University of Virginia Library

21. CHAPTER XXI.

“Give us joy, my dear fellow; for Lamar and
myself are made men. Last evening, just about
the same hour at which I came on shore from the
“North America” steamboat, who should land at
the same spot but Mrs. and Miss Hazlehurst,
attended by Lamar, with his arm in a sling. Since
that time, I have ascertained that he has not only
triumphed over poor Arthur, but which is better,
and more to be rejoiced at, he has triumphed over
Isabel's scruples about going to the south and to a
slave-country. Such was the state of things with
him in the city, when a note from me, informing
him of a like success on my part, induced him to
propose, and to prevail upon the two ladies to
make the present visit. Since this addition to our
party, we have arranged every thing. The day is
set, my dear fellow, and Lamar and myself will, at
the same time and place, receive a legal title to the
hands of two of the most interesting girls in these
northern latitudes: so you may go back to Belville
as soon as you like, and inform my mother

that you have my most hearty consent to your
marriage with my cherished and beloved cousin.
Yes; go, Randolph, and bring her to Virginia,
where we will meet you and spend the Christmas-holydays.
I suppose you think it strange that my
letters become shorter and shorter with the increase
of my subjects. But my feelings are not
now in the writing mood; I do not feel so communicative—so
desirous to commune with old friends:
not that I regard you less, for you know that I do
not; but that I have a new outlet for my confidence.

“Until we all meet again once more, believe me
to be yours, most sincerely,