Modern Novel Writing (1769) and Azemia (1797)

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. 1796. Excerpt: ... Chapter 24. A TERRIBLE LOSS, AND A PRO JECTED JOURNEY. 'I WILHELMINA Countess of Fairville was the descendant of an ancient and honourable house in North Wales. Her sather, the Marquis of Mushroom, inherited all those brave qualities and stern virtues, which had so eminently distinguished his ancestor's breed of sheep, from the cows of Spain, or the heavy beasts of the low countries. Early in life he lost a wise whom he tenderly loved, and he seemed to derive his sole consolation from playing L 6 at at leap-frog with the children she had left behind. His son whom he had brought up to the arms himself so honourably bore, sell out of a back garret before he reached his nineteenth year; an elder daughter died of the whooping cough in her insancy. Wilhelmina, who had recovered from the meafles, was his sole surviving child. His castle was situated in one of those delightful vallies in Wales, in which the beautisul and the sublime are so happily united; where the magnificent seatures of the scenery are contrasted, and their effect heightened by the blooming luxuriance of woods and pasturage, by the gentle windings of the stream, and the ruinous aspect of the falling cottages. The Marquis was now retired from the service, grey age having overtaken him one day in an expedition to the West Indies. His residence was the resort of all foreigners of distinction, who had fled from their own country to escape the horrors of liberty, and who, attracted by the united talents of the soldier, the philosopher, and the cook, under his hospitable roof, enjoyed good beef and pudding, eels, mutton cutlets, Irish stew, and pigeon pie, besides strong beer, vegetables and pastry. Among the visitors of this description, was the late Earl of Fairville, who was then on his travels t...