It acted up to its traditions by landing them at Calais in twenty-two hours.
The first person whom they met on the quayside was Mr. Long.
They were both astonished. How on earth did he contrive to reach Calais before them? they inquired.
Well, he had got Dick’s letter the morning after Dick had posted it, and he had set out at once for Dover, where he had found a faster boat even than the Margate smack. He had been at Calais since the previous afternoon.
He led them to his inn, and ordered breakfast. When they were alone together after that repast, he said:
“My dear children, I do not think that this story of ours should have an unhappy ending, and every young woman of sense who has read Mr. Richardson’s novels—assuming that any young woman of sense ever read novels—will tell you that a convent in a foreign land cannot possibly be regarded as furnishing a happy ending to a story. Ah, my dear Betsy, when I saw you and Dick just now walking side by side on the quay, I knew that you were meant by Heaven to walk side by side through life. Will you not consent to make me happy? I have money enough to allow of your living in some peaceful cottage until Dick gets a footing in a profession. Dear child, I know that you love him, and I think that he loves you, too.”
“I will consent with joy if he consent,” said she. “But I know that he will not. I do not think that I could love him if he were to consent. Dear sir, ’tis to Mrs. Abington I owe my safety, and can I act with such base ingratitude to her as to do what you suggest?”
“God help me!” said Dick. “I am weak—oh, so weak! It seems as if I should be turning my back upon all the happiness which I could ever hope for in the world, were I to refuse now what is offered to me. O Betsy, tell me what to do! Will you not raise your finger to help me, Betsy?”
“I dare not, dear. There is one who stands between us. You owe everything to her. I owe everything to her.”
“You have helped me,” he said in a low voice. “Mr. Long, you will take Betsy on to Lille. I shall return alone to Bath.”
“No, my boy,” said Mr. Long, “we shall return to Bath together. Mrs. Abington is more than generous—she is sensible. She came to me before I started on my journey. She brought with her a letter, charging me to put it into your hands. Read it, Dick.”
Dick, with nervous fingers, tore open the letter which Mr. Long handed to him. He read it, but he gave no cry of gladness. Tears were in his eyes. He handed it to Betsy. She read it. It dropped from her grasp. There was a long pause. Then each looked into the face of the other.
The next moment they were in each other’s arms.
(FROM THE DIARY OF MR. WALTER LONG)
October 1st.—I have just returned from paying my long-promised visit to Dick Sheridan and his wife at their cottage. During the three days that I was with them I have been looking at happiness through these young people’s eyes, and indeed I think that I felt as happy as they. Betsy’s few months of married life seem to have added to that half divine beauty which ever dwelt upon her face. A lovely light came to her eyes when I told her that such was my thought. “Ah, yes,” she said, “when one has been living in heaven for a space, one cannot help acquiring something of a region that is all divine.” No flaw in her happiness seems to exist, though I fancied that I detected a certain momentary uneasiness on her face when Dick began to talk of his plans and his hopes for the future. He has a mind to write a comedy satirising Bath society—nay, he has even progressed so far as to have found a name for his heroine—a very foolish young woman, as full of ridiculous whims as any Bath belle—Miss Lydia Languish she is to be called; but ’tis doubtful if the name will ever become familiar to playgoers, in spite of the attractive jingle there is in it. I do not say that Betsy has yet come to look upon Miss Lydia Languish as a rival, but I am sure that she does not like to hear the wench’s name so often on the lips of her husband, though, like a good wife, she triesto brighten up and to discuss all the points of character which the young woman should possess. Has she a fear that Dick will some of these days tire of the blessed retirement—the sweet peace of this cottage to which she has led him? I know not. If he be wise he will perceive that the world can give him no more perfect measure of happiness than that which is his to-day; but alas! a man’s ambition soon passes beyond the pure tranquillity of a wife’s devotion. Alas! alas!
