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A GALA DAY. 104 ' ' ' ) « ■'( 1 V ': * . ■( t» % . ■/ V i'i <;• '"'J <*;•! «n i; ^f.; J^iP^ ,i'qc: •1/ THE IRVING CLUK -ot lo ?biJob ^"'CHAPTER F. ^ '•'^^^ ibrfi ni ^^! . ^ One of the hottest cftiys of the seasbrt had 'dtawn to a ctese ; and the glarfng sun just sink- iftg below the horizon, reflecting its crimson glow ott the hoilse wfndows, foretold that tiie succeed- ing day wbuld be af»other one of great heat it had been Intensely hot Not a shadow of a cldUd on the horizon to herald the longed for shower, that would deaf the suffocating atmos- phere*. The iirtfiii^if^ aiizens, wlfii were allied to remain in town either by the press of busi^ 6 THE IRVING CLUU. ness, or from the lack of means to leave it, had fretted and perspired over their various labors^ until the clock indicated the hour for them to shut up their offices and shops, and seek their homes. In the evening, when the darkness began to deepen, bringing with it a sense of comparative coolness, and when the scorching streets, that all day long witnessed the sufferings of man and beast, had become quiet, there seemed to be in the door and window of every house its occu- pant. Many complac^ntiy discharged clouds of to- bacco smoke, and watched it slowly ascend in- the still air, and gradually disappear. Others^ over-come by the heat were reclining in their easy chairs nodding themselves to sleep. Othf*rsy bestowing frequent attentions upon their acid drinks, thought of those who were not so well off, an4 comfprtably waited for the evening tp^ pass. And others, who, unhappily for thet^^^: selves, had business to attend tp, engagemetks with friend? to fulfil, work^ ^^fnselvf^ i^^^ fever heat by envying the more; fortupiate qne^ and declaring that it was just their luck to ha^ve to perfprip t^le mpst disagreeable, it^^ftg at ^e m(^tc%gr^^l^tia^!.,^^^j,^^,.^^, ,-^ (ii^m^toi f: (■■',■ 1 W' ..Ml " 11 J THE IRVING CLUB. ^ T One of these latter was Mr* Richard Bruce, who hid these very thoughts, and underwent the varying emotions of a person endeavoring to make himself as dtsagrseable as might be. • He sat fanning himself in " the window ; of a small brick house in Newton Street, at the South End, The house looked much smaller than ft really fwas, for it was most inconsistently squeezed in between ^two large buildings, the one on the east side being a pretentious hotel having k great number of stories; and on the west side a tall house towering far above it, and occupied by a highly successful pickle mfer^* ant, who kept a warehouse down town. A seven story dwelling opposite stared at it with its great blank windows ; and a ponderous house that ran back from the next street, threatened to invade its backyard, and even to push ithe small house itself out of existence. ""' ; It was a iai^ square room, in which he sat, lighted at day by a bay window, commanding a view of the street at all points^ and at niglrt by d crystal chandelier. Three of the walls wer; covered with portraits of prominent authors and poeta,- and many engravings of celebrated scenes from Shakespesie's trd^^ies. Among the por- traits were those of, GoHins, Lever, Schiller, a THE IRVING CLUB. I ill! Tem^^ison^ Byron, and Longfellow. A large co^oBQerovae;^s painting of the death of Csesar had, ^ promineiit. placo. The other wall .was entirely cotfecealed by a massive hook-case» ton- taittthg libiaiy editions of neariy all the popular wodca of fiction, a^. many, worios of science and Ogi> one^side.of'the room was. a bust of Sir W^t^r- Spott, uppn a carved pedestal; on tiie opposite, sifde was one of Shakspere ; iti the bay windovv was an elegant statue of Washington Irving, while exactly opposite in a neatiy arranged alcove in the library, was a bust of Dickens. A table in the centre of the coont,. littered with open books, pamphlets^ tinii^tables and papers, and completely hemmed in by a. circle of fitcaight hacked chairs, constituted^ tfar other pron>lnef>t features of the apartment o^the Irving Club. > r ^D'pskf I Sjay, isn't it hot? Howdoyou ai^n- :age to live ?" exclaimed a onember of the GU^. .-as he ^ered the roonii, vauxly endeavoring t^ idkaxk ti^ rapid flow of piersplrajt^ that floodfasi hk ibrohead, and ran 4^^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^* *^I think this city h^ ^Ipeen a i^gnlar oven for the Ikasttwp or three day%" rephe4 Pick, 'with- .out .turning his eyes Ihom tl^ ^J^i ** I shoiakl THE IRVING CLUB. think a stout, hearty fellow like you would be able to stand the heat a great deal better than a delicate fellow like me." "Delicate like you, that's good, ha! ha! ha!" and the speaker took a seat near the statue of Irving. - It is certain that he was stout and hearty as he had been accused of being, and it is probable that he was the strongest one in the Club alsa His broad shoulders proved it. And his elastic step told that he was active as well In conse^ quence of his good nature he had always been a favorite with every one. Without exception Frank Waring was the most popular member of the Irving Club* Richard Bruce was his equal in height, but not in stoutness or strength. He had learned to respect Frank's proficiency in the manly art, when upon one occasion they had a friendly set-- to with the gloves, he came out second best* Richard was a valuable member, for though he was inclined to grumble at times, he was sure to be foremost in every one of the Club's enter- prises, nim " I've been here all the afternoon, as ^a com- mittee of one, to suggest a place for the Club's summer vacation, and have been buried in time- lO THE IRVING CLUB. ;l!li tables, and have travelled all over the woiil several times, — on the map. I'm nearly dead/' grumbled Dick, with a formidable frown at a butcher boy, who was struggling along the street under a basket of provisions* After a pause he added, ** You ask how I manage to live— rl give it up." , 't. iu ff 3fl ir.ril il " Quite a martyr," insinuated Frank. ( ^^4 " No, I don't profess to be a martyr," replied Dick, still fanning himsejf with vigor; "but I do know that it always falls to me to do the hard work, for which I get no thanks." orjp '"/^?* Perhaps no one can do it as acceptably as you." This seemed to pacify him somewhat, for he lifted his eyes from the street, and favored Guy Ripley, who had just come in, with a pleas- ant smile. ) jui* Guy was smaller than the other two, but walked with a heavy tread, as if he were plant- ing his foot upon some enemy's throat His • checks were very red, but not a healthy red, for at times a bluish color pervaded them. Jtiis features were regular. JBe. immediately went to the mirror, and was soon lost in the contempla- tion of his lace. vUisiself-satiafied air soon gave Jtway to a look of discontei|t, and he growled,, jn a rather deep voice, ''.confound this head of THE IRVING CLUR. II mine." A longer look, however, put hTm into good humor, and with a theatrical stride he neared the others, and in a declamatory manner, exclaimed, " * Now ts the winter of cur dis- content—'" ''Made glorious summer by the sui of tchis afternoon," shouted some one, who had entered in time to see Gay's attitude, and hear his quotation. Turning about quickly, he saw one cf the^' members standing on tlie threshold, with up-^* lifted hand in imitation of himself. In his other hand a handkerchief hung down very wet, and there was a mischievous twinkling in his eye as he said, " Guy, what's become of your hair ?" A shadow overspread the speaker's fsice as he replied, " Barber cut it off while I was in the* arms of Morpheus." " ! fell asleep in the chair, eh ?" ^ " How unfortunate," murmured those present "Gentlemen let us call the meeting to order/ every one is here, except Kelton, and he is usually late," said Tom Norcbtt, the one who had last entered. With that he took his place at the head of the table, for he was president oT the Cltib, and the members arranged themselves arount bend a particle. In an instant he was erect, and like a flash raised one cf hrs le ,?> which he still kept stiff, until his toes were • • *>vel with his forehead ; with a rapid movv... iiu, he whirled about, and walked to the kead of :he stairs. He then coauneuced to beckon for some one energetically^ and soon con-^ veyed his impatience at the continued indiffer-n en£e to his appeals,, by majiy emphatic jerks of his head. ' / All his signalling proving of no avail, he raiii down stairs, and presently the Club heard an animated conversation going on below. Some- time elapsed before Kelton appeared,, with a Arm grasp upon the arm of a strange looking and delapidated young nian» a great deal larger than Kelton. He would not enter the room,, until Kelton had spoken to him in the most eloquent lan- guage, and used physical persuasion. When he crossed the threshold, however, and found that it would ^be better to face the music manfully^ he strode, unsteadily, toward the farther end of THE IRVING CLUB. . Ij the room, and laying one hand on a large dic- tionary, and*raising the other not very steadily, he exclaimed, " Yours truly," and sat down much to the relief of his legs. . , He began a strict examination of his battered hat, and smiled dolefully at every rent, which were by no means few. He threw the ribbon over his arm, as though it was the bridle of a handsome charger, and let tlie hat dangle by a single thread. His boots, — if it is allowable to honor them with that appellation, — next occupied his close attention. Such boots! It seemed miraculous that they could stay upon his feet No visible sole, save a thin piece of leather, on the bottom of each boot, which held them together. The heels retained, on ^ne side, their original height, but on the other were worn completely down, and even an inch or more of the upper had its way under his heel. His pants, which were unusually short, revealed part of his boot-leg. Threadbare and wretched pants were they. His coat presented a somewhat better ap- pearance, though it did not fit him elegantly, and was a world too large at the shoulders. The members silently watched him for some moments, and then looked askance at Kelton. " While I was coming along the park," said H THE IRVING CLUB. he, "I was stopped by this gentleman, though not until he had twined his arms around my neck very affectionately, I disengaged them, and politely informed him that my engagements would not permit me to lose any time in greet- ing long lost brothers, and I told him I'd see him at the next bar-room. This didn't seem to satisfy the old boy, for he button-holed me ; said he kricw all about the Irving Club ; had a note which he wanted to deliver in person to the president ; very important ; couldn't he come along with" me. After this appeal to my tetter nature," he patted himself on his shirt-front, with a wink, " I relented, and, locking arms, we marched here much to the satisfaction of tte inhabitants, who expressed their pleasure by broad smiles. Strange to say, when he got into the hall down stairs, he found, much to his display, that he had lost his message, and said he'd go back, and try to find it I thought tlie president might like to see a gentleman, who knew all about the Irving Club, and perhaps the gentleman might explain the nature of his errand, so I brought him up, and there he is. Gorry I He's asleep already.'* And so hie was. Evidently he had falfen asleep from the effects of the liquor he had drunk. liili- THE IRVING CLUIJ. 