| | 1 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | The mysterious state-room  | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | `The gentleman who gave the bride away was Mr. A—, her banker,
to whom she had written to attend the ceremony. The paper
she gave the priest contained her name and title. Catesby neither knew
nor suspected anything of so singular and fortunate a denouement. In
a few weeks, Frank having resigned his commission in the army, left
America for this country, and on their arrival, drove directly over to
Castle C—' where his charming wife at once surrendered to him
her family mansion and vast estates. The change has not spoiled him.
He is one of the most agreeable and gentlemanly men in England, and
highly popular in his country. He is called by courtesy, (his wife's
title having been by her marriage merged in his republican Mister or
Captain,) Lord C—, of C—Castle, C—. His charming
wife is devoted to him heart and soul. Never was a marriage more
for love than this! He thought her lowly and his love raised her to his
bosom—she knew him only to be a young American, without rank or
title, yet, for love, she gave him all she had to give—beauty, wealth,
and rank among nobles. They have two lovely children, a boy and
girl; and the only subject on which they differ is their education. Catesby
is for making the little fellow a republican, and sending him to West
Point; while Clara intends him for Parliament, and to inherit her father's
title and estates, which he will do—the little fellow's title being
through his mother, Lord Viscount C—. You will by this time
understand that the `uncle and aunt,' were Lady Clara's steward and his
wife, whom she dragged with her from home, half over the world as
her protectors when she started off on her wild travels. There can be
nogreater instance of the peculiarly independent character of her mind
than the fact of her quitting with disgust, the scenes of London disappation
and resisting the fascinations of her numerous admirers, to
roam amid the scenery of America, and commune with the works of
nature in a world where nature has exhibited in the most stupendous
manner her power and majesty. They live very retired, and seldom
stay more than a third of the season in town. The remainder of the
year they are in the country combining together in dispensing for the
happiness and comfort of their numerous dependants the wealth with
which they are blest. It was by accident I met Frank in town at the
close of the season, and as he would not let me say nay—and something
of his story coming to my mind, I consented to go down with him,
partly from curiosity to learn its truth, I confess, but mainly, as you
must know, to enjoy once more the society of one who was for four
years my fellow cadet. Do not say after this that my letters are too
short. Adieu, until the next trip of the Liverpool. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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