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 THE 
 
 HEIEESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 Jounhfc on Jfacf. 
 
 BT 
 
 AUGUST IN KENNEKLY. 
 
 Saint Conis: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY E. K. WOODWARD. 
 1856.
 
 KNTKRED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS IN THE TEAK 1856, 
 
 BY T. B. PETERSON, 
 
 IN TUB CLZPK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF THB UNITED STATES, IN AND 
 FOB THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA.
 
 Stbitalioit. 
 
 WHATEVER OF MERIT, OR ITS OPPOSITE, 
 THE FOLLOWING PAGES MAT PARTAKE OF, THEY ARE, 
 
 WITH ALL THAT 
 
 FERVENCY OF AFFECTION, 
 
 WHICH CAN POSSIBLY ANIMATE THE BOSOM 
 
 OF A RELATIVE, 
 DEDICATED TO MI BELOVED NIECE, 
 
 Miss Harriette C. Kennerly. 
 
 Th Author. 
 
 (3) 
 
 2Q6181O
 
 THE 
 
 HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY; 
 
 A 
 
 TALE FOUNDED ON FACT. 
 
 CHAPTEE I. 
 
 Suavity is to the mind, as the idea of Heaven is to the soul. 
 
 THE sun had finished his daily course, succeeded by 
 a clear, yet cold moonlight night, in the month of 
 January, when three gentlemen, merchants from the 
 city of New York, dismounted at the door of a coun- 
 try tavern, near the foot of that range of mountains 
 known as the Alleghanies, and which at that point 
 throws its piny and cloud-capped peaks, across the 
 Valley of Virginia. 
 
 Our travellers were soon comfortably situated, and 
 in the enjoyment of a warm fire, made of hickory 
 wood, the brisk and bright blaze of which, together 
 with the neatness of every thing in the room, induced 
 the belief with them, that the house at which they 
 had stopped for that night among the mountains was 
 one far above mean notoriety. 
 
 " You will please excuse this intrusion upon your 
 privacy, gentlemen when, according to the custom of 
 those of us, who keep houses of entertainment in this 
 
 (5)
 
 6 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 
 
 State, and more particularly after the cold ride you 
 have had to-day when I bring for your use, and I 
 hope comfort, if you will partake of it, a bottle of ten 
 year old peach brandy, with a little honey and sugar 
 if you like the addition of either, all of which is at your 
 service." 
 
 " You are kind, landlord," said the elder gentleman, 
 "and, if this specimen of the anticipated wishes of 
 your guests is only the prelude of what may be ex- 
 pected of you, you may have some one or perhaps all of 
 us here a longer time than for the present night alone, 
 in this dreary and inclement season." 
 
 "You are complimentary; yet believe me, sir, 
 should your home among these mountains for a longer 
 or a shorter time, be my house, it shall be my aim 
 as well as that of my family to make your stay an 
 agreeable one," was the response. At that moment, 
 the sound of a small bell in the " bar-room," attracted 
 his attention, and bowing with a courtesy betokening 
 the gentleman, the landlord withdrew from their 
 presence, leaving the guests to partake at their leisure 
 of his hospitality. The gentlemen had just seated 
 themselves, after partaking of it, when a tap was made 
 at the door of their room followed by the entry of 
 a servant, informing them that their supper was 
 ready. 
 
 " That is welcome news, for I am really hungry," 
 said one of the younger gentlemen, as they passed 
 through a lighted hall, conducted by the servant. 
 Upon entering the dining-room, they discovered, seated 
 at the table and awaiting their arrival, a lady whose 
 appearance would justify the conclusion of her having 
 lived some forty years. She was a model of affability
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 7 
 
 and kindness, united to all that amiability which so 
 eminently distinguished the matrons of the State in 
 which the scene of this tale is laid. 
 
 The strangers had scarcely begun to partake of their 
 plain, yet palatable supper, ere the sound of music 
 was heard ; it emanated from one of the private apart- 
 ments, and in a room as they supposed, adjoining the 
 one in which they were seated. Soon after, two female 
 voices were heard accompanied by the music of a 
 piano-forte and guitar. 
 
 The words were: 
 
 v 
 
 " Winds of the winter night, whence comest thou ; 
 And whither, oh whither, art wandering now? 
 Sad, sad is thy voice on the desolate moor, 
 And mournful, oh mournful, thy howl at my door. * 
 
 Say where hast thou been on thy cloud-lifted car 
 Say what hast thou seen in thy roamings afar ? 
 Oh, what sorrow impels thee through boisterous blast, 
 Thus to mourn and complain, as thou journeyest past? 
 I have come from the deep where the storm in its wrath 
 Spread havoc and death on the pitiless path ; 
 Where the billows rose up as the lightning flew by, 
 And twisted its arms in the dim-colored sky. 
 I have been where the snow on the chill mountain-peak, 
 Would have frozen the beam on the ruddiest cheek. 
 And for many a dreary and desolate day, 
 No beam of the sunshine has lighted my way. 
 And I saw a frail vessel all torn by the wave, 
 Borne down with her crew to a fathomless grave ; 
 And I heard the loud creak of her hull as I past, 
 And the flap of her sails and the crack of her mast. 
 But it smote on mine ear like the tocsin of death, 
 As she struggled and strove with the waters for breath; 
 'Tis her requiem I time, as I howl through the sky, 
 And repent of the fury that caused her to die."
 
 8 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERIXGAY 
 
 During the time occupied by the song, not a word 
 was heard, except now and then an inquiry from the 
 lady already mentioned, with regard to the further 
 wishes of her guests. Have you supped? For long 
 before the last line of the song, 
 
 " And repent of the fury that caused her to die " 
 
 had been sung the travellers had ceased to gratify 
 their physical, but sat enveloped in profound silence 
 and mute attention, indulging their (at that time) 
 ravenous, sensual appetites. 
 
 The supper fed their bodies 
 The music fed their souls. 
 
 " Can I help you to any thing more, gentlemen ?" 
 continued the lady in rather an emphatic tone, and as 
 if she wished not only to render them comfortable, as 
 had been already done, but in continuing to do so, to 
 make them feel at ease, in that, at the period of which 
 I am now speaking, retired, yet enchanting spot 
 amongst the mountains. 
 
 "Madam," said the elder gentleman, "your kind 
 civilities extended to us have already surpassed our 
 most remote expectations, and the solicitude you ap- 
 pear to feel, from the question just asked us, prompts 
 the conviction of a belief already entertained, not only 
 by myself, but those also of my junior fellow travel- 
 lers, that the hospitality of the inhabitants of this 
 state far excels that of any other in the Union." 
 
 " In behalf of my sex and that of yours, embracing 
 our fellow-citizens of Virginia, sir, I thank you for 
 the compliment for I will do myself the pleasure of 
 believing its author sincere," was the reply.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 9 
 
 At this moment her husband entered the dining- 
 apartment, saying, " That a party of young men of the 
 neighborhood, who were about to have a deer-hunt 
 the next day, had just arrived, intending their house 
 as "' head-quarters,' preparatory to the chase, and that 
 they wished supper and field-beds that night." 
 
 The lady made an apology for the necessity she 
 was under to leave them ; and our travellers returned 
 to their chamber. They had been in the room but a 
 short time, when the landlord, accompanied by a ser- 
 vant with a lantern in his hand, entered their door, 
 saying, "I am come, gentlemen, to go with and show 
 you, if you wish to see it, how your horses have been 
 provided for, for the night, and to know, if any thing, 
 what further you would have me do for them." 
 
 In a short time, our travellers were at the stalls, 
 where stood the horses, up to their knees in dry, short 
 straw ; their legs and bodies perfectly clean, and which 
 had been rubbed till they were entirely dry. 
 
 "Nothing is more acceptable to the feelings of a tra- 
 veller than that of knowing his horse is well taken care 
 of," said the elder gentleman, as they were returning 
 from the stable to the house. 
 
 " And nothing," replied the landlord, "adds more 
 to the interests and fame of a country tavern-keeper, 
 than to know that his guests are satisfied with their 
 fare, such, as I hope on the present occasion is the 
 case." 
 
 " Certainly so," was the reply, just as they were 
 entering the room. 
 
 Here, reader, we will leave them for a while, speaking 
 of and spending their opinions upon the events already 
 experienced of that night, while we shall endeavor to
 
 10 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 
 
 take items of things as they occurred, and in noticing 
 of them, try to relate them to you in such a way as 
 may, we hope, be most conducive to your amusement 
 and pleasure. 
 
 The huntsmen, six in number, had taken their 
 supper, and were already in a room warmed by a large 
 fire, composed of two logs of hickory wood, put one 
 upon the top of the other, called there "back -logs," 
 and made complete by a stout " fore-stick," with other 
 smaller ones between them. Nor was that prepara- 
 tion against the chilling blasts of the night the only 
 one, for they had a plentiful supply of it piled up in a 
 corner of the room close to the fire-place, so that, in 
 that cold region, where the north wind blows as keen 
 and shrill as any where else in a winter's night, they 
 were, so far as the article of fire was concerned, secure 
 from cold. 
 
 In a short time, a "field-bed" was added to their 
 comfort for the night. It consisted of a number of 
 blankets spread on the floor, in front of the fire, with 
 as many more to cover with, having at its head several 
 chairs laid down with their backs upwards, upon 
 which were deposited, bolsters and a pillow for each 
 one to lay his head, while their feet lay toward the 
 fire.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEBINGAY. 11 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 "Honor and fame from no condition rise, 
 Act well your part, there all the honor lies." 
 
 " SANCO," said one of the hunters to a servant who 
 had just finished their bed, and was about leaving the 
 room, " has the Colonel retired?" 
 
 " No, sir." 
 
 " Where is he?" 
 
 " He is in conversation with Mr. Close in the 
 chamber of reception." 
 
 " With whom, did you say?" 
 
 " Mr. Close." 
 
 "What! has he come?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 " How long ago ?" 
 
 " While you gentlemen were at supper." 
 
 " Who was the messenger sent to him?" 
 
 " Mr. Hardy, sir." 
 
 " What I is he here, too ?' 
 
 " Yes, sir." 
 
 " When did he come ?' 
 
 " While the travellers were in the stable looking 
 at their horses, sir." 
 
 " Has Mr. Hardy seen the strangers ?" 
 
 " No, sir." 
 
 "Nor they him?" 
 
 " Not to my knowledge, sir."
 
 12 THE HEIBESSES OF FOTHERLN'GAY. 
 
 I 
 
 " Where did Mr. Hardy cross the Eoanoke river 
 when he went for Mr. Close ?" 
 
 "At the upper ford, sir; and I heard him tell the 
 Colonel that it was a difficult job^to do, and that on 
 his return the ice ran so thick as to compel him to 
 go round the big bend, and cross at the Muscle Shoal 
 ford." 
 
 "Go, Sanco," continued the hunter, "and ask the 
 Colonel to send us something to drink." 
 
 " That, sir," replied Sanco, " is what I have orders 
 already to do, and was just going after when you 
 began talking to me." Thus saying, Sanco withdrew, 
 and in a few moments after returned with a decanter 
 of fine peach- brandy, a pitcher of water and glasses, 
 and after the gallant huntsmen had made him drink 
 a health to them and success to their schemes, he 
 bade them good-night, and withdrew. 
 
 A short interval of profound silence ensued after 
 partaking of their respective glasses of brandy and 
 water, when our spokesman of the hunting party 
 again observed, " Well, boys, some deep design is 
 laid, and I think some very particular business is 
 near at hand for us, in which every man will have, 
 doubtless, a particular part to perform. You have 
 just heard of Close and Hardy being here; there are 
 none the equal of one for discretion, nor of the other 
 for fatigue. And you know, also, with what rigor 
 the Colonel's secretary's ' Dispatch, and right quick,' 
 conducted the order for us to assemble here to-night. 
 The memory of that infamous wretch, and pitiless 
 scoundrel, 'Rashstep,' is still fresh amongst us, who 
 after having robbed and murdered his father, basely 
 insulted Miss Miucle. Hardy soon found and brought
 
 THE HEIRE3SE3 OF FOTIIERIXGAY. 13 
 
 him to justice, and Close was his guard till he died 
 upon a gibbet. The Colonel, as you all know, never 
 deals in mystery without a certainty of maintaining and 
 carrying out his point in the purposes held in view. 
 Nor has he, nor will he, at any time, take a part in 
 pantomime, but what must terminate in the accom- 
 plishment of his wish. We have beheld him to- 
 night in the character of an inn-keeper, and playing 
 his part, as you all know, well. And we see him in 
 pantomime in his instructions to us to be silent upon 
 what he has called us here to do.' "With the fore- 
 finger perpendicularly across our lips we are to salute 
 him, and with it there, it is to serve as an answer to 
 all questions put to us by strangers, whose position 
 and circumstances in life shall, from time to time, 
 make it necessary for us to observe the signal with. 
 A Colonel in the camp of the illustrious Washington ! 
 a soldier of ' 76.' Now the rich gentleman the poor 
 man's friend! the delight of his neighbors! the 
 father of the beautiful, accomplished and kind- 
 hearted Antoinette, heiress of Fotheringay and 
 friend of the no less amiable 'Leontine,' shall and 
 must be obeyed by me !" 
 
 " And by me, too !" was the immediate and unani- 
 mous answer of his high-toned soul companions. 
 
 " We will now," continued the huntsman, " seal 
 our resolutions by taking another drink of brandy 
 then go to bed, be refreshed by sleep, get up soon, 
 and wait for further orders in the morning." 
 
 " I agree to that," was the second unanimous 
 reply ; and in a few moments after the gallant 
 hearted fellows were wrapped in profound sleep, and 
 all was silent around them.
 
 14 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 " Now every passion sinks to rest, 
 The throbbing heart lies still ; 
 And varying schemes of life, 
 No more distract the will." 
 
 With due deference to the permission of my read- 
 ers, I shall return to our travellers, to take some 
 notice of their movements, and to try to learn some- 
 thing of how they have thus far passed, and may 
 continue to pass, the remainder of their first night at 
 the " Mountain Inn." 
 
 The bliss of a'n undisturbed mind was not theirs, 
 and consequently sleep had not yet ventured the 
 proposal of even a temporary truce between their 
 eyelids, and that most distressing of all conditions 
 suspense. 
 
 " Summing up all the events of our western tour 
 thus far, then adding to it an hundred per cent., all 
 of them together would not amount to one half the 
 strange and unaccounted for sensations I have felt 
 since I partook of that supper under the roof of this 
 Mountain Inn; the words of that song, and those 
 unknown beings who so secretly added music to 
 them, haunt my imagination, distracts my senses, 
 and dissipate all my attempts at sleep," said the 
 younger stranger, as he arose from his bed, and 
 walked toward the fire, yet burning, and which still 
 kept their room comfortable. 
 
 "The disease is contagious," said the elder; "for I 
 cannot sleep." 
 
 " Nor I, neither," said the other stranger. 
 
 As Littleton in his commentaries upon the laws of 
 England, says, when desirous of giving relief to the 
 mind of the student, " this may suffice for the pre-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 15 
 
 sent," so also, reader, I shall profit by his example, 
 and again leaving my travellers, respectfully invite 
 your attention, as well as indulgence, to go with me 
 in the digression, while I shall attempt to interest 
 you with things "which have long since passed, but 
 which still linger in memory. 
 
 As is already known, some of the parties have 
 been left asleep, aud others awake, yet restless, who 
 are destined to act conspicuous parts in the incidents 
 herein detailed, and which are intended for your 
 perusal. I shall therefore close the present chapter, 
 and commence the next one with some account of 
 the father of the Heiresses of Fotheringay, and in 
 the succeeding ones speak of the singular, yet excel- 
 lent, traits of his character, the birth and education 
 of his daughter, and the adoption by him of Leontine, 
 the other heiress. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 When pregnant nature strove relief to gain, 
 Her nurse was Washington ! her midwife pain ! 
 
 THE American Revolution had brought to the 
 defence of her "Declaration of Independence," hosts 
 of gallant, honorable, and high-minded men. They 
 were found not only in the rank and file of a poorly 
 clad, yet sternly determined soldiery, who felt a 
 guarantee in the assurance of victory, under the 
 disposal of an all-wise Providence, in shouldering 
 the musket and sure-shot rifle, but also in that of the 
 more dignified stations of command.
 
 16 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 The justice of her cause, and the success of her 
 arms, had already created an excitement in Europe, 
 and soon the illustrious Lafayette and his noble 
 followers were seen upon our borders, and on their 
 march to join the army of our Heaven-sent chief! 
 Their forces were soon united, and Howe, with others 
 of his Britannic Majesty's subjects, soon experienced 
 the prowess of their power, judgment and skill. 
 
 General Green was in the South, whose army had 
 been joined by a number of brave men, and headed 
 by a number of no less brave partizan leaders. 
 Among them was Colonel George Leftridge, and his 
 boyhood associate and friend, the intrepid Major 
 James Laurence. 
 
 The battle of Guilford was at hand. Already had 
 Cornwallis collected around him every scouting party 
 he had out, while he had attached to his standard 
 as many of that miserable class of disaffected crea- 
 tures, the Tories, as could be collected, for the double 
 purpose of striking dismay through the ranks of the 
 mere handful of Americans who were to oppose 
 them, as well as for the cruelty and butchery with 
 which he knew the then cowards of the South were 
 so conversant. 
 
 The gallant Green and his faithful followers beheld 
 with regret the dilemma in which they were placed, 
 yet trusting in the omnipotence of that Being who 
 had so eminently shielded and protected them and 
 their fellow countrymen in arms, they calmly awaited 
 the attack. As if to afford the majestic luminary of 
 day additional lustre, as he rose that morning to 
 witness a retreating and struggling army now drawn 
 up in battle array against a victorious foe; not a
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 17 
 
 cloud was seen upon the horizon, and,, all was calm 
 and still. That field yet unstained by the blood of 
 Freedom's son was occupied by the army under three 
 divisions. At two o'clock the British advance came 
 into view, the signal was given, and in the next 
 moment two pieces of artillery under command of 
 Singleton opened upon the approaching mass. Soon 
 the rage of battle was heard and felt throughout the 
 lines of both armies ; and the vollies of srnoke emana- 
 ting from the destructive fire of their cannon and 
 musketry announced a determined intent to conquer 
 or to die. The English troops kept the field, but 
 their commander had no idea that his and their 
 career in America was so near at an end, and that 
 that victory should be the last he should boast of 
 having won over those who had long since tasted the 
 sweets of liberty, and whose blood was then being 
 spilled freely to maintain it. The toll of his tocsin 
 was begun. The mighty I Am had issued the decree ! 
 and he who had fought against' freemen was shortly 
 to yield up his sword to the immortal Washington. 
 The contest was as obstinate as it was bloody, and 
 shortly before retreat was sounded, Colonel Leftridge, 
 at the head of his troops, was attacked, his horse 
 shot, himself wounded, and left to the mercy of a 
 party of renegade and Tory troops. At that moment 
 the shrill bugle-sound of retreat was heard, and the 
 Americans withdrew from the scene of action. They 
 had encamped at a small distance from it, while 
 Cornwallis had established his head-quarters upon a 
 plentifully supplied farm, with a commodious dwel- 
 ling some few miles distant, the property of a gentle- 
 
 2
 
 18 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 man whose self and sons were then in arms against 
 the invaders of their country. 
 
 Things did not remain long in their then condition 
 before a further distance from the enemy was found 
 to be necessary, consequent upon his weakened 
 condition, and Green resolved to cross the Dan river, 
 with a view more effectually to watch the movements 
 of his adversary. 
 
 Leftridge was missing : his loss was deeply felt by 
 his general. The uncertainty with regard to his fate, 
 and the absence of his generosity and kind attention 
 to his men, had begun already to create a sombre 
 aspect over the countenances of all. " If alive, what 
 can be done to effect his rescue ?" was the inquiry 
 throughout the camp. A towering spirit soon deter- 
 mined it. One who had been accustomed to look 
 calmly upon danger, whose lucid imagination encom- 
 passed the boundary of his plan in a minute, and 
 decided upon his course in a second, was in camp. 
 
 Laurence, in person, had determined to rescue and 
 save his friend. The plan was formed, and inter- 
 mixed as it was with danger, he had determined to 
 go that night into the enemy's camp as a Tory, to 
 ascertain, if living, where Leftridge was, what his 
 condition, the chance of having an interview with, 
 him, and if possible to effect the escape of both with- 
 out being discovered. For that purpose, and just 
 before tattoo, he repaired to the tent of his General, 
 who had at that moment just finished his dispatches 
 to the Commander-in-chief, informing him of his 
 defeat, and that of, as he feared, the death of 
 Leftridge. 
 
 " General," said he, "I have come to ask your per-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERIXGAY. 19 
 
 mission to descend to the appearance and actions, 
 though not feelings, of a tory and traitor to my 
 country. 
 
 "Colonel Leftridge," continued he, "is a prisoner, 
 and my object is, to rescue him or perish in the at- 
 tempt. I wish leave of absence from the camp, and 
 am under the impression that ere reveille is beaten, at 
 daylight to-morrow, I shall return with him in safety 
 to his men and to the army." 
 
 A moment's pause ensued, when the General replied, 
 
 " Have you not been too precipitate in the manage- 
 ment of your designs, and are you not rash in under- 
 taking their execution to-night?" 
 
 "That maybe, sir," replied Laurence, "but with 
 due deference to your permission my purpose is un- 
 changeable ; and every moment's delay in the com- 
 mencement of it, induces the impression upon my 
 mind that if I do not make the attempt to save him 
 my neglect to do so will be an accessary to his 
 death." 
 
 "Your intention is generous, your purpose a noble 
 one, and your plan I fear is too perilous for success. 
 Beside," continued the General, " your services are too 
 much needed in the present critical condition of our na- 
 tional affairs for your country to risk the loss, of not 
 only one, but two of her officers, who have so gallantly 
 signalized themselves in her cause. I must, therefore, 
 so far as your application for leave of absence is con- 
 cerned, refuse." 
 
 "Hold!" quickly replied Laurence, as his penetra- 
 ting eye conveyed an imploring look upon the general. 
 " The pride of being a soldier in the defence of my 
 country is, figuratively speaking, my meat and drink,
 
 20 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 nurtured, strengthened and kept vigorous by that por- 
 tion of the vegetable and animal kingdom, with water, 
 necessary to life. Separate and apart from the love 
 I entertain for my country's cause, is one which exists 
 equally strong within me, and that is, to aid my fellow 
 men, and more especially a friend, whenever it may be 
 in my power ; and the greater the peril, the more pride 
 I feel in rendering the service." 
 
 " Your argument is a cogent one," replied the gene- 
 ral, "and worthy of a brave man. You have my 
 consent, and in addition to it, any one or more of the 
 men of your regiment, if you require them to accom- 
 pany you in the perfecting of your intended pur- 
 pose." 
 
 In a few moments Laurence was in his own tent 
 preparatory to departure. 
 
 " Orderly !" 
 
 "Sir," said a fine-looking fellow, who had risen 
 from his seat and saluted Laurence as he entered his 
 quarters. 
 
 " Do you know Sergeant Hyne of Company ( C?' " 
 
 " Yes, sir." 
 
 " Is he on duty ?" 
 
 " I do not know, sir, but can shortly ascertain if 
 the major chooses." 
 
 " Do so ; and if he is not, say to him that I wish to 
 see him. ' 
 
 In a short time the orderly, accompanied by Hyne, 
 was in the presence of Laurence, who they found 
 busily engaged taking off his uniform and putting on 
 the attire of a South Carolinian farmer, from whom he 
 had that day purchased it. 
 
 " Can you keep a secret, Hyne ?" said Laurence.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY 21 
 
 "A soldier, sir, ought to do so; more especially 
 when it is given to him as such by his commander." 
 
 " Then I presume you can?" 
 
 " Yes, sir," was the reply. 
 
 " I wish to rescue Colonel Leftridge to-night," con- 
 tinued Laurence, " and have sent for you to accompany 
 me and aid in doing so." 
 
 "The major has honored me," said the sergeant, 
 " and if he will allow me a few 'moments, I shall re- 
 port myself ready for duty." 
 
 In a little time he was by the side of Laurence, and 
 disguised in a pair of cotton trousers, a striped jacket, 
 made of like material, and a long-waisted, close-bodie 1 
 dress coat of the same, somewhat threadbare and torn 
 at the elbows, a pair of half- worn shoes upon his feet, 
 and an old broad-rimmed wool hat upon his head. 
 
 "You are indeed in disguise, sergeant)" said the 
 major, as Heyne re-entered the tent. 
 
 "I ought to be so, sir, in honor of my superior," 
 replied the sergeant, as he gave the salute saying "I 
 am now ready to obey the orders of the major." 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The requisites to face danger are self-possession, calmness, and nerve. 
 
 THE light emanating from the starry-decked hea- 
 vens was the only one to guide Laurence and his ser- 
 geant in their dangerous and pathless way toward the 
 encampment of the enemy, who, in addition to the 
 watchful attention of their sentinels, had at their
 
 22 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 command, and at their service, many a disaffected 
 wretch ever ready to give notice of the least alarm. 
 
 After crossing the river, as spoken of, in a small 
 pine-log canoe, and having turned their little craft 
 upside down, throwing particles of drift upon it, in 
 order to prevent its discovery, and its being taken by 
 friend or foe, a short delay was occasioned in deciding 
 upon what route to take. That route lay in the 
 direction of the battle-field, and over which they were 
 compelled to pass. 
 
 The feelings of Laurence and Hyne were far dif- 
 ferent now to what they were on the preceding day ; 
 then cheered by the hope of victory, and led on to 
 combat under the exhilarating effects of martial music 
 melancholy was not theirs. The spot upon which 
 war the day before had spread its havoc and carnage, 
 its delineations of the dead and dying, was now being 
 passed over by them in solemn silence. 
 
 Upon arriving near that point at which the most 
 fierce part of the action had been sustained, heaps of 
 slain presented, in every direction, the obstinacy with 
 which their brave countrymen had contended against 
 those who were then their dying as well as dead com- 
 panions upon that blood-stained field. Among other 
 incidents which the unburied condition of the slain, 
 or in other words, neglect of the conquering foe had 
 presented to the imaginations of our major and his 
 sergeant, was one at that moment transpiring before 
 them, giving surprise as well as wonder to the cause 
 and meaning of it. Just as they had crossed a small 
 stream of wo,ter, and were about ascending to the 
 summit of a bluff bounded by it, they discovered in the 
 distance a torchlight, the moving appearance of which
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERIXGAY. 23 
 
 seemed to bend its course towards the spot then occu- 
 pied by them. Covered from view by the bluffy 
 bank under which they had already seated themselves, 
 the movements of the light were strictly watched. 
 
 Its near approach enabled our two friends to dis- 
 cover it to be borne by a tall and well-formed person, 
 in British uniform, and without arms, save a short sword 
 which hung gracefully at his side. In rear of him 
 were four other men, one of whom was by the side of 
 a female, who had hold of his arm, and who, from 
 appearance, seemed to be laboring under great mental 
 distress. A momentary pause ensued. 
 
 " It was near this spot," said the man bearing the 
 torch-light, " that I saw him fall, covered with wounds 
 and weltering in his own blood. Being pursued as 
 was our company by that invincible body Washing- 
 ton's cavalry, I had barely time to bid him farewell, 
 and to give my promise that I would return here to- 
 night with you, Mary, in search of him, dead or alive." 
 In a few moments after that remark was made, and at 
 a still nearer distance from our party, the man bearing 
 the light, halted, saying : 
 
 "Here he is, and thanks to the Disposer of all 
 human events is still alive !" 
 
 After some time spent in the emotions of grief and 
 sorrow incident to woman's heart, a kind of litter was 
 prepared upon which the wounded man was laid, and 
 in a short time the party began to retrace their steps 
 Jrom whence they had come, leaving Laurence and 
 Hyne in possession of a renewed topic of thought 
 under the influence of which to prosecute their plans. 
 
 It was long before they could gain a position near 
 enough to the out-posts of the British army, to enable
 
 24 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 them to reconnoitre with even tolerable safety. At 
 length the brow of a small hill, within a few hundred 
 yards distance from the enemy's camp fires, presented 
 itself to their view. 
 
 " Here," said Laurence, in a low tone of voice, " is 
 the place at which we will establish our quarters, and 
 at which we will report to one another our respective 
 discoveries, whether favorable or unfavorable to our 
 object in view." 
 