15 " Le*: him sleep till we have finished the busi- ness of the meeting, then we'll see what he wants," said the president. Dick Bruce, the committee of one, appointed to suggest a place for the Club to spend its sum- mer vacation, made his report He said, that after reading thoroughly every guide, pamphlet and circular possible to obtain ; which pertained to the best and most popular summer resorts, he had decided upon mentioning three places, the Adirondacks, Moosehead Lake, and Lake Win- nepesaukee, as the places likely to be most en- joyed by the Club. And of these three he thought the latter presented the most attractions. ".Why?" asked Tom. "The Adirondacks have fewer visitors, and hasn't a splendid lake near it While at Lake Winnepesaukee the \yhite Mountains are within a day's ride of it ; and there are many mountains near the l^ke from which excellent views may be ha^ of it Moosehead Lake has ^he same objection as the Adirondacks, no one there, scarcely. There is, I admit good fishing and gunning at ^Moosehead Lake, so ^here is at ,Lake ^Winnepesaukee. And with all ^hese attractions there are plenty of visitors there, 1 can tell you, for I've been there. Let me quote from the eminent Edward Everett" i6 THK IKVINt; CLUH. W" 'J 11 " ' I have been something of a traveller in our own country, — though far less than I could wish, — and in Europe have seen all that is most at- tractive, from the Highlands of Scotland to the Golden Horn of Constantinople, from the sum- mit of Hartz Mountains to the Fountain of Vancluse; but my eye has yet to rest on a lovelier scene than that which smiles around you, as you sail from Weir's Landing to Centre Harbor; " "Gorry! What a tiptop advertisement for said lake and railroad companies to and from it," exclaimed Kelton ; " what railroad do we take if we go ? " Take cars at the Lowell depot," responded Dick. "I'll wager forty ducats that he has been bribed to get us to go there," cried Guy. ^^' No use in taking a vote on it, Mr, President, we'll all go to Lake Winnepesaukee, for if we didn't it would break poor Dick's heart," said Prank. *' Good ! I'm glad you've decided as you have, for youUl find it is a most delightful place to spend a couple of weeks. Hurrah for Centre Harbor ! " shouted Dick. '*''' ' " Whfeh do we start ?" inquired Keltori. THE IRVING CLUB. 17 *• Monday at eight A. M." ** Be it so," said Guy, with a theatrical pose. They then turned to the tattered gentleman, whom they found had made his way successfully to the door, where he was standing. " Gentlemen, I've loss me letter ; can't find it nowhere's; looked high an' low. Mus, have dropped it in the street 'Scuse me till I hunt for it," he said. He started to go, but had hardly taken half a dozen uncertain steps, when he stopped, pon- dered, and returned. Laying his hand on his soiled shirt bosom, and raising the other not very steadily, he exclaimed, " Yours truly," and hurried out as well as his legs would permit him. CHAPTER II. THE "RECORDER" OFFICE. The daily newspaper offices in Boston are all within a stone's throw of each other, and are quiet and unassuming compared with those in New York, of which we read such wonderful accounts. True, during the day a score of ragged and hardy urchins infest the principal thoroughfare, dodging in and out among the horses and teams ; hurrying about from one to another of the pas- sengers on the street, and persistently keeping up their shrill cries, never remaining stationary for a moment, nor, in the least, abating their cries, from sunrise till sunset. Yet at night all is silent No huge buildings, with every window glaring with gaslight ; no thundering roar of great cylinder presses; no flitting forms hurrying in all directions, with proofs for correction, revised proofs, and copy, as : THE IRVING CLUB, 19 we arc informed is the case in Printing House Square, New York. One, unfamiliar with the location of news- paper offices in Boston, who had occasion to pass by them at any hour during the night, would continue in profound ignorance of their existence, unless they were pointed out to him. The windows are all as dark as the neighboring buildings, save a dull light from the basement windows, from which arises the smell of printer's ink, and the indistinct rumble of the presses, and a lighted window in the very top story, which one infers is the editor's room. It is scarcely creditable how little confusion there is in one of these newspaper offices, where so many are employed upon work which demands the utmost dispatch. Yet the Boston news- papers, some of which have nearly as large a circulation as the New York papers, are issued with far less confusion. In the top of one of these buildings, on which was a sign, that, in gold letters, told the curious it was the Recorder office, were nearly a dozen editors and reporters, all busily engaged upon thye news, which next day would be eagerly read by a hundred thousand people. In another room, — the chief editors,— was a desk, and 20 THE IRVING CLUB. bending^ over it, William Blaine, the head of the paper. He was a man of undisputed talent ; and in his prime, the leading journalist ; hard work had gradually undermined his health, so that now he was obliged to rely upon his assis- tant editor for a great portion of the editorial work, and very often compelled to leave town to get a week's rest on his farm. Yet his mind still retained its vigor, and his powerful editorials still continued to greatly influence the people. His assistant editor was an energetic young man of thirty, a graduate of Harvard, and a great reader, qualified in every way for his arduous and responsible position. He was rapidly attaining a leading position in journal- ism. Fred Wright was a favorite with the chief editor, who appreciated his talents, and who gave him considerable authority, and granted him many favors. He was at another desk in the same room near the editor. " Mr. Wright, I must ask you to give your attention to the article on the Southern question, for Monday's issue, which I had hoped to be able to write myself, but this hot weather is too much for me. State freely our views on the subject, without reference to those of any of ourj cotemporaries ; and for the same issue criticise c THE IRVING CLUB. 21 Mr. Lee's speech concerning the outlook of the currency question, and in which he strongly counsels inflation. My views are here expressed on the act to repeal the resumption act," said Mr. Blaine, looking over a paper in his hand, and at the same time touching a bell at his elbow, he gave orders to call a carriage. Mr. Wright looked up from his work, and promised to obey his instructions, and imme- diately his pen resumed its rapid movement over the paper. The next day was well advanced, before he moved from his desk, and then not until he heard his name spoken by some one near him. " My dear fellow, I've been standing here, for the last five minutes calling you by name, much to the amusement of a small boy, who has been lugging huge piles of paper somewhere, and much to my discomfiture. I suppose you have been absorbed in writing some great article, which you expect will move the whole country, and, by Jove, I'm right There you are working up some great agitation, or something or other, about the importance of the southern question. I say, confound the southern question ; put it aside, and let's have some breakfast at Young's. It's nearly ten," said Joe Worthing, impatiently. 22 THE IRVING CLUB. " Many thanks, Joe, but I want to finish this article, before I leave it. If you will sit down for fifteen minutes, I will go with you," answered Mr. Wright Joe took a seat, with a determination to kill fifteen minutes patiently, but scarcely five of silent waiting served to put him into the most uncomfortable state of mind. His eyes roamed restlessly around the room. He looked for a moment at a large pile of newspapers, which were thrown in confusion in a corner of th^ room ; then at all the recent magazines and publications, which wefe heaped upon the table at which he seated himsel£ He took up a cppy of "Old Middylton's Money" and tried to interest himself in it, but in vain ; he turned over a few pages of " Crown Jewels," but laid the book down in despair ; he looked at the pictures of literary men, hanging on the wall ; at the reporters in the outer office; at the small boy still carrying armsfull of papers somewhere. Do what he could the fifteen minutes seemed £^n hour to him. It would have been impossible for him to have remained quiet an instant longer, and he was supremely happy when Mr. Wright arose and put on his linen coat and straw hat, and he indulged in visions of Young's and breakr fast. TIIK IRVING CLUB. 23 " I had quite an adventure last night, F'red," said Joe, gaily, while he plunged his fork into the heart of a potato, at Young's. " Did you indeed," rather sleepily from Mr. Wright, ^* I'm going to tell you all about it." " I've no objection," said Mr. Wright, finding his companion waited for an answer. " It will interest you very much indeed." " I suppose so," drawled Mr. Wright. " I know so," said Joe ; " last night I was a visitor at the Irving Club's room, and listened with intense delight to a long harangue about the beauties of Lake Winnepesaukee. Thunder ! I nearly fell asleep during it, I find it is rather difficult to get into their den, and I only did it by strategy. I had an object in view, and so was willing to do a good deal in order to get in." " How did you manage it ? " " You remember the costume Harrington wore when he played * Eccles' at our theatre ? Well, I borrowed it of him, and making myself up into a very acceptable drunkard, I repaired, with unsteady legs to the park. After I had waited for a short time, a very short time — about an hour — I saw one, whom they called Keho v, id to whom Bruce had introduced me at your ornce, 24 THE IRVING CLUB. Ill' streaking it through the park, without the least regard to the hot weather. I stopped him, and told him I had an important message for the president of his club, which I was to deliver in person. Now, you know, I had no such message,, and after he had taken my arm and rushed off with me, I felt rather uneasy. Didn't know how in thunder I was going to get out of it. But there was no backing out, for he seemed bound to have me in. It surprised them I guess when they saw me coming into their room. I took a seat, and after they had listened to Kelton's explanation they went on with their business. Then they began to talk about the best place to spend their summer vacation, and decided upon Lake Winnepesaukee." " Still up to your old tricks I see, Joe, Now I think it was a disgrace to you, and an insult to the house for you to go there in the manner in which you did," said Mr. Wright warmly. " Eh ? What ? Come now Fred don't call it a disgrace to me, for you know I am an actor, and delight in going about in disguise. You have no idea how much advantage I have over the ordinary run of people, for I can see and hear when in cog* infinitely more than I could if I were Joe Worthing in appearance. ^Such won- ^■^i ill', I i fi > THE IRVING CLUB. 25 derful opinions, IVe heard expressed of my humble self! And as to intending an insult to the house, you know that I would never dream of such a thing — " " Yes, yes, I know why, and let me warn you* to never recur to the subject, and never visit that house except as a guest of the club, for it will avail you nothing, and only anger to me," exclaimed Mr. Wright angrily. "What do you mean?" enquired Joe won- deringly. "Nothing at all, my dear Joe, but remember what I tell you, or you and I shall have a falling out," said Mr. Wright assuming a pleasant manner, and leading the way out. The strange words troubled Joe Worthing not a little, and long after he had left the theatre that night they haunted him. He could not understand why his friend should speak of the house in that threatening