Constance Herbert Volume т. 3

by Geraldine Jewsbury

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. 1855 ... his own toilet; for, "you see," said he, "Henrietta has always been accustomed to live in a certain style. She and her mother always dressed for dinner, even when they were alone, and two footmen always waited." "I fear the dinner will not improve with waiting," said Constance, as the two elderly gentlemen stood yawning with ennui and hunger at being kept so much beyond their natural hour of dining. "Ah! you see, Miss Constance, the aristocracy have their own way of doing everything, and a proper style of dress for every time of the day; we in the country cannot be expected to understand those niceties, but Mrs. Phillip has lived in the midst of those things all her life. But you have not told me what you think of her. Is she not a beautiful creature? I am sure you will find her a most affable and charming companion, when you come to know more of her. A little high at first, perhaps; but that will wear off." Before Constance could make any reply to this address, the young bride made her appearance, elegantly attired in a low skyblue silk dress and blonde flounces, with her hair elaborated into a profusion of ringlets. She tripped up to the two gentlemen, and said, with a sweetness that exasperated Constance,--"Ah, I have kept you from dinner, and Phillip says I am very naughty; but you will not scold me, will you?" Charles Herbert murmured some polite speech that was inaudible; but Mr. Marchmont seemed enchanted, and kissed her hand as he presented his arm to lead her to dinner. Phillip was preparing to take in Constance, when his wife called him off to pick up her scarf, which she had purposely let fall. At length they were all seated at table. Old Nanny was furious at the insult that had been offered to h...

42 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2012

About the author

Geraldine Jewsbury was born in Measham, then in Derbyshire, now in Leicestershire. She was the daughter of Thomas Jewsbury (d. 1840), a cotton manufacturer and merchant, and his wife Maria, née Smith, (d. 1819). The family moved to Manchester in 1818, after her father's business failed. After her mother died, she was brought up by her sister Maria Jane Jewsbury. In 1841 Geraldine Jewsbury met the Carlyles. Thomas Carlyle pronounced her "one of the most interesting young women I have seen for years, delicate sense & courage looking out of her small sylph-like figure." Jewsbury has earned a place in literature in three respects: as a novelist, as a critic and publisher's reader, and as a figure in London literary life. Jewsbury was primarily a novelist of ideas and moral dilemmas.