 Taking an opposite course, they were soon separated, 
 and each one, on his lonely tour, was involved in atten- 
 tive observation. Laurence had proceeded in a direc- 
 tion which, from the lights yet burning, he supposed 
 to be the quarters of the commander-in-chief. All was 
 silent. He looked to discover, then listened to hear ; 
 if to see or hear any one ; the footsteps probably of 
 the sentinel, as perchance he might by the crush of a 
 leaf and other particles in his path, create such a noise 
 as to enable him to know that he was near the pre- 
 scribed route of one. Involved in deep thought, and 
 intently listening to what occasionally saluted it, his 
 keen ear caught the sound, of a low, yet sufficiently 
 audible, murmuring expression, as follows : " I should 
 account it the chief pleasure of my life, were I in a 
 situation to restore to his friends, and to his brethren 
 in arms, the brave, generous, and noble-hearted Colonel 
 Leftridge. That cowardly and unprincipled class of 
 beings the Tories so numerously infesting this 
 State, have at their own request, and I am sorry to 
 add, permission of the commanding officer, his life 
 in their hands. I detest such principles, and must 
 condemn my countrymen, though my superiors, for 
 such a mode of warfare."
 
 THE HEIRESSES 017 FOTHERINGAY. 25 
 
 Laurence was struck with admiration at a soliloquy 
 so unexpected, and so much in favor of his designs. 
 In an instant his every thought was at work to know 
 how best to take advantage of what he had just heard. 
 The first impetus of his anxious soul was to rush for- 
 ward, regardless of position or circumstances, to the 
 spot from whence the address emanated, and there to 
 express a change of sentiment so entirely congenial 
 with those he had just listened to; a moment's reflec- 
 tion, however, produced a better course. "No," safd 
 he, in almost a state of soliloquy himself, "to go for- 
 ward will not do for the present. I shall seek Hyne 
 confer with him, and then return to this spot." 
 
 As he turned to retrace his steps to their place of 
 rendezvous, the report of a gun attracted his attention, 
 and as it was in this direction his fears were that Hyne 
 had been discovered and shot. With cautious steps 
 he bent his way to the place of their retreat, and when 
 within a few yards of it, discovered his faithful ser- 
 geant standing under a part of a large rock, projecting 
 from the hill. When he had gained their retreat, he 
 asked Ilyne in a whisper, "what discoveries he had 
 made?" 
 
 " I have found," said he, "three places where there 
 seems to be no guard, and have been back about ten 
 minutes awaiting your arrival and orders, sir, I also 
 heard the report of a gun, but cannot imagine the 
 cause as all seems silettit on the route I have been." 
 
 " That report I also heard, and became fearful lest 
 the Tory faction or some other inimical to the cause 
 of our nightly visit to this region, had sacrificed you 
 to their assassin and cowardly-like principles. But let 
 us be of good cheer, and endeavor not to purchase
 
 26 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 trouble at retail in the anticipation of it, as is the na- 
 ture of many ; and when it comes in mass, which is 
 soon enough, stand calm and firm under whatever 
 misfortune it may entail upon us. I have better 
 news," continued the major, " than that of which you 
 have just spoken, yet dangerous and uncertain as ever, 
 and have returned to consult and advise with you 
 upon it." Here Laurence related what he had heard. 
 The two friends mutually concurred in opinion, and 
 in a few moments left their tentless camp for the spot 
 which had a little before been occupied by Laurence. 
 
 In almost breathless silence and acute attention, 
 they cautiously retraced the route, till they had arrived 
 in sight of the light, still burning, which had attracted 
 the attention of the Major, and turning a little to one 
 side, took a position in a hollow gum tree, the unde- 
 cayed part of which faced in the direction of the 
 enemy's lines. 
 
 All nature seemed to be wrapped in profound 
 silence, not a sound of feathered, nor of quadruped 
 animated nature was heard, except the shrill voice 
 of the cock in different sections of the adjacent 
 neighborhood announcing the arrival of the mid- 
 night hour. 
 
 " I fear the success of our plan," said Laurence in a 
 low whisper, "as it is now past twelve o'clock." He 
 had scarcely made the remark when the footsteps of 
 several persons were heard within a short distance of 
 them, and apparently approaching the place of their 
 concealment. 
 
 What to do they had no time to determine upon, 
 and under the influence of sudden alarm, and utter 
 despair seemingly awaiting them, thought their de-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 27 
 
 signs frustrated, their anxious hopes cast to the four 
 winds of heaven, and themselves in the hands of a 
 merciless foe. Fortunately the approach was in the 
 rear of their place of concealment ; the persons were 
 those of the relief guard of the British army going 
 the "grand rounds." The command and word, halt! 
 succeeded by the formal interchange of the counter- 
 sign was given. In a few moments they passed on, 
 and all again was silent. 
 
 " How much circumstances operate against us now," 
 whispered Laurence. "I had thought on hearing it 
 that the soliloquy emanated from some one kindly 
 disposed toward Colonel Leftridge, and that we might 
 venture to approach the person, whoever he might 
 be, upon our return here. My impressions also were, 
 that he whose voice I had heard might have been a 
 sentinel ; if so, the relief guard has supplied his place 
 with that of another, and he doubtless, is now far be- 
 yond the most remote probability of ever being near 
 the one or the other, or both of us again. The All- 
 wise, however, is a merciful, as. he is a mysterious 
 being, in Him, therefore, I put my trust. To return 
 to camp without the Colonel, will be a source of too 
 much pain to his men, a great loss to the army and a 
 constantly mortifying reflection to me." 
 
 " And to me, too," replied Hyne. 
 
 " Let us," continued the Major, " go to the camp of 
 the enemy at reveille ; report ourselves as Tories ; pre- 
 tend to have much to communicate; gain their confi- 
 dence and the privilege of their camp ; learn all we 
 can relative to the colonel; ascertain what is his con- 
 dition; how, if at all, confined; if guarded, by whom, 
 and then conclude upon such a plan as a combination
 
 28 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 of all or part of sucli circumstances, may again dictate 
 for his rescue." 
 
 The morning star had risen, adding its brilliant 
 light to the sparkling galaxy of bodies which had 
 borne mute evidence of the untiring, as well as un- 
 daunted exertions of our forlorn hope ! 
 
 "Let us now depart," said Laurence, " and go to the 
 main road leading from Guilford, along it we will 
 bend our course toward the head-quarters of tho 
 British commander, and be better able to pass undis- 
 turbed and as supposed Tories. Thus sauntering, we 
 will allow ourselves just time enough to gain their 
 camp at sunrise so as to commence our experiments 
 in intrigue at as early an hour as possible. 
 
 They were on the point of leaving their last rendez- 
 vous the hollow gum-tree when the sound of a 
 human voice attracted their attention. 
 
 "Thank heaven!" exclaimed Laurence, in an em- 
 phatic whisper, " it was the voice of the soliloquist we 
 heard." All was again silent, and our two friends 
 were as by magic, and as fixtures, standing in mute 
 anxiety, one on each side of the entrance and natural 
 door of their wooden tent. 
 
 They had not been long in that posture before their 
 ears were saluted and their fancies of hope were fed 
 upon the following exclamations : 
 
 " I detest cowardice as a quality unnatural to man. 
 The Author of his existence has not placed at his 
 command direct power over all the animal kingdom, 
 and thus making him lord of the earth, without having 
 bestowed upon him a superior intellect, the exercise 
 of which is to show his greatness in obeying the will 
 of his Maker, and in doing all the good he can. Upon
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 29 
 
 the principles for which I was created I have, then, a 
 right to act, not to degrade but to elevate myself. I 
 am, from circumstances equally unforeseen as beyond 
 my control, a soldier, and to be a brave one is im- 
 peratively my duty. To desert the colors of my 
 country is against my creed, and to betray her trust 
 dishonorable; but to befriend a fellow being in dis- 
 tress is, I know, not only in accordance with the 
 dictates of a conscience void of offence against God 
 and man, but which affords a fund of pleasing reflec- 
 tion in the downhill of life. To befriend a brother 
 soldier, though he be my enemy and in arms against 
 me is magnanimity of soul as well as that of duty. 
 And to do so without a departure from honor is what 
 will afford me as much pleasure as it will him relief. 
 This I have resolved to do, if the unfeeling wretches 
 who hold him subject to their own disposal do not 
 hang him as they would a dog ere I_can effect my 
 purpose. How strange and unfathomed are the mys- 
 teries of that Great Power, which rules and governs, 
 not only the destiny of nations, but that of individuals 
 also. Before I left England it was told to me by one 
 of those who pretend to have a foreknowledge of fu- 
 turity, that I should go to a distant country, in com- 
 pany with a large number of my own people, to fight; 
 that we- should be conquered and that our commander 
 a'id his army should be taken prisoners. But before 
 " that event I would help a man of high rank, who 
 would become one of our prisoners, to make his escape 
 and arrive in safety among his people. So far as it 
 relates to my being in the army, and where I had 
 never expected to be, the prediction is fulfilled ; and 
 it appears that the time is at hand when I shall be
 
 30 TUB HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 instrumental in the rescue of a man of doubtless merited 
 worth amongst his people; whether the other predic- 
 tion, the close of this war, will follow soon or late after, 
 I may perhaps not live to see." 
 
 During the declaration of that, as yet, unknown 
 being, our two friends listened with all the attention 
 with which they were possessed. At its close, and in 
 a low whisper, a consultation was held between them, 
 resulting in a determination boldly to present them- 
 selves before him, whoever he might be, whose solilo- 
 quy had induced them to believe him friendly at least 
 toward the unfortunate and distressed. 
 
 About ten steps from their concealment was the 
 boundary of the sentinel's march, and just as he had 
 come to the point at which he intended to wheel and 
 retrace his steps, Laurence and Hyne stepped from 
 the interior of their hiding-place and were in full view 
 before him. 
 
 " Who comes there?" said the sentinel. 
 
 " Friends to the guard," replied Laurence. 
 
 "Advance friends and give the countersign." 
 
 "That we have not got." 
 
 ' "Stand!" replied the sentinel, as he threw himself 
 in a position of defence, and bringing his musket to a 
 level, "Who are you?" he continued. 
 
 " Americans," replied Laurence. 
 
 "Of the army?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " What, and with whom is your business?" 
 
 " Our business is to speak with the sentinel on duty, 
 and who now speaks to us; our object, to ask for and 
 engage his generosity in an act of kindness in behalf 
 of an unfortunate fellow soldier, though an enemy."
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY. 31 
 
 " What if I refuse you an audience ?" said the 
 sentinel. 
 
 "Then we are undone," replied Laurence. 
 
 "How so?" 
 
 "In being your prisoners and anticipated sufferers 
 in common with our countryman and fellow soldier, 
 Colonel Leftridge." 
 
 "What is it you wish of me?" continued the 
 sentinel. 
 
 " Have we your word that you will not betray us, 
 should you deny what we ask at your hands," replied 
 the major. 
 
 "Do you believe that soldiers have honor?" 
 
 "Yes," returned Laurence. 
 
 "Then, as a soldier, I pledge you my solemn 
 word." 
 
 " We thank you till a better reward is yours," re- 
 plied Laurence. 
 
 "What are your names, and what rank do you 
 bear?" inquired the sentinel. 
 
 "Major Laurence, second regiment of infantry, and 
 Sergeant Hyne of company ' C.' " 
 
 "Advance and fear no danger," said the sentinel. 
 
 When they had come up to where the sentinel was, 
 and had informed him of their design and entire 
 wishes, he replied, 
 
 " So far, major, as that of your return to the Ame- 
 rican camp to-night is concerned, there is an impossi- 
 bility; for it is now not more than two hours till 
 daylight, and your detection would be inevitable. 
 With regard to the condition of Colonel Leftridge, it 
 is bad enough; and so much so, as when I think upon 
 his treatment by my countrymen, the thought is pro-
 
 32 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 
 
 duced that generosity is no longer a part and parcel 
 of the ingredients of which Englishmen are composed. 
 His wound, though a slight one, has never been 
 dressed, with the exception of what little he has done 
 to it himself since he was taken prisoner, and that was 
 during the time he was before the officer of the day, 
 a few hours after the engagement, and when he was 
 transferred to the demon-like beings in whose hands 
 he fell on the day of battle. He has been doomed by 
 them to suffer death, and to die on a gibbet day after 
 to-morrow at sunrise. 
 
 '.' The Tories have already .erected his gallows, -and 
 by way of insult, add additional pangs to the suffer- 
 ings of his gallant and high-toned spirit ; their order 
 is, to compel him in view of the wretched dregs of 
 human nature, composing a company of Tories, to 
 visit it three times a day. The order has been issued 
 for the striking of our tents day after to-morrow also, 
 when our army will march, as is the general opinion 
 for York-town, in Yivginia. The execution of the 
 Colonel is designed lor that day, in honor, as they 
 express it, of the triumph of Lord Cornwallis over 
 Green and his rebel army. The Colonel lies in an 
 out-house, he is not guarded, but confined by a plen- 
 tiful supply of strong rope; and I think as you are in 
 your disguise as Tories, you may with much caution 
 see him ; set him at liberty, and bear him off without 
 being known. For my own part, I shall render you 
 every assistance that may be within my power, and 
 that which I shall commence with, and which you are 
 now most in need of, is to direct you where you can 
 remain in security during the ensuing day, and with 
 it to have refreshment and rest.''
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 33 
 
 In a few minutes, and at a short distance from the 
 place where their interview with the sentinel was held, 
 they found themselves at the door of a small log hut, 
 which by a gentle tap from their guide was soon 
 opened. " Here," said he, " you can rest in safety and 
 have something to eat during the day." 
 
 The sentinel was about to leave his guests to resume 
 his station, when Laurence detaining him for a mo- 
 ment, said, "Soldier! to your kindness and generosity 
 we are indebted, for not only our present security, 
 with the additions of anticipated sleep and refresh- 
 ment, but also for a strong hope in the accomplish- 
 ment of our, now most dear object, the rescue from an 
 ignominious death, the brave and generous-hearted 
 Leftridge. You are about leaving us to return to the 
 encampment, in which he lies bound as a prisoner ; it 
 becomes necessary, in your further purpose to serve 
 us, that you should be put in possession of some sig- 
 nal, in the use of which before him, you will at once 
 apprize the Colonel of your being his friend, and that 
 they from whom you had obtained the sign, have 
 properly endowed you with it : by this means he will 
 ba forewarned of our approach, and of the necessity 
 there is of keeping down any excitement which our 
 abrupt entry into his presence might occasion. For 
 that purpose allow me to confer upon you a sign which 
 when given to the Colonel, he will perfectly under- 
 stand. It is this," placing his fore-finger perpen- 
 dicularly across his mouth, " and one too, which has 
 existed between us since the days of our earliest boy- 
 hood. One more detention," continued Laurence, 
 " and I shall have>done for the present. Your name 
 and the regiment to which you belong?" 
 
 3
 
 84 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 " James Withrow, eighth regiment, and company 
 'K,' of his Britannic Majesty's Troop of Light In- 
 fantry." So saying, the sentinel bowed gracefully and 
 was soon out of their sight. 
 
 fcHAPTEK Y. 
 
 The noblest feature of the mind is that of disinterested friendship. 
 
 THE first attention shown to Laurence and Hyne 
 by the inmates of the log hut, was manifested by 
 being seated at a small table, when they partook of 
 excellently made coffee, several well-fried slices of 
 ham, and some well-baked biscuit, " for all of which," 
 as was said by the inmates of the hut, " they were in- 
 debted to Withrow, who, instead, of continuing with 
 his mess, received his rations and boarded with them. 
 
 In a short time after they had partaken of their 
 breakfast, they were conducted into a small shed- 
 roofed apartment, where stood from appearance, a clean 
 and comfortable bed. The fatigue of the past night 
 had exhausted their fund of stimulant excitement, and 
 in a few moments the Major and Hyne, both in one 
 bed, were in a sound sleep. It was near two o'clock, 
 when they awoke, and shortly after were called to 
 partake of a well-served up dinner. The remainder 
 of the day passed in anxious expectation upon the 
 anticipated events of the ensuing night. 
 
 "What," said Laurence to Hyne, "must be the 
 thoughts of the general to-day ! se3ing that we have not
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 35 
 
 returned to camp by reveille, as were my expectations 
 when we left." 
 
 "And what," replied Hyne, "must be the opinions 
 of the regiment, as well as the whole army, all of 
 which are by this time, doubtless, impressed with a 
 belief that not only the colonel, but we also are lost." 
 
 " True," replied Laurence, " but the agreeable sur- 
 prise, though longer accomplishing than I thought it 
 would be when we left camp, which we will give 
 them, will more than compensate all, for the uneasi- 
 ness our prolonged absence, as yet unaccounted for to 
 them, may have occasioned the regiment and the army. 
 Night was approaching. The sun had withdrawn his 
 brilliant rays, and the pale yellow mantle of twilight 
 along the horizon, had begun a compromise between 
 itself and the pervading influence of darkness, when 
 their near, and now highly valued friend, Withrow, 
 stepped into the door of the hut. 
 
 " What news do you bring us," eagerly inquired the 
 major and his sergeant at the same instant, as they 
 fixed their eyes intently upon him, anxiously waiting 
 his reply. . 
 
 " I have come," said Withrow, with a countenance 
 indicating a thoughtful mood, " to spend a few mo- 
 ments only with you, for the present, and to 'inform 
 you that all in relation to our plan is ' 
 
 "What! lost?" exclaimed the two Americans, as 
 they sat in mute and anxious attention, listening to 
 the recital of the gentlemanly English soldier. 
 
 "No," he replied, his countenance brightening as he 
 spoke, "but as it should be, and that is a proper train 
 for the rescue of the colonel, and, I hope, safe return 
 of himself and friends to his general and countrymen in
 
 36 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 arms. I took occasion to-day," continued Withrow, " to 
 go with a piece of meat and bread in one hand, and a 
 canteen of water in the other, to the consequential cap- 
 tain of the Tories, requesting permission to give what I 
 then had in my hands to the colonel. ' He will soon be 
 done with his now but empty title,' said the wretch, as 
 he pompously, and in a would-be-great manner twirled 
 his sword, walking from me with the remark, 'you 
 have my permission to do so, if it is any gratification 
 to you, to feed one who has now but a few hours 
 longer to live.' Having but little inclination to be 
 long in the presence of one so far beneath the character 
 of a gentleman in his deportment, and a still less desire 
 to listen any longer to his coxcombical remarks, I gave 
 him a forced salute, and was soon and fortunately 
 alone, in the presence of the colonel. Making use of the 
 sign with which you have honored me, it seemed to 
 havd had the influence of electricity upon him, as in 
 one instant a cheerful appearance mantled his cheek, 
 and his before drooping spirits were roused to every 
 sense of action. I left him, though, under the influence 
 of hope and suspense, yet cheerful and composed. 
 Now, sir," continued Withrow, with a pleasant smile, 
 looking intently at the major as he spoke, " with due 
 deference to my superior and fellow soldier's decision, 
 I ask the command of our, it is true, small, but, I 
 know, brave detachment, for this night only, and if 
 allowed it, will proceed to issue my orders." 
 
 " With every emotion of my heart, and grateful 
 acknowledgement of the kindness we have received 
 at your hands, the command is yours. A brave, a 
 generous, a noble-minded soldier, such as you are, 
 deserves that and more," said Laurence.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 37 
 
 " That must be," said Withrow, interrupting him, 
 " a matter of if at all remote consideration ; for, 
 whatever I deserve for the performance of that which 
 is my duty to the gallant in distress, or to the unfor- 
 tunate in want, I am always compensated for by the 
 pleasure I feel in doing so." 
 
 "Noble, generous Withrow," replied Laurence, 
 "you are by nature, education, and I believe, birth, 
 far above that class of beings, called gentlemen, in the 
 costume of fine dress, few of whom have any just 
 claim to the rank and title, but who are in point of 
 fact, mere animals of the creation in the shape of man. 
 This night the banner of your generous spirit is un- 
 furled, and the brilliancy of a soul though cased in the 
 bosom of one who deserves a better situation than 
 that of being in the service of the enemies of America, 
 has on this occasion been eminently shown to me ; 
 and come what may, I and my brave sergeant are 
 under your command." 
 
 "You honor me," was the reply, as Withrow wiped 
 with a white pocket-handkerchief a tear that stood 
 ready to drop from the lower lid of his eye. "The 
 present," he continued, " is not the time to speak of 
 birth and education, but a momentous one to both of 
 you as well as to Colonel Leftridge. I have made 
 every preparation for his triumphal escape from his 
 brutal enemies. You will at the appointed hour follow 
 me in silence, to the place of his confinement, where I 
 have so arranged it, as to cut the cords which bind 
 him place in his stead a dress intended to represent 
 him lying stretched upon the floor, and from every 
 appearance, to make it seem as if he himself was still 
 there and bound. I have also procured for him a
 
 38 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 
 
 kind of overcoat worn here by the disaffected of your 
 countrymen ; and likewise the words used for the coun- 
 tersign of our army for the next twenty-four hours, 
 next following twelve o'clock to-night. It is " Terror." 
 By the means thus in my power, we shall all reach 
 this hut again in safety, and when you will be, as you 
 have been and are now, out of danger, and from which 
 humble abode, to retrace your steps to where, doubt- 
 less, you are by this time anxiously looked for. I 
 must now go," continued Withrow, " and at twelve 
 o'clock will again return to you." 
 
 So saying, and gently closing the door after him, 
 he left the major and Hyne to reflect upon the orders 
 of their new commander, and upon the excellence of 
 character they had already discovered the practice of 
 in him. 
 
 An excellent supper was prepared by their un- 
 known hostess, and partaken of by them, after which 
 our two friends remained in constant watchfulness, 
 as well as anxious expectation, for the arrival of the 
 silent and solemn hour of midnight. It arrived, and 
 with it, their highly esteemed and invaluable friend, 
 Withrow. 
 
 ."I have," said he, smiling, "arrived at the ap- 
 pointed hour, and have consequently escaped, not 
 only censure, but the danger of being court-mar- 
 tialled by my superior," as he looked adroitly -at 
 Laurence. 
 
 " I thank you," returned the major, " for the com- 
 pliment conferred. You are now our all and entire 
 hope, and upon you depends the accomplishment of 
 one of the greatest achievements of our lives the
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 39 
 
 rescue from an ignominious death of the brave and 
 gallant Colonel Leftridge." 
 
 " Well, major," replied Withrow, " it is now time 
 for us to be on our embassy. If surprised, I doubt 
 much an honorable reception from those who are the 
 would-be possessors of the prowesses in either one or 
 mQre of the sentiments that are the invariable marks 
 of distinction between man and man." Thus saying, 
 he directed them to follow him, and in the next 
 moment our detachment was again on its march 
 toward the British encampment. 
 
 "There," said Withrow, in a whisper, and as he 
 passed, at some distance from them, a very comfort- 
 able farm-house, "are the quarters of our commander- 
 in-chief, and there," directing the attention of the 
 major and sergeant to lights in the building, " are 
 the two rooms occupied by the wife and only 
 daughter of one of your distinguished countrymen 
 and fellow-partisan warriors. If," continued, he, 
 " our chieftain knew what I am engaged in to-night, 
 he would doubtless hang me upon the same gibbet 
 erected for the execution of Colonel Leftridge. It is 
 not often the case that the gallows is cheated out of 
 its subject when preparations are so far made for its 
 especial benefit, as they now are. But I intend on 
 the present occasion to commit a robbery, and to 
 take from its fangs one whom destiny never intended 
 should meet death -so ignominiously. Yonder," 
 continued he, and after going a few yards further, 
 is the house in which the colonel is confined." 
 
 In a little time the party halted behind a brush 
 fence, which led up to the back part of the house. 
 
 " Stay here," said Withrow, ' till I go and recon-
 
 40 THE HEIEES3ES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 noitre ; perhaps some danger may be near, and if so, 
 it is wise to be prepared, and to avail ourselves of 
 the old, yet true, maxim in military affairs, that 
 
 " A timely retreat, 
 May save a defeat." 
 
 Thus saying, he bent his way with a cautious step, 
 till he arrived at the back part of the house, and 
 putting his ear to the window-shutter covering a 
 blank sash, listened for a few moments, then return- 
 ing to his two friends, said, " All is still, and we will 
 now venture to enter the house." 
 
 At that moment, a glance of his keen and pene- 
 trating eye caught sight of a human being coming 
 towards them, but on the opposite side of the fence 
 from where they were. 
 
 In an instant, and by a token given his two friends, 
 Withrow and they were prostrate upon the ground. 
 
 " There is danger here," he whispered ; " but be 
 perfectly still. I think myself acquainted with the 
 cause of it, and, if I am not mistaken, it will not be 
 long an obstacle to our proceedings." 
 
 After a moment's pause, with intent observation, 
 he added, " I am right in the supposition ; it is one 
 of the officers attached to the company commanded 
 by the marauding captain of the Tories, and who 
 have Colonel Leftridge as their prisoner. Stay here, 
 and be perfectly quiet. I must watch his manoeuvres, 
 in order to thwart his purposes, and those of his 
 atrocious leader." 
 
 At this he left our two friends for the second time, 
 and proceeded to the out-house again, as the building 
 was called. Upon his arrival at the back of it, he
 
 THE HEIBESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 41 
 
 distinctly heard the officer in conversation with Left- 
 ridge. At this, he retraced his steps to where they 
 were, and summoning Laurence and Hyne to follow 
 him, returned to the rear of the house, when in a 
 few moments after they heard the following dialogisti- 
 cal remarks pass between the Tory officer and 
 Leftridge. 
 
 " Well, fellow, have you slept much to-night ?" 
 
 " Whether I have or have not, is a matter of no 
 consequence to you, nor those with whom you are 
 associated," replied the colonel. 
 
 "You are more impudent than becomes you at 
 such a time as this," said the Tory. 
 
 " How so ?" 
 
 " Because you are now in the presence of one of 
 your superiors, and whose party is far preferable 
 to that one of which you are now an undone com- 
 ponent." 
 
 " If you are one of that class, who are my superiors, 
 and the party of which you speak preferable to the 
 one of which I am a component, I pity alike your 
 insolence and your blind zeal ; and with regard to 
 your party, must add, that I think it a greater honor 
 to suffer the death which seems now to await me, 
 than to entertain for one moment the hope of being 
 delivered from it through their intercession. And," 
 added the Colonel, " when I shall have ascended the 
 scaffold, and there do behold for the last time the 
 resplendent rays of the majestic luminary of day 
 passing over the sons- of freedom, arid their just 
 rights, I shall invoke the Author of all good to pro- 
 tect them in it ; and in regard to the disaffected of my 
 country, shall say to Almighty God, as One of old did,
 
 42 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY. 
 
 " Father forgive them, for they know not what they 
 do." 
 
 " The approach of death makes you penitent," con- 
 tinued the officer. " Have you sought for and ob- 
 tained pardon of God for having dared to take up arms 
 against his Majesty King George ?" 
 
 " I have no sin of that kind to answer for ; nor have 
 I thought proper in my prayers to Almighty God to 
 make mention of any allegiance, due from me to any 
 earthly power, save that of my country and to my 
 country's cause," replied Leftridge. 
 
 " You have seen the folly of those madmen in 
 arms," continued the officer, " who have tried, but in 
 vain, to war against our good king ; you have like- 
 wise seen that Cornwallis has beaten your great 
 General Greene, and that he also is the indirect cause 
 of your present, as well as intended future punish- 
 ment. You have it in your power now to retract and 
 save yourself from the degraded death that awaits you, 
 and that too at sunrise." 
 
 " I shall," replied Leftridge, " in being gibbetted, 
 still live in the memory of my fellow soldiers in arms ; 
 and in the suffering of death, shall leave a monument 
 of the love I have for the independence of my country ; 
 whose flag, when she shall have become victorious, 
 will cause all such animals as you are to quake with 
 fear ; and to know better than to disturb by insult, as 
 is now the case, the repose of the brave. With me on 
 the present occasion, one of my greatest pleasures left, 
 would be to see you depart from my presence, leaving 
 me alone in the enjoyment of the few remaining hours 
 of life, which agreeably to the orders of your chief, 
 are yet mine."
 
 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY 4:3 
 
 " Well then,' 1 replied the would-be great, " I shall 
 
 do as you wish I should, after making only one other 
 remark." 
 
 "What is that?" said the worn, weary and gallant 
 soldier. 
 
 " It is, that I shall have the honor of tying the knot 
 which is to choke to death at sunrisf the rebellious 
 Colonel Leftridge." At this the oi ^.er withdrew, 
 closing, but not locking the door after nim. 
 