manner, and as though he had some interest at stake. He could remember, when playing a difficult roky at the theatre where he was engaged, to an indifferent audience, how his fast falling spirits were revived, and a desire to make a great effort for success was awakened within him, by the plaudits of a beautiful lady in one of the boxes, 4 2C Tirr. iRviNT, nxw % who evidently was interested in his exertions : how he looked and longed for her presence every night, and when she was there what a grateful look he gave her ; how he contrived to become a.quainted v *.th her ; and how upon one eventful evening he gained admittance to her box, and told her of the delight he experienced when she was present, and his wish that she might often be there ; how she looked pleased, and gave him her hand, and said she was glad to learn that her presence gave him any happi- ness ; and how after a delightful conversation, he escorted her to her home in Chestnut Street, and called several times afterward, and was cordially welcomed by her ; and how she sud- denly changed her residence to Newton Street, where she was never at home to him. He remembered how at about the same time, he became acquainted with Fred Wright, the prominent journalist, and soon there grew up a, warm friendship between them, and he remem- bered how it troubled his friend Wright when any mention was made of his new lady ac- quaintance and how the subject was quickly ended by some impatient remark of Wright's. All these memories passed before him, while he sat in his room smoking a cigar, and looking over a volume of plays, TIIE IRVINCi CLUK 27 Mn Wright, when he parted from Joe, aunt- ered thoughtfully along the crowded .streets to his hotel in Clarendon Street. He immediately went to his room, and sat down by the open window, to get a whiff of cool air, and to think. The former he could not get, but there was enough to think about. As he sat there, with his eyes closed, a long train of events passed before him. Of his marriage, with one, whom, of course, he thought to be the handsonlest and best of women ; of his delightful honey-moon spent at Saratoga; of their return to their new and pleasant home on Chestnut Street ; of his mani- fest love and pride for his new wife ; of how he felt himself far above other men, in the posses- sion of such a priceless gem. Then of how his wife began to show her faults, her fondnes<> for company, the ball-room, parties, and the theatre. How he gently remonstrated with her, when she grew angry and told him she could not bear to be left alone, while he was away "at the office so much, that she saw no harm in going to balls arid parties, and would Continue to go if she pleased. Then of how, when he rose to his present position on the paper, and was compelled to work during the night, his wife attended the 28 THE IRVING CLUB. theatres very often, and told him how she ad- mired the Romeo, or adored the Claude Melnotte, much to his annoyance ; of how his wife en- couraged the visits of one of the actors, with whom she became acquainted at the theatre, and when he remonstrated again, she grew angry, and answered that she would act accord- ing to her wishes ; of how he commanded her to obey him in this regard, a momeat afterward he could have bit his tongue off for saying what he did. Then of how she grew terribly angry ; threw off all womanly delicacy, and acted with a great deal of impropriety, — as most women are prone to do when angry, — how she declared that she proposed to go back to her own home, and how she carried out her intention. O! how well did he recollect that eventful day. The scene was enacted over again before him; as he sat by the window, sorrowfully looking at nothing in particular. He could see her standing erect in the centre of the library, with one hand upon the table for support, the other upon her heaving bosom, clutching at her heart, as though to tear it out, her lips drawn tight, her nostrils distended, and her eyes wide open, glaring at him with mingled anger and contempt. What a supremely beautiful woman THE IKVING CLUli. 29 she was at that moment ; he would have thrown himself on his knees at her feet and implored her forgiveness, had she not raised her hand to repel his slightest movement, and swept from the room, leaving him a most miserable creature. He thought of . his amiable friend, Joe Worthing, who was the innocent cause of all his misery^ and how he still persisted in haunting her house, trying to see her, but invariably being put off with some trifling plea. He was surprised when his friend told him of these repeated refusals and wondered if she had relented. But he dismissed thij as being impossible when he remembered her defiant attitude on the day she left him. He turned these subjects, and many more, over and over in his mind, and continued to sit for a long time at the window, looking sorrow- fully at nothing in particular. CHAPTER III. AT TIIK LAKKSIDK. Bidding adieu to their friends, the Irving Ckib took their seats in the train, and watched the tall spires, and the dome of the State House disappear, while they were whirled along to- ward their destination. Through extensive green fields, and by many roughly constructed fences. Through dark woods, and along rapidly flowing streams to a modest appearing depot on the shore of Lake Winnepesaukee. Here they left the train in company with a number of excursionists bound for the same place, and went on board the hteamer, which turned her prow to the north, "^ and glided in and out among the islands, leaving behind a serpent-like trail. " What gloriously beautiful scenery ! " ex- claimed Tom Norcott, looking at the distani Tlir. IRVIXf. C\A']\ 31 nountaiiu towering lii^h above nearer ranges, — t'orming an ampliitheatre of ever changing )eauty, — and at the shores carpeted with rich ^reen, which gradually turned to a dark blue as they stretched to the top of the mountains. •' I can now appreciate Iwerett's glowing iccount of the beautiful scenery of this country," idded Frank, g'l^.ing at the crystal water, and livondering at the countless shapes which the slets assumed, as the steamer approached, and retreated from them. " Tis a perfect paradise, and had I not affairs )f state to attend to, I'd erect a lordly mansion >n the crest of yonder mount, and dwell there |uxuriou-ly," said Guy, theatrically. *• Ish dot so ?" inquired an extremely Teutonic ^oice at his left. " Mine gracious ! if you puilt lit de top of dot hill, you'll find it cold as ice- [vater in de winter time. You'd petter puilt by lot valley," it continued. Its possessor, a medium sized dutchman, who :ould not boast the usual excessive rotundity of form, gave sundry sonorous grunts, and a mmber of emphatic nods of his head to give idditional weight to his remark. He sat gazing it the water as if he had been talking to a loon, that floated on the lake, and eyed the steamer 3^ Tin: IU\TX('. CLVK H very suspiciously, and was waiting its reply. He wore a skull cap of green cloth, anci a vest of buff, which contrasted strangely with his other black clothes. His face was nearly con- cealed by a moustache and heavy whiskers, and a black pipe in his mouth emitted smoke, which helped to conceal it all the more. One of his feet, — both of which were liberally provided with coarse leather, — partially covered a red carpet valise, which sported a white paper marked conspicuously, " Hans Wagner." He continued : " My name ish Hans Wagner, and if you vant to know I'm German, I'll tell you right off dot I am. I hof trafeled all ofer dis coundry, and many oder coundries too num- erous to mention." " I hope you are going to Centre Harbor,'* ventured Tom. " I am." "And there I hope wc may cement the friendship so auspiciously commenced but a short moment since," declaimed Guy coming forward with outstretched hand. "You doant mean dot," exclaimed Hans, gathering himself for spring at Guy's hand. " Yes." " Dot's so goot as a goot deal," shouted he, springing up. THE IRVING CLUB. 33 After Guy had released his hand from the dutchman's grip, they all seated themselves in positions where they could best obtain views of the superb scenery of the lake, and remained lost in the contemplation of it, until a great stir, and the jingling of bells on the steamer, warned them of their arrival at their destination. A most beautiful situation has Centre Harbor. Built on the shore of the lake, almost hidden from the view of the passengers on the steamer, by the trees; nestling in the shadow of Red Hill, and commanding a view of the lake for a great distance. Upon the arrival of ^the steamer, the dulcet strains of a cornet, and the squeals of a violin, to entice the way-worn traveller to the hotel by which the musicians were engaged, were borne to their ears, and notwithstanding the appeals, threats, and warnings of the hotel messenger, they ordered their baggage to be piled into a modest appearing wagon, which with yellow letters advertised a modest sounding house, and upon further inquiry it was found that this house had no orchestra. Hardly were they I seated in the carriage belonging to the house, when they espied the Dutchman, tranquilly [marching toward the before mentioned wagon, 5 34 THE IRVING CLUB. f;Oi whistling selections from " Schneider's Party," and, throwing first his bag, then himself on top of the load, waited patiently for the drivers ap- pearance upon the scene. " He is a genius," said Tom, as the horses clattered along the dusty road to the house. That evening, while the club were seated on the piazza in conversation with some young ladies, the Dutchman locked himself in his room, and divesting himself of his moustache and whiskers, lo! Joe Worthing sat down to a table spread with writing materials, to dash off a letter to his friend Mr. Wright. "Dea^ Wright: — "Well, I've got through so far all safe, and induced the bright members of that club to believe that I am a dutchman, — ^just think of it, a dutchman. T flatter myself that any gentle- man from Germany would, upon hearing my broken English, immediately fall into my arms and swear I was his countryman. No doubt of it. I gave a practical illustration of where to build a residence in a most original manner. Before we got to the landing, we were all fast friends. I am stopping at the same house with them, and we have already marked out a splendid programme for the present week. My object in bonng you with this letter, is to let you know I am the happiest man living. That TIIK IRVING CLUB. 35 is putting it rather strong, isn't it ? But when I tell you that my fair lady friend, of whom I have told you so much, has arrived here for a change of scene, you will appreciate my delight. I saw her in the hotel carriage, and asked the driver her name, but the stupid ass had forgotten it. She is more beautiful than ever, A little paler than when I first saw her, but that is an improvement I had almost forgotten that you had told me not to visit her, but I suppose that only meant when she was at home in Boston. I have been propounding to myself a difficult conundrum ever since I saw her, and have not been able to answer it yet. It is : How am I to appear in public as myself and a dutchman at the same time? I can't do it. I shall either have to give up my disguise, and lose the fun of the thing, or not make myself known to her at all. She presents the most attractions, and I shall decide to give up my disguise. I would give a silk hat to know her history, hang me if 1 wouldn't. I know she's got an interesting one. I have a sort of presentiment she has. I must ring down the curtain, and think over the situation. " Thine, "Joe Worthing." In fifteen minutes after he had finished the letter, he concluded to assume his disguise and enjoy himself in the character of Hans Wagner, once again prior to his appearance as Mr. Joseph Worthing. 