At half-past seven those members of the school who could show a clean bill of health wrapped themselves up warmly, and sallied forth to the carnival. The garden was really a beautiful sight. The full moon shone down upon the snow, glinting on the frosty branches of the trees, and showing cold and pale in contrast to the line of flaming torches that encircled the rink. All Phoebe's Chinese lanterns had been put up, and a number of others, which belonged to the Fifth and Sixth Forms; so that the scene resembled Aladdin's palace, with its rows of red, blue, yellow, and green lamps. It seemed very romantic to skate amid such surroundings, and the girls felt as if they were stepping into a picture or a scene from a play; as they took their first strokes, over the ice. Two friends of Miss Drummond had brought a mandolin and a guitar, and played lively selections, sometimes giving a song with a chorus, in which all could join, when the whole school swung round to the tune of "Oh! dem golden slippers" or "the old folks at home"
A fourth form friendship Pg. 161
By Angela Brazil
A fourth form friendship is now sold, thank you for your interest.
oooh, I just love Angela Brazil.
ReplyDeleteI've not read it - but I do love the decorative cloth covers! New Year’s resolution - read more Angela Brazil. My list of resolutions keeps getting longer and longer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing so many wonderful illustrations on the site, Barbara. Reminds me of a great copy of Dick Whittington bought for my Dad when he was seven. Fantastic colours. Perhaps we take them for granted and earlier generations really appreciated them in a world without (colour) TV, computers, print etc...
ReplyDeleteThe passage you have chosen is so inticing Barbara - its the kind of book that makes you want to dive in and get lost. These are such lovely books and the cover is so typicsl of the time.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
ReplyDeleteYou're right. My follow attempt didn't work before, but I think I got it working this time. But I think I've got it working this time. Best,
Lois
Wow, I'm having a devil of time typing. Sorry for the repeat line in my earlier post. I think I need a nap. :) Lois
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely excerpt! It is such a great scene to imagine!
ReplyDelete~Jess
http://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com/
This is another fun story. I love the cover - I don't know why. Maybe because it resembles a 'classic' book. I think also the picture depicts friendship so well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lois, I hope you enjoy your visits here.
ReplyDeleteEasily done, easily done!
ReplyDeleteI’m trying to work out how old your dad is and I’m guessing probably about the same age as me. I was given a beautiful copy of Dick Whittington one Christmas and I can still ‘see’ the full page colour illustrations. I wonder if we are thinking of the same book?
ReplyDeleteHello Sharon, thanks for calling in. It’s really odd but this passage actually chose itself! I propped the book up against my printer while answering the ‘phone and when I got back it had fallen open at this page. It would probably have taken me ages to decide on a passage but the decision was taken out of my hands.
ReplyDeleteDonna, There is something very appealing about the cover, and I think you are absolutely right it does sum up friendship.
ReplyDeleteLovely book! It's got a great frontispiece too, I seem to remember
ReplyDeleteWell remembered! It has a pretty colour frontispiece and several black and white plates. The title of the frontis is 'an alarming discovery' and the illustration shows two girls in costume/fancy dress.
ReplyDelete