 Leftiidge was now alone, yet exceedingly unbappy. 
 The unexpected midnight visit of the officer ; the sus- 
 pense into which his whole mental faculties were cast ; 
 and the unknown fate of his three friends, bore hea- 
 vily upon him. 
 
 The hour however of his delivery had come. 
 
 "Now," said Withrow, after having watched the 
 entry of the officer into his quarters, " is our time. 
 So saying, the three friends leaped the fence, entered 
 the house, and by the dim light of a small lamp which 
 the officer had left burning, appeared before, and 
 with their signal saluted the just before desponding 
 Colonel. All was silent, and in a few moments Left- 
 ridge was at liberty. An artificial sufferer was left in 
 his place, bound in every particular as he had been, 
 and covered, being ready to be put to any purpose 
 which it might be adapted to at the expected, as well 
 as appointed hour of sunrise. 
 
 Upon the artificial body was left the following sen- 
 tence, written on a small scrap of paper taken from a 
 pocket-book. " The sun will rise upon Colonel Left- 
 ridge as a freeman! while those who would have 
 hanged him, are but mere machines (not men) in the 
 service of an oppressor !"
 
 44 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHERTNGAY. 
 
 In a few moments the pantomime ended, and the 
 actors of it were on their peaceful and unmolested 
 way to the hut of Withrow, and from whence to take 
 their departure for the American camp. 
 
 Upon their arrival at the hut, Withrow gave in- 
 structions for a breakfast to be prepared, though, at 
 rather an earlier hour than usual, for his guests. 
 While it was in preparation, the parties conversed 
 familiarly with one another upon the events of that 
 and the preceding night. 
 
 In the meantime the application of warm water and 
 soap, followed by a skilful dressing of the Colonel's 
 wound, contributed mitch to his comfort, and strength- 
 ened his ability, to undergo their intended return to 
 the American army that night. 
 
 In reply to some remark relative to him, Withrow 
 said : " I have, gentlemen, nearly reached the climax 
 of my present attentions, upon me to you ; and soon 
 we part, to meet, perhaps, no more. Be this as it 
 may, I have, nevertheless, one boon to ask of all three 
 of you ; and that is, that you will remember and speak 
 of, in your more happy moments, the soldier and his 
 hut near the Battle-ground of Guilford." 
 
 " Such boons as that of which you have just spoken, 
 are always being paid, by the grateful heart, and with 
 us it shall surely be the case. Even then, my dear 
 friend and deliverer, you will be but poorly compen- 
 sated for your generosity and kindness to me in this 
 night, and here permit me to ask, is there nothing 
 more that we can do, or have done for you," replied 
 Leftridge. 
 
 " Nothing, Colonel, for to live in the memory of 
 the brave, out of the service cheerfully rendered
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEEINGAY. 45 
 
 them to-night, is alone a sufficient compensation for 
 me," said Withrow. 
 
 At this moment they were called to breakfast, and 
 after having partaken of it, our three friends arose 
 from the table with a view to departure. 
 
 " One thing more, Colonel," said the gallant 
 soldier, " and then I shall have discharged the 
 entire of my duty upon this memorable occasion ; 
 after which I shall bid you and your present com- 
 panions farewell for aught I know during life." 
 Thus saying, he went to a chest standing in one 
 corner of the hut and, unlocking it, took from it a 
 sword, belt and sash, a pair of spurs, and a very 
 valuable gold watch. " These, sir," continued he, 
 " are yours. To obtain them I have committed a 
 theft, which in the estimation of those like from 
 whom they were taken would, doubtless, have been 
 enough to have sentenced me under court-martial to 
 the punishment of, at least, the gauntlet, ball and 
 chain, or, perhaps, solitary confinement. But with 
 those whose bosoms throb with ingredients of a far 
 more noble quality, the act on my partjvill be con- 
 sidered a just one, since it has enabled me to return 
 them to their rightful owner. The night of the day," 
 he continued, "upon which you were taken, was an 
 entire scene of ravage and plunder upon the living, 
 upon the dying, and the dead of your countrymen 
 and brethren-in-arms, among the herds of wretches 
 by whom you were captured, and by whom you were, 
 unheard, condemned to die. The outrage committed 
 upon your person was more than I thought a gene- 
 rous foe, in arms against you, could permit. I could 
 say nothing, because I was one amongst others of
 
 46 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 my fellow-British soldiers ordered to the spot on special 
 detail, and where I first discovered you. An eye witness 
 of the scene, I beheld you stripped of the articles now 
 before you, together with one other, and that was your 
 purse, with its contents ; the two last were out of my 
 power to regain, as your funds were quickly distributed 
 among those immediately around you, and your 
 purse, with his share of your cash, pocketed by your 
 intended executioner. I felt indignant at what was 
 passing before me, and from that moment resolved to 
 regain your property, retain it in my keeping, rescue 
 you, and return the effects to their gallant owner." 
 
 Thus saying, he walked up to Leftridge, and hand- 
 ing him the sword, said, " Take this, Colonel, and 
 the three articles accompanying it ; continue to wear 
 your sword in the defence of your country, till her 
 enemies shall have acknowledged her independence, 
 or till you die in trying to effect it. Should you 
 survive her present struggle for liberty, and her 
 people become free, my now parting wish is, that 
 you and Major Laurence, when adverting to the events 
 of the American Revolution, will occasionally associ- 
 ate with them your humble friend." Then turning to 
 Hyne, he continued, " Sergeant, you are a subaltern 
 in the army of that people, whose love of liberty, 
 whose wholesome laws, and whose firm basis is a 
 republic, will one day astonish Europe, and make 
 kings shudder upon their thrones. Preserve, I pray 
 you, your honor and integrity, as well as faithful 
 adherence to your country's cause ; think not, as 
 does the empty-headed and would-be great man, that 
 dress and splendor are the only necessary requisites 
 to preferment, and to that of being gentlemen. In
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 47 
 
 such habiliments the most profound arrogance, impu- 
 dence and ignorance are but too often found. The 
 ape in mimicking the monkey arrives at the climax 
 of but a shallow-brained intellect, and is still an 
 ape. So, in like manner, are seen men following in 
 the rank of those who they can only imitate, and 
 adapting themselves to the manners and customs 
 of others, they pass through life noticed, if at all, 
 only for their ignorance." 
 
 " We," continued he, " are soldiers, and, I hope, 
 friends, though fighting under different banners. 
 This night may be our last, as it has been our second 
 meeting ; be that as it may, let us continue to act 
 well our parts." 
 
 At that he shook hands with Hyne, and turning 
 around, saluted the officers by a touch of his fore- 
 head with the back of his right hand. This done, 
 he presented his hand to Leftridge, who, astonished 
 at his dignified deportment, grasped it firmly in his 
 own, saying, " Noble, generous man ! you have this 
 night placed me under innumerable obligations, all of 
 which shall be lasting as life itself. What can I do in 
 return for and such an occasion as the present repre- 
 sents ? Only say, and whatever it may be, be it great 
 or small, receive it but as a limited return for your 
 kindness, letting it exist, for the time being, a memento 
 between us of the obligations I am under to vou." 
 
 4 
 
 " Nothing, colonel," was the reply. 
 
 " Then," said Leftridge, " if there is nothing accept- 
 able by you, which I, nor those who, on this night, 
 you have befriended, can command for you, I request, 
 ere we part, perhaps forever, that you will accept of 
 one thing from me."
 
 48 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY 
 
 " What is that, colonel ?" resumed With row. 
 
 " My gold repeating watch,' 1 said Leftridge. 
 
 "I am honored," was the reply; "and to oblige 
 one for whom I have felt so much unaccounted-for 
 concern, sir I will do so." 
 
 In a few moments the adieu was passed between 
 them, and Withrow and our three Americans were 
 soon on the way to the encampment of their beloved 
 general, where, upon their arrival, all was full of joy 
 and delight at their return, and restoration of Colonel 
 Leftridge to the command of his regiment, to his 
 men, and to his army. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The impetus to gratitude, is the sense of obligation under which it 
 places us. 
 
 SOON after the termination of the events just 
 recited, Cornwallis, at the head of his heretofore vic- 
 torious army, was on his rapid march to Yorktown, 
 in Virginia, where, unexpected as it was unknown, 
 and never even thought of by him, he was soon to 
 surrender his sword ; and by which act, to announce 
 to the world the acknowledgment of his sovereign, 
 that "America was free and independent!" 
 
 Upon the sixth of October, 1781, the death-bell of 
 English tyranny over the American people, began to 
 toll its last peal ; and, in a short time after, a cessa- 
 tion of hostilities ensued, followed by the surrender 
 of Cornwallis to the chieftain of the American army.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 49 
 
 The war was terminated, and the next thing was, 
 the disbanding of the troops, and farewell of their 
 commander to his officers and men. 
 
 That affecting scene took place, and, shortly after, 
 officers and men of the army were seen bidding one 
 another farewell; and they who had so gallantly 
 achieved the liberty of their country, were winding 
 their way to their respective homes, guaranteed to 
 them by the "father of his country," the immortal 
 and ever memorable Washington 1 
 
 The tri-colored flag of their country, had not only 
 stimulated them with a determined zeal in defence of 
 its cause, but also, a purposed intent on the parts of 
 Leftridge and Lawrence to perpetuate their then 
 strongly cemented friendship for one another in future 
 life. 
 
 For that purpose they mutually agreed that should 
 they become fathers, (so far as union between their 
 children might be concerned) it should be their first 
 and greatest care to accomplish, however indigent the 
 circumstances of either one or the other, or both, might 
 be at the time of mature age of their children. 
 
 Nor did the compact stop there ; the fidelity of 
 Hyne, and the noble and disinterested deportment of 
 Withrow in the time of danger, peril and need, to 
 both of them, were matters of an equally w r eighty, and 
 necessarily decisive settlement, by and between our 
 iolonel and major. 
 
 To find the soldiers just named, and to impart to 
 them their mutual wish to be considered and used by 
 them as their mutual friends in all the vicissitudes of 
 their future lives, were the next objects of Leftridge 
 and Lawrence. 
 
 4
 
 50 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 
 
 With a view the better to effect the purposes in- 
 tended, and to a speedy meeting with them, it was 
 thought best, as the army had been disbanded, and 
 not knowing what had become of Hyne, to put a 
 notice in some newspaper published in Philadelphia, 
 in order to attract his attention. To find Withrow 
 was a matter involving a still greater uncertainty, and 
 attended with considerable doubt, as the British troops 
 were marching daily into the City of New York, from 
 whence they were hourly embarking for England. 
 Our two officers, however, had determined upon it, 
 and the following letter was written : 
 
 "To MR. JAMES WITHROW, 
 
 Soldier in the service of His Britannic Majesty's 
 8th Eegt., Comp. ' K.' City of New York. 
 
 " Philadelphia, Dec. 9$, 1783. 
 "DEAR SIR: 
 
 " As a brother soldier, and after the termination of 
 a long and bloody war, resulting in the liberty and 
 independence of my country, I am desirous of repaying 
 you, in some measure, for your gallant and noble con- 
 duct to me, in the latter part of that struggle I 
 allude to the three nights subsequent to the battle of 
 Guilford. 
 
 " Your friendship, upon that occasion, merits my 
 gratitude ; which, with me, knows no limit. My life 
 was at the disposal of my own countrymen, in arms 
 against me ; and you, a noble, a magnanimous and 
 generous-hearted foe, at the risk of your own life, 
 saved that of mine. 
 
 " I am in ignorance of where to find you, and hence
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 51 
 
 this letter ; which, as you will perceive, is directed to 
 you at New York. Should it reach you there, I shall 
 be most happy in a visit from you, before your 
 departure for the land and home of your birth. 
 
 " You will find me at the ' Franklin Hotel,' where I 
 shall remain until the 25th inst., when I shall leave 
 here for my home and intended residence, in the 
 western part of Virginia. 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 "GEORGE LEFTRIDGE, 
 
 " (late) Colonel U. S. A." 
 
 This letter was mailed for New York, and the next 
 morning the following " Card," appeared in the " Phil- 
 adelphia Herald of Liberty" over the signature of 
 Leftridge, in the following words : 
 
 " Sergeant Samuel Hyne, late of the Army of the 
 United States of America, Second Kegt. of Infantry 
 and Co. ' C,' is requested to call, with as little delay, 
 after seeing this, as may be possible for him, at the 
 ' Franklin Hotel,' in this City, and oblige his friend, 
 " GEORGE LEFTRIDGE, 
 
 " late Col. U. S. Army. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 10 th of Dec., 1783." 
 
 In a few' days after the appearance of this brief re- 
 quest to Hyne, our Colonel received the following 
 letter: 
 
 " New York, llth Dec., 1783. 
 "DEAR SIR: 
 
 " It is much easier for me to feel than to attempt 
 describing the pleasure enjoyed upon the receipt of
 
 52 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERJNGAY. 
 
 your favor under date of the 9th inst. In it you 
 have done me the honor to say that you wish to repay 
 me in some way or other for the services I rendered 
 you in the first three nights after the hard fought bat- 
 tle of Guilford. 
 
 " Permit me to say in reply, that the happiness I 
 then felt in rendering you the service, and, I natter 
 myself, in being the prime means of your restoration 
 to your country and to her army, is the only compen- 
 sation that I then did or can at the present time look 
 for or accept of. 
 
 " As relates to your desire to see me, I had, before 
 receiving your letter, come to the conclusion of trying 
 to find, if possible, three soldiers, and allow me here 
 to add, brave men of the American army, the memory 
 of whom I shall ever cherish as highly esteemed 
 friends, in the persons of Colonel Lefthdge, Major 
 Laurence, and Sergeant Hyne. 
 
 "To-morrow I shall receive my discharge from ser- 
 vice in the British army, and having determined to 
 make your country my future home, and in so doing 
 to identify myself with those belonging to the Eepub- 
 lic of America, I shall,, with as little delay as possi- 
 ble, go to Philadelphia, where you shall be called 
 upon with great pleasure by, 
 
 " Truly your friend, 
 
 "JAMES WITHROW. 
 
 "CoL. GEO. LEFTRIDGE, Philadelphia, Pa."
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 53 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 The benevolent act 'from feeling, not ostentation. 
 
 AT the period of which I am speaking, though one 
 in which America was acknowledged as free and in- 
 dependent by not only the government of England, 
 but by those also of all Europe, an unavoidable as 
 well as unlocked for consequence grew out of the Ee- 
 volution ; and that was the want of means within the 
 reach of Congress to clothe and pay her troops. This 
 almost death-like dilemma was often a source of hor- 
 ror and despair to the officers as well as men ; and 
 when they were mustered out of service, many a poor 
 fellow whose love of country alone made him fight 
 and bleed cheerfully in her defence, had not at the 
 close of the war a sufficiency to pay for a breakfast. 
 
 Leftridge and Laurence were, happily, not of that 
 class ; they were men who, though born in the United 
 States, had had large estates left them by relations in 
 England, as well as handsome properties in expect- 
 ancy from their fathers, who emigrated among other 
 wealthy Englishmen, one to New York and the other 
 to Virginia, at an early day. 
 
 Withrow nor Hyne had not as yet been seen or 
 heard of. The evening of the twenty-third of Decem- 
 ber had arrived, and our two officers had already 
 begun to arrange their affairs preparatory to a depart- 
 ure, separation, and journey to their respective homes. 
 Seated by a comfortable fire, and being in a loqua-
 
 54 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERIXGAY. 
 
 cious humor, reviewing the scenes of their boyhood, 
 and those involved in that of the war just closed, the 
 subject turned upon their two absent friends. 
 
 "Gratitude," said Leftridge, "is an ingredient of 
 my nature of which I am most proud ; and how far 
 the circumstances under which it is due from me to 
 Withrow extends, are as equally incalculable as my 
 admiration of him is unbounded. When he comes, I 
 purpose making him an offer, in testimony of my 
 regard. I think the offer exceedingly small, in pro- 
 portion to the claims he has upon me; and little, in 
 that light, as I know the offer is, I sincerely hope that 
 it will be accepted by that obscure, but, as I cannot 
 help thinking, well-descended man. His generosity 
 and kindness are what I admire ; and the tincture of 
 eccentricity interwoven with and shown in all his acts, 
 is a trait of character in him with which I am most 
 pleased: it is of that cast soaring so far above the 
 ordinary, that I like, instead of being disposed to 
 censure the practice of in him. 
 
 " Some convulsion, perhaps, in the affairs of his life, 
 has brought it upon him ; and his retiring, yet gen- 
 tlemanly and polite deportment added, will, doubtless, 
 make him an agreeable companion, to those who may 
 become acquainted with and know him. Men read 
 books in order to improve and strengthen their 
 minds, yet the immediate intercourse with his fellow, 
 enables man to read man, and thereby to arrive at an 
 immediate conclusion upon the use the work has been, 
 is, or may be to him. I purpose studying Withrow, 
 and to merit, as far as I can, his high-toned and dis- 
 interested friendship already manifested for me/' 
 
 " In the delineations you have given of the British.
 
 TUE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 55 
 
 soldier, you remind me of yourself," replied Lau- 
 rence: "and now tell me," continued he, "what do 
 you purpose doing for him ?" 
 
 " I shall," replied the colonel, " offer him one of 
 my farms in Carolina; and from a desire to perpetuate 
 more forcibly his recollection of me, I shall give him 
 the one occupied by Lord Corawallis as his head- 
 quarters after our last battle in that state, with him." 
 
 At that moment a servant entered, saying that 
 "two gentlemen were below r desirous of seeing Col. 
 Leftridge and Major Laurence." 
 
 " Ask them to walk up, and do you show them our 
 apartments," was the reply. In a few moments, 
 Withrow and Hyne entered their room. 
 
 " I congratulate you, gentlemen, upon the liberty 
 and independence of your country," said the former, 
 as Ke put his right forefinger across his lips. 
 
 " And so I do, too," said the latter, " while I am, 
 also, happy in once more beholding my Major and 
 my Colonel, under whose command I have helped to 
 save my country as well as to conquer her enemies." 
 
 Their salutations were warmly returned by the two 
 officers, and with all that cordiality of feeling on the 
 part of Leftridge which is alone the accompanying 
 impetus of a noble soul and a genuine sense of grati- 
 tude for favors conferred. 
 
 " In what way have you met with one another, and 
 to what lucky chance are we indebted for the plea- 
 sure of seeing you both here at one and the same 
 time ?" said Leftridge. 
 
 " Two days since, and about sunset, sir," said 
 Hyne, "I arrived in the city, after having seen your 
 kind card inviting me to call upon you. Having no
 
 56 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 acquaintance from whom I could learn any localities 
 of the city, I wandered from place to place till after 
 dark, trying to find the ' Franklin Hotel.' "When I 
 would ask for it, and would tell them of whom I 
 inquired, who I wished to see there, the general reply 
 was the question of, ' Have you any money ?' 
 Upon being answered in the negative, they would 
 say, 'Such a poor looking devil as you are, and in 
 the tattered dress of a ' continental soldier,' is more 
 fit to see your officers in a barrack-room than in a 
 hotel.' I would sometimes ask, 'Can you let me 
 stay by your fire in the bar-room for the night?' 
 ' No !' was the reply, with the additional want of feel- 
 ing : ' we have no desire to accommodate r nor spare 
 place for such looking fellows as you are!' Such 
 were the usual replies to all my solicitations ; and 
 thus I wandered till the clock announced the arrival 
 of midnight hour. I was cold and hungry, and 
 had not at that time, but two shillings in my purse. 
 
 " With my knapsack on my back, in which I had two 
 old shirts, and my discharge from service, I stepped 
 into a small inn on the quay, as I was on my return 
 to the ship I came in, and where I proposed asking for 
 a hammock, to sleep upon the remainder of the night. 
 In the inn I got a cold supper, and the privilege of 
 lying by the fire. Here I was reduced to but an only 
 shilling, and early next morning was again on my 
 search for this hotel. Not knowing where to go nor 
 from whom to ask further questions, I continued wan- 
 dering from corner to corner, and from street to street. 
 For, believe me, sir, my fund of spirits as well as 
 money being exhausted, I had but little inclination to 
 make my feelings any longer a necessitated debtor to
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF TOTHERINGAY. 57 
 
 the insolence of an upstart, nor to that class of cold- 
 hearted beings, similar to those I had met with the even- 
 ing before. You can guess my astonishment, as well as 
 truly great and surprising pleasure I felt when passing 
 the Emigrant's Hotel, on the corner of Fourth and 
 Walnut streets, I was hailed by our mutual friend. I 
 did not know him, as he had thrown off the red and 
 had put on that dress of blue broadcloth, in which he 
 now appears before you. But upon his giving me the 
 Guildford signal, I immediately ran to where he was 
 standing amongst a number of others on a piazza, and 
 as I grasped his hand in my own, I exclaimed, with the 
 impulse of the moment, ' The Hero of Guilford !' The 
 remark immediately attracted the attention of those 
 who were present. Withrow discovered it, and soon 
 conducting me into his room, would not let me come 
 from it, till he had sent out and had brought to me, 
 the suit of clothes, with the boots and hat I now wear; 
 besides ten doubloons, which with his own hands were 
 put into my pockets, accompanied by the remark of 
 ' they will dissipate the future appearance of gloom, 
 which a few moments ago pressed so heavily upon 
 you.' I have now, " continued Hyne, "told you in 
 as brief a manner as I could, by what means I have 
 the pleasure of seeing you on this occasion, and by one 
 more remark, shall inform you that it is to the kind- 
 ness of Withrow, that I am indebted for the comforts 
 I now enjoy." 
 
 'You are by no means my debtor," replied Withrow, 
 " for, whatever I have done for you, was an act of 
 duty. Agreeably to my opinion, man cannot please 
 Deity better than when he is imitating him in works 
 of disinterested benevolence. His sun shines alike
 
 58 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 
 
 brilliant upon all ; and the products of the earth are, 
 alike bountifully bestowed upon the generous as upon 
 the ungenerous. The avaricious and isolated being 
 who dares not, for fear of offending his God, Lucre, 
 disturb the position of a single shilling, in his to him, 
 death's hour, worthless coffers, is a mere automaton, 
 moved by no feeling whatever, but that of accu- 
 mulating wealth, for the benefit of those who will 
 not thank him while living, nor bestow, as a tribute 
 of respect to his memory, a single thought upon him 
 when he is gone. And to carry my convictions of 
 human life still further, I would add, that the most 
 ordinary of the creation in the shape of man, can, if he 
 is not an entire idiot or fool, burn the incense of flattery 
 before those by whom he may have been befriended. 
 But let that friend become the victim of adversity, then 
 the scene is at once changed, and the next thing is, 
 that he is not only forsaken, but lives forgotten and 
 unknown by the very ones who had before felt and 
 experienced his kindest attention. 
 
 Here Withrow was for a moment silent, when, re- 
 suming his discourse and addressing Leftridge, he 
 continued; "I have, sir, for years, lived a recluse. 
 Dissatisfied and soured at what I thought the injustice 
 of others toward me, I sought a distant land in the dis- 
 guise, not choice, of a soldier. I enlisted and Italy was 
 the destined theatre of action for my regiment. At a 
 moment least expected by me, it was ordered to 
 America ; and the high regard in which I have ever 
 held your countrymen, made me recoil at the idea of 
 being one of their armed foes. I had long before that 
 event, imbibed the sentiments and feelings of my coun- 
 tryman towards your people of the illustrious Pitt, and
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 59 
 
 had already come to the conclusion that your claims 
 on England were just ones ; and that your cause of re- 
 monstrance was based upon a course of reason, equally 
 firm and fixed, as is now the established liberty and 
 independence of your country. It is unnecessary for 
 me to recite to you the duties of a soldier; I was 
 bound, and was obliged to obey, yet, let me assure 
 you, that against your countrymen, I merely walked 
 my duties, or in other words, was invariably lenient 
 as my duty could possibly allow me to be. For that 
 kind of feeling, suffice it to say, I had to exchange the 
 land of my birth for that of another. I am now an 
 adopted citizen of your country, and where I purpose 
 spending the remainder of my days. Among the inci- 
 dents falling in my way, I have had the pleasure as 
 well as honor of being an assistant in the saving of 
 your life, an event more assignable to accident alone 
 than to any other, and to which, I may one day or 
 other, advert. In my possession is an honorable dis- 
 charge from the service of my country, and I am now 
 in accordance with your request, again before you, to 
 know your wishes, and to merit still further the friend- 
 ship and confidence of yourself and Major Laurence." 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 The germ of philanthropy is the discard of self, in the promotion of 
 the happiness of others. 
 
 THE unembellished, though frank and high-toned 
 sentiments with which the now English-American 
 
 -
 
 60 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 citizen, expressed himself to his regained three 
 friends, occasioned, for a time, that kind of silence 
 involving thought, intermixed with pleasing, as well 
 as sad reflection, all of which was broken by the Col- 
 onel, as follows : 
 
 " We have all listened, Mr. Withrow, with much 
 pleasure, to the laconic history you have thought fit 
 to give us of yourself. In the latter part of it there 
 has occurred an act of such unrivalled friendship, 
 extended towards me, as to make nothing in my 
 power too good or too valuable withheld from you. 
 You are a stranger in our land, known by but few, 
 and those few are the three now before you. As a 
 stranger, therefore, amongst us, it becomes me to be 
 foremost in showing to you that hospitality and friend- 
 ship, which though it may fall short of reward for, may 
 in some measure convince you, of the high regard 
 I have for the preserver of my life and liberty. You 
 have abandoned your own, and have become a citizen 
 of our country. The motives you had for leaving 
 England, it is not my intention to inquire into, nor 
 my province to know, unless voluntarily communi- 
 cated to me by you. Believe me, then, from what I 
 have just said, to be sincere in my professions of 
 friendship ; and in testimony of it, permit me to offer 
 you, by way of present, a small start in the land of 
 your new home ; the acceptance of one, and either of 
 my offers will have a tendency to give you a comfort- 
 able subsistence." 
 
 " To what do you allude ?" inquired "Withrow, in- 
 terrupting him. 
 
 " To a permanancy for life, and your children after 
 you," replied Leftridge.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 61 
 
 " What ! sir, to settle an estate upon me ?" 
 
 " Listen to me until I shall have finished my pro- 
 posals, and then give me your reply." 
 
 " You will please excuse me for the interruption," 
 said Withrow, " and rely upon my silent attention for 
 the future." 
 
 " I have," resumed Leftridge, " a landed estate in 
 the South, and upon one of my farms was the head 
 quarters of your late commander-in-chief, Lord Corn- 
 wallis. In the city of Charleston I own a square of 
 ground ; all of which, nearly, is built upon in Market 
 Street. I own, in addition to that, a large portion of 
 the wharf, and the buildings upon it. Should you 
 think proper to do so, and will go into Charleston and 
 commence business, I will advance you a capital of 
 three thousand pounds, with a lot, and house well 
 furnished to live in ; or if it should suit your taste and 
 inclination better to go at farming, take the property 
 of which I have just now spoken; it is yours, and all 
 that is necessary for you to do, in order to possess it, 
 is to accept this deed, which I have had made out, 
 preparatory to your looked for visit to me on the 
 present occasion. My offers, continued he, are now 
 before you." 
 
 " Am I, then sir," said Withrow, " in the presence 
 of the owner of that farm upon which you were con- 
 fined?" 
 
 " You are," replied the Colonel, " and had I been 
 known there as such, would doubtless have been much 
 more severely treated than I was ; for Cornwallis him- 
 self, would have had the disposal of my execution 
 upon the gibbet ; followed by having me quartered. 
 He knew the strength of my arm and the terror of my
 
 62 THE HEIKE3SE3 OF FOTHEEIXGAY. 
 
 sword, and had it not been for the timely arrival of 
 Tarleton and his troop, he would, at least, on a former 
 occasion, have been in my keeping as a prisoner of 
 war. He has, however, fallen, and his surrender to 
 our chieftain has buried all animosity ; and were I to 
 see him to-day, should give him as cordial a shake of 
 the hand as if no hatred had ever existed between 
 us." 
 
 " "Were the ladies," said Withrow, " found on this 
 farm, and who were unable to make their escape, 
 before our army took possession of it, relatives of 
 yours ?" 
 
 " They were," replied the Colonel. 
 
 " In what degrees ?" resumed Withrow. 
 
 " My mother, my widowed sister, and her daughter, 
 about sixteen," answered Leftridge. 
 
