Farrago, stories and verses, by Mabel and Miriam D-. - Tapa blanda

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. 1867 Excerpt: ...upon his mental powers than they, wanting the one strong motive in himself, could bear unsupported. And so, when, after being wearied with one effort, he would be called on to make another, he had recourse to stimulants, which, exciting him for the time, only left him more languid when the effects were gone. The admirers of his eloquence little knew the price he was paying for their gratification, and they little guessed from what cause his exhaustion after speaking in public arose, though the prostration was so apparent, that they often in pity and kindness administered the poisonous remedy themselves. When Dora rose from her knees, she kissed her brother, and left the room. He could scarcely trust himself to look at her pale face next morning. The ordination services were to begin at twelve o'clock; and when the party from the hotel arrived at the church, they found every pew, save their own, filled; while the aisles were so crowded, that they could scarcely make their way through them. Every eye was turned on Arthur, as he ascended the platform erected for the clergy. His face was deadly pale, and his eyes were gleaming, as he took his seat beside Mr. Allison. Dora could almost see him tremble from where she sat; and, though, many were deceived by the careless look he gave over the sea of human faces, she was not. Mrs. Maxwell remained composed until the charge was being delivered, and then she hid her face. Arthur saw her, and bit his lip until the blood came; and, when the ordination prayer was being offered up, he could control himself no longer, but sobbed aloud, until his mother heard him; and when the hands were laid solemnly upon his head, she fainted. She was carried out, and was taken home by Dora and Miss Duncan. Shortly after the services were...