| | 1 | Author: | Jones
J. B.
(John Beauchamp)
1810-1866 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Freaks of fortune, or, The history and adventures of
Ned Lorn  | | | | Published: | 2003 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | It was Christmas eve. The snow was descending
rapidly. Gusts of wind howled mournfully through the
streets, and ever and anon they burst from the alleys and
narrow courts in explosions. Many a face was turned
quickly away from the rude blasts of the storm in the
vain endeavor to escape their unfriendly peltings. But
it might not be. Every street had its pedestrians. From
the Delaware to the Schuylkill; from the grimly frowning
Moyamensing prison to the extreme northern limits of the
environs of Philadelphia; human beings might have been
seen passing with unceasing tramp along the pavements.
Some on business; some in quest of pleasure, and others—
poor miserable creatures!—because they were destitute of
homes; unfortunate outcasts, relying upon some chance
occurrence for the means of shelter. And, perhaps, a
majority of these were females, with delicate cheeks and
throbbing hearts; and yet with light and tattered garments;
no sufficient covering to protect their heads from
the howling frost-laden blasts; and no effectual defences
for their feet against the chilling snow. “My dear Ned—I was pained to learn the nature of
your note to Mr. Lonsdale. If I had been acquainted
with the character of its contents, I should not have been
the bearer of it. It was, however, a mere indiscretion on
your part, superinduced by provocations sufficient to have
tempted almost any young man to commit a far greater
extravagance. I have seen and conversed with Lonsdale,
and have undertaken to say that the matter will not be referred
to again on your part. Indeed I have withdrawn
the offensive note, and doubt not the act will be sanctioned
by you, since you have had ample time to meditate deliberately
on the subject. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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