 "Is it Miss Rayford to whom you have reference?" 
 
 " The same." 
 
 " She, sir," resumed Withrow, " is a charming 
 girl, and the prototype of her refined and ladylike 
 ancestry. And let me here tell you," continued he, 
 "that I have had the additonal pleasure of seeing 
 others beside yourself of your family." 
 
 " Then you have seen my mother, my sister, and 
 my niece ?" 
 
 " I have, sir, had that pleasure, as well as honor," 
 replied Withrow. 
 
 " By what means did that take place ?" inquired 
 the colonel. 
 
 "JFhat of being stationed at the head of a file of 
 men, and stationed at your mother's door, where I 
 had the honor to keep at a distance from them many 
 an insolent and cowardly Tory."
 
 THE HEIEESSE3 OF FOTHERINGAY. 63 
 
 " Had you any conversation with them while on 
 duty there ?" 
 
 " Only as their orderly, sir," replied Withrow. 
 " And now," continued he, the reason and mystery 
 attached to it is clearly developed, which I then 
 could not solve, of why the ladies were so often 
 sombre, and so much concerned at the capture of, as 
 they termed him, ' the Partisan Colonel.' I had often 
 to carry 7nessages, and frequently written ones, from 
 your family to the commander-iii-chief, all of which 
 were received from your sister, or from her (excuse 
 the expression from me,) her lovely daughter, but 
 none from your mother. All on the subject, from 
 time to time, of their comfort whilst prisoners. The 
 cause of their sorrow and dismay I should like to 
 have known, but to have been inquisitive would have 
 been beyond my province. I am now in possession 
 of the cause of their concern, and am, happily, well 
 acquainted with the, then as well as now, gallant 
 subject of it, in the person of the ' Partisan Colonel.' 
 And here, too," continued Withrow, "I am, sir, 
 reminded of a singular trait in your mother's charac- 
 ter, and of which I have remained in entire ignorance 
 with regard to its true meaning till now. It was that 
 of putting her forefinger perpendicularly across her 
 lips upon being spoken to by strangers." 
 
 " That signal was to her, as well as it has been to 
 me," replied the Colonel, " one of rntteh utility, but 
 which, when I shall have introduced you to, and you 
 shall have again been in her presence, will no longer 
 be a necessary precaution with her, so far as you, and 
 such friends as you are, are concerned." 
 
 " You honor me, Colonel," replied Withrow.
 
 64 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 " No more so tlian you deserve, and richly merit," 
 was the reply. 
 
 " I can only thank you for another mark of your 
 regard. And here permit me, sir," continued With- 
 row, seeming somewhat confused, " to ask where is 
 your family now ?" 
 
 " On their way to my Fotheringay Estate in the 
 mountains of Viginia," replied Leftridge. 
 
 " Is Miss Kayford, your mother, and sister, 
 well?" 
 
 "They were at the date of the last letter from 
 them." 
 
 "And your father where is he, sir?" 
 
 "In Heaven, I hope," said Leftridge. "After 
 leaving the army, and bidding adieu to his brother 
 partisans in the South, he, accompanied by the 
 family, were on their way to Fotheringay, but before 
 reaching it he died. 
 
 "The will of Almighty God," replied Withrow, 
 " is certainly wise and just, as it is mysterious to 
 man. Yet it seems hard that he should not have 
 been allowed to meet, here, with the rewards due in 
 common to him and others of his brave countrymen, 
 for a while, at least, after their noble struggles." 
 
 Here the dinner hour was announced, and our four 
 friends repaired to the dining-room. After they had 
 dined, and returned to their apartment, the conversa- 
 tion turned upon that of a preparatory for and de- 
 parture of the two officers, to wind in their turn also, 
 the weary way toward their respective homes. 
 
 " I do not wish to press it upon you," said the 
 Colonel, addressing Withrow; "and I hope you will 
 excuse me for again adverting to the proposition I
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 65 
 
 made you this morning, to which I have not as yet 
 had the pleasure of hearing your reply. For I know," 
 continued- he, "that it is the intention of Major Lau- 
 rence to make proposals of a similar nature to our 
 much valued and tried friend, Mr. Hyne." 
 
 For some time Withrow seemed absorbed in 
 thought, with his head a little inclined forward, and 
 his fine and expressive blue eyes intently fixed upon 
 the floor; he appeared to have forgotten that any one 
 was near him. Then, bringing his body to an erect 
 position upon his chair, his whole deportment wearing 
 an easy, graceful, and dignified appearance, with his 
 watch in his hand, he said : " This article, Colonel, was 
 presented to me by you, at a time when I possessed, 
 as I believe I do now, one of the highest places in 
 your recollection, as a true, and, believe me, as far as 
 my services are concerned, unchanged friend. As 
 long as I live, it will remain with me, as a memento, 
 small in size, but great in value, of one upon whose 
 life and liberty I placed a higher value than I did 
 upon my own ; but from what unforeseen cause, I was 
 not then, nor am I able now to solve. A mysterious 
 Providence may one day, sir, make my services to 
 you an advantage to me : but as it now is the pledge 
 of our friendship, at present, in this hand," (extending 
 it as he spoke,) " is all I can accept of. Your kind 
 offers are certainly flattering to me in an eminent de- 
 gree, and are highly calculated, were I so disposed as 
 to accept of them, to lay a solid basis for the procure- 
 ment of wealth and ease for me and mine, as you 
 have been pleased to express it. Let me assure you, 
 that I have never entertained a wish to be rich ; but 
 that I should like to have a competency during life, I 
 
 5
 
 66 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 stall not pretend to deny. For my own part," he 
 continued, " I have no other thought now, but to re- 
 main single during the remainder of my greatly 
 variegated and checkered life; thus far, more freely 
 spent in the service of others than in that of my own. 
 And all I may probably ask at your hands, is that 
 should I ever become destitute, and in want of the 
 ordinary requisites of life, you will then lend an as- 
 sisting one to him who has, at the peril of his own, 
 saved your life, and of which he will ever be pleas- 
 antly reminded when seeing this watch." 
 
 Leftridge expressed, as he felt, much regret at the 
 refusal of the offers made his friend, and after having 
 attempted a second time, but in vain, to get an accep- 
 tance to his proposals, said 
 
 " Withrow, your fixed purpose astonishes me ; and 
 the calm indifference with which you speak of and 
 look upon everything like that of wealth, argues a 
 degree of eccentricity rarely seen, and but little 
 known. That I feel myself bound by every tie of 
 honor as well as that of gratitude, to contribute at all 
 times to your wants and necessities, and, in short, to 
 make your necessities my own, is what I shall ever 
 feel proud of the permission to do. And now, permit 
 me to add, that there are two things which I hope 
 you will not deny me, by way of a request and grati- 
 fication to my feelings." 
 
 "What are they, Colonel?" said Withrow. 
 
 ."First that you will allow me the pleasure of hav- 
 ing a suitable engraving put upon the back of your 
 watch, relative to your gallant behavior and disinter- 
 ested friendship to me. And secondly, that you will 
 go hence with me and make my house your home
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 67 
 
 until you will have settled upon your future course in 
 America," replied Leftridge. 
 
 "Your first request, sir," resumed "Withrow, "I 
 shall unhesitatingly comply with. And upon the 
 second one, as you will not start yet for two days at 
 least, I must ask a few hours to reflect upon." 
 
 At this he handed to the colonel his watch, and 
 addressing Hyne, said, " It is now time that I should 
 return to my lodging, will you do me the favor to 
 accompany me?" 
 
 "You do not intend remaining there ?" said Lau- 
 rence. 
 
 "No, Major, not longer than to settle my bill, after 
 which we will return here." 
 
 " It is sometimes not convenient," said Leftridge, 
 smiling, " for soldiers to pay their bills." 
 
 " True," replied Withrow, " but I have the pleasure 
 to say, that on the present occasion, it is not the case 
 with me, as his Majesty's paymaster, at the time I ob- 
 tained my discharge, took my receipt, on account of 
 back pay due me, for three hundred pounds, paid in 
 gold." Thus saying, the two soldiers took their hats 
 and left the room. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Ingenuousness of heart is the talisman of all excellence of soul. 
 
 " THE proud and independent spirit which animates 
 the bosorn of that man," said Leftridge, as Withrow 
 half closed and left the door, " binds me from some
 
 68 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 unknown and strange infatuation still closer to him ; 
 and impels an unaccounted for inclination within me 
 to watch over his future destiny in this country. 
 Every gesture and every word he articulates pro- 
 nounces him to have been born of a parentage high- 
 minded and noble as he is himself. I shall insist 
 upon his going with me, and shall I hope, one day or 
 another, be enabled to solve the mystery that now 
 envelops him. Come, Major," he continued, " let us 
 go in search of an engraver; but stop, before we go I 
 wish your counsel. What inscription do you think 
 most appropriate to be put upon this watch, once 
 mine, but now the property of the most eccentric of 
 the eccentric, and still clever fellow Withrow?" 
 
 " In words do you mean?" asked Laurence. 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " If you leave it to my dictation," continued the 
 major, after a pause, " I would recommend the follow- 
 ing sentence, which from the names mentioned, will 
 adapt itself to all the persons engaged in your rescue 
 on the occasion of which it will speak." 
 
 "What is it?" 
 
 " Wait a moment and you shall see," replied the 
 major, as he had seated himself and was in the act of 
 writing at the table. " It is this: 
 
 " Presented to James Withrow, Esq., as a token of 
 respect for his gallant and disinterested friendship, in 
 aiding and assisting Major William Laurence and 
 Sergeant Samuel Hyne in their rescue of Colonel 
 George Leftridge, at the battle of Guilford Court 
 House, South Carolina, May the 8th, 1781." 
 
 " How do you like it ?" said Laurence, as he finished 
 reading.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 69 
 
 " Well," replied Leftridge. 
 
 " Does it agree with your taste ?" continued Lau- 
 rence. 
 
 "Much, indeed," was the reply. " And now," con- 
 tinued the colonel, " let us go." 
 
 They had not proceeded far in their search, before 
 they had arrived at the shop of an engraver, and after 
 having had an understanding with him, upon the price 
 for which the work was to be done, and the time at 
 which they were to call for it, they left the watch and 
 the slip of paper containing the sentence, and passed 
 on to the post-office. 
 
 ^ From the date of my letter to my mother, it is now 
 time for me to receive a letter from some one or more 
 of them at home particularly as I wish to purchase 
 a few articles by way of presents to Julia, before I 
 leave the city," said Leftridge. 
 
 As he expected, he received two letters, one from 
 his mother, and the other from his niece. It was then 
 sunset, and just as they had arrived at the hotel, they 
 were met by Withrow and Hyne. 
 
 In a few moments the four friends were in their 
 apartment, but had scarcely reached their seats before 
 the signal for supper was heard. 
 
 " Well, gentlemen," said Leftridge, after they had 
 returned to their room, " while you are engaged talk- 
 ing upon the events of the past day, I shall read my 
 letters. 
 
 Thus saying, he seated himself by a table, and draw- 
 ing a lighted candle, which had been placed upon it, 
 close to him, he was for some time intent upon read- 
 ing a lengthy and closely written letter. 
 
 After he had read the first one, he was heard to say
 
 70 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 to himself, " All is as it should be ; my mother is cor- 
 rect in her opinions upon it, and her son will ever 
 sustain her in them." Then folding and laying that 
 letter down, he took up the next one, and carefully 
 breaking its seal, was soon intently engaged in its 
 perusal. 
 
 Within the time occupied by Leftridge, in attending 
 to his letters, Laurence had made proposals to Hyne, 
 in offering a copartnership to him in a mercantile esta- 
 blishment, which he proposed opening in the city of 
 New York, as soon as the then unsettled condition of 
 commerce could be placed upon an amicable b 
 between England and the United States. 
 
 "I am, sir," said Hyne, "destitute, and have but 
 one species of capital left, at my command, to unite 
 with yours ; and that is that of an honest integrity, 
 and an untiring exertion, on my part, to facilitate and 
 carry out to your approval, your friendly proposition 
 and kind offers to me ; all of which, shall be as thank- 
 fully, as it will be devotedly, attached to your pecu- 
 niary capital." 
 
 " Your acceptance of my proposal, Mr. Hyne, is all 
 that I desire, and for the balance leave that to my 
 management," said Laurence. 
 
 " I accept, and am at your service," was the answer. 
 
 "You will, then," continued Laurence, " be in readi- 
 ness to leave here day after to-morrow, and accompany 
 me to my future home, in the city of New York." 
 
 "Certainly, sir," returned Hyne, "and as the society 
 of my good Colonel, and my no less esteemed Major, 
 with that of my true friend, "Withrow, is too valuable 
 to lose for the short time we shall be together, by my 
 proposed absence, no other quarters shall be sought
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 71 
 
 for, than those furnished in the hotel while they remain 
 here. I shall, therefore, keep my knapsack packed 
 think myself under the Major's orders, and hold my- 
 self in readiness to strike my tent, and when the word 
 is given march." 
 
 " You have still a reminiscence of army discipline 
 about you," said Laurence, smiling. 
 
 " Soldiers, sir, are not very apt to forget those 
 matters in which they have been so long drilled, par- 
 ticularly when in presence of one whom they respect 
 and esteem ; and when they shall have seen the 
 change of position from that of command to that of 
 ow-citizen and friend, as you manifest yourself to 
 me, on the present occasion," replied Hyne. 
 
 " I thank you, my dear sir, and in future the true 
 practice of a sincere friend to you, shall take the place 
 of all former command I have had over you. Par- 
 ticularly," continued the Major, " when I see men of 
 such intrinsic worth as that of which you are possessed, 
 leaving the army of their country, without pay, and 
 without a murmur. And here (handing him ten 
 eagles) take this as an earnest of my intentions." 
 
 At this unexpected good fortune, Hyne was as much 
 astonished as* he was grateful, and immediately ad- 
 dressing himself to Withrow, who had been engaged 
 in reading during the conversation between the Major 
 and him, observed, " An honest man is said to be the 
 noblest work of God. To be an humble member of 
 that class of my fellow men, has been, as it shall con- 
 tinue to be, the grand aim of my life." So saying, he 
 laid upon the table the amount which his friend 
 had advanced him. 
 
 " What does this mean ?" said Withrow.
 
 72 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 " What it is intended for ; the payment of my just 
 debt, with my sincere thanks for your kindness," re- 
 plied Hyne. 
 
 " So far as your thanks are concerned," said With- 
 row, " if it is any satifaction to you, I will receive 
 them ; but with regard to the sum advanced you by 
 me it is yours and the most signal favor you can in 
 future bestow upon me for it, is, that you will never 
 mention its repayment again. And," he continued, 
 "since you have quoted Pope to illustrate more 
 forcibly your ideas of correctness, allow me also to 
 do the same, in carrying out my purpose, in humbly 
 imploring Almighty God to 
 
 " Teach me to feel another's woe ; 
 To hide the fault I see ; 
 That mercy I, to others show, 
 That mercy show to me." 
 
 Here Leftridge, who had been too busily engaged in 
 reading family affairs, by way of letter, to attend much 
 to what had passed between his friends, called their 
 attention to one paragraph contained in the letter of his 
 niece to him, and which he read to them as follows : 
 
 " I cannot but remember distinctly, the well-known 
 as well as expressive features of that philanthropic 
 man the English soldier, who stood as ' Orderly' at 
 our door. And from the subsequent events, in which 
 he has acted so conspicuous a part, I am impressed 
 with the opinion, and which, I must confess, is more 
 agreeable than otherwise, to me, that he is the de- 
 scendant of some family of high respectability in his 
 own country. I would that his condition in life were 
 a better one, and though I am not, as I know of, a 
 predestinarian, I cannot divest my mind of the impres-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 73 
 
 sion, indelibl y fixed upon it, that he was a means sent, 
 under the supervision of the All-wise Disposer of 
 human events, as a protector to us, as well as that, 
 of the savior of your life." 
 
 A crimson glow, always the attendant of sudden and 
 unexpected praise to the virtuous mind, had already 
 mantled the cheek of "Withrow, as he sat for a moment 
 confused and not knowing what reply he should make 
 in answer to what he had just heard. tnn 
 
 The two officers, as well as Hyne, discovering his 
 confusion, Laurence quickly observed, " Come, Mr. 
 Withrow, you are not now in the presence, nor under 
 the idea of being so, of an enemy armed with muskets. 
 But it seems as if you were in doubt upon what course 
 you will pursue, in order to vanquish, though it be 
 for a short time only, the inroads making upon your 
 breast-works, by that celebrated warrior Cupid. 
 
 " I thank you, Major, for the timely relief afforded 
 me. under your command," replied Withrow. " And 
 now, sir, addressing the Colonel, as the representative 
 of Miss Eayford, I beg you to receive my most cordial 
 thanks for the honor she has conferred upon me in re- 
 membering the British soldier with kindness, and that 
 growing out of events connected with his duty, which 
 sir, whenever ladies are concerned, shall ever be per- 
 formed by me, with strict intent to please. 
 
 " It is unnecessary for me to do so," replied the 
 Colonel, " as you will, I hope, shortly see her your- 
 self. In that event, you can better express your feel- 
 ings on the subject of her eulogy upon your kindness 
 to us, than I can." 
 
 The remainder of the night, till long after twelve 
 o'clock, passed in a general conversation between our
 
 74 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY, 
 
 friends upon the different scenes of life they had wit- 
 nessed, and upon their plans and views relative to the 
 future. In the course of conversation, an allusion was 
 made by Leftridge to the night of his escape, in reply 
 to which his three friends were interestingly commu- 
 nicative. 
 
 Here Laurence took occasion to ask With row to 
 explain the reason of his soliloquies, and that of his 
 being longer on guard than usual, the night previous 
 to the one in which the Colonel was set at liberty. 
 
 " I shall do so with a great deal of pleasure, gentle- 
 men, and shall endeavor to make my recital of the 
 circumstances attending the two events, as interesting 
 to you. as your remarks upon different subjects might 
 have been pleasing to me," replied Withrow. 
 
 Then commencing, he said : 
 
 "The night previous to the battle of Guilf>rd, our 
 army, some distance from the scene of action, and not 
 being detailed for any service, I was in my tent, and 
 had gone to bed, long before tatoo. I could not sleep 
 vsoundly, and that portion of it which was allowed me, 
 was greatly interrupted by the appearance of appari- 
 tions. All seemed to have left me but one, and when 
 I would alternately awake and fall asleep, again the 
 same form presented itself. I thought it to be a lady, 
 apparelled in rich costume, bearing a wreath of snow- 
 white flowers in one, and an elegantly worked Ame- 
 rican flag in the other hand. From the right 
 shoulder, extending across to her left side, was very 
 gracefully suspended an elegantly variegated sash, of 
 a red, white and blue color, the white parts of which 
 were interspersed with a superior order of jet. 
 " After repeated attempts to get within speaking dis-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 75 
 
 tance of me, she at last succeeded, and making imme- 
 diate use of the position gained, said, ' You behold in 
 me one, destined to watch over the fate of that coun- 
 try, against which you are now an armed foe ; you are 
 not so in heart, but, from the force of circumstances ; 
 consequently, I have ventured to approach you. A 
 battle is near at hand, in which the supernatural 
 power, before whom I am but an agent, has decreed 
 you as set apart to aid and assist one of your fellow- 
 mortals though an enejny, to make his escape from 
 impending death. You shall have judgment to con- 
 ceive, wisdom to devise, and power to execute that 
 event. Such were the strange and unaccounted-for 
 impressions with which the little sleep I got was ac- 
 companied ; and at reveille I arose, not refreshed, but 
 languid and full of reflection, upon the singular vision 
 I had had. I had began to think it but a vision, 
 Colonel, until I beheld you, and the indignant feel- 
 ings the scene created, produced the thought that you 
 may have been the ' fellow mortal,' referred to in my 
 visionary lady. And how far her predictions may be 
 construed, as having reference to you, subsequent 
 realities have enabled you to determine. I had settled 
 upon your release, and for that purpose had left my 
 mess, and had taken my board with the man and 
 woman in the hut, both of whom understood me. My 
 plan was to have an interview with you in the best 
 way I could, and to bring 3-011 to that place from 
 whence yon, and them passing as a poor tory family, 
 were to set out for the American army. Nothing 
 however seemed to forward my scheme, and in a mo- 
 ment of desponding hope, an English soldier and his 
 wife, to whom I was under some obligations, came to
 
 76 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERLN'GAY. 
 
 solicit the favor of me, that I would stand his tour 
 that night as well as my own, as they wished to go to 
 the battle-field in search of a wounded brother. I 
 could not refuse, and was accordingly placed on guard 
 at the spot, where you, Major, and Mr. Hyne, first be- 
 held me ; and where the variety of matter then occu- 
 pying my mind caused, what you have been pleased 
 to term, my soliloquies. To which perhaps may be, 
 correctly attributed, my just finished and brief ex- 
 planation of them." 
 
 " The nocturnal movements of those times seem to 
 have been full of surprise and uncertainty to all of 
 us," said Laurence. " For the visit of the soldier and 
 his detachment to the battle-field, had like to have 
 been the cause of our capture, as we were within a 
 few steps of them when the object of their search was 
 discovered. What became of him ? What of the 
 Colonel's intended escort ? as well as of our landlord 
 and lady of the hut ? and what, do tell us, became of 
 the Colonel's substitute for the gallows ? All these 
 must be familiar subjects to you, and of which you 
 can now speak unreservedly." 
 
 "To the man and his wife of the hut, I gave all the 
 cash and some few valuables I had about my person, 
 when our army left their neighborhood. The English 
 soldier recovered of his wound, and has returned with 
 the army to England. With regard to the Colonel's 
 substitute, much was said, and many conjectures 
 formed upon, through what means so great a cheat 
 and entire defeat of their purpose, was so unalterably 
 fixed upon Tories. No certainty could be arrived at 
 about it. The English soldier who had taken the 
 canteen of water and bread and meat to you, Colonel
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 77 
 
 was strictly inquired after, but was nowhere to be 
 found. I had guarded against that ; for when I got 
 permission to do so I was in disguise, which dress was 
 immediately after destroyed. And had my three 
 friends now present seen me, on that occasion, going 
 about from place to place, throughout the camp, with 
 my fellow-soldiers trying to discover the traitor, and 
 thereby get the reward of one hundred pounds, you 
 would have been as much amused as I was to myself, 
 at the credulity I was playing off upon them, as well 
 as upon the enraged Tory faction." 
 
 As early the next morning', as the routine of that 
 kind of bustle usual upon a breakfast-hour at a 
 tavern would admit of, Leftridge repaired to the shop 
 of the engraver, with whom he had left the watch 
 and the inscription the day before. Finding it com- 
 pleted, as directed, he paid for it, and then returned 
 to the hotel. When he entered their apartment, he 
 found his three friends engaged, each reading the 
 news of the morning, from papers which had just 
 before been brought to the room. 
 
 " Well, gentlemen," said the Colonel, as he entered 
 the apartment, " you all seem busily engaged ; pray, 
 tell me what news there is this morning." 
 
 "For my part," replied Withrow, "I augur the 
 final blow struck at, and an entire overthrow of all 
 power on the part of the British government over 
 that of your country, consequent upon the surrender 
 of Cornwallis an, event as unforeseen by him as it 
 was unexpected by his sovereign. And, so far as the 
 war itself was concerned, it had long since become an 
 unpopular measure among the people of England. 
 Your august chieftain," he continued, " aided by the
 
 78 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEBINGAY. 
 
 no less celebrated republican, Lafayette, with. Eo- 
 chambeau and De Grasse, has, however, achieved the 
 groundwork material of one of the greatest republics 
 in the world ; and, if continued to be strengthened by 
 the united actions of the respective states, will so 
 effectually establish your independence, as never again 
 to make you fearful of the power of English tyranny." 
 
 "I hope," replied Leftridge, "that all, all will be as 
 it should. And now, sir, allow me to advert again to 
 the final accomplishment of the treaty of friendship 
 between yourself and me. I allude to my request, 
 that you go and reside "with me in Virginia, till you 
 have settled on other views relative to yourself. 
 Upon this subject you deferred an answer a day or 
 two since; and as I am now upon the eve of depart- 
 ure for my home, will be most happy that you will 
 not only speak now on this subject, but that you will 
 also determine to go with me, and make my house 
 your future home ; where my mother, my sister, and 
 my niece, as well as myself, will endeavor to make 
 your time agreeable and yourself happy." 
 
 "I am, Colonel," replied Withrow, " more than ob- 
 liged to you for the reference you again make to your 
 kind wish and intentions towards me. The bare men- 
 tion of them is sufficient for me to know that you 
 mean what you say ; and why I should at all hesitate 
 in the acceptance of your offer may, doubtless, seem 
 in your estimation a strange feature of singularity in 
 me. The truth is, sir, that I have ever entertained the 
 greatest degree of repugnant feelings at the idea of 
 being a dependent upon any one, however strong my 
 claims may be upon them. And as for those you 
 may, doubtless, think I have upon you, I again re-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 79 
 
 peat it, that in saving your life I was only in the 
 performance of my duty in endeavoring to ' Do unto 
 all as I would wish all should do unto me.' You can- 
 not, sir," he continued, "require a stronger proof of 
 my friendship and esteem for you than that which the 
 events of the battle of Guilford will ever forcibly im- 
 print upon your memory, let the then humble soldier 
 and preserver of your life be where he may. 
 
 "For the continuance and preservation of my 
 friendship for you, I here, not only in the presence 
 of the Great Author of our existence, but in that 
 also of your, as well as my two equal friends, 
 declare it on my part unchangeable. If," continued 
 he, "this is satisfactory, our treaty is ratified; not 
 ivritten, as treaties generally are, upon parchment 
 or paper, but indelibly stamped upon the seat 
 of life of both of us. .And here," said he, after a 
 moment's pause, "1 assent to your proposal, and I 
 shall hold myself in readiness to accompany you on 
 your journey home at any time set for your de- 
 parture." 
 
 CHAPTER X, 
 
 It is good to be obedient, because it insures protection from the Most 
 High! When this is the case what cun harm us? 
 
 THE consent of "Withrow to accompany his friend, 
 seemed to reanimate the spirits of all, and particularly 
 those of the Colonel himself, who, after they had 
 dined and returned to their apartments, in a very 
 pleasant and agreeable humor, observed,
 
 80 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 " Had you, my dear sir, been so long in coming to 
 a conclusion of how to act, and what course to pursue 
 on the day I was taken prisoner, as you have been in 
 the acceptance of my invitation to go with me home, 
 I doubt whether I should ever have had the pleasure 
 of soliciting you to do so. Or that of presenting you 
 for the second time this, mark my words, talisman of 
 some, as yet unknown as it is, future good to you or 
 yours. 
 
 "Here," he continued, and handing it to him, " is 
 your watch. Upon it I have had such an inscription 
 placed as will, I hope, be congenial to the feelings of 
 him who is so eminently worthy of it." 
 
 After he had attentively examined the inscription, 
 Withrow replied : 
 
 "If, Colonel, I am eminently worthy of wearing 
 your watch, the inscription upon it makes me doubly 
 so, since it unites me with others (looking intently at 
 Laurence and Hyne) equally praiseworthy in the 
 part they performed in your rescue, as is he, in your 
 estimation, to whom it is on the present occasion pre- 
 sented. And here," said he, " I have another striking 
 incident by way of fulfilment of the strange fatality 
 which, at a time long since passed, was augured of 
 me. Doubtless," continued he, "yourself, as well as 
 my other two friends here, are desirous of knowing 
 more of the British soldier than I have thus far in- 
 formed you of. At a period, however, more appro- 
 priate than the present one, and when perhaps I shall 
 be in a better mood to do so than now, I may disclose 
 events relative to my life which, at present, must re- 
 main a mystery to you and a secret with myself. As 
 regards the delay in my conclusions upon your kind
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 81 
 
 offer, it was occasioned from a belief with me that the 
 impetus to generous actions are classed under two 
 general heads only. First, to be prompt and decisive 
 in matters where life and liberty, or aid, or either of 
 them are concerned ; and secondly, to reflect well be- 
 fore we impose ourselves, and then as little as possible, 
 upon the generosity of others. This, in my opinion, 
 is the true way to make friends and the only way to 
 continue them. When Death was at a short space 
 from you, I took immediate, and am happy in say- 
 ing, successful steps to avert the blow, and now, sir, 
 since you are safe and happy, I have your kind 
 wishes, while I am one of the adopted citizens of your 
 no less happy and liberated country. In it I purpose 
 residing, where, if I am allowed a reasonable portion 
 of success, I may be, at least, contented, though from 
 a force of circumstances far from being happy. 
 
