Читать книгу The Peacock Feather. A Romance онлайн

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Now, to be perfectly candid, the title did not appeal to him who read it. In General Carden’s [Pg 64]mind it suggested fairy-tales—light, airy, soap-bubbly things, iridescent and pretty enough for the moment, but quite unable to withstand the finger of criticism he would inevitably lay upon them. Yet the book was recommended by a woman, and that woman Mrs. Cresswell.

“Any recommendation of yours!” said General Carden gallantly. And he put the book aside while he looked for a second one.

A young shopman made various deferential suggestions, and presently Mrs. Cresswell and General Carden were out again in the sunshine, General Carden bearing four library books.

“I shall expect to hear what you think of my recommendation,” said Mrs. Cresswell, as he handed her to her carriage and placed two of the books on the seat beside her. Her voice held perhaps the faintest intonation of significance. “Come and see me next Tuesday; I am at home, you know.”

“With all the pleasure in the world,” replied General Carden.