IN THREE VOLUMES. VOL. II.
LONDON:
TINSLEY BROTHERS, 18 CATHERINE ST. STRAND.
1866.
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CONTENTS OF VOLUME II. | |
| [I.] | MARTIGNY. |
| [II.] | AT MIDDLEMEADS. |
| [III.] | HARDENING. |
| [IV.] | CANAAN FROM PISGAH. |
| [V.] | CITY INTELLIGENCE. |
| [VI.] | THE END OF THE CLUE. |
| [VII.] | HESTER'S DEBUT. |
| [VIII.] | MARRIED FOR LOVE. |
| [IX.] | MARRIED TO MONEY. |
| [X.] | STAKED. |
| [XI.] | "IN THE DEAD UNHAPPY NIGHT." |
| [XII.] | RETRIBUTION. |
KISSING THE ROD.
[CHAPTER I.]
MARTIGNY.
"I wish you were going to the wedding, dearest Hester," said Ellen Streightley to Miss Gould, as the two girls stood in attitudes of critical examination before a heap of gay-looking wearing-apparel, which was destined to resolve itself into the costume of a modern bridesmaid.
"You have said that several times already, Ellen," returned her friend, with a touch of impatience in her voice very unusual to her. "But you know I can't be at your brother's wedding, so there is no good wishing about it."
"Well, I think Robert might have asked Miss Guyon for an invitation for my dearest friend. I can't understand his standing on such extreme ceremony with her. He really seems afraid of every mortal thing he says and does, lest he may offend her; and I don't think she's bad-tempered either. I'm sure I hope not, for Robert has never had to put up with a bad temper, and he'd be sure to be miserable. O Hester!" said Ellen, with a sudden gush of feeling, "what should we do if she did not make Robert happy!"