Emma Marshall
Bristol Bells
A Story of the Eighteenth Century
Published by Good Press, 2019
EAN 4064066210793
Table of Contents
THE SONGS OF ROWLEY THE PRIEST.
PREFACE
The incidents in the life of Thomas Chatterton which are introduced into this story are gathered chiefly from Mr. Masson's exhaustive essay and a biography of the poet by Mr. Chatterton Dix.
In these books full details may be found of the pathetic life, misdirected genius, and tragic death of the boy poet.
Several citizens of Bristol, who are connected with his sad history, appear in the following tale; the other characters are wholly imaginary.
Woodside
Leigh Woods, Clifton,
February 1892.
Bristol Bells
CHAPTER I
LONGING FOR FLIGHT.
'Grandfather! I want to speak to you; please listen.'
'Well, who said I would not listen? But speak up, Biddy.'
The old man put his hand to his ear, and his granddaughter leaned over the back of his chair.
'Don't call me Biddy, grandfather. I am Bryda.'
'Bryda! Phew! Your poor mother was called Biddy, and you ain't better than she was that I know of.'
'Well, never mind; but this is what I want to say, and Betty is quite of my mind. Do let me go to Bristol. Jack Henderson heard old Mrs. Lambert say she would like a bright, sharp girl to help her in the house, and I am bright and sharp, grandfather!'
'I daresay, and make you a drudge!'
'No;