(WRITTEN APPARENTLY ON THE SAME DAY)
Beloved, who art ever by my side, whose gracious presence, unseen by mortal eye, is ever, ever felt by me—dear Companion, ever youthful, ever lovely, come with me into the autumn woodland and let us converse together. See, my dear one, the bend of the river by which we wander has brought us within view of the wonderful tints of the hedgerow. If the summer has died it has left the autumn wealthy, and its treasury is a hedgerow. Here on this first day of autumn we see scattered in profusion the yellow gold and the mellow bronze of Nature’s cunning coinage. One might be tempted not to forsake the simile, but to anticipate the coming of those bleak days when the spendthrift winds—children of the autumn—rush down in riotous mirth to disperse with prodigal fingers the wealth of the season’s store, only that the tinge of melancholy which one feels when looking over the autumn landscape at the close of day quickly passes in view of the charms of mingled tints that meet the eye. The gracious warmth of green leaves whose edges are embroidered with bronze may be found when the hedgerow is sheltered by a sturdy ash from bothwind and sun. Does not the full depth of rich colour at this place suggest June rather than October? but where the hedgerow bourgeons out beyond the line of straggling leafless trees, the signs of the month are apparent. Here, beneath the fringe of a dark cloud of russet leafage, shine a few stars of brilliant yellow—the Pleiades of the hedgerow—and light up the dimness with their mellow radiance. Further down the variegated forms of the crisp foliage become more fantastic. It requires no vivid imagination to see here and there a thick cluster of yellow grapes, through which the sun shines as they show themselves among the close network of vine leaves, and for a single moment one recalls a day spent in the South, where the grapes overhung the dusty roadway, and a muleteer paused to gather a splendid cluster. But quickly the vision passes, when our eyes wander on down the leafy path of autumn that was once the primrose path of spring; for there we see—is it an autumn hedgerow or an ocean on a night when the air is saturate with golden moonlight? All before our eyes is yellow—not a russet tinge appears among those gracious leaf-ripples that lose themselves in the distance. We wander along until the mellow line is broken by a forest of bramble. The purple berries are set like jewels among the golden leaves—the amethyst, the topaz, and here and there an exquisite emerald appear in profusion. Have we indeed reached the yellow strand of an ocean island where every pebble is a precious stone? Alas! a few steps onward, and we are face to face with the realities of autumn, for here the hedgerow has been exposed to the blast of a cold wind from the north, and we see nothing but a tangled network of gaunt branches. Weird skeleton fingers are stretched out at us on every side. Every leaf save one has been swept away, and as we stand looking at this desolate place—the visible boundary of autumn and winter—the sere solitary leaf flutters to the ground at our feet.The wind that comes from where the sun is setting in lurid glory sends a faint whisper through the woodland. We stand in the silence, and the touch of the spirit of autumn is upon us. We feel that every sound of the woodland is a sigh for its departed glories—the glories of blossom and leafage and days that have passed away. When the autumn winds have garnered their harvest from the boughs of the woodland, their aftermath begins in the meadow. But, my Beloved, neither you nor I can be altogether melancholy among the autumn hedgerows, for, through the signs of the year’s decay, the Hope that is in us seems to break more abundantly into bloom. We feel that death is not for all things that made life beautiful; Love and Faith and Truth are not among the spoils of Time. We are lifted up and strengthened by this reflection as we retrace our steps amid the slowly gathering shadows of the evening.
THE END
Printed by Hazell, Watson, & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury.
