All of Torquay was Abroad

Things to Consider           Teacher's Notes

We left London in the midst of dense fog and dreariness, one December morning and toward evening found ourselves whirled into a country of tender greens, where there seemed the light and purity of approaching spring.

The beach was crowded with people, for it was early morning and fine weather, and all Torquay was abroad. Some were sauntering on the beach, others on the terraces, and several invalids were being slowly drawn up and down in bathchairs in the white streak of sunlight that divided the rocky beach from the first terrace, and it was hard to bear in mind that this was actual wintertime, and in England.

A long street curved about the town, and facing the bay, was lined with shops Parisian like in their brilliant display of wares. Here and there in some fine villa where flowers showed in profusion one beheld the tempting legend "Apartments" and, were one to penetrate such, liveried servants, luxuriously furnished rooms, and dainty accommodations would be offered at high prices, since Torquay is considered in winter a resort for those whose purses are inexhaustible.

This is an extract from an article, 'Winter in Devonshire', from 'Harper's New Monthly Magazine', January 1886.

Glossary:

• abroad: out and about
• bathchairs: a type of wheel chair
• legend: sign
• penertrate such: go inside an apartment
• liveried: uniformed