The petrel; a tale of the sea Volume 3

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. 1850 edition. Excerpt: ...This is a situation of all others upon earth, perhaps, the most enviable. Happy is the man, and much to be honoured, who in so favoured a position, is as much alive to the important responsibilities attached to it, as its great personal advantages. Truly contemptible is he who views the latter only, disgracing his name, his caste, and his country. No man could be better qualified for his new position, or more conscientiously disposed, than was Sir Edwin; and the mean, perverse, sordid conduct of the late baronet, whilst it had left the brother for whom he had always felt a jealous dislike, to reap the rich harvest of his short-sighted avarice, had also bequeathed to that brother a host of injuries to be redressed amongst his tenants, dependants and poorer neighbours. With the gradual restoration of health came a check to that lassitude of body and mind, which had succeeded to his long supported exertions, far beyond his natural powers, and only sustained for the time by a noble and generous spirit. Once more under milder but equally generous springs of action, that fine mind was recovering its natural tone, though still weak. The important matters which summoned him to England, began to assume their due weight and influence. The Darcies were in safety; and much as he admired Norah, still as a young and lovely girl, living quietly with her parents, however amiable and attractive, she was no longer surrounded by the dangers and difficulties which had thrown around her a halo of romance, and awakened his chivalrous disposition. Chartres began to see things in their true and natural aspect, and he had now ample leisure for reflection. His friend Rushton had gone to Stellenbosch for change of air. General society had no attractions for him, nor was he...