By F. FRANKFORT MOORE.A Nest of LinnetsBy the Author of “The Jessamy Bride,” “The Fatal Gift,” etc.With 16 Full-page Illustrations byJ. JELLICOE.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.The story opens in Bath at the time when that city was at the height of its popularity as a fashionable resort. Most of the action of the story takes place there or in the neighbourhood, and Mr. Moore could scarcely have chosen a more interesting period. Such well-known characters as Dr. Johnson, Horace Walpole, the Duchess of Devonshire, David Garrick, Mr. Boswell, Mrs. Thrale, the Sheridans, and the Linleys, are introduced with all the skill and close intimacy to which Mr. Moore has accustomed us in “The Jessamy Bride” and “The Fatal Gift”; but the chief interest is centred in the beautiful Miss Linley and Dick Sheridan, whose romantic and faithful attachment ends, after many exciting incidents, in the well-known dénouement. Of Mr. Moore’s trio of fascinating historical romances “A Nest of Linnets” will undoubtedly rank as the daintiest and most charming of all.By RONALD MACDONALD.God Save the KingBy the Author of “The Sword of the King.”In crown 8vo, cloth. 6s.This historical novel of the Stuart period has a fine literary quality. The Author has already done promising work, and he more than fulfils expectations in this new novel.By “IOTA.”Jill DrakeBy the Author of “A Yellow Aster,” “A Quaker Grandmother,” etc., etc.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.Mrs. Caffyn has taken a somewhat reckless but brilliant Irish girl as the heroine of her new story. She knows the Irish character well; there is great force in her portraiture, and apart from the Author’s style, which is distinctly her own, the story is uncommon in its plot and unconventional in treatment.By ALLEN RAINE.A Welsh WitchBy the Author of “A Welsh Singer,” “Tom Sails,” “Garthowen,” etc.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.No one can write a Welsh story like “Allen Raine.” She commands the field, and there is not one of her novels that has not been read by thousands of admirers of her work. The new story will be even more generally liked, for it marks a great advance in the Author’s work; it is stronger in the delineation of character, while possessing all the charm of style which is so characteristic of the earlier works, and it has, moreover, an uncommonly interesting story.By A. W. MARCHMONT.For Love or CrownBy the Author of “By Right of Sword,” “A Dash for a Throne,” etc.With 8 Full-page Illustrations by D. MURRAY SMITH.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.The many thousands of readers of the Author’s novels, “By Right of Sword” and “A Dash for a Throne,” will read with avidity this new stirring story. It is full of incident, and the action never flags. The heroine is kidnapped; there are escapes, rescues, duels, and exciting situations which carry the reader along in a way the Author has made peculiarly his own, until in the end the heroine renounces her claim to a throne to mate with the lover who has encountered innumerable perils on her behalf.By E. EVERETT-GREEN.Olivia’s ExperimentBy the Author of “Golden Gwendolyn,” “The Silver Axe,” etc.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.Lady Charteris, who has lost both husband and children, adopts the baby boy of a depraved woman. The story gives the life history of this boy, who is underbred and low in the scale of moral development. A bright and noble girl comes largely into the story, and there are several love-threads. The story is very readable, and the moral excellent. It will appeal to all those who like such writers as Rosa N. Carey, Charlotte M. Yonge, and L. T. Meade.By ADELINE SERGEANT.The Marriage of Lydia MainwaringBy the Author of “The Idol Maker,” “The Mistress of Quest,” etc.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.Miss Sergeant can always be relied upon for a good story, and her new novel will not disappoint her many readers. It is on a level with her best work, which is saying much.By MARIAN FRANCISWhere Honour LeadsIn crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.This story of events during the reign of George II. has for its chief actors a Canon of York and his motherless daughter. It is full of incident, and the characterisation is excellent, the heroine in particular, a noble and heroic figure, being a fine study. There is also much charm to be found in the thorough grasp which its Author has of the period of which she writes. She has distinctly realised its atmosphere and tone of thought. The story is one of Hanoverians and Jacobites; but it has the novelty of concentrating the interest upon the Hanoverians and not on the Jacobites. The book is a delightful picture of eighteenth-century life in England.By GEORGE GRIFFITH.Captain IshmaelBy the Author of “The Angel of the Revolution,” “The Outlaws of the Air,” etc.With a Frontispiece and Cover design by HAROLD PIFFARD.