University of Virginia Library

8. CHAPTER VIII.

The day after Davy's secret departure, on his search for Henry,
whom he so happily discovered, Colonel Odlin received a letter relating
to some financial matters, that required his presence for a few
days in the city. He immediately left Rosemont, accompanied by his
daughter, and arrived the evening of the day on which Davy left,
without having met him on the road. Instead of going to the Indian
Queen, then the most respectable inn, (not hotel,) of the town, they
drove directly to the residence of an old friend who had recently been
united to a very lovely woman, and lived in much style in Walnut
street. The portrait on which Henry was at work when Davy first
entered his studio, was that of Mrs. Astley. It chanced to be the
subject of conversation the next morning at the breakfast table, and
the highest encomiums were passed by the Dr. and Mrs. Astley, not
only upon it as a likeness and work of art, but upon the painter.

`Who is he?' asked Colonel Odlin, with interest.

`The American Angelo.'

`What, the celebrated young American painter, who has recently
been received with such distinction in England?'

`The same,' replied Dr. Astley. `It is but a few weeks since he
returned to this country; and it is only at the request of several of
our most eminent citizens, and even of General Washington, who is

to sit to him, that he has consented to remain with us a few days; being
anxious to visit his native village, somewhere in the interior of the
state. You must see him, and get your head taken off,' added the
doctor laughing.

`I will accompany you and the ladies to his rooms, this morning,
before I go to the bank. I have great curiosity to form his acquaintance.
His country should be proud of him.'

`Ay, indeed, should they,' responded the Doctor; `but look at my
fair friend Mary! Her face glows with something like pride in him
already. Why girl, you would fall in love with him at sight! He is
not a bad favored young gentleman, by any means. Who knows, Colonel,
what may happen? A man who has raised himself to be the
associate of princes and nobles of Europe, simply by the aid of his
genius, may be a match for any woman.

`I should be honored by such a son-in-law,' said Colonel Odlin,
smiling, and looking towards Mary. She felt confused and distressed,
why, she scarcely knew; and felt relieved when the party rose
from the table. She was not sure that the painter was Henry. She
darred not ask Dr. Astley his name; still her love would not let her
doubt, and so she believed.