 " Believe me, sir," he continued, " that I had thought 
 the acceptance of your offer would be to render my- 
 self burdensome to you. At your repeated requests, 
 however, I have qualified my inclinations by yielding 
 to your desire. I shall go with my friend, whose 
 home, I know, will be mine as long as I desire it, but 
 how long that may be, depends solely upon an entire 
 unknown future to determine." 
 
 Preparations for departure occupied the remainder 
 of the day, and the next morning our four friends left 
 Philadelphia Laurence and Hyne for New York, 
 and Leftridge and Withrow for Virginia. 
 
 Upon his return to the City of New York, Laurence 
 fulfilled an engagement he had been under for some 
 months, in that of -his marriage to the younger 
 daughter of one of his associate officers in service
 
 82 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 General Lincoln and in the following year opened a 
 house in the mercantile business, under the firm of 
 " Laurence and ETyne," 
 
 Profiting by the examples shown him by his friend 
 and patron, Hyne, in a few months after, consum- 
 mated the nuptial vow by his marriage with the 
 daughter of the celebrated Colonel Trumble, other- 
 wise called, " Trumble, the painter." 
 
 The success with which Laurence and Hyne met 
 in their business, increased with a rapidity beyond 
 their expectations, and the care with which it was 
 conducted by both of them augured a handsome 
 competency, if not that of opulence. The happiness 
 they enjoyed in the marriage state produced an ease 
 and comfort long unknown to them in the toils and 
 troubles they had experienced during the services 
 rendered in defence of their country. Frequently 
 our new merchants would speak of their old camp- 
 friend and commander, Leftridge, and their no less 
 esteemed friend, Withrow. 
 
 " I should be much pleased," said Mrs. Hyne, one 
 evening, in an assemblage of ladies and gentlemen at 
 her own house, " to see the English gentleman of 
 whom I have heard Major Laurence and my husband 
 so often, and in such flatteringly high terms, speak. 
 If his manners are as captivating as his generous 
 spirit has been nobly developed in saving the life of 
 Colonel Leftridge, I have no doubt but that some of 
 our young ladies would become greatly smitten ; and 
 that not the slightest objection, on their parts, would 
 be made at an alliance between, if I may make the 
 distinction, British and American blood." 
 
 She had scarcely finished her remark, before a
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERIXGAY. 83 
 
 response was heard from a group of several ladies, of, 
 " I wish he was here now ; his being an Englishman 
 would make no difference with me, if he is an 
 honorable and gentlemanly one in his manners and 
 deportment." 
 
 " Ladies," replied Hyne, as he sat listening for some 
 time at their different expressions, complimentary of 
 his friend, " your encomiums upon Mr. Withrow, 
 gratifying as they are to me, and would be to him if 
 he were amongst us, are far short of those he merits. 
 So far as my knowledge of him extends, I willingly 
 vouch for his being, as you have just observed, 
 a gentlemanly, honorable and high-minded man ; 
 but with regard to some of your remarks upon his 
 susceptibility of love, I am not entirely prepared to 
 say. One thing about it, however, I do know, and 
 that is, that on one occasion, at the mention of the 
 name of Miss Rayford, the neice of Colonel Leftridge, 
 I discovered in him. much appearance of embarrass- 
 ment and confusion, which, I think, Major Laurence, 
 recollects as well as myself." 
 
 " Yes," replied the Major; " and I further believe 
 that he is already in love with the highly estimable 
 young lady just spoken of. I have known her from 
 the period of her childhood, and if Mr. Hyne and I 
 are right in our opinions, I fear your chance of 
 conquest over him, ladies, is a bad one, for he is, 
 long before this time, in the enjoyment of a renewed 
 acquaintance with that amiable and accomplished 
 girl. Indeed, I presume, as the letters of Mr. Hyne 
 and myself have remained so long unanswered, that 
 not only Mr. Withrow, but the Colonel also, will be 
 married, as part of the next news we hear from them.
 
 84 THE HEIKE3SES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 From my earliest acquaintance with him," continued 
 Laurence, " I cannot divest my mind of the impres- 
 sion that Mr. Withrow is a descendant of some highly 
 respectable family ; and mysterious as everything 
 now appears about him, that his real character will 
 one day appear brilliant and clear, as it now is 
 strange and reserved." 
 
 " I do not exactly understand, Major," said a lady 
 near him, "why you did not bring the English stran- 
 ger along with you to our city, and let him have 
 figured awhile amongst us, before sending him, an 
 exile, to the mountains of Virginia, notwithstanding 
 the power of attraction which the girl of the moun- 
 tain may have had over his movements." 
 
 " That is true," returned Laurence; " but however 
 much I might have desired it, my wishes were all 
 yielded to the known anxieties of Colonel Leftridge." 
 
 The Major had scarcely finished his last remark, 
 before a servant entered the room, bearing several 
 letters directed to the firm of Laurence & Hyne, and 
 one to Laurence individually. The servant was one 
 who had been with him in his different campaigns; 
 and as he came up to where the Major and his lady 
 were, he attracted the attention of all present by his 
 smiling appearance, and remark of, "Here, sir, is a 
 letter from our Colonel ; I would know his hand- 
 writing among a thousand." 
 
 It was, as the servant had said, a letter from the 
 Colonel. Upon reading it, the countenance of Lau- 
 rence became pale, and his whole appearance indicated 
 a deep-felt sorrow. 
 
 " What is the matter? has anything serious hap- 
 pened ?" inquired Mrs. Laurence, as, attended by Mr.
 
 1IIE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 85 
 
 and Mrs. Hyne, she came walking to where he was 
 reading the letter. 
 
 " Yes," said he. Then turning to Hyne, he said, 
 "take this," handing him the letter, "and read it 
 aloud, for it is more than I can silently do at the 
 present time." 
 
 Hyne took the letter, and, while Laurence sat as 
 sombre as he had just before appeared sprightly and 
 gay, read as follows : 
 
 " Pother ingay, Fa., May 1, 1784. 
 " MY DEAR SIR : 
 
 " Yours, as well as ,the letter of Mr. Hyne have 
 been for some months received. In them I have 
 been favored with the information of the marriage of 
 both of you, and my knowledge of the families to 
 which you are united, affords me indescribable plea- 
 sure. 
 
 " No comment is necessary from me by way of ex- 
 pressing my wishes for your happiness ; for, both of 
 you have long known and experienced the influence 
 of my warmest regards. 
 
 " I had thought, by this time, to have been able to 
 announce to you my marriage also, as you well know 
 the intimation I gave you of my intention, the night' 
 previous to the battle of Camden. It has been unin- 
 tentionally as unavoidably prolonged, consequent 
 upon the excessive and dangerous illness of my 
 honored friend "VVithrow. He has been prostrated 
 nearly three months, and in it has had not only the 
 best medical aid which the county affords, but also 
 that of the untiring as well as the unabated attentions 
 of myself, united with those of my mother my sister 
 and Julia.
 
 86 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHER.'NGAY. 
 
 " Often during the fevered derangement of his 
 brain, he has spoken of you and Mr. Hyne, and has 
 insisted that you were both present, but would not 
 speak to him : at other times he speaks of me, asking 
 the question, Is he safe ? That, however, which is 
 most astonishing to all of us is, the frequent and 
 broken sentences made use of by him in his moments 
 of delirium, sometimes asking for his mother, and at 
 other periods speaking of Mr. Pitt and other cele- 
 brated men of England. 
 
 " A change must in a few hours take place either 
 for the better or worse. Whatever it may be I shall 
 advise you of forthwith. 
 
 "Please present me, with sentiments of high as 
 merited regard, to Mr. and Mrs. Hyne, and for you and 
 your lady, receive the same unchangeable sentiments 
 of high esteem from, 
 
 " Truly yours, 
 
 " GEORGE LEFTRIDGE. 
 
 " To Major WILLIAM LAURENCE." 
 
 The letter of his Colonel, to his friend, soon put a 
 quietus upon all further gaieties and amusements of 
 the evening, given by Mr. and Mrs. Hyne ; and the 
 gloom so strongly visible upon the countenances of all 
 present, produced the impression upon the minds of 
 our merchants and their ladies, that, though a stranger 
 to them, the news of the illness of Withrow, had 
 created a sympathizing influence over the feelings of 
 their guests. 
 
 " How frail, and yet how presumptive a creature is 
 man," said Laurence to his lady, as they were return- 
 ing home that evening. "At the summit of his great-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 87 
 
 ness, how completely dependent lie is upon that Power 
 as mysterious as He is wise, whose omnipresent and 
 beautiful greatness, ungrateful as man is, still sustains 
 him. 
 
 " From my acquaintance with, I believe the distin- 
 guished friend of Colonel Leftridge, to be a Christian, 
 and if so, should he, at this time, have done with the 
 affairs of this, he has, ere now, had presented to him a 
 position in the next world incalculably beyond every 
 thing in this. 
 
 "The hypocrite, who strives harder to gain hell 
 than the Christian does to obtain heaven, he despises, 
 if possible, more than his Satanic Majesty does, the 
 immediate angels of the Throne of Grace. I have 
 never," he continued, " in all my experience with 
 men, seen one so entirely tenacious, and averse to 
 giving the least trouble to those of his fellow men as 
 Withrow. It seems to me that he must have had a 
 presentiment of his present illness ; and that it was to 
 take place at the residence of the Colonel, with whose 
 frequent solicitations to accompany him, he with so 
 much reluctance complied. Should he survive his 
 present illness, I believe he will become married to 
 Julia Rayford. An alliance, there, and nothing else, 
 will ever enable us to know who he really is. But be 
 that all as it may,*he is, nevertheless, a gentleman, and 
 one too who has seen a far better condition in life than 
 the one he has for a long time since moved in." 
 
 For some weeks' suspense, that most disagreeable of 
 all ingredients of the mind, occupied the imagination 
 of both our mercantile friends, as well as those of their 
 ladies. Day after day passed, and yet no letter was 
 received; despair had usurped the place of hope, and
 
 88 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 the conclusion that Withrow was no more, had become 
 deeply impressed upon their minds. 
 
 One evening, while the family was at tea, a tap was 
 heard at the door, when, presently after, an acquaint- 
 ance, entering the dining-room, presented Laurence a 
 letter, which, he said, " the post-master had just re- 
 quested him to bring, as he was coming that way, and 
 as the words "In haste" were written upon it." 
 
 The gentlemen withdrew after a short time, and for 
 a moment the Major hesitated, but discovering that the 
 wax with which the letter was sealed was red, and that 
 the words " all is well," were in bold characters, 
 stamped upon the seal, he opened it and read as fol- 
 lows, viz.: 
 
 11 Fotheringay, Pa., June 16, 1784. 
 " MY DEAR SIR : 
 
 " For six weeks past I have made continual post- 
 ponements in my every day expectation to write to 
 you, but it was with a view when I did so of giving 
 you and Mr. Hyne the more cheering news. 
 
 " The Omnipotent Sovereign of heaven and earth 
 has been graciously pleased to spare the life of my 
 friend. Mr, Withrow has entirely recovered his 
 health, but is yet very weak. The mountain air, how- 
 ever, which he brefathes in this region of country, will, 
 it is hoped, soon restore him to his usual health of 
 body and vigor of mind. 
 
 " I have informed him of the marriage of yourself 
 and Mr. Hyne ; he speaks often of both of you, and 
 says that he ( hopes to have the pleasure soon of ten- 
 dering in person his sincere desire for the attendants 
 of happiness and prosperity upon his two never to be 
 forgotten friends.'
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 89 
 
 " Present me, as entertaining respectful regards, to 
 the silent partners of the firm of 'Laurence & Hyne,' 
 and for the active ones, I request them to accept of the 
 unalloyed wishes of a prosperous and happy life, from 
 their 
 
 "True friend, 
 
 "GEORGE LEFTRIDGE." 
 
 Our merchants and their ladies were again in pos- 
 session of their usual gaiety and cheerfulness. And 
 the continual routine of success attending the firm of 
 " Laurence & Hyne," was such as to give them ease, 
 and to augur a future position among the opulent, but 
 not purse-proud citizens of New York. 
 
 The latter are a class of beings to whom the better 
 feelings as well as mental faculties of our two friends, 
 and others like them, were perfect strangers; and with 
 whom, so far as social intercourse was concerned, a 
 distinct line of demarcation was observed. Not so, 
 however, to those to whom wealth is a blessing; 
 whose intellectual faculties dictate, and whose gene- 
 rous hearts and bountiful hands, in humble imitation 
 of the Great Author of all good, are employed and 
 extended to the feeding of the hungry and clothing 
 of the poor. 
 
 Here, reader, after having been longer detained by 
 them than I had anticipated, we will bid an adieu for 
 the present to our city friends, and go into the moun- 
 tains of Virginia, where we purpose taking a further 
 notice of Colonel Leftridge and his now convalescent 
 friend.
 
 90 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Sincerity is the base of all the virtues; destroy it and the whole temple 
 of excellence becomes a mass of ruins. 
 
 THE hospitable reception of Withrow at Fotherin- 
 gay, was of that order peculiarly characteristic of the 
 Virginians, and of which particular no State in the 
 Union affords a parallel. 
 
 His introduction to Mrs. Leftridge, her daughter 
 and grand -daughter, was one of such cordial welcome, 
 as at once to convince him that he then was in the 
 presence of those who really respected and esteemed 
 him, who spared no pains in their efforts to make his 
 stay with them an agreeable one, and in every respect 
 to realize the fact to him that their mansion was his 
 own. 
 
 Every act and word of the ladies towards him, dis- 
 played a magnanimity of soul in the acknowledgment 
 of their gratitude, that few are susceptible of. Inde- 
 pendent of the attention paid to him by her grand- 
 mother and her mother, Miss Rayford was his 
 constant attendant ; and from the moment his illness 
 took such a change as to augur convalescence, read to, 
 and held conversations with him daily, upon such 
 topics as were most conducive to his amusement and 
 pleasure. 
 
 " woman ! in our hours of ease, 
 
 Uncertain, coy, and hard to please ; 
 
 And variable as the shade, 
 
 By the light quivering aspen made. 
 
 When pain and anguish wring the brow, 
 
 A ministering angel thou !
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 91 
 
 The force of the poet's remarks, in his no less true 
 than merited eulogy upon woman, was verified in the 
 attentions paid Withrovv by the ladies at Fotheringay. 
 
 There are the fewest number of men capable of 
 appreciating the intrinsic worth of the opposite of our 
 sex. And hence the entire wreck of anticipated hap- 
 piness predicated upon false professions and abuse of 
 confidence reposed. Man is ignoble, an ingrate, and 
 not what he was designed for when he abuses the 
 rights of woman. 
 
 " Ladies," said Withrow, one evening, and just 
 before tea, to Mrs. Leftridge and her daughter, "I 
 had not the most distant idea, at the time I first had 
 the honor of seeing you, and at a period too when I 
 was in the ranks of an army inimical to your country, 
 that I should ever be a guest and inmate of your 
 family. The events of an All-knowing and an All- 
 wise Creator in the terminations of his will has so 
 ordered it. And now, how to compensate you for the 
 kind attentions bestowed upon me is a material, with 
 me, of no small uneasiness of mind. I have been here 
 for months an unavoidable invalid and burthen to 
 you ; and but for whose kind attentions given, would 
 now have been in the world of spirits. My health, he 
 continued, is so far regained as to make it necessary 
 that I should take such steps as will, as soon as prac- 
 ticable, exhibit an intention on my part to relieve 
 you of further trouble, and to seek another home, and 
 that too among strangers, where to commence my 
 career in this, now, land of liberty. The hospitalities 
 shown me by you shall never be effaced from my 
 recollection. Nor will ever, my heart cease to throb 
 for and be accompanied by a lasting remembrance of,
 
 92 THE HEIRE3SE3 OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 Madam, (looking at Mrs. Rayford as lie spoke it) your 
 most estimable of all daughters." 
 
 At that moment Miss Eayford entered his apart- 
 ment, followed by a servant, and where the remarks 
 just finished had with surprise and regret, by her 
 mother and grand mother been listened to. 
 
 " Come, Mr. Withrow," said she, smiling, as she 
 walked to a table where he was seated, " you are now 
 under my control, you know that the Doctor has 
 given you to me, and that too by your own consent ; 
 so that in future you cannot say that he or I either, 
 have usurped your rights of liberty and free will. I 
 might have starved you in your former helpless con- 
 dition, if I had chosen to show you that I have no 
 other wish than to be kind, attentive and affectionate 
 to those whom I may have even fora limited period 
 in my power. I have brought you something, pre- 
 pared by my own hands, that is a little more palatable, 
 and which, I think, you will relish a great deal better 
 for your supper than Peruvian bark and drugs of the 
 apothecary, to which you have been so long a neces- 
 sitated customer." 
 
 " I am, in every sense of the word," said Withrow, 
 smiling, and as a crimson glow mantled the pale hue 
 of his sick- worn cheeks, " a willing subordinate ; and 
 had I the appointing power, would much rather create 
 you my counsel for life, than to see you in a command 
 depending so much upon apparent contingencies." 
 
 Miss Rayford was confused at his reply, and her 
 mother discovering, said, " Julia is not an adept, Mr. 
 Withrow, on subjects of such important diplomacy, 
 as the one, perhaps, to which you may have reference. 
 Wisdom and discretion are mostly looked for in the
 
 THE IIEH-E.-.-ES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 93 
 
 appointment to high offices. And, doubtless, when 
 she is aware of the true design of him who would 
 confer a Consulate upon her for life, she will then act 
 in concert with one, who like you, would approve of 
 her administration so far, at least, as duty to him, 
 and affection for him are concerned. And here, let 
 me add, in point of government affairs, that a recip- 
 rocal feeling of love and duty is a republic in minia- 
 ture; and in the absence of either one or the other, 
 a corrupt administration ensues, the government is 
 shaken to its centre; and, unless judiciously repaired, 
 ultimately falls into ruin." 
 
 "My mother, Mr. "VVithrow," replied Miss Kay- 
 ford, "has kindly relieved me. Yourself and she 
 know more of the matters of which you have just 
 spoken, than I am presumed to know, but the day 
 may yet come when I shall be the Consul elect of 
 
 ;" without finishing the sentence, and putting 
 
 her right finger perpendicularly across her lips, she 
 courteously bowed to him. and left the room. 
 
 For a few moments "Withrow exhibited considerable 
 marks of a confused imagination, but recovering him- 
 self, he said, "I shall never forget the time I first 
 made that sign, nor the subsequent events it has 
 given rise to." 
 
 "Nor will they in whose presence you now are, 
 ever forget the man whose generosity has given the 
 grand impetus to all of them," said Mrs. Leftridge. 
 "And here, my dear sir," she continued, "suffer me 
 to correct the error you have fallen into. A few 
 moments ago you said that you were our debtor; 
 not so, for we are yours, and as such, allow me to 
 add, can never do too much for you."
 
 94: THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 Withrow was about to reply, but the ladies, bid- 
 ding him good-night, left his room, and entered their 
 own apartments. 
 
 Left alone, and to the entire free range of his 
 reflections upon his past, present and future course, 
 it was at a late hour before AVithrow laid down, and 
 at a still later one before sleep relieved his then 
 vascillating mind. He was now evidently in love 
 with Miss Rayford, and from every conclusion at which 
 we can possibly arrive under circumstantial evidence, 
 (as my esteemed friends of the bar would say,) I 
 think my fair readers, at least, will agree with me 
 in opinion that the passion was reciprocal between 
 the parties. 
 
 Withrow's captivity was not so much on account 
 of the external, as it was the internal qualities that 
 adorned the qualities of Julia. The former qualifica- 
 tions are withal like those of the beauties of Flora, 
 doomed to change and decay ! while the latter, like 
 Diamond, is seen shining with the same unchangeable 
 and brilliant lustre, through and under all vicissitudes 
 of life, and which are equally so at the throb of the 
 last pulse. 
 
 What to do, was a matter of serious consideration 
 with Withrow. He knew that his then circumstances 
 in life would not justify his own consent to an appli- 
 cation to Julia for her heart and hand. And he 
 entertained too much magnanimity of soul to presume 
 upon what he had done for one of her family, as a 
 basis of his claim to the hand of Miss Rayford. But 
 Love conquered Reason, and led Captivity captive. 
 
 "Withrow resolved to make a declaration of his 
 passion at the earliest opportunity, and to ask tho
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 95 
 
 bestowal upon him of the heart' and hand of his 
 heretofore looked upon sympathizing and strictly 
 attentive friend. 
 
 At the usual hour the next morning, his breakfast 
 was brought to him by a servant; though unaccom- 
 panied by Miss Eayford, as was her daily custom at 
 his respective meal hours. That unlooked for as well 
 as unexpected change, created in him an indescribable 
 emotion. Ignorant of the cause of it, he was imme- 
 diately impressed with the belief that his familiarities 
 on the evening before had given offence to Julia and 
 to her esteemed relatives. 
 
 Withrow's breakfast was soon finished ; for, under 
 the suspense of mind that he then was, appetite is 
 very seldom known to be kind. 
 
 " Miss Julia," said the servant, as he was about to 
 leave the room, " told me to present her compliments 
 to you, and to ask you to send her word how you feel 
 this morning." 
 
 "Tell your Miss Julia that I thank her for her 
 kind solicitude, and that I am not as well as I was 
 last evening." 
 
 " Familiarity begets contempt," said Withrow, as 
 he threw himself in an arm-chair, where he had been 
 so often and attentively watched over by the now ob- 
 ject of his affection. " But," he continued, "if I am 
 at the present time the subject of contempt in the 
 estimation of Miss Rayford, I have the consolation left 
 me to know that I am honorably so; and hence must 
 forego all ideas relative to her, save that of profound 
 respect and esteem, which I hope will not be offen- 
 sive." 
 
 At his dining hour, the same routine was observed.
 
 96 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKTXGAY. 
 
 The servants alone attended him, and the like compli- 
 ments and requests delivered, and answers returned, 
 as were at breakfast. 
 
 " Could I," said he, after the servant had gone, 
 " condescend to that of the character and actions of a 
 prj, I could by means of a few shillings, convert that 
 servant to my use : but the " pry," as well as its kin- 
 dred spirits, the tattler and gossip, are beings so closely 
 connected with one another in their despicable and de- 
 structive influence, that the mere thought of being one 
 or the other is far beneath the dignity of a lady as well 
 as that of a gentleman. Hence, I must remain in igno- 
 rance of why I am thus treated, till it becomes, if 
 ever, the will and pleasure of this still highly re- 
 spected and amiable family to inform me." 
 
 CHAPTEK XII. 
 
 Reverses of fortune are among the ills of life; and they who can bear 
 them with firmness and resignation, erect living monuments to pre- 
 eminence of mind. 
 
 THAT hour immediately preceding the arrival of 
 daylight upon the horizon, is one of more darkness 
 than any other of the night. Withrow was sombre; 
 not so much on account of his affection for Miss Bay- 
 ford as that of to him unaccounted-for cause of her 
 absence. He loved her, it is true; but his sensitive 
 bosom had already inflicted a penance on him for 
 what he now thought his imprudence of the la.^t 
 ni'jrht. Having bought trouble at wholesale from the
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 97 
 
 events occurring the evening before, and being plen- 
 tifully supplied with mental torture, he thought that 
 reading would afford him some respite ; and taking 
 from his trunk a miniature volume of Select Poems, 
 the first upon, opening of it that met his eye, and that 
 seemed also well adapted to his now love-sick case, 
 was an address to Hope, in the following words : 
 
 " Ah ! gentle Hope, shall I no more 
 
 Thy cheerful influence share ? 
 Oh ! must I still thy loss deplore, 
 
 And be the slave of care ? 
 The gloom that now obscures my days, 
 
 At thy approach would fly, 
 And glowing fancy would display 
 
 A bright, unclouded sky. 
 Ah! seek again my lonely breast, 
 
 Dislodge each painful fear, 
 Be once again my Heavenly guest, 
 
 And stay each falling tear." 
 
 Just as he had finished the reading of the last line, 
 a gentle tap was made at his door, and one too, which 
 he well knew the giver of. He immediately laid down 
 his book, though open, with the back of it up, then 
 walking to open the door of his apartment, when the 
 three ladies of the house accompanied by Doctor 
 Craigne, his physician, entered the room. 
 
 Some ten or twelve days previous, the Doctor had 
 instructed Withrow to keep his room till his return, 
 and had given to Miss Rayford, in his presence, some 
 instructions relative to his diet. 
 
 " I have come now," said the Doctor to "Withrow, 
 approaching him, " to release you from all further ne- 
 cessity of keeping your room. Moderate and uniform 
 
 7
 
 98 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 
 
 exercise together with that of cheerfulness, the last of 
 which (looking at Julia) I suppose the young lady is 
 willing to be a tributary for your sake, is all you now 
 require." 
 
 Miss Eayford knew that she would have to make 
 some sort of reply to the " double entendre" just made 
 use of by the Doctor, and happening to catch sight of 
 it, took up the book, then casting a look at its con- 
 tents, said: 
 
 " Mr. Withrow it seems has been invoking hope ! I 
 assure him that so far as I am concerned, he will con- 
 tinue to have, as he has had, every attention bestowed 
 upon him from time to time, within my gift. And here, 
 sir," addressing Withrow, " I have an apology to offer 
 for not having made my appearance at your breakfast 
 nor at your dinner, as has been, you know, long my 
 custom to do. And the reason I have for that seem- 
 ing neglect is, that Miss Lewis, my very intimate 
 friend and adjoining neighbor came over and break- 
 fasted and dined with me to-day. Is my apology a 
 sufficient one, and is it accepted ?" asked Julia. 
 
 " Certainly," replied Withrow, " for I have no right 
 whatever, to object to any neglect you may think 
 proper to treat me with, nor have I the slightest claim 
 upon your attentions." 
 
 " Yes, you have," replied Julia, with a countenance 
 expressive of gaiety and a light untroubled heart, 
 " for you know that the Doctor told you to report me 
 to him if any thing went wrong with you that I could 
 have prevented during his absence. Besides my uncle, 
 who we expect home to-day, will expect your account 
 to corroborate the strict one required of me, of the 
 attentions paid his friend."
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 99 
 
 After a few general remarks the ladies withdrew, 
 and Withrow being alone with the Doctor took that 
 opportunity to ask for his bill. 
 
 "Your bill," replied Doctor Craigne, is already 
 settled." 
 
 "How so?" said Withrow. 
 
 " By Colonel Leftridge, sir," resumed the Doctor. 
 
 " By Colonel Leftridge !" with a look of astonish 
 ment, said Withrow. 
 
 "Yes, sir," resumed Craigne, "and here let me 
 inform you that I am in possession of a knowledge of 
 the causes giving rise to such a measure, and," con- 
 tinued he, "as you are now, so meritoriously the 
 highly distinguished favorite of this family, I feel no 
 hesitancy in telling you, that in myself and my sister 
 as additional members of it, in an alliance by marriage, 
 you will find two more, who will take and feel much 
 pride in your further acquaintance." 
 
 " You honor me, sir," replied Withrow, " with in- 
 formation that I had not the most remote ideas upon, 
 the confirmation of which, will, doubtless, and as I 
 most devoutly hope, afford that routine of happiness 
 so justly due to both of you." 
 
 In a few moments his former physician, and now 
 declared friend left his room, and Withrow was again 
 alone. 
 
 Notwithstanding the assiduous attentions he had 
 met with from Miss Kayford, and the ease and grace- 
 ful appearance, intermixed with preference accompa- 
 nying them, the thought still imposed itself upon the 
 mind of Withrow, that all proceeded only from the 
 innate superiority of her intellect ; and the dignity and 
 grace with which its display was manifested, in listen-
 
 100 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 ing upon him, an invalid guest in the house of her 
 uncle, that -kind of attention so signally grateful to 
 the feelings of the sick, when emanating from the hand 
 of the ladies. 
 
 Under these impressions he had begun to abandon 
 the conclusion to which he had arrived, of preferring 
 his suit. 
 
 At that period the revolution of France exhibited 
 an extended field of action for the brave and aspiring 
 genius of all. Napoleon, that star of military reno\vn, 
 who had so effectually astounded the European world, 
 had begun his brilliant career! And the galaxy of 
 distinguished merit which he had already assembled 
 around him, was the centre of gravity to which many 
 a noble soul, and gallant-hearted man, had repaired. 
 