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.This Saga of the South Seas is a legitimate mixture of fact and legendary fancy, so woven together that a most spirited and weird story of adventure is achieved. It quickens in action as it proceeds, until a fine climax is reached; and all who have read the Author’s previous book, “The Angel of the Revolution,” will be grateful for such a thrilling story as he has given here. It deals with vast treasures, naval engagements, guns of marvellous power, volcanic isles, and other marvels which the Author knows so well how to turn to account in an exciting work of fiction.By CHRIS. HEALY.The Work of his HandsIn crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.This unusually powerful story by a clever new novelist is bound to command attention. It is altogether original, and exceptionally well written. The principal character is a wood-carver—a genius: he is devoted to his art, but is unstable; his weaknesses bring him much trouble; he passes through fire, but his good angel saves him. The characters are strongly drawn, the style is vigorous, and the story itself absorbingly interesting.By ARABELLA KENEALY.The Love of Richard HerrickBy the Author of “A Semi-Detached Marriage,” “Charming Renée,” etc.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.There is a freshness about every new novel by Miss Kenealy which is as welcome as it is rare in the realm of fiction. “The Love of Richard Herrick” is a quite original book by a very capable writer, and it is sure of attention.By MRS. HUGH FRASER.Marna’s MutinyBy the Author of “A Diplomatist’s Wife in Japan,” “A Little Grey Sheep,” etc.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.“A heroine who is charming from her first appearance to her last; a delightful Japanese background, delicately painted in words, and an easy style. These three things are so rare in combination, and so pleasant, as to make ‘Marna’s Mutiny’ a most attractive book.”—World.“A charming story. The characters are capitally drawn. We have heartily enjoyed its perusal.”—St. James’s Gazette.By ÉMILE ZOLA.The MonomaniacBy the Author of “A Love Episode,” etc.Translated byEdward Vizetelly.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt, with Frontispiece byN. Tenison.3s. 6d.To the large and ever-increasing public which reads Zola in the English translations this novel will make a special appeal. It is one of the Author’s finest works, and of deep interest throughout. In no work has the Author portrayed diverse characters more convincingly, or worked out a more elaborate plot. It is a matter of surprise that it has not hitherto been published in England. The translation now presented has been very carefully made by Mr. Edward Vizetelly, who is already known as a translator of other of the Author’s works.By PERCY WHITE.The Grip of the Bookmaker.By the Author of “The West End,” “The Heart of the Dancer,” etc.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.asterismA Second Edition immediately called for.“All that one expects from Mr. White is to be found in his latest book. It abounds with cynicism so delicate and restrained as to be most unkindly telling. It gives brilliant little peeps at a world less respectable than its half-sister, the demi-monde, because so infinitely more cruel and less candid.”—Saturday Review.By GEORGE GIBBS.In Search of MademoiselleIn crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.With 8 full-page Illustrations by the Author.Sydney Killigrew, the hero of this historical romance of the time of Elizabeth, is a young Englishman who, being impoverished, is easily induced to serve on board a ship which is about to take a hazardous voyage. He soon sees some fighting: a Spanish ship is captured, and the Mademoiselle of the story rescued from captivity. She and her father are Huguenots, and circumstances impel Killigrew to join them when they sail, with other Huguenots, for Florida. Spanish vessels follow them. On the Huguenots landing there is a massacre. Killigrew escapes, but Mademoiselle is left, and he is uncertain of her fate. Another expedition sets out from France to save the honour of the country and to avenge the massacre. Killigrew joins this expedition, hoping to save Mademoiselle; and after many misfortunes and terrible fighting, the French, being aided by the Indians, ultimately put the Spaniards to the sword, and Killigrew and Mademoiselle meet again, to enjoy together the wealth and happiness for which they have waited. There is much that is fresh in this story, for the early colonisation of Florida has not been frequently dealt with; but the story makes, in addition, special claims to attention. It is written in a simple but vigorous style, there is not a dull page in the book, the characters are boldly drawn, and, without being sensational, there are thrilling adventures vividly described. It is a fine, well-constructed romance, founded on historical facts, and a thoroughly artistic piece of work right above the average of historical novels.By J. F. CAUSTON.The Comedy of a Suburban ChapelBy the Author of “A Modern Judas.”In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.The interest of this novel is focussed on a large and