36 THE IRVING CLUa He found the club on the piazza enjoying the delightful evening, in company with the young ladies he had before noticed. " Mine goot frients, do I intrude ? ** " No ! no I not at all," said everyone at once. " Den I vill take a seat right here," continued he, planting a chair in the centre of the group. " By all means, Mr. Wagner," said Tom. " Just so — dot's my name." "We have been trying to get two of the gentlemen to sing ; we understand that there are two who sing together very nicely," said Miss Garland, one of the young ladies, "Yaw, dot ish goot" " Well, but they won't sing," continued she. "Dot ish bad," said Hans, with a falling inflection ; — " vhen I was a poy, years ago, I used to be a very goot singer, — I used to be great on singing dot jolly song dot is known as * Michael Schneider's Pardy.' " " O ! then that song was written years ago was it ? " asked the young lady with a mischiev- ous glance at him. " I vill tell you a story about my first appear- ance as a singer, if you vill listen," exclaimed Hans, loudly, and with evident confusion, for Miss Garland's question had been quite unlooked THE 1"RVIXG CLUa 37 tfor ; *""id vas in New York during the war, when Colonel Pitt vas gathering together " I have talked ever so much with Aunt Sue, regarding it, and have asked her if she didn't think he was some to blame, even though I did act very much like a girl in the matter. I can get no satisfactory answer from her. She always says, 'My- dear, it will all come out right in the end, I have no doubt, so calm youself,' and then she will wipe away my tears. Just as though I could calm myself; and, to tell ypu the truth, I am afraid it will not come out all right. He was such a dear good man, and I am afraid I overtaxed his forbearance. i-*a»- "What a silly letter I have written. You must forgive me, like a good dear, for not writing to you about it long before, but I couldn't , " Your loving " ANNIE." 44 THE fRVTNG CLUK " Just think of it, girls, the idea of those two loving souls separating so soon, and they haven't been married very long, either. Oh dear! its too provoking. I declare its enough to make one cry. Poor dear Annie ! *' and again the handkerchief was brought into use. " Hettie, do not allow such a comparatively slight circumstance to affect you so," said Carrie Bates, assuming an indifferent air, which, to judge by her glistening eyes, seemed very in- consistent. '*'"'^" "O! dear, dear!! this from you, Carrie; you are the last person in the worid from whom I expected such cruel words. Slight circumstance indeed. She nxight have been murdered in cold blood ; or she might have been quartered ; or strangled to deaths which, perhaps, you might call ordinary circumstances, but this sad calamity which has befallen Annie, is nothing, of course," and again she burst into tears. " Hettie, dear, I didn't mean what I said, do forgive me,'* exclaimed Carrie. >j i^' " Of course, I :vill, you dear girl ; come aatd kiss me," and instantly they were in each otjiefs arms, sobbing by mutual consent. ^i* vv "What shall be done?" exclaimed Carrie, drying her eyes, and trying to appear stern. TIIK IRVING CLUR. 45 The silence occasioned by the question, during which each waited for the other to make some suggestion, was at length broken by Clara Weber, who declared it was impracticable to do anything until Annie should relate the particu- lars. " Why of course — of course. Why didn't we think of that before ? " was the conclusion immediately arrived at Sounds were now distinguished coming from the staircase, as of heavy breathing, with now and then something which resembled a groan and a grunt combined. " The stairs are difficult for one of your size to climb very readily, are they not, Mrs. Vincent ? " said a voice in the direction from whence came the sound. .^--^-iii-iu No answer was given to the inquiry save a succession of grunts and louder breathing. "You are nearly at the top, Mrs. Vincent," continued the voice. In a moment the possessor of the voice entered the room, and proved to be Mrs. Merrifield. ..v^.j.rinii " Why, girls, what is the matter ? You seem to be having a most unpleasant meeting. Tell me the cause, that J may try to make you happy 46 THE IRVING CLUB. I again. It is a pity you can't go out for a walk, for a thunder shower is approaching," said she. Meanwhile the breathing sounds had gradually neared them, and presently the owner of the lungs from whence the sounds came, entered the room. She was a very short woman, and a prodigi- ously fat one. She was very red in the face, and the contrast between it, and the snow white muslin dress she wore, was something unusual. Her breath was nearly exhausted, and the gasps she made to secure a quantity sufficient to satisfy nature, were painful to behold. Her portly form sank into a chair, and it was with great effort that she managed to fan herself. ^/ It is extremely warm to-day, is it not, Mrs. Vincent?" inquired Mrs. Merrifield. The stout lady made no answer, but signified that she agreed with Mrs. Merrifield's remark, by a grunt or two. "Will you have a glass of lemonade, Mrs. Vincent?" asked Mrs. Merrifield., ^.^jjj^,^^ She gave no verbal answer, but a short nod, indicated one in the affirmative. .l :;..- After drinking two glasses of the beverage with V evident relish, she appeared greatly refreshed, and in the course of a minute or two was able to speak. TIIK IRVING CLUU 47 "Mrs. Mcrrifield! Madam! I am horrified at you/* she began, but was obliged to stop to regain her breath. Mrs. Merrifield then essayed to speak, but Mrs. Vincent's plump hand was raised to enjoin silence. " I repeat, I am horrified at you ; as I hope to go to heaven, you made a most unlady-like allusion to my personal appearance, while I was coming up that awfully steep flight of stairs, — or did my cars deceive me ? Your silence convicts you, madam, and even though I am your sister-in-law, I denounce you before all the assembled company. Oh ! Lydia, after all the kindness I have shown you, you should treat me thus," exclaimed she, rendering the last sentence in a most approved melodramatic manner. She flounced to the other end of the room, where she seated herself at the open window to recover her breath. Her heartless threat did not seem to have much weight, for a smile was visible on the countenances of the young ladies. " Mother, such sad news to, communicate to you," exclaimed Hettie, broaching the subject of the letter. " Indeed, tell it to me," said her mother -* 48 THE IRVING CLUB. growing alarmed at the expression on Hettie's face; "never mind Mrs. Vincent, she, will consider everything strictly confidential, I am sure," she continued, noticing that Hettie looked toward the stout lady uneasily. " Oh ! go on ! go on ! don't mind me, / am of no consequence whatever, — not of the slightest," said that good lady, uttering the last word with emphasis. " Annie and her husband have separated." "What! Say that again!" exclaimed Mrs. Vincent, trotting over to where Hettie was seated. "I said that Annie had — mother! mother! are you ill ? " cried Hettie, flying to her mother. Mrs. Merrifield, who had risen the moment Hettie had begun, was greatly affected by the cruel words spoken regarding her daughter. She grew pale as death, and raised her hand to her head. She reeled, and would have fallen to the floor had vol Hettie caught her, and helped her to the sofa, where she laid motionless. She had fainted. " I could have sworn it, — I could have sworn it, I knew it would happen just as it has. When I saw that man, who isn't fit to be her husband, a-courting Annie, I set him down as a thief, and THE IRVING ( Li;r. 49 a villain. I told my brother so, but he said, • bless you, no he isn't, he's one of the Hkeliest young men I know of.' Now see who's right. Didn't my prophecy come true, I ask you ? Look at the mother brought low, and mayhap to her grave by this disgrace of a son-in-law, I repeat it, digrace of a son-in-law. He isn't fit to live, no, young ladies, to you, who have not seen so much. of this Hfe as I have, / say he is 'I not fit to live," exclaimed the stout lady with great indignation, and increasing redness in the face. " It is false," cried Mrs. Annie Wright, the wife of the much berated man, who had entered in time to hear Mrs. Vincent's declaration. She stood erect, and her eyes flashed with indigna- tion. Her elegant travelling dress displayed her form to excellent advantage, and her color heightened by the journey, added to her womanly beauty, In a moment more, Hettie was in her arms. " ■ r '' in CHAPTER V. WILLOW-WOOD. At the table cChote on the morning after the evening, during which the e /ents took place on the piazza, a very confidential waiter, in loose slippers, and loose jacket, whispered, while placing a napkin near Tom Norcott's plate, that he who had pretended to be a dutchman, had left the house that morning, and sent his apologies to the gentlemen and ladies. The vaiter also intimated, at another time while giving Tom his coffee, that two gentlemen had arrived from Boston, and two good looking gentlemen they were, too. They came in the same boat, on which the other gentleman went, and would Tom be pleased to accept their cards ? The cards bore the names of Mr. Fred Wright and Mr. Joseimi Worthl\g. The latter gentleman had, about an hour' before, liberally fee'd the obliging waiter, and THE IRVING CLUB. 51 asked him to whisper to Tom, that he had left that morning. The former gentleman had, upon receiving Joe's letter, immediately applied for leave of absence, and hurried to Centre Harbor. He at once knew that the lady mentioned by Joe, was his wife, and some impulse, which he could not overcome, urged him to go, if only to be near her. Tom ordered the waiter to inform the gentle- men that ^hey would be pleased to see them that evening in the parlor of the hotel " What, ho I " shouted Guy vigorously, " where shall we go to day, and what shall we do ? " No one ventured a reply, and the stillness vvas getting oppressive, when the obsequious waiter coughed slightly, raised his hand to his mouth, and looked furtively at the men^bers seated at the table. " Well, sir, if you have anything to say, say It," said Guy. "Excuse me, gentlemen, — txcuse me, but, knowing as you was strangers here, I thought my experience might be useful to you," saicj. the Waiter, twirling his napkin. '. " Yes, — yes, go on ! cried several. *• Thanks, sirs, I am obleeged to you. Not to 52 THE lUVlNG CLUa be obstrusive, gentlemen, I would recommend Willy-wood as a most delightful place to spend a pleasant forenoon, sirs, — beautiful surroudings, sirs, — all the wisitors wisit it," continued he, speaking rapidly. ^^'^ ''"-"''^ "Where is the place you mention?" asked Tom. "Willy-wood, sirs, is a old house, sirs, well known for its associations with the past,- — ahem. It is sitewated on a hill called Sunrise Hill, which commands a commanding view of all there is to view in the neighborhood, sirs, it is well worthy of a visit, sirs," he added, with the air of one familiar, with the most popular resorts in the neighborhood, accompanied with a wave of the hand. ^ "Order a carriage, please, and we will visit this place," said Tom. " With the greatest of pleasure, sir.' In an hour they were within sight of the hill, and after half-an-hour*s ride through shady groves, along roads arched over b^ trees, they reached the gates of Willow-wood. Alighting, they took a foot-path, which led through orchards of apple and peach trees ; gardens of flowers choked