 "I have come to America as a soldier," said With- 
 row. "In this happy land I had concluded to stay; 
 and in it, I have become attached to one, who, it is 
 now impossible for me to obtain. In the army and 
 camp of France, I may be able to dissipate my pre- 
 sent feelings; distinguish myself by some act, worthy 
 the notice and favor of the Emperor, and still live as 
 I have done for many years, in entire ignorance with 
 regard to my existence in the knowledge of those 
 whose pulse partakes of the same material, as does that 
 of my own." 
 
 Toward sunset of that evening, Colonel Leftridge 
 arrived from the City of Eichmond, Virginia, where 
 he had been for some weeks, engaged in attending to 
 some business relative to the estate of his father. 
 After greeting the ladies, in a manner so peculiar to 
 him as a son, as a brother and as an uncle, he repaired 
 to the apartment of his friend. Scarcely had he
 
 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 101 
 
 grasped his hand, and had passed through the ordeal 
 of congratulation, expressive of the pleasure felt at 
 seeing him restored to health, ere he discovered the 
 well-known signs of an intended journey. 
 
 An empty trunk was seen standing close to one side 
 of his bed, upon which several packages were here 
 and there deposited, neatly and closely rolled up, and 
 ready to be put into their intended depot for convey- 
 ance. 
 
 "What! my invaluable friend, in the name of all 
 earthly consideration can this mean?" said Leftridge, 
 as he looked earnestly, though kindly, in the face of 
 Withrow. " The helter-skelter condition of your room 
 this evening, would induce me to believe (if I did not 
 know them better) that you were now an object of 
 neglect, contempt, and even scorn, with the members 
 of my family and the packages I see distributed 
 about on your bed, would make me believe what I 
 have just said, to be really the case, that under the 
 impression you were unhesitatingly about leaving the 
 premises of your true friend. Excuse me," he con- 
 tinued, "I have never before been imperative with 
 you, nor am I now so, but from the best of motives, 
 therefore, the reasons governing you are required. 
 The superiority of your mind, and the profound 
 judgment and good sense, with which your former 
 good acts towards me have been accompanied, will at 
 once tell you that I am right, if it were for no other 
 cause than to account to my mother and sister for 
 that, of which as yet, they know nothing your 
 abruptly intended departure from Fotheringay." 
 
 "Your frankness rivets me still closer to you," re- 
 plied Withrow, " and wore it possible th^ nttrn^lion
 
 102 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 you have over me, would on this occasion produce 
 the reasons why I have your house and its estimable 
 inmates. Many things incident to my life remain 
 hidden with me, and those you require, must, for the 
 present at least, be added to the number." 
 
 A mutual and death-like silence ensued between 
 our two friends, and in a few moments after, Leftridge 
 rose from his chair, bade j Withrow "good night," 
 saying, " I hope you will think better of this," and 
 withdrew. 
 
 As yet, since the commencement of his convales- 
 cence, Withrow had not appeared in the family-circle 
 outside the confines of his own room. Early next 
 morning, he appeared at his toilet, preparatory to his 
 joining them at the breakfast-table. He was in the 
 drawing-room sometime before the family reached it, 
 and upon their entry was very cordially met by the 
 ladies, as well as the Colonel. A few moments inter- 
 vening, breakfast was announced, and Withrow offer- 
 ing his arm to Miss Eayford, said, "allow me the 
 honor," and taking a position in rear of the company, 
 they were the last seating themselves at the table. 
 
 During the whole repast a conviviality of sentiment 
 was expressed and interchanged, partaking of anec- 
 dote, drollery and wit ; and just before the family had 
 risen from the table, Miss Kayford, addressing With- 
 row, said: " I consider you yet under my command, 
 so far as the latter part of the instructions of Doctor 
 Craigne are concerned in point of exercise. The 
 order intended for your observance you may think a 
 strange one, as coming from a lady. I wish," she 
 continued, " to try your strength, and to ascertain its 
 present ability in ascending to-day the ' Pebble Peak,'
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 103 
 
 or in other words that spur of the mountain, (point- 
 ing to it from the window,) at ten o'clock \ve will 
 attempt it, and if you do not become too much fatigued, 
 can gain its summit by eleven ; spend two hours upon 
 its top, and be here at three, when we will have a good 
 appetite for dinner. You have been a soldier, and 
 have been used to detailed duty, how do you like this 
 in contemplation ?" 
 
 " I can never be controlled by a commander prized 
 higher than the one whose orders I have just heard, 
 and will hold myself in readiness to attend you," 
 replied Withrow, as they both left the dining room 
 for their respective apartments. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII, 
 
 Happiness is within the reach of all, and its attainment is in proportion 
 to the exertions made to obtain it. 
 
 THE " Pebble Peak," so called from the immense 
 quantity of small, and variety of form, as well as 
 beautifully colored stones interspersed every where 
 over it, is a small spur of that magnificent range of 
 mountains which divides the eastern from the western 
 waters of Virginia. At the base of the promontory, 
 the pine tree in all its majestic splendor is seen, 
 towering one above the other, in almost parallel 
 lines, until reaching the summit, a splendid grove 
 presents itself, covering an almost entire level 
 surface of the mountain for nearly three hundred 
 yards in length, and about two hundred in breadth.
 
 104: THE HEIRES.3ES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 At the point from w"hich it receives its offset or 
 bench, and emanating from the main chain of moun- 
 tains, rises a spring, bold in its current, its water 
 clear as crystal, and of a coldness like that of ice 
 itself. In the centre of the grove, and in a serpentine 
 direction, that limpid stream finds its way to the 
 mountain's brow, where, assuming a more rapid 
 course, runs falling from rock to rock, until it is lost 
 in the still more large and rapid stream below. 
 Near the spring is a projection of rock that, in its 
 rude state represents a kind of table about four feet 
 square. Close to, and immediately around it, are 
 interspersed, and at a tolerably equal distance from 
 one another, fragments of broken rock about the 
 height of a chair, so that persons seated upon them 
 are at ease, and enabled to partake of, at pleasure, 
 the refreshment off of the table. These rocks are 
 covered with moss, the green appearance of which, 
 at a few yards distance, has more the resemblance of 
 art than of nature. 
 
 That delightful spot was the favorite retreat of the 
 Leftridge family during the spring and summer 
 months, and where they not unfrequently met, and 
 often by accident, with those of their neighbors, who 
 from the different pathways leading to and from the 
 Peak, were often upon it, unknown to one another. 
 
 At the appointed hour Withrow was upon the 
 piazza, near the entrance of the door entering into 
 the dining-room, where he had a few hours before 
 parted with Miss Rayford. 
 
 " I have discovered one trait in your character, 
 Mr. Withrow, if I should never be in possession of 
 another," said Miss Eaybold, as she came walking
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 105 
 
 from the far end of the piazza to where he was, " and 
 that is punctuality. I like it ; it is a principle upon 
 which good is predicated, and out of which is often 
 derived the most sanguine expectations as well as 
 confirmations of our dearest hopes." 
 
 " I am honored by the compliment you have just 
 conferred upon me; and am happy in my acquaint- 
 ance with one whose sentiments seem to agree so well 
 with my own ; and here permit me to offer, by way 
 of confirmation of what is the first and highest wish 
 of my soul, my arm in assisting you to the top of 
 yonder mountain, of which you have so often spoken 
 during my illness," replied Withrow, rather more 
 agitated and confused than otherwise. 
 
 Julia, discovering his embarrassed situation, quickly 
 said, " Your arm, Mr. Withrow, is, at all times when 
 required, acceptable to me, and if, on the present oc- 
 casion, your gallantry may exceed your physical 
 ability to assist me in ascending the mountain, you 
 are at liberty to withdraw your aid." 
 
 Thus saying, she laid her arm upon his, and at the 
 end of the next hour were both upon the top of the 
 Peak and slowly walking up the grove. 
 
 In their walk Withrow, amongst other subjects of 
 conversation, adverted to his recovery of health the 
 care which had been taken of him the obligations he 
 was under to his fair companion and to her friends 
 and of the necessity he was under to leave Fotheringay. 
 He said that while he had been a resident there, that 
 a chain of circumstances had transpired making the 
 recollection of it lasting as life itself, and one incident 
 particularly, which had alternately afforded him the 
 highest pleasure as well as greatest pain.
 
 106 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 Julia, construing his remarks as relating to his late 
 ill health and that of his long distance from his friends, 
 to which he would sometimes advert, would occasion- 
 ally, in her gay, sprightly and witty humor, interrupt 
 him in order to dispel the tincture of melancholy 
 which seemed now and again to accompany his ex- 
 pressions. But his last remark struck her attentive 
 ear and high-toned soul with a degree of surprise to 
 which she had heretofore been a stranger ; and with a 
 thought vivid as lightning and a countenance grave 
 as that of a philosopher, though expressive of the 
 purity and excellence of the best of hearts, said: " I 
 am a poor expounder of inuendoes, Mr. Withrow, 
 and must here tax your gallantry, heretofore uniform 
 as it has been graceful and natural to you, for a 
 meaning to the sentence made use of just now?" 
 
 "Withrow understood what she meant, and just as 
 he had promised a compliance, to be given before 
 they should leave the Peak, they came in sight of the 
 "table rock." 
 
 Upon their nearer approach they discovered several 
 ladies and gentlemen, some seated and others walking 
 about in the vicinity. A snow-white table cloth had 
 been spread, and some two or three servants were 
 busily engaged in arranging upon it a variety of cold 
 meats and bread, with several bottles of spirits and 
 wine, with other material of the pic-nic order. 
 
 " There," said "Withrow with surprise, and when 
 they had got within a short distance of the company, 
 " is your mother, your uncle, and Doctor Craigne. I 
 had not the most remote idea of meeting with them 
 here to-day. The other ladies and gentlemen with 
 whom they are surrounded I have not the pleasure of
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 107 
 
 knowing, and must here, in my turn, lay Miss Bay- 
 ford under explanatory injunctions, as she has done 
 her humble servant a few moments ago." 
 
 " At present," replied Julia, with a pleasing smile 
 playing upon her lips, " mystery surrounds you, but 
 I here give you my obligations to solve it, and that, 
 too, after the manner of your promise to me before 
 leaving the. scene now opening upon your view." 
 
 At the close of her remarks Julia and Withrow had 
 just joined the assemblage, and before speaking to any 
 one else, or even before noticing them, putting her 
 fore-finger across her lips, cried out, " Well, Doctor, 
 you see me here in performance of the last act of my 
 promise to you, in- that of giving to Mr. Withrow the 
 benefit of mountain air." 
 
 " I pronounce him well, now, so far, at least, as 
 relates to his physical organization ; for he has stood 
 the fatigue of coming to and ascending the 'Peak,' 
 with ease to himself, and a great deal of gallantry to- 
 wards me, and as to perturbation the remedy con- 
 templated, and which may be administered to-day, will, 
 doubtless, soon make him entirely himself again." 
 
 Then turning to the ladies and gentlemen, before 
 the Doctor or Withrow had time to reply, gave him 
 an introduction to all, saying : 
 
 "Now amuse and enjoy yourself while I go and 
 assist my mother in arranging that natural table (point- 
 ing to it) for yours and the comfort of the rest of the 
 company." 
 
 The exuberance which met his eye, and that sur- 
 rounded him, so far as sight would give an impetus to 
 thought, was truly gratifying to the mind of Withrow, 
 and although he was still in ignorance of why the
 
 108 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 
 
 greater portion of the Fotheringay family were there, 
 he determined to participate in the amusements of the 
 day, come in whatever shape they might. To his 
 near acquaintances he was polite and agreeable, affable 
 and attentive, and to those of the family more like a 
 relative than otherwise. 
 
 At twelve o'clock the whole party was seated upon 
 Nature's substitute for chairs, surrounding the no less 
 excellent one as a table. And in a few moments after 
 were in the enjoyment of a dinner, not sumptuous, yet 
 highly palatable. 
 
 The gentlemen, as is the case at all dining parties, 
 had a privilege over that of the ladies, in the partaking 
 of the more ardent of spirits: yet, when the goblets 
 were filled by the juice of the grape, were greeted oc- 
 casionally by their fair companions in an order of 
 sociality highly contributary to the pleasures of the 
 day. One hour passed in that way, the party in groups, 
 begun to disperse, and were in a short time soon scat- 
 tered upon different parts of the grove. 
 
 It was not long before Withrow and Julia followed 
 the example. Mrs. Rayford, Debtor Craigne, Colonel 
 Leftridge, and Miss Craigne, were the last, except Julia 
 and Withrow, leaving the table of their rural repast. 
 After giving some instructions to the servants, they 
 too were soon alone in the grove, and in a different direc- 
 tion from that taken by the rest of the company. Near 
 the edge of the eastern side of the " Peak," is a ledge 
 of rocks, rising in height to that of some ten feet ; on 
 the top stood two beautiful spruce-pine trees. Their 
 waving foliage afforded a dense shade, while the rus- 
 tling of the breezes as they passed, bespoke a delightful 
 place for reflection. Our two friends were evidently
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 109 
 
 at that time in a thoughtful mood, for with the excep- 
 tion of a few monosyllables, not much of any thing 
 passed between them, until they reached the rock just 
 spoken of. Here Julia proposed the taking of seats, 
 which was readily agreed to by With row. 
 
 " I have led you to this spot," resumed she, " with 
 a view to your promised explanation to me, of a part 
 of our morning's talk. To solve your meaning of the 
 remark that, 'a chain of circumstances had alternately 
 contributed to afford me (you) the highest pleasure as 
 well as greatest pain,' has occupied no small share of 
 my thoughts to-day, although I have tried to be, under 
 their influence, as was my duty, lively and gay towards 
 all. That course was a forced one by me, and amongst 
 the ingredients upon which a troubled fancy has been 
 fed, was a determined intent to seize the first fit mo- 
 ment to draw your attention to it. Your intended de- 
 parture from Fotheringay is what I have no right 
 whatever to object to. But for you to go from us, 
 under the least appearance of a known disquietude 
 of mind, is a source of great unpleasantness to me as 
 it would be to my family, were I to inform them of 
 what has occurred between us, in the early part of this 
 eventful day, and in your walk with the mountain 
 girl, who is now, perhaps, near her last interview with 
 you. Sophistry, Mr. Withrow, is no part of my na- 
 ture, therefore, for the sake of the purity of my friend- 
 ship for you, tell me unequivocally, on this lonely, yet 
 lovely spot, in nature's proud array, what it is you 
 had reference to this morning ? So that, if pertaining 
 to me, or to those whose blood runs in my veins, I, in 
 their stead, and they will ratify my course, may make 
 such concessions, if such be required, as will at least,
 
 110 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 be a contributary to your future happiness. Not 
 yet," she continued, as Withrow was about making a 
 reply. "Hear me, until I shall have finished my 
 remarks. A promise of development is mutual be- 
 tween us. Listen to me with attention, and I pledge 
 myself for a return of the like compliment when it 
 shall have become your time to be the speaker, and 
 myself the listener. m 
 
 " It is now two years," continued Julia, " since I 
 first beheld you, and a little less than that time since 
 your name was first announced to me. Your first ap- 
 pearance as a soldier in the mere discharge of duty, 
 had, if any, but little incident worthy of attraction in 
 it. But when I discovered the assiduity with which 
 your deportment was accompanied toward my mother, 
 grandmother, and myself, I could not but admire the 
 high-toned sense of gallantry, united with compas- 
 sionate feelings, with which I thought the English 
 soldier, as I then termed you, was possessed. Nor 
 was I the only one impressed with that opinion, for 
 in it I was accompanied by the more sage and more 
 experienced of minds in the persons of my parents. 
 The alacrity with which you obeyed their requests, 
 or demands, if I may so express it, for you were 
 then under their orders, and the suavity of manner 
 accompanying the discharge of your respective duties, 
 contributed greatly to prepossess me in your favor. 
 And when I was informed by my beloved uncle, that 
 that soldier who was the orderly at my mother's door, 
 was the savior of his life, and that, too, with eminent 
 peril to all concerned in his rescue, every impetus to 
 a renewal of all that kind of respect to which I have 
 just adverted, rushed upon my mind. Under the effu-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. Ill 
 
 sion of the purest sentiments of gratitude inhabiting 
 a woman's heart, I have once, if not oftener, to my 
 uncle, in, though it may be thought flattering, yet 
 sincerely entertained terms, spoken of you. And 
 when informed that it was your intention to come to 
 and remain some time at Fotheringay, must confess 
 that it gave me more pleasure than I could then or 
 even now can express. Since that intimation was 
 given, I have known nothing with regard to him who 
 is now before me, nor have I thought of anything, if 
 I know myself, than that of how best to show my grati- 
 tude to you, not forgetting, in the most minute degree, 
 your highly esteemed associates, whenever, if at all, 
 a personal opportunity may afford me the pleasure of 
 showing it. When you were so unfortunate as to be- 
 come an invalid amongst us, my prayers to the Al- 
 mighty Disposer of human events were for your re- 
 covery ; and the attentions and care rendered you by 
 me, were, to her now speaking, pleasing auxiliaries in 
 trying to effect it. In those attentions to you, upon a 
 ick bed, I may have been too often remiss. If so, 
 Attribute them not to a want of inclination to comfort 
 f nd please you, but to some unintentional derange- 
 ment of thought, or to some unavoidable occurrences, 
 serving as preventives at the time. I have often seen 
 you sombre, and have as often wished, if I knew how, 
 to relieve you. Upon this subject, an instance at 
 hand is fresh in my recollection, since it was no longer 
 than to-day, as we were ascending the Peak, I discov- 
 ered you ensconced within yourself, and apparently 
 laboring under a multiplicity of unhappy reflections. 
 Thinking that it might have proceeded from that 
 variety of imaginary mishaps which you, probably, like
 
 112 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 others, too often take for realities, and which are fre- 
 quent causes of the purchase of trouble by wholesale, 
 and that in advance, I attempted to avert it, by a 
 strain of volatility, thanks to heaven, natural to me, 
 or, in other words, philosophy teaches, to exercise 
 beneficially to myself as well as to those for whom it 
 may be intended. 
 
 " But when you adverted to events associated with 
 Fotheringay, I thought its inmates immediately con- 
 cerned, and in my own, as well as in behalf of them 
 to whom I am obediently subject, asked at your" 
 hands, what it was you had reference to in that which 
 you perceive has much weight upon my mind ; as I 
 have remembered and have repeated your words. 
 My design of a disclosure of my feelings is now 
 finished, and all remaining for me now to say is, that 
 the comments made upon events with which it is con- 
 nected, have not been intended to have any disagree- 
 able effects upon you. One more remark, and I shall 
 have closed : holding myself in readiness to hear you, 
 that is, thus the lateness of the hour bespeaks adjourn- 
 ment from the Peak to the halls of Fotheringay, 
 where, after having heard your reply to what has 
 been said here, I shall explain the mystery adverted 
 to this morning." 
 
 In a short time our two friends reached head- 
 quarters, or in other words, the " Table Rock," where 
 they found all parties about making a retreat to their 
 respective homes. 
 
 "As they approached the party, Colonel Leftridge 
 said, " Well, Withrow, your timely return to our 
 temporary camp has saved you, as you remarked to 
 Major Laurence on a former and far more intricate
 
 THE HEIEE3SES OF FOTHERINGAY. 113 
 
 occasion than the present one, the ' danger of not only 
 being censured, but that of being court-martialled.' " 
 Then looking adroitly at him, as well as to Julia, he 
 continued, " your judge advocate, however, is an able 
 one ; upon whom, doubtless, you have great reliance, 
 and by whom your innocence of charges preferred, 
 will be ably sustained, and your acquittal strongly 
 urged." 
 
 " You do me much honor, Colonel," replied With- 
 row, " you are Commander-in-chief here, and have 
 highly favored me, in assigning for any defence 
 against errors I may have made, so able and so highly 
 an esteemed advocate as Miss Rayford. But my case 
 is a more difficult one than, perhaps, you are aware 
 of, and should I fall in my attempts in the trial now 
 pending, I fear I shall do so to rise no more." 
 
 "Never fear that," said Miss Craigne and Miss 
 Lewis, both at the same moment ; and who had just 
 been joking Julia upon her long audience and absence 
 from them since dinner, " for where ladies feel and 
 take an interest favorable to gentlemen, they are gen- 
 erally successful in sustaining the cause undertaken 
 by them." 
 
 " I can bear witness to that," said Doctor Craigne, 
 as he looked smilingly at Miss Lewis. 
 
 " Come, Doctor," she replied, " you are a knowing 
 one, and all the girls in the neighborhood had better 
 conclude a truce with you; for my part, I make 
 known my intentions now." 
 
 " So do I," was heard from some dozen voices. 
 
 By this time the whole party were in a social glee, 
 attacking one another with humorous and witty 
 remarks, upon the events of the day ; and in a few 
 
 8
 
 114 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 minutes Mrs. Eayford and some three or four more 
 matrons making a start, all were seen, in quite a gay 
 humor, leaving the " Pebble Peak." Upon its sum- ' 
 mit had been spent a day of pleasure and social fes- 
 tivity, giving a new impetus to events out of which 
 grew the material for the continuation of this tale. 
 With it I have tried to amuse my readers thus far, 
 and will continue my humble efforts, should they 
 think fit to follow, and give me their attention to the 
 end. 
 
 CHAPTEK XIV. 
 
 Time furnishes the record, and circumstances the matter of human life. 
 
 IT was sunset ere the Leftridge family reached their 
 mansion, and when "Withrow, with his charge, had 
 gained the piazza upon which he had, in the morning 
 of that day, assumed the province of a gallant, he 
 courteously bowed to, and leaving Julia, repaired to 
 his room, from whence, in the next hour, a servant 
 attending, he was called to tea. As if the resources 
 and zest for sociability had become entirely exhausted, 
 there was but little passed at table, and in short time 
 the adieu for the night was given, and each one retir- 
 ing, were soon in their respective apartments. 
 
 At breakfast the next morning, Leftridge informed 
 Withrow that he had some business matters to attend 
 to, causing his absence from home for some time, and 
 that in the interval, he desired him to preside ove* 
 and conduct the family affairs at Fotheringay.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 115 
 
 "In domestic routine," continued Leftridge. "you 
 may not be at present much of an adept, yet in the 
 midst of such counsel as those with whom you are 
 DOW surrounded, it will give me no concern, other than 
 that of knowing such of it as will come under your 
 purview will be well conducted." 
 
 That kind of province was as much unlocked for 
 by Withrow as it was unexpected by him, who imme- 
 diately attempting a decline of the trust reposed, was 
 soon overruled in his objections by the ladies. 
 
 " You do not mean leaving to-day?" said Withrow, 
 as the family arose from the table. 
 
 "Yes, now," replied the Colonel, "for my horse is 
 at the door. You know," continued he, " that we who 
 have been accustomed to be ordered and to order, re- 
 quire but little preparation for campaign, and much 
 less for ordinary busine'ss journeys;" So saying, he 
 affectionately impressed a kiss upon the lips of 
 each of the ladies, gave Withrow a cordial shake of 
 the hand, when mounting a fine high-spirited horse 
 was soon out of sight of the mansion and its inmates. 
 
 The injunction laid upon Withrow, and the sudden 
 departure of the Colonel, to what place and upon what 
 business, both unknown to him, were incidents in- 
 volving mystery, as well as they were beyond his 
 comprehension ; and feeling too much delicacy to 
 make enquiry upon them from any one, or more of his 
 now adopted charge, he entered his room, where a 
 variety of thought intruding a . retrospective of the 
 past and present events occupied his mind. 
 
 The circumstances to which he had the day before, 
 been an observer the still more deep interest he felt 
 himself mentally a participator in, with regard to Miss
 
 116 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 Rayford's partial disclosure and the now new sphere 
 governing his movements, were matters of no small 
 momont with him ; and, while thus occupied in reflect- 
 ing upon them, his attention was arrested by a tap at 
 his door and entry of a servant, presenting the key of 
 the library apartment, accompanied by the following 
 note : 
 
 " Fotheringay, Aug. 10th, 1784. 
 
 "It may be that Mr. Withrow will feel and expe- 
 rience some lonely hours during the absence of my 
 son ; to guard against that, and to afford a respite to a 
 reality of such apprehensions, I send you the key of 
 the Colonel's library, in which you will find books 
 serving to arouse and interest. 
 
 ' Respectfully, 
 
 ' MARY LEFTRIDGE." 
 
 " Say to your Mistress that I am greatly obliged, 
 and will avail myself of her kindness," was the only 
 reply he could make before the seemingly hurried 
 reclosure of his room door by the servant took place. 
 
 What means this? thought Withrow, as he laid 
 the laconic epistle upon his table after a second read- 
 ing. Its graphic and studied style augured something 
 out of the reach of his experience upon the usual 
 course of things happening at Fotheringay since he 
 had become a sojourning resident of it. And amidst 
 the reflection to which he was at the present crisis 
 surrounded, a new and more strong incident occupied 
 his imagination. "This key," said he, still holding 
 it in his hand, "may answer a double purpose, in not 
 only giving me access to books for my amusement,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 117 
 
 but may, also, afford some clue, solving the mystery 
 which now surrounds me." 
 
 Unconscious of the hour, Withrow's reverie was 
 for the second time intruded upon, by a re-entry of 
 the servant announcing the dining hour. His mood 
 for repast was none of the best, but not forgetting 
 his deportment as a gentleman and the necessity of 
 being always agreeable in company, especially in that 
 of the society of ladies ; after a short consulting of his 
 toilet, he was soon in the dining-room. 
 
 Here he could discover nothing but a continued 
 routine of that politeness and attention with which he 
 had heretofore met from the family. His dislike to 
 inquisitiveness, and that of making himself busy about 
 the affairs of others, forbade any thing like that of re- 
 mark relative to the absence of the Colonel ; nor did 
 he advert to the note of Mrs. Leftridge, for upon those 
 events he had determined to wait patiently upon time 
 and circumstances to solve the meaning attached to 
 them. 
 
 In his new sphere of protector of the family, With- 
 row was studiously attentive, and in order to answer 
 the expectation looked for at his hands by his absent 
 friend, he industriously applied himself to the domes- 
 tic duties assigned him. Instead of keeping within 
 his room and acting as a guest, as had been his course, 
 his custom now was to rise early and give his personal 
 attention to the respective business of each day. Sys- 
 tematic in his movements, he so divided his time as 
 to appropriate a portion of it to reading, study and 
 recreation; he suffered nothing like pleasure to in- 
 trude upon his business nor business to interrupt 
 his time for pleasure.
 
 118 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 But few days passed at Fotheringay without the en- 
 tertainment of company it was the mansion of plea- 
 sure of the then " Far West," and the society of its 
 immediate neighborhood was of the best order ; that, 
 united with the social nature of its residents, seemed 
 to infer that they were more like branches of one, than 
 of separate and distinct families. Miss Rayford was its 
 luminary her amiable qualities, good sense and re- 
 fined manners rendered her pleasing to all, and to 
 know her was to admire her. 
 
 At a period when her country was involved in war, 
 and struggling for liberty, and had but little to hope 
 for and all to fear, her education was carefully at- 
 tended to in the city of Charleston. Here her mature 
 age and beauty attracted the attention of several who 
 preferred their claims to her heart and hand. As 
 yet, however, their honors had been declined, and 
 now among the mountains of Virginia, she had already 
 much of that sort of attention to listen to and dispose 
 of at her will. 
 
 The retiring manners and aversion to conspicuous- 
 ness of which Withrow was possessed, made him a 
 mere looker-on and silent spectator of the movements 
 at Fotheringay ; and only when urged by the ladies 
 of the family would he appear occasionally amid tfae 
 circles of gayety and amusement there. His natural 
 gentility attracted the attention of those with whom 
 he met, and added much to the social parties frequent 
 at the mansion. In one of those, and a few momenta 
 after his appearance in the parlor, he discovered Miss 
 Rayford, surrounded by several ladies and gentlemen 
 with whom he was as yet unacquainted; and judging 
 himself, from the incidental glances of their eyes upon
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 119 
 
 him, to ba the subject of conversation, found relief by 
 joining Mrs. Leftridge, who was seated at a short dis- 
 tance from him. 
 
 " You must dance to-night, Mr. Withrow," said she, 
 " and make for yourself a more general acquaintance 
 with the ladies of this section of the country, prepara- 
 tory to another particular and more interesting occa- 
 sion of this kind." 
 
 "To what have you reference, madam?" asked 
 Withrow. 
 