important Wesleyan Chapel in one of the London suburbs. The action is concerned with the doings of members of the congregation, which is composed of well-to-do middle-class folk. The love interest is supplied by two girls who are both in love with the same man. There is a good plot well worked out, and some excellent delineations of character, particularly of the Neve family—Mr. and Mrs. Neve and their seven daughters. Mrs. Neve is a born match-maker, and has the instinct of a general for planning attacks, the masterly manner in which she contrives to marry off her daughters being described in a most amusing manner. The manœuvring mother is not altogether a novelty; but the Author has made of Mrs. Neve a humorous and original figure, and withal she is a good-natured and likeable woman. John Blount, the wealthy man and chief pillar of the congregation, is also an admirable study. He is not a humbug; his religion is real; but his self-importance is terrible. The Author writes with a skilful hand, his style is good, and he is evidently thoroughly acquainted with the subject of which he treats. In talent, humour, and insight, this story is far superior to the ordinary run of novels.By LILIAN BELL.The ExpatriatesIn crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.The principal characters of the story are rich Americans and titled Parisians, and the action takes place largely in Paris. It depicts a certain class of modern Parisians, which looks upon the rich Americans as legitimate prey, uses them, and despises them. The writer shows up the malice, the meanness, the greed, the utter callousness of this class. The Author evidently writes from first-hand knowledge, and feels keenly; but if the work is somewhat bitter, it is undoubtedly clever, and contains a most interesting story. There is, too, a freshness about the characters—the heroine, Rose, being a delightful type of the American girl.By VIOLET TWEEDALE.Her Grace’s SecretBy the Author of “The Kingdom of Mammon,” etc.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.This Society story is written by one who clearly knows Society from the inside. There is a go about it that will attract many readers. She is daring, and deals strongly with the faults and foibles of the great world, in a style not unlike that of “Ouida.”“Mrs. Tweedale’s best novel. It is a distinct advance in skilful construction upon “The Kingdom of Mammon,” and is a striking story, told with vigour and intensity. The situation is remarkably clever and quite novel.”—World.By JOHN OXENHAM.Our Lady of DeliveranceBy the Author of “God’s Prisoner,” etc.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.The teller of this story, Lamont, a young Scotsman of partially French extraction, becoming enamoured of the portrait of a beautiful girl, tracks the original, and finds her in the hands of those who mean mischief; her brother is in New Caledonia under charge of treason by a man who wishes to marry her. The story concerns itself with Lamont’s successful efforts to free Denise and her brother; and there is a joyful ending, after exciting scenes. Denise makes a capital heroine, and the Author has succeeded in making his story move along quickly, and keeping the interest alive from start to finish.By DOUGLAS SLADEN.My Son RichardA Romance of the River ThamesSecond Large Edition.In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.“A delightful book; charming pictures of river life; an irresistible atmosphere; very human; a book to enjoy a long success.”—Standard.“Seldom have I read a book with better appreciation, or laid one down with more regret—altogether a delightful book.”—Sporting Times(“The Pink ‘Un”).“I have not read any book which is so deliciously saturated with the gay spirit of the river.”—Star.“Strikes a fresh note, and presents us with charming visions of English youth and maidenhood on the loveliest reaches of the Thames.”—Queen.
By F. FRANKFORT MOORE.
A Nest of Linnets
By the Author of “The Jessamy Bride,” “The Fatal Gift,” etc.
With 16 Full-page Illustrations byJ. JELLICOE.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
The story opens in Bath at the time when that city was at the height of its popularity as a fashionable resort. Most of the action of the story takes place there or in the neighbourhood, and Mr. Moore could scarcely have chosen a more interesting period. Such well-known characters as Dr. Johnson, Horace Walpole, the Duchess of Devonshire, David Garrick, Mr. Boswell, Mrs. Thrale, the Sheridans, and the Linleys, are introduced with all the skill and close intimacy to which Mr. Moore has accustomed us in “The Jessamy Bride” and “The Fatal Gift”; but the chief interest is centred in the beautiful Miss Linley and Dick Sheridan, whose romantic and faithful attachment ends, after many exciting incidents, in the well-known dénouement. Of Mr. Moore’s trio of fascinating historical romances “A Nest of Linnets” will undoubtedly rank as the daintiest and most charming of all.
By RONALD MACDONALD.
God Save the King
By the Author of “The Sword of the King.”
In crown 8vo, cloth. 6s.
