A Seventh Child a Novel

John Strange Winter was the pen-name of Henrietta Eliza Vaughan Stannard (1856- 1911), an English novelist. She began by writing sentimental stories, chiefly about army life for various magazines. She became a prolific novelist, producing some sixty light and amusing books. An excerpt from A Seventh Child reads, "When I asked Mr. Devereux that question-" Why did you strike that lady? Did she hurt her head when she fell?" he behaved in the most extraordinary manner I have ever seen anyone behave in my life. First of all, he upset me-yes, really, for he jumped up from his chair so suddenly and with such a horrid, ugly word on his lips, that I found myself sprawling on the big bear-skin rug before I knew where I was. " Mr. Devereux I " said Mother in an astonished tone. " My dear Mrs. Reynard," said he apologetically, " I must ask you to forgive me, but the truth is your little daughter here really almost startled me out of my senses. "