Читать книгу Edith Percival. A Novel онлайн

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"Indeed!" said Fred, smiling, "and who is this uncle of yours?—a tory, no doubt."

"You had better believe it!" said Gus. "Major Percival hates the rebels as he hates Old Harry. Of course, I'll be disowned when he hears what I've done. Everyone has his own peculiar hobby; and pride of birth is Major Percival's. If you were only to hear him, Fred! He dates his descent back to the days of Noah, and a good deal further; for some of his ancestors, I believe, were drowned in the flood. His lady, too, Mrs. Percival, is the granddaughter of a lord; so you see the major has some foundation for his family pride. He's as rich as Cr[oe]sus, too."

"And Miss Nell, I suppose, is heiress to all his wealth?"

"Not she, faith! Major Percival has a son and daughter besides; Nell's the youngest. You ought to know Nugent Percival; he's a glorious fellow, and no mistake—about your age, too, I should think."

"I may see them all yet—who knows?" said Fred. "I wish this voyage were over. I long to see my father and tell him all, and join the patriot army of Washington."