This historical novel of the Stuart period has a fine literary quality. The Author has already done promising work, and he more than fulfils expectations in this new novel.
By “IOTA.”
Jill Drake
By the Author of “A Yellow Aster,” “A Quaker Grandmother,” etc., etc.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
Mrs. Caffyn has taken a somewhat reckless but brilliant Irish girl as the heroine of her new story. She knows the Irish character well; there is great force in her portraiture, and apart from the Author’s style, which is distinctly her own, the story is uncommon in its plot and unconventional in treatment.
By ALLEN RAINE.
A Welsh Witch
By the Author of “A Welsh Singer,” “Tom Sails,” “Garthowen,” etc.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
No one can write a Welsh story like “Allen Raine.” She commands the field, and there is not one of her novels that has not been read by thousands of admirers of her work. The new story will be even more generally liked, for it marks a great advance in the Author’s work; it is stronger in the delineation of character, while possessing all the charm of style which is so characteristic of the earlier works, and it has, moreover, an uncommonly interesting story.
By A. W. MARCHMONT.
For Love or Crown
By the Author of “By Right of Sword,” “A Dash for a Throne,” etc.
With 8 Full-page Illustrations by D. MURRAY SMITH.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
The many thousands of readers of the Author’s novels, “By Right of Sword” and “A Dash for a Throne,” will read with avidity this new stirring story. It is full of incident, and the action never flags. The heroine is kidnapped; there are escapes, rescues, duels, and exciting situations which carry the reader along in a way the Author has made peculiarly his own, until in the end the heroine renounces her claim to a throne to mate with the lover who has encountered innumerable perils on her behalf.
By E. EVERETT-GREEN.
Olivia’s Experiment
By the Author of “Golden Gwendolyn,” “The Silver Axe,” etc.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
Lady Charteris, who has lost both husband and children, adopts the baby boy of a depraved woman. The story gives the life history of this boy, who is underbred and low in the scale of moral development. A bright and noble girl comes largely into the story, and there are several love-threads. The story is very readable, and the moral excellent. It will appeal to all those who like such writers as Rosa N. Carey, Charlotte M. Yonge, and L. T. Meade.
By ADELINE SERGEANT.
The Marriage of Lydia Mainwaring
By the Author of “The Idol Maker,” “The Mistress of Quest,” etc.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
Miss Sergeant can always be relied upon for a good story, and her new novel will not disappoint her many readers. It is on a level with her best work, which is saying much.
By MARIAN FRANCIS
Where Honour Leads
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
This story of events during the reign of George II. has for its chief actors a Canon of York and his motherless daughter. It is full of incident, and the characterisation is excellent, the heroine in particular, a noble and heroic figure, being a fine study. There is also much charm to be found in the thorough grasp which its Author has of the period of which she writes. She has distinctly realised its atmosphere and tone of thought. The story is one of Hanoverians and Jacobites; but it has the novelty of concentrating the interest upon the Hanoverians and not on the Jacobites. The book is a delightful picture of eighteenth-century life in England.
By GEORGE GRIFFITH.
Captain Ishmael
By the Author of “The Angel of the Revolution,” “The Outlaws of the Air,” etc.
With a Frontispiece and Cover design by HAROLD PIFFARD.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
This Saga of the South Seas is a legitimate mixture of fact and legendary fancy, so woven together that a most spirited and weird story of adventure is achieved. It quickens in action as it proceeds, until a fine climax is reached; and all who have read the Author’s previous book, “The Angel of the Revolution,” will be grateful for such a thrilling story as he has given here. It deals with vast treasures, naval engagements, guns of marvellous power, volcanic isles, and other marvels which the Author knows so well how to turn to account in an exciting work of fiction.
By CHRIS. HEALY.
The Work of his Hands
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
This unusually powerful story by a clever new novelist is bound to command attention. It is altogether original, and exceptionally well written. The principal character is a wood-carver—a genius: he is devoted to his art, but is unstable; his weaknesses bring him much trouble; he passes through fire, but his good angel saves him. The characters are strongly drawn, the style is vigorous, and the story itself absorbingly interesting.