with weeds; and bowers over- hung with grape-vines, to the house, so much visited by curious pleasure-seekers. r»4.,- ■(■*! rrr -nn-: luvi.vo ci.uii. 53 It was a s'Tiiall twostory dwelling, occupied by a farmer and his family, and famous oil ty (to luse the waiter's expression,) "for it's association nvith the past" The ♦i'armer's daughter would take great delight in ^pointing out to the visitor, •a low bed, which it was said had been slept in fby Ethati Allen, and 'brought to this house, and .afterwards slept in by Franklin F*ierce ; a rusty sword, said to have belonged to Columbus' mate, and afterwards presented to a New Hampshire iiadian, who in his tame used it with ^deadly eifect in the French aTid Indian wars, and eventually gave it to the progenitor of the farmer; a feeble chair,, said to have been the first one introduced TflJfc© New Hampshire; a hat, said to have been worn by an ancestor of the tfarmer, who had Fived in the seventeenth certtury, thereabouts. It was very large, and had an enormous rim. Some of the timbers in the Jhoose, ft was clainmed, were placed there over a hundred years ago, and during that length of time, have looked unflinchingly at Father Time, as the farmer's wife remarked. Back of the house was a pavilion, erected €xpress^ to accommodate those who desired to secure a view of the lake, and at the same time escape the heat of the sun. lip ■ I ■ III 1,1 l—HT 54 THE iRVIiVC, CLUK To the south lay the lake, dotted promisCU' ously with wooded islets, and bordered by a dark green shore. To the north the White Mountains, whose jagged peaks glared in the summer sun. The scene is beyond description, ^ So intent were the club in feasting their eye.s upon the scene, that they did not, at first, notice the presence of the young ladies, whose acquaint^mce they had formed at the hotel the previous evening. "Good morning, ladies," said Dick Bruce, who first noticed them, " enjoying the view I see." " Yes, and we are charmed with it," rejoined Miss Weld, one of the ladies. The usual salutations were exchanged, which led to pleasant conversation, and until an. exclamation from Guy, every one had been oblivious of the flight of time. He had takei* out his watch, and found it was two o'clock, " My gracious we will starve,— so far from the hotel — hungry," ejaculated Kelton, They were preparing to start, but were inter- rfupted by the farmer's wife, a hearty apd jolly soul, who delighted in making everything pleasant for others. ■■.'\'^ '\ -i'V);' '• Will you pardon me, ladies* and gentlemefir said she with a broad smile, "my husband I'UV. IK VINT, Cl.VK 55 wanted mc to invite you to stop and eat dinner with us. It isn't very luxurious, our dinner, but \\c have all the life sustaining products of this part of the country." The table, an unusually large one, was set in the largest room in the house, wijh a profusion of substantial edibles, that looked most tempting to the visitors, whose appetites were sharpened by the exercise of the morning. '* Ladies and gentlemen," began the farmer, a robust man, clean shaven, for the occasion, as Jic took his seat at the head of the table, " it is .^0 seldom that I ever have such an array of beauty and wisdom, talent and culture, at my board, that I may congratulate myself upon being able, at the present moment, to entertain you," nodding first at the ladies, then at the •club. " It has always been my desire to make jny homestead a hospitable resort for the pleasure hunter, Mary, please pass the onions to that young gentleman opposite you ; — no, no, the one with the stand up collar, — there, that's the one I mean. Don't eat any at all ? Well, come, that's singular. To exhibit the curiosities attached to and connected with the place, has always been my delight Josie, what's that strap 1 aiging on the wall famous for ? Come, speak up and let the folks hear )'ou." Tiir n;i'rr\r, fr.nx i ' "It's a strap vvorru by a brother of IVnio: Stand isli, years and years ago," answered hfc daughter, briskly. " You see, my frieiads, that my h'ttle girl is. familiar witli all the relics of the past, in this. house," with a*^ wavne- of his hand toward Uijc little girl ; " tliis homestead was erected by ni)- forefathers a great many years ago; they were then wealthy land owners, in fact,, they could well exclaim with the poet, that they were ' monarchs of all they surveyed,' but when it came into my possession, — Mary, help tJiat young lady to potatoes, will you ? Don't wish for any — my stars ! As I was saying, when it came into my possession, there only remained a hundred and some eighty acres of laaid, but my untiring efforts have increased it to two hundred arxd six acres, you bear me witness,, Mary. — Yes, exactly so. You may be somewluat curims to know how I came by all these relics of the past. Yes ? Weill I'll tell you, my grandfather was a. great man for collectmg such things, and as he was in the war of the revolution, he became well acquainted with men, who could assist him in hbj ,. 7:^s^a;'<:he;s, Now there's a curious story about this old jack-knrfe, which I keep in this dr.iu'cr in the table, perhaps you'd like to hear THE IRVING CLUB* s; it Of course ? Well I'll tell it to you. Mary» Vill you hand up the cider ? " " My grandfather told it to me when I was a small boy, smaller than even my little girl there, while he would trot me on his knee. When he was at Crown Point with Ethan Allen and the boys, he was in command of a company of New Hampshire lads, — stalwart boys they were too, I can tell you* One night they were lying in camp not many rods distant from the shore of the lake, when my grandfather was awakened by the noise of a paddle in the water near by. He started to his feet, thinking perhaps the enemy might be stealing upon them ; but) instead, he saw a solitary figure seated in a skiff, which was headed for a jotting point of land a quarter of a mile above the camp. He made up his mind to follow him, and learn his plans, and while on his way passed by the sentry who had fallen asleep. He reached the point before the one in the boat did, and watched him disem- bark. Th; stranger was a captain in the British army; a manly and handsome fellow, who looked as though he were above doing the dis- graceful duties of a spy. My grandfather followed him out of curiosity more than any- thing ebe^ and saw that he bent his steps toward 8 58 THE IRVING CLUB. the town. At a house, which my grandfather knew to be the residence of one of our colonels? he stopped ; and after waiting a short time, he was joined by a yoqng lady. Meantime, my grandfather secured a position by which he could hear all that passed between them. After the usual greetings between the lovers, you know, she asked him why he had ventured to come there, now that the troops were quartered so near the house, incurring by the risk the danger of his life. "'My love, I promised you, that if my life were spared, I should be here to-night, and no threatening danger could alter my determina- tion,' answered the captain. *• * Dear Edward, I should not have asked you, had I thought any danger was imminent ; your life is of too great value tojrisk, simply to gratify my wish to see you,' said she.. " Dearest, I am only tp happy to be near you. May I ask you for your promised answer, which to me is of far more importance, than my life K "* Edward we have known each other too long to be afraid that any plain, outspoken words will cause any unkind feelings between You are an oflficer in the British' army. 'I us. am ,thQ daughti^ pf an.pi][ifl©ri» ; tthc^Afttei^can THE IRVING CLUB. 59 army, and by force of pblitical events we are sworn enemies. We love each other dearly, and yet a wide gulf separates us. I cannot be your wife without the consent of my father, and I Could not disobey my own father, Oh ! would, that you were an American soldier.* " • My dearest, I €duld never b6 a (deserter ; of all the despic£tble creatures under the sun, a deserter is the worst Had these hardy sons of toil been brought up as 1 have been, they would be supporters of King George.' ^* At these words my grandfather's heart warmed toward him ; thfere was a noble minded man. Before any further words could be spoken, two soldiers appeared upon the scene, and took the young British' captain prisoner,— utihe^dful of the entreaties of the young lady. ' My grand- father resolved, come what would, that he Wbuld Use every effort' he could, to free him. They led ' hfm to an adj acent cottage, where they proposed to keep him until morning, ^hfen' he would be tried, eonvfct^d, and shbt, on the charge of being Captured inside the ' ' lines. It was a siittple inalttet' for my grandfather to j^ain accfes t6" the cottage, knd by good fortune, he found the kitfeheii^ -door ^open, which was con- nected with the dining-room, (in which the 6o THE IRVING CLUB. captain was imprisoned,) by a door and a small slide. This slide was easily opened, and then a method of communication was established between them. " * My friend, this is a surprise. I dared not not hope for such a way of escaping from this unjust imprisonment/ said the captain. - " ' Please don't talk so loud or you may not escape at all. Hand me your jack-knife; I haven't mine/ responded my grandfather. "The door that connected the kitchen with the dining-room being locked, it was my grand- father's idea to endeavor to get it open with the assistance of the knife. By dint of hard digging, and cutting away portions of the door- frame, he managed to get the door open. They both left the house quietly, being careful to avoid attracting the sentry's attention, who was stationed in the entry. Without a word on either side, they walked down to the shore of the lake. V " " * My friend, this unparalleled act of kindness on your part shall always be remembered by me, and if I am ever in a position to befriend you, I shall not hesitate to .do so. I am Captain l|i4errifield, of the forty-ninth, at your service/ said the captain. THE IRVING CLUB. 6i " • It is nothing,' answered my grandfather. " They shook hands, and the captain stepped into the boat, and was soon lost to view in the gloom. That's the story, my friends, of this jack-knife." " Not quite finished, however," said Kelton ; "did the captain ever marry the young lady, eh ? " " Yes, and his grandson lives in the town, he's at the Merrifield Villa," answered the robust farmer, pledging the company in a glass of cider. " I only wanted to know," exclaimed Kelton. It was nearly five o'clock before they took the carriages and rode back to the hotel. r r ■' V " -1 r CHAPTER VI. ! ! ! I AN UNEXPECTED MEETING. Hettie Merrifield and her sister Annie were walking down one of the paths leading to the summer-house, on their father's grounds. Hettie swinging her hat by the ribbon, and leaning upon the arm of her sister, who was ruthlessly tearing a rose to pieces. Her face Wore a troubled expression. " My dear Annie, how will it all end ? " asked Hettie, looking into the face of her sister. ** I cannot tell, my dear. I remained at Aunt Sue's with the hope, that he might come, and ask to be forgiven, if no more ; but he didn't Well, there, what does it matter with me, I am perfectly indifferent, I'm sure, I don't care if I never see him again," replied Annie with assumed resoluteness. " I should think he might have come," Hettie continued. THE IRVING CLUB. 63 "These newspaper men are such matter-of- fact people." " Yes ; and perhaps he was so busy that he hadn't time," added Hettie eagerly. " Don't begin to take his part ; he should have found time ; but, there, let us talk of you, father, mother, or some one else, and of some- thing else beside my troubles." By this time they had re?whed the