ABSTRACT
Two serene and innocent years had glided away at Cherbury since this morning ramble to Cadurcis abbey, and Venetia had grown in loveliness, in goodness, and intelligence. Although feminine education was little regarded in those days that of Lady Annabel had been an exception to the general practice of society. She had been brought up with the consciousness of other objects of female attainment and accomplishment than embroidery, “the complete art of making pastry,” and reading “The Whole Duty of Man”. The education of her daughter was not only the principal duty of Lady Annabel, but her chief delight. Only one event of importance had occurred at Cherbury, during these two years, if indeed that be not too strong a phrase to use in reference to an occurrence which occasioned so slight and passing an interest.
