Publisher's Synopsis
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. 1907 edition. Excerpt: ... XXV THE LONG TALK "Partridge, give an account of yourself." "Ivison and Company's job took longer than I expected." "What about that country house and the dinners and so on?" "They are old friends of the family -- the Marbles -- old New Englanders. You know the Marbles that used to live in Twinbridge? The old man is the same old Yankee still, but the mother and the girls have taken on New York. They tried their British handshake on me. I am glad I don't live there." "Why not, Mr. Partridge?" Frances demanded. "Too much luxury and discomfort." "I don't find it necessary to visit New York oftener than once in ten years," Tuckerman remarked. "Is n't that rather an extreme New England view?" "Tell us about the charming Miss Marbles," said Frances smilingly. "One talked and the other didn't." This was all that Frances could discover. "Ivison and Company have got in pretty deep, have n't they?" Tuckerman continued. The difficulties of Ivison and Company were nought to his nieces, and they went reluctantly about their own affairs. "What is that young Davidge hanging about here for?" inquired Partridge as he rose to go. "This is the second time I 've met him on your doorstep." Tuckerman shuffled a little. "He is one of my historical fellows. He takes to exploration." "After history, is he? He is one of your rich fellows," Partridge grumbled. "Not an idle rich fellow; there's all the difference. I know Davidge well." "You think it would be a good stroke to marry Frances to him." "The girls have no mother," began Tuckerman. "I don't think highly of your candidate." "Davidge would be a good balance-wheel for Frances. He would steady her." "He's a cipher." "You don't know him. You are prejudiced by his wealth. 'A man's a man for a' that.'" "He's a...