 "The present," said she, "is not the time for ex- 
 planation. Do as I have said you ought, to-night, 
 and if events do not develop my reasons, I will solve 
 them." 
 
 At this moment, another set was being made up to 
 take the floor, and, seeing Miss Lewis disengaged, 
 Withrow, bowing, took her hand, and led her to their 
 place in it. 
 
 He had not spoken to Miss Rayford that evening, 
 but being in the same set, incidental light remarks 
 passed between her, Miss Lewis, and himself. Pro- 
 miscuous in his attentions, he danced but once with 
 Miss Rayford ; and, from his 'general demeanor, no 
 one could discover anything like preference. This 
 had been talked of in the neighborhood, growing out 
 of the events at the " Pebble Peak :" nor was this 
 impression confined alone to the ladies and gentlemen 
 of Miss Rayford's immediate acquaintance, for it had, 
 like all other love matters, been transferred to a dis- 
 tance as a fact, even before the parties concerned were 
 sure of it themselves. 
 
 Withrow, in accordance with previous arrange- 
 ments, and associated with the matrons of Fotherin-
 
 120 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 gay, had done the honors of the evening, and after 
 supper, at a late hour, the spacious and thronged par- 
 lors were vacated; and each of the few who remained 
 there for the night, retired to whatever of repose they 
 might have after an evening of amusement and 
 pleasure. 
 
 It was near the commencement of that season when 
 the lengthy nights afforded inducements for pleasure, 
 and, as was the custom of that section, the families 
 of the neighborhood gave and returned parties to 
 each other in successive order. Thus was sociability, 
 harmony, and true hospitality, practiced at and in the 
 vicinity of Fotheringay. 
 
 This state of things, however, was to be intruded 
 upon, and the pleasures there marred by a variety of 
 events. Being a resident in, and the intimacy exist- 
 ing between himself and the Leftridge family, With- 
 row was the constant attendant of Miss Rayford ; if 
 she rode out for recreation and pleasure, he attended 
 her ; and on all occasions of visiting, as well as that 
 of her attending balls and parties, his services were 
 called into requisition. 
 
 The reasons why the " English gentleman," as he 
 was generally termed by those of his (as yet limited) 
 acquaintance, was a resident at Fotheringay, were 
 known to none save the Craigne family, the discretion 
 of which, united to their usually sound judgment, 
 made gossipping and tattling inclinations to meddle 
 with the affairs of others, unauthorized, obnoxious to 
 them. "Why he was there, and the circumstances 
 giving rise to his acquaintance with the Colonel and 
 his family, had been the only particular request made 
 by Withrow to be kept with them: and in speaking
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 121 
 
 one evening to the family, soon after his arrival at 
 Fotheringay, upon that subject, he said : " Man's best 
 acts are but too often misconstrued ; malice, hatred, 
 and revenge are their commentators, in the minds of 
 many to whom they may become known. For my 
 own part, if I am capable of good, and perform it to 
 the happiness of others, I prefer them, and them 
 alone to know it. Befaer be judged by few in thia 
 world, as, in the next, one unerring Judge presides 
 over the motives and actions of all !" adding 
 
 " Happiness, secure from every toil, 
 Is what we cannot here expect ; 
 This world's a bother and turmoil, 
 And we ourselves neglect." 
 
 During the occurrences passing at and around 
 Fotheringay, Withrow had no time to avail himself 
 of his privileged access to the library, nor to think 
 much of things with which he had now found himself 
 personally concerned. The promised audience of 
 Miss Rayford her agreed-to explanation of some of 
 the events passing upon the " Pebble Peak" her pro- 
 traction of that promise ; and his to explain the allu- 
 sion made to her there ; the appearance of mystery 
 involved in the words of Mrs. Leftridge, on the night 
 of the party; the meaning of the note to him, and 
 the singular and unaccounted-for absence of Colonel 
 Leftridge, had begun to attract his serious attention, 
 and were all passing in rapid review before him. 
 
 One thought quickly succeeds another when sus- 
 pense portrays an almost blank conclusion upon cer- 
 tainty. In this humor, and not knowing how to gain 
 relief from such a connection of ideas, Withrow en-
 
 122 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 tered the library a few moments after dinner, one day 
 when there happened to be no company at the man- 
 sion, and in the absence of the lady inmates who had 
 gone that day to spend it with the Lewis family. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 When our intentions ore pure, there is an innate silent approval within 
 that makes us easy. 
 
 THE library apartment was a large room situated in 
 the east end of the building, and led to by a spacious 
 passage from the parlor to its folding-door. From 
 the second floor of the building a winding stairway, 
 led to a room adjoining, from which another small 
 door opened upon a full view of the library. On en- 
 tering it, the first thing that excited Withrow's atten- 
 tion was, that of there being a fine fire in it, and the 
 room comfortably warm. The evidence before him 
 produced the belief that there were more keys than 
 one to that apartment, and upon seeing the private 
 door he was convinced that others beside himself, 
 were in possession of the means of access to that 
 treat of literature and research. The room had on 
 its floor an elegant and richly variegated carpet: from 
 the four large windows affording light to the apart- 
 ment were gracefully suspending, curtains of a supe- 
 rior quality, while near the centre of the room stood a 
 beautifully carved, large mahogany table. Upon it 
 was lying in promiscuous order several volumes of 
 historical, standard and poetical, with some periodical
 
 THE HEIRESSE3 OF FOTHERIXGAY. 123 
 
 and light works. Near the centre of the table were 
 two cases, one containing a violin, the other a flute ; 
 both" of which were of the best order. For some time 
 Withrow attentively surveyed the scenes presented to 
 his view in that new sphere of his privilege; and, 
 after walking around the room alongside of the re- 
 spective shelves containing the innumerable volumes, 
 enclosed by large sliding glass doors, he approached 
 an arm chair, the appearance of which displayed the 
 genuine and workmanlike taste of its maker. It was 
 massive, and partook of the same material as that of 
 the table, and some six small chairs that were arranged 
 in genteel order, throughout the apartment. This 
 chair, thought he, drawing it more close to the fire, 
 and alongside of the table, is doubtless an old relic of 
 this meritorious family, and in its descent, none have 
 ever been more worthy of it, than its present owners. 
 
 Thus thinking, and carelessly throwing himself into 
 it, he opened the case of, and took the violin from it. 
 
 "It is long," said he to himself, "since I have 
 touched an instrument of music of any kind, my own 
 violin and flute have both been long neglected, and 
 the present opportunity is favorable to my attempt, 
 while it will have a tendency of relief from affairs that 
 are now pressing but too heavily upon my mind." 
 
 Having tried both instruments, and after playing 
 the two national airs of America, his attention was 
 soon drawn to a pile of pieces of music-books lying 
 on a small table a few steps distant from the private 
 entry door. 
 
 Regardless of the passing time and the gradual de- 
 cline of the sunny rays that gilded the lofty peaks of 
 the surrounding mountains, Withrow was too intent
 
 124 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY/. 
 
 upon the pleasures music affords to the soul to notice 
 anything not thought of nor at all expected. The 
 ladies had returned, and no one knowing anything of 
 him, except that he had not been seen since he had 
 dined, excited some surprise. 
 
 " Is there a fire in my study-room ?" inquired Miss 
 Rayford of a servant. And being answered in the 
 affirmative, she went to it for the purpose of answer- 
 ing a letter that day received from her uncle. The 
 apartment here alluded to, was the one already men- 
 tioned as adjoining the library, and upon Julia's 
 nearer approach to it the sound of music, in low under 
 tones, fell upon her ear. " What means this?" thought 
 she, as with cautious step and uncertain mind she en- 
 tered her favorite room. " Surely that music proceeds 
 from the library, and by what unknown performer it 
 is made is truly strange, as he who usually amuses 
 himself there is now far away. No one is now at the 
 mansion who performs upon the instruments in that 
 room, and this intruder, whoever he may be, has gained 
 his access there in some improper way, and usurped 
 a privilege my uncle would not sanction if he were 
 now here." 
 
 Being in ignorance of the privileged access of With- 
 row to the library, and equally as much so of his 
 knowledge of music the thought that it might be 
 him had not for a moment entered her imagination. 
 A stranger to timidity and fear, and always collected 
 and firm, Julia resolved upon solving the mystery, 
 and to ascertain from what source the fine tones upon 
 the flute, just succeeding those which she had heard a 
 little before on the violin, emanated. At this conclu- 
 sion her purpose was arrested by the commencement
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 125 
 
 of the " March in the Battle of Prague," and after lis- 
 tening to it and its variations for some time, she 
 slowly and cautiously moving the lock-bolts of her 
 door was soon in full view of Withrow, standing with 
 his face fronting an opposite direction from her. 
 
 Her surprise was of that order partaking of pleasure 
 and mixed with a peculiar feeling of delight. For a 
 few moments she stood motionless and intently listen- 
 ing, when, just at the time he was finishing the piece, 
 which had long been a favorite of hers, she, stepping 
 up to where he was and placing her hand upon his 
 shoulder, said, 
 
 "It is not often that ladies usurp the prerogative 
 of arrest, and that of making captives; such feats are 
 the peculiar province of your sex but on the pre- 
 sent occasion, know yourself my prisoner, and that 
 lenity will rest in my bosom for one like you. Did I 
 not know you as I do this privilege would not have 
 been taken ; excuse my volatility and intrusion upon 
 your amusement and pleasure." 
 
 Withrow was equally as surprised as gratified at an 
 event so unexpected to himself as to his fair compa- 
 nion, and upon attempting a reply to her compliment, 
 was interrupted by Miss Rayford in the remark of, 
 
 " Come, let us go to tea, after which we will return 
 to this apartment." Leading the way, and passing 
 through her study room, where Withrow, noticing a 
 piano-forte, said, 
 
 "And you, too, I presume, are a performer?" 
 
 "Yes," she replied, "I sometimes play upon that 
 instrument, which will in a few days be removed to 
 the parlor, where I hope another accompaniment will, 
 for the time being at least, supply the place of my
 
 126 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 uncle." By this time they had gained the top of the 
 stairway, and in a few moments after were in the 
 dining-room. 
 
 A social exchange of remarks upon the incidents 
 just noticed were passed, and soon Miss Rayford and 
 "Withrow were again in the library, which had, by her 
 orders, been illuminated by lights from a splendid 
 chandelier, and made comfortable by a good fire. 
 
 "Ah!" said Julia, as they were seating themselves 
 at the table, and seeing the volume, "I perceive yon 
 have been reading the 'Iliad;' have you not?" 
 
 " Yes," replied Withrow, " Homer is a favorite au- 
 thor with me." 
 
 " So far, then," replied Julia, " a congeniality of 
 taste exists between us, and, if found to continue and 
 increase upon that which I have but by accident dis- 
 covered this evening, we may have a delightful time 
 of it yet at Fotheringay ; and the lonely hours which 
 this mountainous region sometimes casts around us, 
 be dispelled by (in some measure) an equal exertion 
 on our parts to amuse and interest each other. For 
 my own part, I love retirement; if properly used 
 gives a true relish for occasional mirth, and after hav- 
 ing mixed in and with gayety and frolic, such as you 
 have been lately a participator of in this section, I 
 enjoy much of the sweets of home in returning to 
 this, and (pointing to her study-room) that apartment. 
 As," she continued, " you have been reading the de- 
 scriptive of Homer, you are, doubtless, prepared to 
 receive some account complimentary of yourself from 
 me, which I have with much pleasure learned to-day. 
 But I am negligent, and must leave you for the pre- 
 sent and go into my study, there to spend one half
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 127 
 
 hour in writing to my uncle, after which I will re- 
 turn to you." 
 
 " Do not leave me thus," said Withrow, " till you 
 have told me what you have done me the honor to 
 say, you have heard of me to-day." 
 
 " Duty first, and pleasure next," replied Julia, 
 placing her forefinger across her lips; and bowing 
 gracefully to him, walked into the adjoining room. 
 
 For the intervening time, Withrow's anxious hopes 
 were frustrated ; the moments within that half hour 
 seemed to pass as if they were as many half hours 
 instead of minutes, and any attempt to amuse himself 
 was totally lost. He had for several weeks previous 
 determined upon taking the first opportunity offering 
 to know definitely the position he occupied before and 
 in the mind of Miss Eayford ; and to avail himself of 
 a conversation with her that evening upon it, was 
 now his entire thought and intention. At length the 
 half hour was expended, and, in accordance with her 
 promise, Julia re- entered the library, and took the 
 chair formerly occupied by her. As she resumed it, 
 she said : 
 
 - " Now, Mr. Withrow, since my duty has been- per- 
 formed, I have returned to give you an audience, and 
 to tell you, in this favorite room, what I have heard 
 of my friend," (giving the word a peculiar emphasis 
 as she spoke); adding, "there are few who deserve 
 that title ; and of that few, you stand first in my es- 
 teem. It is pleasant," she continued, " to hear one's 
 name made use of when the comments arise from 
 known 'sources of genteel and correct deportment, 
 whether in yours or my sex. With the vain and un- 
 reflecting, such comments, but too often, have an over-
 
 128 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 balanced sway: but in mmds like his to whom I am 
 now speaking, they can have no other influence than 
 that which merit is always capable of receiving, and 
 keeping within proper bounds. To-day I have spent, 
 to sunset hour, with my much esteemed and intimate 
 friend, Adelaide." 
 
 Withrow had been till that moment ignorant of 
 the given name of Miss Lewis, and at the mention of 
 the name "Adelaide," an expression of gloom per- 
 vaded his just before sprightly countenance. For a 
 moment he seemed enveloped in abstract thought, 
 and so much so as to appear forgetful that he was in 
 the presence of Julia. 
 
 " Why so sombre?" said she; "has anything that 
 I have said caused it ?" 
 
 " Excuse the interruption given to your kind inten- 
 tions; the thought that caused my gloom has now 
 passed, and I will again be your attentive hearer," 
 replied Withrow. 
 
 "That," continued Julia, "is well enough; but it is 
 my wish to be better satisfied. Surely, something 
 more than I have usually noticed, is the matter with 
 you; some remark from me, perhaps, has touched 
 some chord of tender remembrance. If so, and I am 
 worthy of your confidence, tell me what it is, that I 
 may be more guarded in future interviews with you." 
 
 Here both were silent for some moments, when 
 "Withrow replied : 
 
 " That you are more than worthy of my confidence- 
 is among that class of unerring truths which will ever 
 mark my course toward you ; and here, let it suffice 
 for the present, that you shall, at a time not far dis- 
 tant, know the cause of it."
 
 TIJE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 129 
 
 " Your promise is sufficient, and I shall now pro- 
 ceed," said Julia. " Miss Lewis and I were nearly 
 all day in her own room, where much of that kind 
 of comment usual among young ladies, and more 
 especially between us as friends, occupied our minds. 
 A review of the past and present were the topics of 
 remark, and here, let me add, something of the future 
 was dwelt upon in perspective with us. Among 
 those whose names were mentioned, were several 
 gentlemen who have appeared and moved before as 
 satellites. In that review, their virtues and their 
 foibles were duly compared ; the ' Stranger at Fother- 
 ingay,' as you are termed, passed through a like 
 ordeal; upon him many complimentary remarks 
 have been made by ladies whom you have seen and 
 become acquainted with here. Amidst this, how- 
 ever, you have your enemies, in that of mine, as well 
 as in your own sex, before some of whom, your sincere 
 friend, Miss Lewis, nobly defended you a few days 
 since. Thus have you known the position you 
 occupy in the circle of society here; of the opinions 
 entertained of you ; and all I shall now add is, that 
 the present and the future must alone furnish the 
 material from which your conclusions are to be 
 derived." 
 
 At that moment the .library clock announced the 
 hour of ten, and as Julia arose from her chair to 
 retire, Withrow said, 
 
 " I have one boon to ask, and that is, that you will 
 grant me the pleasure of an interview in this apart- 
 ment to-morrow morning ?" 
 
 " At what time?" said Julia. 
 9
 
 130 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 " That which most suits your convenience," was 
 
 the reply. 
 
 "If so, at ten I shall be with you here." 
 
 Thus saying, she bowed to, and left him, when 
 
 Withrow soon after withdrew to his room. > 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Candor is the anchor of Hope, and Hope the companion of Constancy. 
 
 THERE are but two ingredients of the heart deserv- 
 ing the name and title of purity first, a sincere 
 service of, and devoted obedience to, the commands 
 of the Most High I that, and that alone, prepares man 
 for every vicissitude of life, determines a proper 
 discharge of duty, and makes man what he was 
 designed to be an ornament of the Creation. The 
 other is, his devotion to, and choice of, the friend of 
 his bosom. In that connection it is beneath the 
 dignity of man to appear and act otherwise than with 
 affection, kindness and 'constancy, since from the 
 opposite too often proceeds irreparable discord, fol- 
 lowed by jealousy, distrust, hatred and revenge, with 
 an entire subversion of all that happiness which 
 ought to characterize the marriage estate. With 
 these views Withrow entered the library, and on the 
 following morning, at the time appointed, Julia, 
 making her appearance, said : 
 
 " You see the regard I entertain for punctuality 
 the disposition I have to oblige my friends, and the
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 131 
 
 inclination thus manifested to hear what he has to 
 say this morning to the ' mountain girl.' " 
 
 As she spoke, and with a pleasing smile accom- 
 panying her words, she took a chair by the table, not 
 far from the one occupied by "With row, who replied : 
 
 " This is not the first time that I have had a proof 
 of your regard for punctuality. The happy morning 
 on which we ascended the ' Pebble Peak,' convinced 
 me of its influence. And it is now, by your permis- 
 sion, that I shall advert to events of that day's 
 pleasure, to" circumstances and thoughts, previous as 
 well as since, to which it gave rise." 
 
 " You remind me," said Julia, " of a mutual promise 
 given to one another there, and so far as I am con- 
 cerned, I shall on the present occasion fulfil mine to 
 you." 
 
 " For your recollection of it I am thankful, and when 
 you shall have heard me, your will shall be my 
 pleasure," replied Withrow. 
 
 Here he adverted to Julia's quotation of his remark, 
 on the day of their visit to the " Pebble Peak." "That 
 remark," said he, " has lost none of the weight of its 
 intended meaning, and the reasons why it was made 
 were the hospitable reception with which I had met 
 here; the kind attentions paid me when I was a help- 
 less dependent ; and exalted mind of my then, as well 
 as now, fair associate for the first time, (excuse my 
 presumption) inspired me with the passion of love for 
 you. Your rank and standing compared with that of 
 his, who has heretofore been, and as he still is, but a 
 stranger to you and to those from whom you have 
 descended, forbid in me the encouragement of such a 
 thought I fled it but the stronger my exertions
 
 132 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 were to do so the greater the impetus to its influence 
 over me. Finding no relief from it and its rapid 
 increase from the daily interviews had with you, my 
 only alternative was a determined intent to leave 
 Fotheringay, and in doing so, endeavor to remember 
 its owners as my only true friends, and Miss Rayford 
 as first as well as last in my affections. Sometimes, 
 when in your company, incidental remarks from you 
 induced the belief, that, if made known, my attach- 
 ment might be reciprocated ; but when your gay and 
 animated humors passed in review, before me, I looked 
 upon them as tributes, not due and obligatory, but 
 conferred at will, upon those who moved around you. 
 It was at those times, that ' / felt alternate pleasure 
 and pain ;' the first, because I loved the next 
 because I could not obtain the one possessing in so 
 eminent a degree, the qualities with which you are 
 endowed. 
 
 " Here the requirements enjoined upon me on the 
 Peak are complied with. That, however, is not all I 
 designed making a disclosure of. A further develop- 
 ment of who and what I am, is, in my humble opinion, 
 not only due to your relatives, but imperatively so to 
 you, and that in connection with a few particular inci- 
 dents, coming under my notice while here, and of 
 which I am to speak, I ask your further indulgences 
 upon. So that, when I shall leave, perhaps for ever, this, 
 to me, hallowed region you will confer upon him, now 
 before you, the title at least of an honorable man, and 
 remember him as such. Do not consider me as having 
 a desire to privity with regard to your family ; that is 
 most foreign to my purpose, but so far as a partial 
 connection with me and my actions here are concerned,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 133 
 
 I think you will accord to me a right to know and 
 understand them. Upon them I had never intended 
 to speak, unless first spoken of to me, and the necessity 
 now of urging it with regard to myself is the only 
 apology I can offer for what (if it may be considered 
 so) I am wrong in asking. Of this I have selected 
 you as my judge, knowing as I do, that you possess 
 too much magnamimity of soul to refuse my request, 
 and too classic a mind to dissemble upon what I ask 
 at your discretion. The delay of your promised expla- 
 nation the sudden departure of your uncle the duties 
 required of me the laconic note of your grandmother, 
 expressive of much, and that much involved in mys- 
 tery to me her equally mysterious remark on the 
 night of the last party here the supposition on my 
 part, formed from letters I have frequently been 
 honored in bring you from the post-office, that your 
 affections were engaged, are what and that alone I 
 wish to have a clear understanding of." 
 
 Here a momentary pause ensued, when, resuming 
 his remarks, he said 
 
 " With regard to myself, no one knows any thing 
 of my origin, this side of the Atlantic ; the Ocean, in 
 its terrific as well as in its placid and majestic splendor, 
 lies between me and all to whom, by consanguinity, I 
 am held in fond remembrance. The knowledge of 
 whether I have an existence or no, is not theirs : and 
 the only crime of which a conscious duty to them 
 accuses me, and of which I have been but too emi- 
 nently guilty, will be presently explained. My mother 
 was a Grenville, and cousin by blood to that champion 
 of American liberty, the renowned Pitt. The hurri- 
 cane storm of oppression, if I may so express it,
 
 134 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 which swept over the heads of all whose sentiments 
 were favorable to this beloved country, then the 
 oppressed colonies of English monarchy, deprived 
 many of their birthright, their estates and their homes. 
 My father was amongst that number, who, in 1760, 
 found his estates confiscated, himself ruined, and my 
 beloved mother, 'Adelaide,' reduced to a state of 
 dependence. I was their only child, and then in my 
 tenth year. Too poor to make his escape to this 
 1 Exile's Asylum,' my father soon sunk under his mis- 
 fortunes, and I soon became fatherless, and my mother 
 a widow. Misfortunes are rarely ever single-handed, 
 for in three years after my father's fall from opulence 
 and its acquirements, I was removed to one more 
 grade of sorrow, in becoming an orphan. My educa- 
 tion and raising were attended to by the gentleman 
 whose name I have just mentioned, and for whose 
 kindne.ss he shall ever have my grateful thanks. 
 
 " Silently indignant at the policy of my government, 
 and with a perfect indifference as to what might be- 
 come of me, at the age of nineteen I entered the army 
 as a private, contrary to the wishes of my friends. 
 For this, I had two predominant motives one, a hope 
 that my existence might become of short duration 
 the other, that, if not killed in battle, I might become 
 wrecked at sea, and cast upon the shore of some 
 country more favorable to the liberty of speech and 
 conscience, than that which gave me birth. This 
 ever-memorable land, has afforded the latter, and that 
 too without even the danger of trespass upon the 
 fragments of a vessel or a wetting from the briny 
 wave ; and here you have the reasons, why, as yet I
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 135 
 
 have written to none of the but few friends I have 
 left in England. 
 
 " You are now in possession of a knowledge of who 
 the 'English gentleman,' as I arn termed is. And 
 after one more remark which, I hope, will not be one 
 of surprise, I shall have accomplished the purposes 
 intended in this interview, and then rest my fate upon 
 your decision. Impoverished by circumstances be- 
 yond my control, I have no wealth to offer, but I have 
 honor and a devoted heart, both are yours, to accept 
 of or refuse, and in offering these, I ask your heart 
 and hand, if they are not to another engaged." 
 
 During Withrow's recital, the allusions made to, 
 and declarations of his suit, Miss Rayford's listening 
 faculties were attentively engaged, and her eyes stea- 
 dily fixed upon him. At its close, they dropped from 
 its centre of attraction ; a delicate crimson tint mantled 
 her cheeks, and its sway there creating confusion, 
 served to portray in nature's loveliness, one of the 
 brightest gems of woman conscious modesty. In the 
 next moment, recovering herself, she said : 
 
 " I hope you will not exact from me at the present 
 time, a reply to any of your remarks. There are but 
 few of them upon which I am at all at liberty to speak, 
 and if my request is acquiesced to by you, I take the 
 liberty now to appoint the day and hour on which we 
 will return to this room for that purpose and that 
 day is the second from this and the hour, the same 
 we met here in to-day." 
 
 The proposal of Miss Rayford was readily complied 
 with, and our two friends soon after entered the 
 parlor. 
 
 " Julia and you have been quite selfish to-day," said
 
 136 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 Mrs. Leftridge to With.ro w, u in leaving us alone since 
 morning, till this hour; but, as I am always disposed 
 to be lenient in my opinions upon the acts and motives 
 of .youth in their choice of society, I shall do myself 
 the pleasure of supposing both of you to have been 
 pleasantly engaged." 
 
 " I venture to vouch for that," said Mrs. Rayford, as 
 her mother uttered the words, "pleasantly engaged" 
 " for that which affords a genuine zest to society, is 
 the choice of topics, and the interest taken in them." 
 The remarks of Mrs. Rayford were too allusive not to 
 carry with them a strong supposition, in the minds 
 of those whom they concerned, that there might have 
 been a discovery of what they had been at that day. 
 
 CHAPTER XYII 
 
 A well-balanced mind is, to its possessor, like the pendulum to the clock, 
 never out of its sphere. 
 
 THE next morning, at an early hour, Miss Rayford 
 entered the drawing-room, where she found the ma- 
 trons of the mansion engaged in reading some papers 
 and letters that day received from her uncle. 
 
 " I was just thinking of sending for you, my daugh- 
 ter," said Mrs. Rayford, " and am glad you have come, 
 that you may read for yourself a paragraph that con- 
 cerns you." 
 
 Thus saying, she handed Julia a letter from the 
 Colonel. 
 
 In the next moment, her attention was drawn to
 
 THE IIEIKESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 137 
 
 the following remarks : " I was not aware of the ex- 
 citement to respect and esteem which Julia, yet a 
 school-girl in the city of Charleston, had created 
 amongst those of my sex, till my arrival here. It 
 seems that at some party at which she was, before our 
 family left the city, she had attracted the notice and 
 admiration, among others, of young Carleton, a son 
 of one of the wealthy house of Carleton, Mercer & 
 Co. He has gone so far as to ask my consent to ad- 
 dress her ; and as, I suppose, an excuse for the better 
 execution of his purpose, has signified to his father 
 a wish to travel, and of his intention to leave the city 
 with me, which will be in a few days from now. 
 
 " In reply to his request, I said : '* The rank and 
 position occupied by your family forbids that I should 
 refuse your request, but I wish you to understand that 
 its grant is not in the least a guarantee to the success 
 of your wishes; for, although the guardian of my 
 niece, in affairs like those of which we are speaking, 
 she is and must be free to think and act as she 
 pleases.'" " / 
 
 When Julia had read the remarks of her uncle, 
 folded and returned the letter to her mother, she sat 
 for some time mute, and apparently in deep thought 
 upon the question involved by the information re- 
 ceived. Then, recollecting herself, she said: 
 
 " This morning presents to my'rnind an eventful 
 period of my life. When I entered this room, it was 
 for the purpose of imparting to my ever-loved direct 
 and indirect parents an obligation I am under, and to 
 solicit their counsel upon the course I should pursue 
 in it. Another matter, not dissimilar, is now before 
 me, and upon both, the present time alone is mine to
 
 138 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 speak, and to ask the matured reasoning of those from 
 whom I am proud to have derived my existence." 
 
 Here an allusion was made to Withrow, the events 
 that had taken place in the library, and the promise 
 of another interview there with him. 
 
 "Of the affair," continued Julia, "of which my 
 uncle speaks, it is one of too recent information for 
 present reflection ; at least so, till I have disposed of 
 the one in which I must confess myself somewhat im- 
 plicated." 
 
 " From what you have just said," replied Mrs. Ray- 
 ford, "we may judge a decided preference with you 
 in favor of Mr. Withrow; and, indeed, the uninten- 
 tional discovery by me of your interview with him 
 last evening, in the library, infers very much the 
 opposite of mutability." 
 
 " Of that, excuse me, mother," returned Julia, " he 
 would like to know, and 'tis now that I ask at the 
 hands of those who shall ever exercise the controlling 
 influence of parents over me, if I may take the first 
 step in making Mr. Withrow your son-in-law, and my 
 acknowledged liege." 
 
