Charles Marriott

The House on the Sands Charles Marriott

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1903. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Chapter XV AUDREY THURSTON was sitting in her own room at Chy-an-dreath, when the maid announced that a gentleman, who refused his name, wished to see her. She gave orders to have him admitted, and Sir Peter Lawrence, with a great air of doing something that he oughtn't, entered the room. Audrey rose to receive him with unsmiling composure, though he wore a knowing, out-ofbounds expression which heartily amused her. His eyes assured her that he had been young once, and his voice had an almost caressing note of magnanimity. Sir Peter swore to himself that he thoroughly understood the situation. He had performed a similar office before, for a friend, that he now proposed to attempt on Julian's behalf, and he had a very vivid memory of the lady's behaviour. Therefore he began circumspectly. "Isn't he wonderful!" he gasped, letting himself down into a chair, and glancing slyly round the room for the counterfeit of the man he intended. "Who?" asked Audrey, he supposed disingenuously. "Our Mr. Julian," said Sir Peter, with unction, "at his age, don't you know, though, as I said to Towers--Lord Ernest--Julian can be what he likes." In his words, as in his actions, he gave the impression of approaching his subject on tip-toe. "You wish to see Mr. Lanyon, perhaps? " asked Audrey. "My dear lady," said Sir Peter, with his head on one side, "I wish to see you. You," he repeated, as if the information were incredible. His smile seemed to suggest, "Though my principles oblige me to disapprove of you publicly, as an unregenerate man I derive a subtle pleasure from your society." He swung his leg, and gently slapped the palm of his left hand with his gloves, to intimate the complete blade he had been but for grey hairs and discretion. "I have known Mr. Julian for years," ...