Read A History of Pendennis, Volume 1 Page 1




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  THE HISTORY OF PENDENNIS.

  HIS FORTUNES AND MISFORTUNES, HIS FRIENDS AND HIS GREATEST ENEMY.

  BY

  WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY.

  WITH ILLUSTRATIONS ON WOOD BY THE AUTHOR.

  IN TWO VOLUMES.

  VOL. I.

  NEW YORK:

  HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS 329 & 331 PEARL STREET, FRANKLIN SQUARE.

  1858.

  TO DR. JOHN ELLIOTSON.

  My Dear Doctor,

  Thirteen months ago, when it seemed likely that this story had come to a close, a kind friend brought you to my bedside, whence, in all probability, I never should have risen but for your constant watchfulness and skill. I like to recall your great goodness and kindness (as well as many acts of others, showing quite a surprising friendship and sympathy) at that time, when kindness and friendship were most needed and welcome.

  * * * * *

  And as you would take no other fee but thanks, let me record them here in behalf of me and mine, and subscribe myself,

  Yours, most sincerely and gratefully,

  W. M. THACKERAY.

  CONTENTS.

  CHAP. PAGE

  1.--SHOWS HOW FIRST LOVE MAY INTERRUPT BREAKFAST 9

  2.--A PEDIGREE AND OTHER FAMILY MATTERS 14

  3.--IN WHICH PENDENNIS APPEARS AS A VERY YOUNG MAN INDEED 30

  4.--MRS. HALLER 41

  5.--MRS. HALLER AT HOME 49

  6.--CONTAINS BOTH LOVE AND WAR 62

  7.--IN WHICH THE MAJOR MAKES HIS APPEARANCE 73

  8.--IN WHICH PEN IS KEPT WAITING AT THE DOOR, WHILE THE READER IS INFORMED WHO LITTLE LAURA WAS 81

  9.--IN WHICH THE MAJOR OPENS THE CAMPAIGN 92

  10.--FACING THE ENEMY 99

  11.--NEGOTIATION 105

  12.--IN WHICH A SHOOTING MATCH IS PROPOSED 114

  13.--A CRISIS 122

  14.--IN WHICH MISS FOTHERINGAY MAKES A NEW ENGAGEMENT 130

  15.--THE HAPPY VILLAGE 137

  16.--MORE STORMS IN THE PUDDLE 147

  17.--WHICH CONCLUDES THE FIRST PART OF THIS HISTORY 158

  18.--ALMA MATER 169

  19.--PENDENNIS OF BONIFACE 178

  20.--RAKE'S PROGRESS 191

  21.--FLIGHT AFTER DEFEAT 201

  22.--PRODIGAL'S RETURN 209

  23.--NEW FACES 217

  24.--A LITTLE INNOCENT 233

  25.--CONTAINS BOTH LOVE AND JEALOUSY 243

  26.--A HOUSE FULL OF VISITORS 253

  27.--CONTAINS SOME BALL PRACTICING 265

  28.--WHICH IS BOTH QUARRELSOME AND SENTIMENTAL 274

  29.--BABYLON 287

  30.--THE KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE 297

  31.--OLD AND NEW ACQUAINTANCES 306

  32.--IN WHICH THE PRINTER'S DEVIL COMES TO THE DOOR 317

  33.--WHICH IS PASSED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF LUDGATE HILL 329

  34.--IN WHICH THE HISTORY STILL HOVERS ABOUT FLEET STREET 339

  35.--A DINNER IN THE ROW 345

  36.--THE PALL MALL GAZETTE 355

  37.--WHERE PEN APPEARS IN TOWN AND COUNTRY 361

  38.--IN WHICH THE SYLPH REAPPEARS 376

  39.--IN WHICH COLONEL ALTAMONT APPEARS AND DISAPPEARS 384