Pelham — CompleteLytton, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron
History
Pelham — Complete
Lytton, Edward Bulwer Lytton, Baron
Adventure stories; English fiction -- 19th century; Great Britain -- History -- 19th century -- Fiction
I think I may, without much loss to the reader, pass in silence over
my voyage, the next day, to Dover. (Horrible reminiscence!) I may also
spare him an exact detail of all the inns and impositions between that
sea-port and London; nor will it be absolutely necessary to the plot of
this history, to linger over every mile-stone between the metropolis
and Glenmorris Castle, where my uncle and my mother were impatiently
awaiting the arrival of the candidate to be.
It was a fine bright evening when my carriage entered the park. I had
not seen the place for years; and I felt my heart swell with something
like family pride, as I gazed on the magnificent extent of hill and
plain that opened upon me, as I passed the ancient and ivy-covered
lodge. Large groups of trees, scattered on either side, seemed, in their
own antiquity, the witness of that of the family which had given them
existence. The sun set on the waters which lay gathered in a lake at
the foot of the hill, breaking the waves into unnumbered sapphires, and
tinging the dark firs that overspread the margin, with a rich and golden
light, that put me excessively in mind of the Duke of--‘s livery.
When I descended at the gate, the servants, who stood arranged in an
order so long that it almost startled me, received me with a visible
gladness and animation, which shewed me, at one glance, the old
fashioned tastes of their master. Who, in these days, ever inspires his
servants with a single sentiment of regard or interest for himself or
his whole race? That tribe one never, indeed, considers as possessing
a life separate from their services to us: beyond that purpose of
existence, we know not even if they exist. As Providence made the stars
for the benefit of earth, so it made servants for the use of gentlemen;
and, as neither stars nor servants appear except when we want them, so
I suppose they are in a sort of suspense from being, except at those
important and happy moments.
To return--for if I have any fault, it is too great a love for abstruse
speculation and reflection--I was formally ushered through a great hall,
hung round with huge antlers and rusty armour, through a lesser one,
supported by large stone columns, and without any other adornment
than the arms of the family; then through an anti-room, covered with
tapestry, representing the gallantries of King Solomon to the Queen of
Sheba; and lastly, into the apartment honoured by the august presence
of Lord Glenmorris. That personage was dividing the sofa with three
spaniels and a setter; he rose hastily when I was announced, and then
checking the first impulse which hurried him, perhaps, into an unseemly
warmth of salutation, held out his hand with a pompous air of kindly
protection, and while he pressed mine, surveyed me from head to foot to
see how far my appearance justified his condescension.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account