The Priest's Niece

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. 1855 edition. Excerpt: ... next resolve was, that very evening to confide his love for Ellen to her mother; also the insuperable barrier which separated them, and his intention of giving for the present a thousand pounds to her daughter; and the hope of serving the dear girl was then his only consolation. In the midst of these contemplations, Norry returned, and, ere he could question her, observed, "Nelly has recovered her faint--I have settled her for the night--she now sleeps; meantime, my gay gallant, I must learn your name--that is, if you are not ashamed to avow it." "My name is Siward Barnulph Merton," he cried haughtily, "and I am proud, not ashamed to avow it." ' Blessed Virgin, you don't tell me so!" exclaimed Norry, letting a milk-jug fall from her hand; "do you tell me that you are the son of Colonel Merton and Ellen Barnulph!" She snatched a candle, held it up to his face, and stared with an expression of anxiety and enquiry, her whole frame trembling from emotion. Affecting cheerfulness, he replied, "May I ask what know you of my parents?" "I never spoke to either of them," she replied hastily; "but my husband was a soldier, and was quartered once with your father's regiment, that is with Colonel Merton's; well, your father treated him harshly--but no matter now, my husband has long been dead. So you are Si ward Barnulph; well, this is a wonderful world entirely; the hand of God is in everything, blind mortals as we are! well, the blessed Virgin have mercy on us all! Now, young man, go about your business--I wish you no harm." "Not till I explain my views about Ellen." Interrupting him, "Not now his reverence is in the house; off with you. Ha!" there was a knocking at the outer door; she ran to the window--then, in hurried accents, "bad luck to you...