By ARABELLA KENEALY.
The Love of Richard Herrick
By the Author of “A Semi-Detached Marriage,” “Charming Renée,” etc.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
There is a freshness about every new novel by Miss Kenealy which is as welcome as it is rare in the realm of fiction. “The Love of Richard Herrick” is a quite original book by a very capable writer, and it is sure of attention.
By MRS. HUGH FRASER.
Marna’s Mutiny
By the Author of “A Diplomatist’s Wife in Japan,” “A Little Grey Sheep,” etc.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
“A heroine who is charming from her first appearance to her last; a delightful Japanese background, delicately painted in words, and an easy style. These three things are so rare in combination, and so pleasant, as to make ‘Marna’s Mutiny’ a most attractive book.”—World.
“A charming story. The characters are capitally drawn. We have heartily enjoyed its perusal.”—St. James’s Gazette.
By ÉMILE ZOLA.
The Monomaniac
By the Author of “A Love Episode,” etc.
Translated byEdward Vizetelly.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt, with Frontispiece byN. Tenison.3s. 6d.
To the large and ever-increasing public which reads Zola in the English translations this novel will make a special appeal. It is one of the Author’s finest works, and of deep interest throughout. In no work has the Author portrayed diverse characters more convincingly, or worked out a more elaborate plot. It is a matter of surprise that it has not hitherto been published in England. The translation now presented has been very carefully made by Mr. Edward Vizetelly, who is already known as a translator of other of the Author’s works.
By PERCY WHITE.
The Grip of the Bookmaker.
By the Author of “The West End,” “The Heart of the Dancer,” etc.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
asterismA Second Edition immediately called for.
“All that one expects from Mr. White is to be found in his latest book. It abounds with cynicism so delicate and restrained as to be most unkindly telling. It gives brilliant little peeps at a world less respectable than its half-sister, the demi-monde, because so infinitely more cruel and less candid.”—Saturday Review.
By GEORGE GIBBS.
In Search of Mademoiselle
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
With 8 full-page Illustrations by the Author.
Sydney Killigrew, the hero of this historical romance of the time of Elizabeth, is a young Englishman who, being impoverished, is easily induced to serve on board a ship which is about to take a hazardous voyage. He soon sees some fighting: a Spanish ship is captured, and the Mademoiselle of the story rescued from captivity. She and her father are Huguenots, and circumstances impel Killigrew to join them when they sail, with other Huguenots, for Florida. Spanish vessels follow them. On the Huguenots landing there is a massacre. Killigrew escapes, but Mademoiselle is left, and he is uncertain of her fate. Another expedition sets out from France to save the honour of the country and to avenge the massacre. Killigrew joins this expedition, hoping to save Mademoiselle; and after many misfortunes and terrible fighting, the French, being aided by the Indians, ultimately put the Spaniards to the sword, and Killigrew and Mademoiselle meet again, to enjoy together the wealth and happiness for which they have waited. There is much that is fresh in this story, for the early colonisation of Florida has not been frequently dealt with; but the story makes, in addition, special claims to attention. It is written in a simple but vigorous style, there is not a dull page in the book, the characters are boldly drawn, and, without being sensational, there are thrilling adventures vividly described. It is a fine, well-constructed romance, founded on historical facts, and a thoroughly artistic piece of work right above the average of historical novels.
By J. F. CAUSTON.
The Comedy of a Suburban Chapel
By the Author of “A Modern Judas.”
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
The interest of this novel is focussed on a large and important Wesleyan Chapel in one of the London suburbs. The action is concerned with the doings of members of the congregation, which is composed of well-to-do middle-class folk. The love interest is supplied by two girls who are both in love with the same man. There is a good plot well worked out, and some excellent delineations of character, particularly of the Neve family—Mr. and Mrs. Neve and their seven daughters. Mrs. Neve is a born match-maker, and has the instinct of a general for planning attacks, the masterly manner in which she contrives to marry off her daughters being described in a most amusing manner. The manœuvring mother is not altogether a novelty; but the Author has made of Mrs. Neve a humorous and original figure, and withal she is a good-natured and likeable woman. John Blount, the wealthy man and chief pillar of the congregation, is also an admirable study. He is not a humbug; his religion is real; but his self-importance is terrible. The Author writes with a skilful hand, his style is good, and he is evidently thoroughly acquainted with the subject of which he treats. In talent, humour, and insight, this story is far superior to the ordinary run of novels.
