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. 1827 edition. Excerpt: ...but ruchard, whose presence was disagreeable, being sliil in the room, Edward cast his eyes upon him, then on Uie lather, in token that he.wished a private conversation. Old Montrose saw tins, and immediately said, " Mr. Hardenville, do not delay, my son and 1 are as one; pray proceed." "!o not let my presence," added Richard, '-make your tongue curtail your heart's coulession. If it be any tiling that concerns me, I must know it sooner or later; nay, Sir, perhaps 1 kuow it already: if it be ol no import, it will pass unheeded. 1 never spend my time in unprofitable discourse." Alter a short pause, and a few efforts to brai e his courage up, Edward proceeded: " 1 presume, Mr. Montrose, you must have observed, that a more serious, and dearer motive, than politeness or even friendship, has made me a frequent visitor in your family. The kind reception that 1 have at all times met from you, and the smiles of your airgelic niece, induced rrre to hope, that 1 might one day call her mine." ' I trust, Sir, she has not refused you," said the old hypocrite, in an affected tone of surprise. " Indeed she has not, Sir; but this morning made me the happiest of men, by turning a kind and indulgent ear to my suit; with your permission, vhich my present object is to solicit, we will be shortly one." Richard and his father interchanged glances full of the darkest import, and the eyes of the old man, glared even with greater passion than before; then turning to Edward, with a bitter and sarcastic lone, said: " You do me mo'e honour, than ever my niece has deigned: but notwith standing your polite request for my approbation, I consider any thing I might say on the subject quite superfluous. Miss Montrose, ...