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. 1859 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. THE INMATES OF RAYNHAM ABBEY. Richard's Uncles pass out of his history after this sacrifice of a leg for him. Cuthbert, the sailor, perished in a spirited boat-expedition against a slaving Negro-chief up the Niger. Some of the gallant lieutenant's trophies of war decorated the little boy's play-shed at Raynham, and he bequeathed his sword to Richard, whose hero he was. The diplomatist and beau, Vivian, ended his ftutterings from flower to flower by making an improper marriage, as is the fate of many a beau, and was struck out of the list of visitors. Algernon generally occupied the Baronet's disused Town house, a wretched being, dividing his time between horse, and card, exercise: possessed, it was said, of the absurd notion, that a man who has lost his balance by losing his leg, may regain it by sticking to the Bottle. At least, whenever he and Hippias got together, they never failed to try whether one leg, or two, stood the Bottle best, and it was known that the ardour of the contest now and then put them both in a position not to require a balance. They were stout drinkers, and the primogenital cellars were not niggard of their stores. Much of a Puritan as Sir Austin was in his habits, he was too good a host, and too thorough a gentleman, to impose them upon his guests. The brothers, and other relatives, might do as they would while they did not disgrace the name, and then it was final: they must depart to behold his countenance no more. Algernon Feverel was a simple sort of man, who felt, subsequent to his misfortune, as he had perhaps dimly fancied it before, that his career lay in his legs, and was now irrevocably cut short. He taught the boy boxing, and shooting, and the arts of fence, and superintended the direction...