By LILIAN BELL.
The Expatriates
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
The principal characters of the story are rich Americans and titled Parisians, and the action takes place largely in Paris. It depicts a certain class of modern Parisians, which looks upon the rich Americans as legitimate prey, uses them, and despises them. The writer shows up the malice, the meanness, the greed, the utter callousness of this class. The Author evidently writes from first-hand knowledge, and feels keenly; but if the work is somewhat bitter, it is undoubtedly clever, and contains a most interesting story. There is, too, a freshness about the characters—the heroine, Rose, being a delightful type of the American girl.
By VIOLET TWEEDALE.
Her Grace’s Secret
By the Author of “The Kingdom of Mammon,” etc.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
This Society story is written by one who clearly knows Society from the inside. There is a go about it that will attract many readers. She is daring, and deals strongly with the faults and foibles of the great world, in a style not unlike that of “Ouida.”
“Mrs. Tweedale’s best novel. It is a distinct advance in skilful construction upon “The Kingdom of Mammon,” and is a striking story, told with vigour and intensity. The situation is remarkably clever and quite novel.”—World.
By JOHN OXENHAM.
Our Lady of Deliverance
By the Author of “God’s Prisoner,” etc.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
The teller of this story, Lamont, a young Scotsman of partially French extraction, becoming enamoured of the portrait of a beautiful girl, tracks the original, and finds her in the hands of those who mean mischief; her brother is in New Caledonia under charge of treason by a man who wishes to marry her. The story concerns itself with Lamont’s successful efforts to free Denise and her brother; and there is a joyful ending, after exciting scenes. Denise makes a capital heroine, and the Author has succeeded in making his story move along quickly, and keeping the interest alive from start to finish.
By DOUGLAS SLADEN.
My Son Richard
A Romance of the River Thames
Second Large Edition.
In crown 8vo, cloth gilt. 6s.
“A delightful book; charming pictures of river life; an irresistible atmosphere; very human; a book to enjoy a long success.”—Standard.
“Seldom have I read a book with better appreciation, or laid one down with more regret—altogether a delightful book.”—Sporting Times(“The Pink ‘Un”).
“I have not read any book which is so deliciously saturated with the gay spirit of the river.”—Star.
“Strikes a fresh note, and presents us with charming visions of English youth and maidenhood on the loveliest reaches of the Thames.”—Queen.
In cloth gilt. 6s. each.According to PlatoWell, After All——Second Large Edition.The Fatal GiftWith 8 Full-page Illustrations bySauber.Second Large Edition.The MillionairesWith Illustrations byMaurice Grieffenhagen.Eighteenth Thousand.The Jessamy BrideWith Illustrations byA. Forestier.Fourth Edition.I Forbid the BannsFortieth Thousand.A Gray Eye or SoNinth Edition.One Fair DaughterFourth Edition.Phyllis of PhilistiaFifth Edition.They Call it LoveSecond Edition.DaireenThird Edition.
In cloth gilt. 6s. each.
According to Plato
Well, After All——
Second Large Edition.
The Fatal Gift
With 8 Full-page Illustrations bySauber.
Second Large Edition.
The Millionaires
With Illustrations byMaurice Grieffenhagen.
Eighteenth Thousand.
The Jessamy Bride
With Illustrations byA. Forestier.
Fourth Edition.
I Forbid the Banns
Fortieth Thousand.
A Gray Eye or So
Ninth Edition.
One Fair Daughter
Fourth Edition.
Phyllis of Philistia
Fifth Edition.
They Call it Love
Second Edition.
Daireen
Third Edition.
HUTCHINSON & CO.,Paternoster Row
TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: Apparent printers' errors corrected. Long dashes are found spaced in the original; this spacing has been retained.