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. 1891 edition. Excerpt: ... him that I was not going to leave, without giving him any explanation upon it. He went out on the balcony, and as I saw his right hand moving about, I think he was crossing himself! "After that day, whole weeks passed without anything unusual occurring. As when the source of many rivers creates a cataract which rushes down noisily and turbid, yet after a time clearing itself flows calmly through the plains, so after those first unquiet days my life passed along in peaceful serenity. I went every day to Mr. Anastasius, sometimes even twice a day, and dined there two or three times. Whilst the monotony of the country had at first wearied me, this same monotony now equally delighted me, and I only desired that each succeeding day should be like the one that preceded it. I soon began in a minor way to make myself acquainted with all the charms of rustic life. I got to know the peasants and talked to them about my uncle's estate, about agricultural improvements; and by degrees my interest was aroused. I made little excursions to fields where the corn was ripe, and reaping begun; where maize plantations were being dug; in fact I busied myself in all the work of the estate, to the steward's great annoyance. "The truth is, that my constant intercourse with my neighbour, who imparted to me his experience and knowledge, caused the peasants some surprise at my learning, which they began to respect. In this way, and in reading good books, either of my own or some lent to me by my neighbour, those hours were pleasantly passed which it was not possible for me to spend with Amaryllis. "But the hours spent with her--these were hours of real happiness. Every day revealed some new feature, some new charm in her exceptional character. As I...