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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text
Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1872 Excerpt: ...while, at least:'' we have so much common ground to talk on. As she ended, she held out her hand, quite naturally and frankly. Yet in that action there was nothing brusque or bold; but rather a graceful waiving of superfluous ceremony. If you have at all realized the overweening vanity, and extreme sensitiveness as to his own social position, that were salient points in Vincent Flemyng''s character, you will be able to form a fair idea of his state of mind at this especial moment. In all his life he had never felt so triumphantly elated. It has been hinted before that, even in earlier days, he was not insensible to certain solid advantages, not of the most creditable nature, attaching to the post of cavalier-in-waiting to Mrs. Charteris; the recollection of these may have helped to fan his wrath, when he saw--or thought he saw--himself supplanted. It is shameful to write, but true. At the bottom of Vincent Flemyng''s passion lay, not only intense selfishness, but a calculating fore-cast most unusual with men of his years. He had come over to-day, in full confidence of wringing some valuable concessions from Marion, even if it were hopeless to regain her favour; but such a triumph as this had never entered into his dreams of dictation. A new vista in life seemed to open before him, as name after name rose in his memory, of men far removed above their fellows, in rank and wealth and power, if not in virtue or wisdom, who had, from time to time, glittered in the courtly circle that called Flora Dorrillon queen. In that circle might not he--Vincent Flemyng--be already numbered? Had not the Sovereign herself--of whose imperial caprice so many tales were told--promised him advancement even before she claimed his homage?-. He was on terms of tutoiement---at sec...
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