Author: Henry H. B. Paull

Publisher: Theclassics.Us

Published: 2013-09

Total Pages: 100

ISBN-13: 9781230376011

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1885 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXXI. CHRISTMAS EVE AT BROADLANDS. NEARLY eight years have passed since Effie Gordon was at last able to give her hand to the man of her choice, whom she had loved so long and so truly. Charles Sinclair, now in his thirty-fourth year, is no longer a briefless barrister, and bids fair to rise in his profession, as his father has done before him. The famous Q.C. is now Baron Sinclair, and one of the judges on the Bench. Many changes have taken place among the young people named in our story. Effie's youngest sister-in-law, Florence, and her brother George, the clergyman, have been married nearly as long as herself. Indeed, of all the bridesmaids who were present at Effie's wedding, only one, Esther Arnold, continues single. Her own absurd opinions led to a breach between her lover and herself, and as she is not likely to form another attachment, Esther knows that her fate is to remain unmarried. The disappointment, however, has done her good. It has taught her humility, and a more just appreciation of herself and her opinions. Her mother's delicate health, of late years, has also drawn out all her kindlier and unselfish characteristics. Frank Arnold and Mabel Vaughan have been married nearly a year, and the fortune given to Mabel by her father on her marriage, enables the young lawyer to extend his profession, and to live in a style suitable to his wife's former position. We shall hear of the little ones who have arrived to gladden the hearts of the young mothers since Effie's wedding day by-and-by. But the eight years that have rolled by since then have been, with a few drawbacks, years to Effie of complete happiness. As she now enters the nursery on the morning of Christmas Eve, to be appealed to by her two boys of five and...