作者：Dinah Maria Mulock Craik 字数：17.6万字

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. 1850 edition. Excerpt: ... 213 CHAPTER X. " Well, I never in my life knew such a change as Farnwood has made in Miss Manners !" observed old Hannah, the Woodford Cottage maid ; who, though carefully kept in ignorance of any facts that could betray the secret of Christal's history, yet seemed at times to bear a secret grudge against her, as an interloper. " There she comes, riding across the country like some wild thing -- she who used to be so prim and precise !" " Poor young creature, she is like a bird just let out of a cage," said Mrs. Rothesay, kindly. " It is often so with girls brought up as she has been. Olive, I am glad you never went to school." Olive's answer was stopped by the appearance of Christal, followed by one of the young Fludyer boys, with whom she had become a first-rate favourite. Her fearless frankness, her exuberant spirits, tempered only by her anxiety to appear always " the grand lady," made her a welcome guest at Farnwood Hall. Indeed, she was scarce ever at home, save when appearing, as she did now, on hasty visits, which quite disturbed Mrs. Rothesay's placidity, and almost drove old Hannah crazy. " He is not come yet, you see," Christal said, with a mysterious nod to Charley Fludyer. " I thought we should outride him--he can't manage a pony any more than a child. But he will surely be here soon ?" " Who will be here soon?" asked Olive, considerably surprised. " Are you speaking of Mr. Gwynne?" " Mr. Gwynne, no! Far better fun than that, isn't it, Charley ? Shall we tell the secret or not.? Or else shall we tell half of it, and let her puzzle it out till he comes?" The boy nodded assent. " Well, then, there is coming to see you to-day Charley's tutor, who was away for the holidays. He only arrived at Farnwood last night, and since then...

展开