summer- house, in season to escape a long threatened shower. The rain now came down in streams, with such force as to cause a mist to arise. In a second, small rivulets ran down the walks, and increased in size rapidly. " How it rains, Annie ! Wasn't it fortunate we got here in time to escape a drenching ? " In another moment, they heard hurrying feet along the walk, and then four young men rushed pell-mell into the summer-house. " Golly, isn't this a soaker though," exclaimed Dick Bruce, taking off his hat, and shaking the rain from it " Terrible, — deuced lucky we were to get this nice shelter. The heavens are black* And the rain doth pour ; How nice it is to stand "in here, . And look at it through the door. i: 64 THE IRVING CLUB. Poetry, by jingo! how's that?" exclaimed Frank Waring. " Trash ! won't bear criticism at all, don't do it any more, that's all," said Kelton, " allow me to give you a sample of good poetry." " Sit still, my heart, — sit still," said Guy. " Pardon us, ladies, we did not notice your presence, or we certainly should not have dis- heartened you with any poetic effusions," said Tom, for the first time noticing the presence of Annie and her sister, "we have taken the liberty of intruding here to escape the pouring rain, we are — " " From Boston," interposed Kelton ; " Boston men," he added, as his hands found their way to the arm-holes of his vest" " May we remain ? " asked Dick Bruce. " Certainly ; we could not refuse shelter in such a storm," responded Hettie. "Thank you, you are very kind," resumed Dick. "I judge you are in the same predicament as ourselves," said Tom. " Yes, we did take refuge here to escape the rain," replied Annie, " We were enjoying the beauties^ of the estate, upon the lecommendation of an agreeable THE IRVING CLUR 6S farmer, who resides at Willow-wood," added Tom. .o.,*. " Indeed," said Hettie. "And our anticipations are more than realized ; it is a most delightful place. May we inquire if you reside at yonder house ? " asked he. ^Yes, we live there during the summer months," answered Hettie. Annie who had, during the presence of the strangers, beefi looking toward the house, now directed her attention to them. She started, and looked closer. " I heg you will pardon me," she said ; " but are you not members of a literary society, who have their meetings in a house on Newton street?" " The same, by Jove ! In fact, here is the club intact, which I have the honor to introduce to lyou. Of course, you mean at Mrs. Fieldings, next to Vingray's, the pickle merchant, eh? Yes? Why, you know it was Walter Fielding [who originated the club, don't you? No? fever heard ? Well, it's a fact, I assure you. [e'd be with us now only by force of circum- stances he was prevented. He's in California,'* exclaimed Tom-o"'^'^- •^'^'^ ^''^'^ '^^^'^^^ «^*^ ^^^^^^ 66 h THE IRVING CLUB. i I " I know it," said Annie. "What a pity cousin Walter couldn't have come with you, — I should like to see him so much," said Hettie. " It is a pity to be sure, but I don't see how it can be helped," mused Kelton. " This is a lucky meeting I declare," said Tom, "and we would be h^ppy to continue the acquaintance." "Thank you," said Annie, bowing, " But," continued Tom, " as the afternoon is wearing on, and the shower has passed, we will have to leave you, and get back to the hotel, in time for— " „,..,r! ^ y ,_^. ,;.. ,^. . ^^ " Evening devotions," interrupted Kelton. " After supper," added Guy. "We should be delighted to have you call to-morrow afternoon," said Annie, fi^m " Many thanks for your kindness," said Tom. "We \yill be there, as certain as the sun doth rise," said Guy, grandly. " We will expect you," added Hettie. " You may look for us. Do I speak the mind of the qlub ? " asked Tom of the members. " Hold on, there, you are going in the wrong direction, it's down that path to your right we THE IRTING ' ^ "Annie, dear, such a time as we have had showing those agreeable intruders their way. They s6emed to be so stupid, that we each had to take one and show him the way. What a delightful tinie we will have with them to- morrow. Why, Annie, what is the matter ? you -.»»' I 70 THE IRVING CLUB. look very much changed since I left you, not ten minutes since/' exclaimed Hettie, in a totally different tone, thanwhen she began. |^ "Nothing is the matter, my dear; let us return to the house, I'm not myself just now/* replied Annie, nervously. As they returned to the house, she ventured to look back, with an imploriiig and encourag- ing glance, and saw him standing, looking after her. jr.tU ; .v,.H [ He noticed the glance, and felt a glow of hope in his breast. Slowly he retraced his steps, with bowed head, unheeding the, approach of a very stout lady, who with her arms a kimbo, and her head on one side, stopped within three feet of him. .iV: Dt^'/'Well, >yell," she said, ''^pretty place for you to be, I must say ; for one, who has deserted his \wife» to be hanging round her house» in a Suspicious manner, is extremely shameful, — extremely shameful, I think." hiiiV Madam ! " said he, sternly. • .*.. /. ' ,^,.,« Don't madam me, sir; — don't you dare to jaddress me. I am a respectable woman,-— what are yoii ?!' exclaimed she, with a disdainful toss -of her bead, "permit me, sir, further to observe, uthaf if there is a spark of manliness remaining THE IRVING CLUI). ;i in your breast, you will leave these premises, and never show your face here again. Not content with deserting her, and bringing her poor mother to a premature grave, you are still dogging her steps like a villain. That is all I have to say to you, sir, so leave the grounds, or I shall be compelled to order the men to assist you," And with that, Mrs. Vincent stalked majestically away. Mr. Wright, painfully' conscious of the insult inflicted by this garrulous old woman, kept down his anger, and walked away without saying sl > word. "'^'^'^ '"^^ :'rii bwbD-ii t <■ '/;''! Vr" rtn-/ u; -ni ;o-i;4 yrft (') fl »/! CHAPTER VII. ^„, bnA A REUNION. ' '' '' '^ ^'^'■' i"ni/,(r J/irii-r// .-iK The Irving Club had just returned from a delightful sail on the lake, by moonlight, and were in ecstasies over the grandeur of the scenery, as seen in the night, when the moon shed her soft beams over everything. A great number of pleasure parties were still enjoying a sail on the lake, during the cool of the evening, and songs could be heard coming from many different boats. It was not without some reluctance, that they had pulled for the shore, in order to keep a previous engagement with the two gentlemen, whose cards they had received that morning. On their way from the lake to the hotel, they were obliged to pass an old, worn-out, one-story wooden house. The house was innocent of paint, shingles^ or clapboards, and the wind and THE IRVING CL^B, 73 rain were kept from within by a coat of white- wash. This had been applied so many years ago, that it had grown quite black, and in many places had fallen off in large pieces. The house contained four windows, one on each side, and a door. The pitched roof gave evidence of having been patched in many places, and from the inside, glimpses of the blue sky could be had. The proprietor of this forlorn structure was a very old man, who, whenever occasion required, — which, by the way, was very seldom, — purchased the cheapest groceries and provisions to be had, and, by sly words, gave the curious to understand, that he was a poor old man, — a very poor one. But .the loungers it the grocery store were of the opinion, that they knew too much of the world to be humbugged by a man in his second childhood, and they put their tongues in their cheeks and looked wise, — winked at their neighbors, and studied the gay pictures on the I cigar boxes, very hard. "Oh, yes! he's poor as a church-mouse, no I doubt," said a stout man in a slouch hat *' Bet yer a gallon of cider, he's worth nigh ^'nter a hundred thousand," said a companion, ^>ride a flour barrel, 10 wBF 74 THE IRVING CT.Un. "Goir durn it, I know he's got heaps upon heaps of gold undier the floor of his shant>\" exclaimed a third. "How db you know?" inquired the stout man. " Why, I sorter fbel it in my bones.'" ^ But in spite of all their conjectures, not a soul knew whether he was worth one dime or a million. He drefesed shabbily, and walked with a shuffling gait, and bowed head. Friends he Had none. His only companions were a half starved dog, and a green parrot. As the club were passing the mysterious old man's house, he stood at the broken-down gate, and beckoned to Tom, and, whispering that he wished to see him privately inside, led the way into the house. If the house presented a cheerless aspect from the outside, it was still more cheerless insid'e. A deal table in the middle of the floor, with a chair on eitlier side, together with a small stove, were the principal objects fn the room; at the| window, hung a dilapidated curtain, which, in its earlier days, might have been cambric. I Another room, divided off by a green curtain, constituted the other apartment in the house. TllK IRVING CLUB. 75 Placing one of the chairs for Tom, the old man took the other, and sat leaning his chin on his hands, on the opposite side of the table, looking long and steadily at him. "You will excuse the liberty 1 take, my boy," he said, at length, in a strangely broken voice, "in asking you into my house, but I saw a strange likeness in your face to a boy I had once, —Jong ago. Yqu will pardon m^, if I stare at yx)u, will you . not ? For when I see a likeness to my boy, I cannot forbear feasting my eyes on it . It was raany years ago that he left me, — bad boy; he joined a company of strolling actors, and I haven't seen him since. iHe writes me long letters, once in a while, , telling qf ,his success. I ^\ippose his home was not good enough for him. It was humble. Now he lives in ,the,-gllded ^lls of vice. M^ boy was a smart boy, — he was. Few like him in scho61,'* said he, first sighi^^ as though his heart would break, then rubbing his hands with delight, and then resuming his pitiable look. "I am afraid I shajl neyer see Joe again. I fear I am gping to die. I b^v^ felt 4ei^th cptping, and I am ready "for it; ;M3Ut l^only pray for one thing, and that ig, to see ipyj bpy before J .41^. ph! my bpy ! my boy •! " cried the^ pld . man hiding his face in his hands. /...'rrunc* 1^ THE IRVING dtUB. " I called you in to beg that you would do a favor for a poor, helpless old man, I know you are a visitor here, and will not refuse my request," he continued* Tom readily gave his consent to do an3^hing in his power for the old man ; whereupon he overwhelmed him with thanks. •' My good friend, — my dear young friend, — you have lifted a great load from my heart, and I hope you may never see the day, when you will repent your kindness to one who will not much longer be numbered with the living," exclaimed the old man with much fervor. What I wanted was, that you write at my dictation. I have got so old now, and my hand shakes so, that I can't write so that it could be read. Excuse me while I get pen, ink and paper," continued he, shuffling into the other apartment. Shortly he returned, bearing with him the needed articles. The pen consisted of a ten-penny nail with a pen tied to it, and the paper was yellow with age. " Excuse the pen, my dear ; I tried to buy a holder at the store, but they charged so much, and I wanted to save my little earnings for my boy, r ihoiight I would not buy one," said the old "ftianl arranging the papief, while Tom looked ruefully at the primitive pen-holder. THE TRVTNG CLUa 11 "It will only be a few words,-- a very few words, — that I will trouble yoia to write for me," •continued the ^old noan. " Now, to begin," said Ihe, throwing hiis lieatd b&ck, and looking hard at the ceiling, then wink-iRg at the cooking stove, ^nd shutting bis 'cyes very tight " These, my last words, are written by a stranger at xxiy offt me through rain or shine ; and it is my instentaon to end my life in it I Ihave no other felafcive that I know is living, but •my brother, excepting my wife's sister, who, I think, lives on Newton Street, in Boston, Her ^ame is ^«san Fielding." ■i- 7« THE IRVINO club. u u **What!" exclaimed Tom, "is it possible?