A Shabby Genteel Story: And Other Tales

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D. Appleton, 1853 - English fiction - 267 pages
In the title story, George Brandon, an impoverished gentleman, scorns the family he lodges with, but decides to amuse himself by attempting to seduce the daughters, ultimately setting his sights on the youngest. His casual amusement, however, ends with the very real threat of a duel. Self-delusion, snobbery, and an obsession with money are the underlying themes in this tale.
 

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Page 55 - This, in truth, was poor Caroline's mug and stool, having been appropriated to her from childhood upwards ; and here it was her custom meekly to sit, and eat her daily meal. It was well that the girl was placed near her father, else I do believe she would have been starved ; but Gann was much too good-natured to allow that any difference should be made between her and her sisters. There are some meannesses which are too mean even for man — woman, lovely woman alone, can venture to commit them.

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