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. 1854 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II. "Bien loin de la voie oil marche le pficheur, Enfant, garde ta joie; Lis I garde ta blancheur." Victor Hugo, The evening was closing in as Lady Tempest reached the parsonage; the last day of the week had passed away, and given place to the twilight hour. That twilight hour! how little is it noted or sung of, and yet, which other of the twenty-four affects us more deeply, or more variously? . The peasant's wife loves it, as, the long day's turmoil over, she rocks her youngest child upon her knee, and listens to the singing of the kettle. She could not tell you what it is she feels in words--that rough and untaught woman; but it is something that draws her closer to her own hearthstone, and to those who cluster round it; and she thinks more lovingly of bygone days, and parents buried, and friends passed away or scattered. How differently feels the poor invalid, as the daylight fades from his sick-room, and he thinks of the long, long dreary night, with the ticking of the watch, and the flickering of the rushlight, and the hard steady breathing of the weary watcher! God help you, poor sufferer! Your day of life is ended; that night comes on, in which no work may be done! Repent of the past, and prepare for the future, for this is your twilight hoiy. Again, look forth among the dwellings of the rich! Watch that young girl in front of that blazing fire, with a book just closed upon her fingers. Look at her eyes, fixed full on the glowing coals, as if her future destiny were traced there in hieroglyphics! Look at that middle-aged gentleman sitting near her on the sofa, with his feet established on the fender! How they both sit absorbed in their castlebuilding! one dreaming of a change in the ministry, the other of a county ball....