^ Eh ? " grunted the old man in surprise. Why our club has a room for its meetings at Mrs. Fielding's on Newton Street. You know that those young gentlemen you saw me with, and myself, are members of the Irving Club, a literary society, which has a room at the house of the lady in question." "Is it indeed possible?" inquired the -old man. " It is so." *• Well, now, would you believe it To think that I should have had the good fortune to come across you, who have been so intimately acquainted with a relation of mine. It is scarcely creditable, ain't it ?" said the old man, quite overcome with wonder. " There's only one line more, my good friend," continued he. '*To her I desire to leave an annual stipend to be fixed by my so», on whose judgment I implicitly rely." Then, after signing it with much difificultyrhe ^oOk Tom by the hand very heartily. " You don't know how much I am obliged to you, for your kindness. Well, well, what is the hiatter with you, Guppy?" said he, addreissing the last remark to the dog, that' had been -dozing TTTK TUVIXG ri.UB. 79 peacefully near the stove, now he vvas slowly creeping toward the door, growling, and showing his teeth. The sound of steps rapidly approaching the house was heard, and the old gate creaked as if in agony under the strong arm of the comer; the steps sounded nearer ; the door was thrown open, and regardless of the unfriendly reception of the dog, a young man strode into the room. " My dear old governor, how are you ? " " Eh ? What ? Do my eyes deceive me. No ! Yes I it is my boy — my own boy. Joe, is it true that my life should have been spared to see you ? What joy ! I shall go wild 1 " cried the old man, holding his son in his arms. It would, indeed, be a difficult task to portray the emotions of father and son, so dearly loving each other, upon being united after so long a separation. They wept tears of joy, and clung to each other as though in fear of being parted again. The scene made an impression upon Tom's mind which will never be forgotten while he lives. He left his seat at the table, and went to the window, where he took an immediate survey of the back yard, which looked strangely dim and blurred. "Joe, my boy, how handsome you have 8o THE IRVING eLUR grown, you look just like me — when I was; your^, at your ^e, you know," he addedl hastily ; " how have you prospered ? " " Well, dad,, very fairly, I have made enough to live upon conafortably, and laid by some for a rainy day, as you used to say, though not very much,. I must adjnit I see you are hale and hearty." ** Not very„ my boy, — not very ; but do» tarfl me about youjcselt Come. They sat down together, and the son com*- menced the story of his life since he left home It was very interesting, and relieved the monotony of the view of the back yard, which Tom was intently exanaining from the window.. When the son had finished, the old man,, happenir^ to look toward the place where Ton:\ was standing, suddenly jumped up,, and <^aid, " Excuse me, my good friend, for leaving youi unnoticed, but you see this unexpected meeting has set me ci.ll in a heap. This is my son,. Joseph Worthing, I havent the pleasure of knowing your name." "Thomas Norcott" "I was struck by the resemblance between yoM two, Joe, but now that you are here, I see the difference ; but he does look as you did THE IRVING CLUB* 8t when I last saw you." continued the old man, rubbing his hands joyfully, "You compliment me too highly, father,'* returned Joe, "Not a bit of it, Joe, — not a bit it He kindly consented to write a few lines for me, for I never expected to see you again, my boy, in this world, and I wanted to leave some sort of a will, bequeathing you my property. How glad I am to see you once more ; I shall never let you out of my sight again. I shall order a grand spread at Willow-wood, day after to- morrow, to which you shall invite everybody, Joe; and you, your friends, my friends, and everybody shall enjoy themselves hugely, for my prodigal son has returned home," cried the old man joyously, as he laid his hands on his son's shoulders, and looked lovingly into his eyes. ti ^mmmmm CHAPTER VIII; I ; • I AN EXCURSION. The next morning dawned brightly. The sun just rising over the hill-tops, diffusing its bright fays over the beautiful valley, and imparting its welcome light to the dismal woods; and the flowers, heavily laden with dew, made it a most inviting morning. The cattle lobked longingly toward the meadow from the barn- yard ; the colt frolicked irt his pasture ; th blance to the feet of the gentleman after whom it is named. He tj^ust 'a had big, feet, eh, Julia, my love," said he turning to one of the ladies near him, who was a remarkably handsome "I am sorry to be compelled to admit my ignorance, but the truth is, I haven't the slightest idea where Coneys* feet are," replied Frank. .1 i U 86 TIIK IRVIXr; CLV]]. n I : " Coney's Foot, sir, I see you are pleased to be facetious. Ha! ha!" exclaimed the stout man laughing. "Strangers here, I perceive, eh ? " ** Yes ; we are from Boston," responded Dick. "So are we," said the stout gentleman, motioning with his hand toward the ladies, " Are you stopping at our house, the Central ? ** " No, we are at the Blue hill," answered Dick. "Now that confounded hotel, at which we are stopping, is certainly the noisest place in existence ; it is my firm conviction, that they have clumsy porters on purpose to slam trunks and boxes around at all hours of the night. Why, bless me, even last night I was awakened from a sound sleep by such a hideous noise, that I thought the house was tumbling; down ; when I came to find it out, it was only a porter at his usual work, — slamming things round at a great rate. Well, for my own, and the other boarder's good, I went down stairs and gave that porter a talking to that I guess he'll never forget. Hallo, sir ! how are you I Glad to see you," exclaimed the stout gentleman, addressing the latter to a new comer. "Hello, sir! you are pretty well I hope, sir; ladies, my best respects. What! hello, my rni", luvixc i.i.ua 87 young friends, glad to sec you ! I low d'ye do ? " . cried tlie new comer, holding out his great hand to each member of the club. It was the farmer who lived at Willow-wood, and who entertained them so handsomely. It was sometime before the greetings between the farmer, his wife and daughter, and the others were over, but at last he seated himself on a stool, and his family on a settee, and smiled upon the company very graciously. "You see, as I got my hay in, I thought I'd I come down, and have a excursion with the rest of you, so I brought my wife and daughter along of me," said he, in a very loud tone; "what Lsplendid music that is," he added, inclining his head to better catch the strains, and keeping [time with his hand ; " extraor'nery," "Well, now my friends, how ar £ yo\x enjoying ^ourselves in these parts. Splendid ? Of course ^u are, of course ; who wouldn't in such a mag- ^ lificent country; such air, such scenery, such Irives, such walks, such views, such — such everything, you know," said the fQj^^st farraer, piiling for a word to express himself. "You're right, Si," exclaimed a weather- )eaten, hard-fisted looking farmer near ^y*^,^u^.,. "Of course, I am. I say, Hiram, have you IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // {./ t<*/ :/ 1.0 I.I 11.25 JS ilM " IM m 110 155 li! M 2.0 1= U 111.6 V] <^ /^ % /, '/ ^A Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 iV iV "% .V cF :\ \ <>. \ O" ...ss^ 4^ 6^ i^ ¥ €^.< w- Q.r 88 THE IRVING CLUB. m ::| got in your hay ? " asked the farmer, changing the topic. "Well, I guess." -^ " That's right, glad you have, for I predict a thundering great storm afore long ; I sorted feel it in my bones. Now then my friends, I'm going to point out Shingles' Gap. You see that mountain, with the sorter tower on^to'p, sind a hemlock tree on top of that ? Well, then, right north of that you see a gap, through which you can see another mountain. Well, that gap is Shingles' Gap. There's a story about that ^ap." ' " Let's have it by all means," was the imme- diate answer. '^'^' ^""^ '-' "'"■ '^^^'''''' ^ "" " You see I don't tell the story myself, but my friend, Hiram Dow, here, can tell it." "Trot him up here," exclaimed the stout gentleman bluntly ; " let's have the story." • "It's a short one, and perhaps won't interest y6r alter all," began Hiram, who had consented to tell it, after a good deal of persuasion. Oh, we'll risk that," said the stout gentleman shaking his head wisely. ' •^ Well, you see my grandfather, he kept a house on the side of the hill in that ere gap; it was a mighty funny house; it was built up against a rock, and there was nothing very ..-,.- ^_ « ', THE IRVING CLUR 89 fancy about it nuther, I can tell yer; it's smashed down now. It had three rooms to it, and a stove that burnt about a forest of wood in the winter time. In those days th

, THE IRVING CLUP.. 95 be at, I'm sure," said Mrs. Vincent ; with a very sneering emphasis. " I saw them at Aunt Sue's." " Oh, indeed ! so that is a fair specimen of her visitors I suppose," said Mrs. Vincent " I have always mistrusted her, I have always said she was not high-minded, and now that I learn she receives such visitors, I am satisfied of the fact. And you, Mrs. Annie Wright, I am not surprised that you should acknowledge your acquaintance with such persons, for when you married that odious person, I gave you up as irretrievably lost." ** Mrs, Vincent, I will permit no such language," teplied Annie, indignantly. " Indeed, indeed, so, so ! You will please to bear in mind that this is a free country, and that free speech is allowed to all its citizens. Consequently, Mrs. Annie Wright, I shall continue to use just such language as it suits me to use. The idea of coming home here, to seek the shelter which your husband who has so basely deserted you, will not give you, and dictating to me, to me — why it quite takes my- breath away." " Mrs. Vincent, you are insulting to the last degree. My husband did not desert me, no, 96 TIIK IRVING a.UK no, he is to good, and true, for such a base act, it was I, poor weak fool that I am, who left him, out of a most silly quarrel, which was all my fault, all mine. Madam, one at your advanced age should have higher aims, than to be making yourself so unbearable to all who know you,'* replied Annie, angrily. " What ! what ! what's that yov say ? At my advanced age ? What do you mean, you vixen ? Is it your intention to insult me in my brother's house? Have you so little respect for your suf)eriors ? Beware, madam 1 Have a care how you address me in this house, for I have some authority yet. Were it not for my super- intendence^ my poor brother would permit the wool to be drawn over his eyes, and this house would become the resort for the scum of the neighborhood. But no ! as long as I have it in my power, none but the aristocracy shall visit here. I shall parley no longer with you, I despise you, even though you are my niece — my niece, I am ashamed of the connection. I leave you, madam, cowering under my just indigna- tion. Farewell, you deserted wife — ha! ha!" So saying, Mrs. Vincent waddled out of the