So I may have remained some days at Rosebury, and the real position of
the two Newcomes was unknown to our friends there. Christmas Eve was
come, and, according to a long-standing promise, Ethel Newcome and her
two children had arrived from the Park, which dreary mansion, since his
double defeat, Sir Barnes scarcely ever visited. Christmas was come, and
Rosebury hall was decorated with holly. Florac did his best to welcome
his friends, and strove to make the meeting gay, though in truth it was
rather melancholy. The children, however, were happy: and they had
pleasure enough, in the school festival, in the distribution of cloaks
and blankets to the poor, and in Madame de Moncontour's gardens,
delightful and beautiful though the winter was there.
It was only a family meeting, Madame de Florac's widowhood not permitting
her presence in large companies. Paul sate at his table between his
mother and Mrs. Pendennis; Mr. Pendennis opposite to him, with Ethel and
Madame de Moncontour on each side.
Pages:
1761
1762
1763
1764
1765
1766
1767
1768
1769
1770
1771
1772
1773
1774
1775
1776
1777
1778
1779
1780
1781
1782
1783
1784
1785