This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIX AN UNEXPECTED VISITOB The natural uneasiness consequent on the prolonged absence of the proprietor of Pakenham Hall was beginning to be felt by his good lady and daughter, when the loud sounds and grinding of carriage wheels on the gravelled driveway leading to the main entrance, called their attention. Soon the ' whoa' in the peculiar accents of a Limerick city jarvey was heard, and a strange-looking man alighted from an apparently much-travelled sidecar and rung the door-bell. No less a person than Miss Frances Pakenham herself opened the heavy oaken door, and in complete surprise gave utterance to "Mr. Chapman, I am delighted to see you again," and the fair girl really appeared so. "Yes, Miss Pakenham, you see I am making rapid use of the extensive invitation I received, but, I hope I am not abusing it." "Oh, not at all, Mr. Chapman. I assure you you are welcome." At this juncture Mrs. Pakenham made her appearance, wearing somewhat a disconcerted look, because of her husband's absence, which immediately gave place to one of complete complaisance, when she saw who her visitor was. The warm handshake which the American received from both mother and daughter, told in unuttered language of the heartiness of his welcome. Scarcely was Mr. Chapman relieved of his heavy overgarment by an attendant maid, when Mr. Pakenham, half breathless, arrived. In military language, "forced marching" was the understood order between himself and his companion, when the noise of the carriage on the avenue diverted his thoughts from agrarian subjects, for he was expecting a visitor from the city relative to the great fox-hunt the County Club would hold in the immediate future, and hence his haste. In truth, it must be noted, the bluff proprietor...