room with an expression of such supreme con- tempt, as would put to shame the most hardened criminal. THE IRVING CLUB. 97 But it was far diflferent feelings than her words might imply, that she had created in the breast of Annie. Intense passion possessed her whole frame. Her face burned with anger. Her eyes flashed with indignation. Her breathing was quick and heavy. She pressed her hands to her throbbing temples, as she rose and stood erect. In a burst of f)ent up rage she cried, "Gracious Heaven! Must I bear with' this torture, this unbearable insult It sets my very soul in a fire of passion. I could do something terrible, and I will do it if that monster goads me much further. Let her have a care, I warn her! When a woman is roused as I am, theres's no power on earth that will stop her. Oh, Heaven! the degradation of being scorned is beyond my power of endurance. It is madden- ing. Have I come home to be thus spurned by my own relatives ? Even my own father looks pityingly at me, when we meet. Anything rather than that! Far easier to endure the I scoffs of this old woman than to be pitied,— to be pitied ! It is worse than death itself. Should my mother under the influence of this she-de — Oh ! merciful Heaven ! what was I about to say ? |l am mad!" 13 98 THE IRVING Cr.UB. I She gasped for breath, staggered toward the centre-table, reeled, and fell heavily to the floor. " Oh ! Annie ! Annie ! dearest ! speak to me," cried Hettie, running over to her, in terror. " Mother! some one run and bring mother. She is dying, — dead ! " " My darling child ! Oh, Annie, loving and dear one, how sadly has your wayward nature overcome the dictates of your true heart, and brought you to this," sobbed her mother, holding her in her arms. " My poor, dear girl ! " cried her father, who had just entered. "Dead! No, no! her pulse beats ! She lives ! " exclaimed he, eagerly laying his hand upon her heart. " Hettie, how did it happen ? " But Hettie was too overcome to speak, she silently and fervently thanked God, that Annie lived. For a long time she lay white and still, and when at length consciousness did come to her, she motioned her mother to raise her, and feebly said, " My dear, wronged husband, could you see me now, humbled to the very ground, penitent, — Oh ! how penitent ! longing to return to the THE IRVING CLUli. 99 place I once held in your afifectionate and noble heart, you would forgive my errors and love me as you used, so truly, so earnestly," She laid her head upon her mother's bosom, and sobbed. It seemed to benefit her, for she soon ex- pressed a desire to walk in the garden alone. When there, she sat upon one of the rustic benchc. under a sheltering elm tree, and gave free vent to her tears* Genuine tears. Tears that came from an overcharged heart How she repented her hasty resolution to leave her husband! None but herself can realize her intense sufferings. She did not notice a man, who, while walking slowly along the road, had suddenly stopped, and looked intently at her, then had lightly vaulted the garden fence, and advanced toward her, now in a hesitating manner^ then with a rapid step, until he reached where she ^.vas seated. He coughed slightly to attract her attention. "My dear lady, compose yourself — do not agitate yourself," exclaimed he, seeing. that she rose with a start, and placed her hands upon hei* heart, as if toni the hotel to Willow-wood next morning, to inspect the progress of the prepara- tions for the collation to be gwen in honor of the son's return. A great sramber had been invited, and had expressed their intention of attending, and an enjoyable time was expected. It had created a great deal of talk and wonder- ment Every other important subject that was engrossing the attention of the frequenters of the store, was forgotten in the discussion of this great event in the history of their quiet town. For many years he had lived so quietly, and so constantly by himself that he, and his old-fash- ioned house, had come to be considered one of the land-marks, or rather an object of interest to everyone not intimate with the town and it^ THK IRVING CLUB. 105 associations. In truth, no visitor could go away without seeing the " old man's," and say he had had seen every object of interest in the ptdce. And now that he suddenly abandoned his old manner of living ; gave cordial invitations to the townspeople to attend a collation and geneml merry-making at Willow-wood, which estate proved to be his ; locked up his old house, took apartments at the hotel ; dressed as became a gentleman of means, and made acquairitantiis rapidly; as a natural consequence everybody was stupified with surprise, and Centre Harbor never, in all its annals, witnessed such a day of unalloyed pleasure and merry-making. "'** At an early hour the grounds of WilloW-wood were thronged with people, everyone wearing a pleasant smile, though at times an expression overspread their countenances, which suggested they momentarily expected a gnome would appear in a volume of sulphuric smoke, and announce that the old man was a king in disguise. A long and bountifully laden table, under a canvas tent, formed the centre of attraction on the grounds, and to this, shortly after noon, the crowd of -visitors directed their steps, and were cordially received by the host. 14 II mmmm n 1 06 THE IRVING CLUB. It was a pleasant sight to see so large an assembly seated at one long table, and decidedly gratifying it must have been to the old man and his son, to see. so many happy faces about them. Such a din and confusion was ^ lere, — such a rattling of knives and forks, and jingling of china and glares wai -, and such a clatter of tongues, and at f*^ a intervals a peals of laughter would be ii^ard above the din. At the head of the table sat, of course, the host, and near him on either side, his son, Mr. Wright and his wife, the Merrifields, and tht Irving Club in all their glory ; the president,'Tom Norcott, and Guy Ripley, honoring the occasidn by appearing in enormously high and well starched collars, which they stoutly maintained would give tone to the crowd. Kelton had, with much care, trimmed his moustache so that it presented a most charming appearance. Mr. Frank Waring and Dick Bruce had, not withbtit great attention to detail, appeared with their hair arranged in exquisite style: the latter having declared that he had given his closest attention to it. At the farther end of the table sat the robust farmer who lived at Willow-wood, and who was continually smiling at the wit of one of his THE ikviNc; clur. 107 neighbors, while replying to the observations of others. His wife and daughter werie there, and the former was kept very busy, in obeying the orders of her husband to help everyone within reach. Near by the farmer were the young ladies, who were visiting Willow-wood. ^ " My dear," cried the farmer, " help the young lady nearest you to some salad, her plate is qttite empty. — Yes, sir, the opinion in this section is strongly democratic ; the people, sir, want reform. — Of course you're right, Hiram ; one seldom, if ever, hears such a story as yours about Shingles' gap, tell it to the gentlemen, do. Come, st, don't you joke about the weather. You didn't know that you were ? whether you did or not, it's just the same. Did you say, sir, that the grain crop of the west is a great many times larger than ever before ? Yes, I guess you're right Corn crop too, eh ? I shouldn't wondei*. My dear Mary, assist me to some celery," And so, through the entire time they were at the table, he answered and plied questions with wonderful rapidity. A great many, who sat at the table, joined loudly in the praises bestowed upon their host ; and it was noticeable that those who were the most demonstrative in their language, were, but I If)- io8 THE IRVING CLUB. a short day or two since, extremely bitter in denunciation of him. f Jest what I s'pected all the time," said a gentleman, with a great amount of red hair, and a very thin face. " O'coorse yer did," responded a fat fellow near him, as he plunged his fork into a potato ; " and didn't I always say he wos a good 'arted ole feller, with plenty of money, only, yer un- derstand, he wanted to be teched in the right place and at the right time to make him shell out He's a precious sly coon, he is though." .(."No doubt of it," ejaculated another person, who w^re steel-bowed specs. "I halways said he had bushels of money hid in his old shanty. Shouldn't wonder ef there wos pots of money buried in the ground in his cellar. And most proberbly our great gr^nd- (Cjijildrei^^ or thefr grandchildren, will find it when ik^Y ajre, digging the fpundation for a brick block," added another gentleman. Everyone looked thoughtful at this sage pre- diction, and fell to eating with renewed vigor. At the head of the table, the enjoyment was, if possible, greater than at any other part. Old Mr. Worthing proved the truthfulness of the saying, " appearances are deceitful," by making THE RRVINC; eJI.Ua iOQ :It the most merry /east, and himself the most jnerry ieaster, in the annals vof Centre Harbor, or, iin fact of any place as far as the experience of any one there went. His son, too, was in his Jiappiest vein. "This is glorious, isn't it, Joe?" asked the old man, looking joyfully from his son to the happy tcrowd rajiged along the table, " Isn't it though, dad ! " replied Joe, "* I have ^een a good many merry gatherings, but have icen nothing to be compared to this. My friends of the Irving Club, I'm going to make a clean breast of it now^ and confess my sins to you," he said, changiag the subject " Do you recollect a decidedly dissipated chaj^ who came into your club-room one evening, not long since ? Well, you may be surprised when I tell you that it was I, who pretended to be a most pitiable inebriate, hut nevertheless it's true. I won't tell you the reason why I did so," he continued slightly coloring, as he ooticed a quick inquiring iglance from Annie. " I was always up to such tricks, and never got detected but once, and that was, while I was pretending to be a dutch- man at the hotel the other evening, one of the young ladies, who was present, and who is now at the other end of this table, discovered, to my Ir': 1 no I'HE IRVLV; ClMii. discomfort, that I was not a bona-fide dutch man. However, I have had a great deal of enjoyment from assuming these disguises." " Why, my dear Joe, did you do it?" inquired his father showing some surprise. " For no reason, except the novelty of the thing." " Last evening, when in conversation with Mr. Norcott, I made a most surprising discovery, one which I can scarcely credit It appears that I am, by marriage, related to you, my dear friend, Joe Worthing," said Mr. Wright, pushing his plate from him. " What ! is it possible ? Go on, go on ! " ex- claimed Joe. "You see, Mr. Merrifield, my father-in-law, had three sisters, one of whom your father married, another of whom was married to a Mr. Vincent, who turned out bad, and the other to a Mr. Fielding of Boston, so now you see wljiere the relationship comes in," continued Mr. Wright to the wonderstricken Joe Worthing. » >^„,. " Give me your hand, my dear coz., and lauied by the cash. Pi ice of book 15 cents, all atlvcrtisemcnts must > iu by lat of May. RICHEY, BELL & CO., r. 0. Box .547, 427 Brunswick Street, lialifax, N. S. ESTABLISHED 1871. TO STAMP COLLECTORS. V. O. Box 40c, St. John, N. B. Can sell New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P. E. Island, Newfoundland, Aid Canada Postage Stamps cheaper than any other dealer. Complete set of P. K. Island (unused,) ' $0.90 " " Nfl 1 putice issue " <( u n cents " " *• Otiier prices in proportion. Send «t