 " Then you are engaged ?" said Mrs. Leftridge. 
 
 "Not so, grandma; but I am under a promise to 
 become so, or not, to-morrow morning ; and however 
 much I may be inclined to the former, that inclina- 
 tion would soon dissolve itself into friendship, and 
 friendship alone, if objected to by those in whose 
 presence I now am." 
 
 " Do you disregard the opinions of your uncle in 
 matters of this import?" said her mother. 
 
 " By no means," replied Julia, " I well know that 
 whatever yours are, his will be in accordance."
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERESTGAY. 139 
 
 The interview just described, resulted in the endow- 
 ment upon Julia to act as the affections of her heart 
 dictated ; and after having asked for, and obtained the 
 letter, already spoken of, from her uncle, for the pur- 
 pose of a second reading, she left the drawing-room, 
 and entered her own apartment. 
 
 Much of that disposition to meddle with, surmise 
 and predict upon the result of the business of others, 
 by opinions unasked for or sought after, was, as is 
 elsewhere, too often the case, in the immediate vicinity 
 of Fotheringay ; notwithstanding which, the well-bal- 
 anced minds of the truly lady-like and gentlemanly 
 portion of the inhabitants, of the period of which I am 
 speaking, discountenanced and thought it degrading 
 to encourage such principles. 
 
 Miss Rayford had scarcely left the drawing-room 
 before the bell of the front door announced the arrival 
 of visitors. They were the mother and sister of a 
 young gentleman who had for some time previous 
 been a votary at the shrine of merited excellence in 
 the preferment of his claim to the heart and hand of 
 the mountain girl. 
 
 No sooner had the ladies of the mansion entered the 
 parlor than the loquacious and ever posted up Madame 
 Marwell, commenced her comments upon the absurdity 
 (as she expressed it) of the wealthy to mix and asso- 
 ciate with those who are not so. At the beginning of 
 Mrs. Marwell's volley of invective, and knowing her 
 fame for gossiping, Mrs. Ray ford felt for the better 
 sense of Miss Marwell, and had requested her to go to 
 Julia's apartment. 
 
 " I declar," said Mrs. Marwell, " that these here 
 fellers as has gut the use uv their tungs in makin' ther
 
 140 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 wurds kum frum ther lips like tha was greest with 
 swet ile, and a purty good face an form in the bargain, 
 kreate too much mischiff with our gals. This heer 
 way of lettin' our darters keep kumpenny with 'em, 
 an sum we no nuthin uv, pertickelly tarments me, an 
 makes the way fur our fortins to go inter tha hans uv 
 them who ain't our ekwills. An I jist thot Ide kum 
 over to-day en tawk about it to you ladis, an bring 
 my dater Lizer to see Miss July. En you hev got sich 
 a case in yore house ; that ar Mr. Wutherow ! nobody 
 noes nuthin 'tall bout him, unly thet hees pore ; an I 
 heer he's tryin to make people bleeve hees a grate 
 man ! and by it trise to make yore datter fall into luv 
 with 'em. You must 'scuze me, for I like my nabers, 
 an luvs Miss Julia, an I wanter. give her my esspe- 
 reence in sich things. All ghals wanter marry. When 
 I wuz young I wuz mitey purtecquelar, an I want my 
 gals and Miss Julie to be so too. Now I shore there's 
 my sun Charles, he's ur mach fur enny g'hal in the 
 kountry, he don't do nothin, bet take pleasure, and '11 
 be worth a fortin by my old maden sister Miney, who 
 wuz sich a fule as to refuse Tom Goodwell more'n 
 thirty-six year pass lass Krissmast. Bersides, he'll git 
 a good leven frum his father. Oh my gud naber, 
 Misses Ray ford, you kant jiss now tell the plesure it 
 wood give us to see my son Chawles and Miss July 
 marrid. I heve had my hart fixed on it for sich a 
 long time. Besides it would be sich a good thin to 
 see our famlys unighted an our riches all a remanin 
 'mong ourselfs. An now I hev tole you my opinin, I 
 wish to heer yourn !" 
 
 The politeness of the ladies at the mansion was heavily 
 burthened with patience as a virtue, as well as a tax,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY. 141 
 
 at listening to Mrs. Mar well, and when their opinions 
 were asked Mrs. Leftridge said, " Do you wish me to 
 be sincere, and in being so will you still believe me 
 and my family your true friends, Mrs. Marwell ?" 
 
 " Why-ah-yes," was the drawling reply. 
 
 " Then let me tell you that the selfish designs shown 
 in your remarks of .this morning are too pointed to be 
 agreeable, and your views with regard to the fitting 
 associates for, and marriage of young ladies, are not 
 necessary, so far, at least, as my grand-daughter is 
 concerned. And believe me,. Madam, that there's 
 nothing more offensive to my ear and disagreeable to 
 my feelings, than the unasked-for concern of others 
 with the affairs of their neighbors." 
 
 The brief reply of Mrs. Leftridge had the desired 
 effect. Madame Marwell ceased her annoying com- 
 ments for that time, and soon after dinner left for her 
 home less burthened, but with no better pay for her 
 display of gossip than when she had come. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 That which is productive of most happiness, is the choice we make of 
 the source from which it is derived. 
 
 THE wished for morning had arrived, and at the 
 appointed hour Withrow entered the library, where, 
 in a few moments after he had taken his seat, he was 
 joined by Miss Ray ford. 
 
 " I have come," said she, " to comply with one of 
 the most important engagements as yet incident to
 
 142 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 my life ; and one, too, which is to create a new era in 
 yours, as well as in my future existence." 
 
 Here Withrow imagined his conquest gained, and 
 added, 
 
 " Then you have consented to be mine?" 
 
 " Not so," replied Julia ; and resuming her remarks 
 said : " The first meeting with you in this apartment 
 was purely accidental ; the next and this one were at 
 your own solicitation. Our last interview within 
 these walls was an important one, because of the 
 interest I have taken and felt in your reference to, 
 and disclosure of, things in relation to yourself, of 
 which I was till then ignorant, and other matters of 
 me and mine, of which I was then, as I am now, 
 conversant, but, at that time, not at liberty to speak. 
 To be frank with you now, as you were a few even- 
 ings ago to me, is my present purpose here, and 
 since the time is near at hand when the scenes at 
 Fotheringay will assume another aspect to that in 
 which they have heretofore appeared, within the 
 present hour, is the pleasure felt in answering your 
 several interrogatories." 
 
 Here Miss Rayford descanted in rapid succession, 
 though in fine as impressive language upon the 
 different matters (save one) contained in Withrow's 
 allusions at their last interview, and in her additional 
 remarks upon the daily expected arrival of her 
 uncle ; was also silent with regard to young 
 Carlton. 
 
 " Thus," continued Julia, " have you become a 
 knowing one upon the leading events giving rise to 
 the anticipated changes in our family, and, of course, 
 a partial one with regard to me, as in the routine of
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 143 
 
 that change, I obtain a step-father, and one, too, 
 before he shall have taken his station as such, I am 
 happy to say is highly worthy of my obedience and 
 regard." 
 
 Here a few moments of silence ensued, when 
 Withrow said : " Is there no one with whom you 
 would be willing to divide the ' obedience and 
 respect,' of which you have just spoken?" 
 
 "There is," replied Julia, "and that one has 
 engaged, as he still does, much of my thoughts." 
 
 The inuendo on the part of Withrow was immedi- 
 iately disposed of, and making a direct allusion of 
 this passion for Julia, he continued, " I am aware 
 from observation alone, during my stay here, of the 
 many offers made you by men of wealth, and, in that 
 particular, putting an end, at once, to competition 
 from me. Some are, I am happy to say, of intellec- 
 tual worth, the hearts of nearly all of whom would 
 never, I believe, prove treacherous or false, to you. 
 To such a one as would be most pleasing that you 
 could think would make you happy, and you in 
 return make him so, you ought to become married ; 
 and that one upon whom you have engaged much 
 of your thought ought to be the husband of Miss 
 Rayford. In being so, he who now assumes the 
 province of admiring you, will, when he is far, far from 
 you, cast an occasional thought upon the scenes 
 which have passed, and are still to pass here." 
 
 " I like the ideal drawing of -the picture of him, 
 whom, you say, 'ought to be the husband of Miss 
 Rayford,' but I cannot like the sombre aspect of its 
 back-ground," replied Julia. " And here, suffer me 
 to add, that I know none who come nearer to your
 
 144: THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERESTGAY. 
 
 description of him who ought to be my husband than 
 the gentleman now before me. And know, Mr. With- 
 row, that your want of wealth does not in the least 
 impair the strength of your competition with others 
 for my heart and hand. You have asked for them, 
 and here my heart is conferred upon you with the 
 promise of my hand. And now," continued Julia, 
 " as I have complied literally with your request thus 
 far, and anticipate the pleasure of doing so in future 
 in the capacity of your wife, I must ask your permis- 
 sion to close the conference and return to my mother 
 where pressing concerns require my aid." 
 
 The sudden transition of the senses from the ex- 
 treme of despair to the acquirement of that upon 
 which the whole time of our dearest hopes is concen- 
 trated, is a kind of mental Elysium. Such were With- 
 row's feelings at the close of Miss Rayford's impressive 
 remarks. Bat a moment before he had thrown off the 
 heart's costume of love and in its stead assumed that 
 of friendship. Under circumstances and at a time 
 least expected he is made aware of the purest of all 
 earthly things woman's affection! And is at once 
 told that he was not only the "elect," but the "chosen" 
 one to govern and control the heart on that day con- 
 signed to his keeping. 
 
 If the intrinsic value of such gifts were more in- 
 tensely thought of and prized by men, what a laby- 
 rinth of discord and misery would be checked and 
 entirely put a stop to in the progress of human 
 existence. 
 
 On the following day Colonel Leftridge and young 
 Carlton arrived at the mansion, and, as is the charac- 
 teristic of Virginians on the approach of strangers
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 145 
 
 among them, Carlton was introduced to and received 
 by the family with that attention of hospitable polite- 
 ness leaving no doubt upon his mind of their friend- 
 ship and esteem. 
 
 .*- CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 One of the real pleasures of life is the conviction we have of affording it 
 to others around us. 
 
 NOT many days passed after the return of the Colo- 
 nel before the news of his arrival was known, and 
 visits made him by his neighbors, congratulating the 
 return of their friend. The ladies had also learned of 
 another stranger being at Fotheringay, and by way 
 of an excuse for their desire and purpose of seeing him, 
 made daily visits to the mansion under the pretext of 
 seeing Miss Rayford. Miss Lewis was the opposite 
 of all that, and was among the last of Miss Rayford's 
 female friends in receiving an introduction to young 
 Carlton. He was a man of fine form and stature; pos- 
 sessed of a well cultivated mind, of polite and polished 
 manners and address, and withal a warm and generous 
 heart. His face wore the impression of the southern 
 sun, and his black hair, and large, round and expres- 
 sive dark eye made him the subject of converse among 
 those who knew him. 
 
 The unexpected long absence; the multiplicity of 
 domestic concerns now requiring his attention at 
 home, and the fast approaching day on which he was 
 to become* the husband of Miss Craigne, were the 
 preventives to the Colonel's spending much time with 
 
 10
 
 146 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 his new guest ; nor was his want of attention in that 
 particular of much import, for Carlton had already 
 found business enough to engage his every mental 
 faculty. He had suffered but few days to pass after 
 his introduction to her, before he expressed to Miss 
 Rayford the object of his visit. 
 
 Too much the lady to receive his declarations in 
 any other way but that of courtesy, Miss Ray ford's 
 first wish was to prepare Carlton for., that which was 
 necessarily to follow the refusal of his suit. One day 
 during a long interview with him, in listening to that 
 strain of eloquent and impressive effusion of the heart 
 and mind usual on such occasions, Carlton adverted to 
 the positions occupied by his opponents, and among 
 others, spoke of Withrow. 
 
 "Your capacity of discernment," replied Miss Ray- 
 ford, " in matters of so much gallantry as the topics 
 upon which you have so pleasantly entertained me, 
 is one of the many qualities you possess attractive of 
 my esteem ; and in their development, have not so in- 
 tentionally as accidentally spoken of the attentions 
 paid me by Mr. Withrow. In doing so, you have 
 kindly furnished me with the means of serving two 
 important purposes; one to express my thanks for 
 the high regard you entertain of me ; the other, to 
 say, that my heart has for some time been, as it still 
 is, not mine to dispose of. Heretofore I have been 
 free to think and to act as I pleased, and, like all 
 others of my sex, disposed to receive and to listen to 
 the attentions paid us by yours ; but now, and with 
 me^that privilege is at an end, except it be in com- 
 pany with, and that at the option of him to whom my 
 heart, and promise of my hand have been given."
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 147 
 
 "Your sentiments, Miss Kayford," replied Carlton, 
 " are alone worthy of the lady from whom they have 
 emanated, and the honor you do me, in speaking of 
 my discernment, will remain in the consecrated urn 
 of memory as long as the heart which has on this 
 day been offered to, and refused by you, continues to 
 throb." 
 
 The day after his refusal by Miss Rayford, Carlton 
 signified his intentions to leave Fotheringay. During 
 his stay there, it had become an affair of settled con- 
 clusion among the inhabitants, that the marriages of 
 Colonel Leftridge and Doctor Craigne we're to come 
 off; and that soon Mrs. Rayford was to become Mrs. 
 Craigne and Miss Craigne Mrs. Leftridge. 
 
 The busy Mrs. Marwell had already planned with 
 all that prospective nicety of judgment with which 
 she meddled with the affairs of others, the destiny of 
 Julia. The wealthy young Carlton, had come for, 
 and was to take her to the south; and Withrow, 
 whom she could not forgive for being, as she supposed, 
 in the way of her son Charles, was to go a beggar 
 from the family of those upon whom he had so im- 
 pertinently, and for so long a time, imposed himself. 
 
 " It will not do for you to leave us now," said the 
 Colonel one evening to Carlton, while the family were 
 seated ^,t the tea-table, "for knowing, as you do, the 
 events which are shortly to transpire here, it is my 
 w r ish that you defer your departure till they shall have 
 taken place; while, in the meantime, you may find 
 among these mountains some fair one who may not 
 be like the one for whom you have come among them, 
 pre-engaged." 
 
 The remarks of the Colonel were accompanied by a
 
 148 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 suavity of manner and pleasantness, of intended pur- 
 pose, in no way calculated to offend, and so far to the 
 reverse were they received by those present, that all 
 were solicitous that Carlton should not go until the 
 events just alluded to were consummated. 
 
 "For my part," said Julia, "although you found 
 me beyond the possibility of an acceptance of yourself 
 it may be in my power by the permission of one (look- 
 ing at Withrow as she spoke) who must in future 
 control my actions; to assist you in obtaining a reward 
 worthy your journey here." 
 
 "To what have you allusion, Miss Bayford?" said 
 Carlton. 
 
 " To that," she replied, " which would contribute to 
 your happiness, in becoming the husband of my dear 
 and long-known friend, Miss Lewis." 
 
 " When ladies take an interest in advancing the 
 happiness of our sex," replied Withrow, "their acts 
 are from the best of motives, and a less danger of ills 
 resulting from than otherwise ; and since Miss Ray- 
 ford has honored me in asking my permission to 
 assist you; so far as I am concerned, it is not only 
 given, but my own influence is here offered to affect 
 her design." 
 
 Carlton took the advice of Julia and others of his 
 friends at the mansion. In a few weeks after their 
 respective marriages took place, followed by the de- 
 parture of Carlton and Withrow with their ladies for 
 the city of New York. Here they were met by Lau- 
 rence, Hyne and their ladies, in a full display of every 
 attention. At that meeting of the long-known friend 
 of her uncle, and of the no less valued, though until
 
 TLIE HEIKE3SES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 149 
 
 then, unknown one, Hyne, Julia was not unmindful 
 of the debt of gratitude due them from her. 
 
 " To your friendship, gentlemen,'' said she one day 
 to Laureifcce and Hyne, in the presence of several, " I 
 shall consider myself ever indebted, for the plan of 
 safety to my uncle, and the execution of it by him I 
 now have the honor of being the wife of." 
 
 After a continued routine of pleasure for several 
 weeks with his old friends, Withrow and his bride 
 accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Carlton, left for their 
 intended residence in the south. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. >'j- 
 
 Circumstances afford the axis, and Events the action, upon which the 
 life of man passes away. 
 
 MORE than twenty years had passed with. Time, as 
 he had furnished the record, since the occurrences of 
 which I have just spoken; within that period two sons 
 and two daughters were born to Laurence, Hyne, 
 Leftridge, and Withrow. The ladies of the two former 
 had each a son, and the ladies of the two latter had 
 each a daughter. The two sons were reared and edu- 
 cated in the city of New York ; and the two girls in 
 the city of Charleston. 
 
 While the fathers of the sons were sparing neither 
 pains, care, trouble, nor expense in the preparation of 
 the minds of their children for useful and honorable 
 stations upon the stage of action, common with others 
 of their fellow men as competitors ; that care was
 
 150 THE UEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 being taken of the girls, by their parents, which, at a 
 subsequent period, and one that I shall at a proper 
 time speak of, ranked them meritoriously among that 
 class of distinctions, invariably the reward of the vir- 
 tuous and the good. 
 
 When manhood had begun its dawn upon the young 
 gentlemen here alluded, to, the acquirement of useful 
 and polished attainments in which nature had assisted 
 their parents in a liberal bestowal upon them, were 
 seen, with regret, taking an opposite course from that 
 anticipated and fondly looked for. The ideal edifice 
 of splendor and usefulness, had been stricken by the 
 death-like blow of inertness. The whole fabric shaken 
 to its centre and tottering upon its basis, from the 
 influence upon it of idleness and want of energy, was 
 fast approaching a mass of irreparable ruin ; to avert 
 that and create a new action, in those for whom alone 
 life becomes a pleasure, the every thought of Laurence 
 and Hyne were put into active operation. 
 
 What debt is there in the affairs of life greater and 
 more imperatively obligatory to discharge than that 
 due by children to their parents ! It is in the routine 
 of affection and obedience only that it can be liquidated, 
 and after the most constant as prompt disbursement of 
 acceptances of that nature, the balance sheet exhibits 
 a large amount still due. 
 
 Reader, hast thou a parent? if so, read again the 
 paragraph just ended; it is intended for your benefit, 
 by one who has also had a kind, affectionate, and 
 dearl} r beloved father and mother, now no more ! but 
 for whose memory in affection his last pulse shall 
 proudly beat. 
 
 The long-standing firm of Laurence & Hyne had
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEBINGAY. 151 
 
 acquired for itself, not only an extensive fame in the 
 mercantile department of the affairs of men, but had 
 also brought to its conductors an amount of wealth 
 affording ease in the decline of life. 
 
 It is said that wealth can do any thing ; not so. 
 For at the dying hour Holy Writ says to the reverse ; 
 as does also, the possession of it to the distressed 
 parent at the painful deportment of children. In such 
 cases, the unhappy mother would give, if at her dis- 
 posal, hundreds, and fathers thousands, for the resto- 
 ration to proper deportment of their too much indulged 
 daughters and sons. 
 
 Withrow had, within the time spoken of, gone to 
 and settled himself in the South, and Leftridge occu- 
 pied the Mansion at Fotheringay. Prosperity seemed 
 to crown the efforts of both of these gentlemen ; and 
 Leftridge, though it had long before been refused by 
 Withrow, settled nearly half of his large and produc- 
 tive estate upon his beloved niece, Julia. 
 
 At the age of ten years of the daughter of Mr. and 
 Mrs. Leftridge, it was the request of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Withrow that she should be sent to Charleston, there 
 to be educated with their own daughter. 
 
 That request was granted, and at the respective age 
 of eighteen, those young ladies left their school with 
 highly accredited honors, and taking their station in 
 the circles of society they were ever after spoken of as 
 possessing minds adorned by every virtue. 
 
 During the occurrence of the events here spoken of, 
 a regular correspondence, not only on the part of the 
 gentlemen, but their ladies also, had been kept up. 
 Their ladies had been made acquainted with the com- 
 pact of intentional desire, which for years past had
 
 152 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHER1NGAY. 
 
 been, and still was known to be in existence, between 
 the four fathers. Yet nothing of the kind, up to that 
 period, had been spoken of, or even alluded to before 
 their children. 
 
 The health of Withrow and that of his lady had 
 become much impaired, and a change of climate being 
 determined on, with their only child, set out for the 
 mountains of Virginia. Upon their arrival at Fother- 
 ingay, the society of her mother, grandmother (very 
 old, yet still active in mind) and that of her uncle, 
 seemed to have created a new action in the health of 
 Mrs. "Withrow. The reminiscences of former times 
 and scenes among them, some of the most endearing 
 of her life, appeared to create a new impetus to re- 
 covery in the physical strength of Julia, but it was of 
 short duration. One day, while on her death-bed and 
 near a window that commanded a view of the Pebble 
 Peak, which, and the occurrences happening upon it, 
 are already known to my readers, in low, yet impres- 
 sive tones, she said : " Time passes swiftly, and pleasures 
 in the retrospect, are but a glance of the mind that 
 recall them. In the enjoyment of health, and that 
 twenty-five years since, I, with others, dear to me, 
 were upon its summit. Now, I am at its base, where, 
 ere long, I shall breathe my last. I desire when 
 that is the case that my remains shall be deposited 
 upon the top of that mountain, and near the rock upon 
 which, in years past and gone, my hearts record of 
 love's young dream began its course. I am now pre- 
 pared," continued she, " to leave this for a better 
 world, and come death when he may, I am ready." 
 Here she requested her relatives to surround her 
 bed, when, in an audible voice, she pronounced the
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 153 
 
 word "farewell!" Then looking up with a composure 
 of countenance expressive of confidence, soon after 
 closed her eyes, to open them no more. 
 
 A like scene to that just described soon occurred in 
 the death and burial at the same place, of Withrow. 
 And a few days before his death, his daughter being 
 at his bedside, he said : " My daughter the hour is near 
 at hand when I must leave you ; I have tried to live, 
 as I am now dying in fear, obedience and firm reli- 
 ance upon the mercies of the Most High. And have 
 tried to be an humble practitioner of that graphic 
 code of faith given to man by his unerring Savior ! 
 my last request is, That you will try to live in and 
 after the manner prescribed by Him ; if so, the hour 
 of death to you cannot fail to be a pleasant one." 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 In nothing are we more acceptable in the sight of Deity, than when our 
 acts portend good. 
 
 "WiTHROW and his lady had now been dead more 
 than a year, and in a letter received about that time, 
 by Leftridge, from his friend Laurence, were the fol- 
 lowing remarks : " You are doubtless well aware of 
 the anxiety of parents relative to their children, and 
 can, therefore, readily imagine the concern felt by me 
 and three others here, for ours. I feel sorrow in telling 
 you of the despair to which we have arrived, upon 
 the subject between us, so long intended, of per- 
 petuity.
 
 154 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 " For it seems that everything thus far done pre- 
 paratory to a worthy marriage of our son to your 
 daughter, has become a perfect mockery upon our 
 best efforts to inculcate business habits and the prac- 
 tice of them in him. Mr. and Mrs. Hyne are in a like 
 dilemma, and of the same opinion with regard to their 
 son. With theirs, as well as our dear boy, there 
 seems to be no longer a hope of reclamation from 
 inertness, and a still more dreaded fear of habitual 
 intemperance. Parents know not what they raise 
 their children for! and for the sake of your four 
 friends here, please give us your opinion how to act." 
 
 Leftridge was deeply impressed with concern at the 
 condition of the parental hope of his friends, as well 
 as their appeal made to him for counsel ; and with all 
 that earnest reflection that ought to mark the acts of 
 one true friend toward another, considered well the 
 reply he should make. This done, he, with that vola- 
 tility of temperament at times so remarkable in him, 
 though naturally grave and dignified, wrote as fol- 
 lows, to Laurence: 
 
 " That you know the depth of interest I feel for the 
 prosperity and happiness of you and yours, as well 
 as for my no less esteemed friend, Mr. Hyne, .and 
 family, is what I need not here multiply words to 
 convince you of. It is to be regretted that the things 
 of which you speak have become common, and two 
 of the most intense bitterness incident to parental 
 life. And now, the plan I have devised, with the 
 intent to save, and which is as follows laid before you 
 and Mr. Hyne for yours and his approval or rejection, 
 in the attempt to reclaim and bring to some sort of.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 155 
 
 approved system of deportment those of whom you 
 speak. 
 
 " Those who are brought up in the manners and 
 customs of city life, know little, if anything of a 
 frontier one. In this particular, the manners, customs, 
 and scenes here can be more easily imposed upon the 
 credulity of yours and the son of Mr. Hyne than if it 
 were otherwise with them. 
 
 " The better to effect my purpose, I have instituted 
 here, and among a few and highly worthy young gen- 
 tlemen, sons of my well-known neighbors, an " Order 
 of Bandits," and, so far as the reality of its purposes 
 is concerned, have already searched for and found a 
 cavern, about ten miles distant, well adapted for the 
 use intended. A judge, and other officers of the 
 court, with lawyers and jurymen, have been chosen 
 and appointed from among, if for them, in my scheme, 
 there may be any use. 
 
 " For the first time, I have imparted to my beloved 
 daughter, and my no less beloved adopted one, my 
 wishes, with those of yours, Mr. Hyne, and your 
 ladies. In every particular, a like secrecy to that 
 practiced by you two gentlemen, years ago," for my 
 benefit, will be observed, and I hope as effectually 
 carried out for the benefit of all concerned. 
 
 "In the part pantomimic of the affair intended, I 
 play the part of a country tavern-keeper; and the 
 man who is really the inn-keeper here, with his family, 
 I purpose, for the time being, to possession and con- 
 trol of my house. 
 
 " When I mentioned my plot to the young ladies, 
 and the -circumstances leading to and giving rise to 
 it, it was in presence of my whole family ; and after
 
 156 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEMNGAY. 
 
 a little of the surprise as well as humor it excited 
 had passed, one of them said: 'It is not your inten- 
 tion, father, to have us wed those gentlemen without 
 the approval of it by our hearts ; and knowing that, as 
 we do, will on this occasion stoop in order to save, to 
 conquer, and to love, if possible ; and also consent to 
 play any parts assigned us in this new way of making 
 matches especially when we have for our mentors 
 persons of so much experience as you and those with 
 whom you are associated in the plan before us.' 
 
 " You have now my views ; and if they meet with 
 the approval of you and Mr. Hyne, and, of course, 
 that of both your ladies, propose to your sons an ex- 
 cursion to the West getting some experienced and 
 settled person, in whom you can place explicit confi- 
 dence, and upon whom I can also rely, to accompany 
 them. From time to time, you shall be apprized of 
 our movements, which I hope will result in closer 
 ties than those which at present exists between us." 
 
 The scheme proposed was readily agreed to, and a 
 notice of that agreement made known to its projector. 
 
 Now, reader, since you have been informed of whom 
 the keeper of the Mountain Inn was, by your permis- 
 sion, I will return to the respective parties left there 
 some time ago, and continue my endeavors to amuse 
 you in a further development of their motives and 
 acts.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 157 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 In literature incident gives riae to excitement; and excitement is gratified 
 only by research. 
 
 THE tavern spoken of in the first chapter of this 
 work was from a fourth to a half mile distant from 
 the Fotheringay Mansion, which last stood upon a 
 beautiful eminence commanding a delightful and ex- 
 tensive view of the Roanoke river many miles distant, 
 at it found its way through the valley. 
 
 With a view the better to effect purposes contem- 
 plated, a change of names and occupancy had been 
 agreed upon, and Leftridge assuming that 'of Melvin 
 had taken possession of the tavern, and Dierdoffe (the 
 tavern keeper) that of Urnsden, occupied the mansion 
 for the time being. The young ladies of the Colonel's 
 family, Antoinette Leftridge and Leontine Withrow 
 were to remain at the mansion, and as circumstances 
 required were to be occasionally at the tavern. 
 
 The arrival there of the strangers, and incidents of 
 their first night at the Mountain Ian, are already 
 known to my readers. Hence new matter and further 
 developments of it. 
 
 At the dawn of day our huntsmen arose from their 
 slumbers, and when the travellers had got up, and 
 were promenading a porch extending from one end of 
 the building to the other, the first thing that attracted 
 their attention was the sight of six men standing by 
 their horses, placed in a straight line, fronting, but 
 about ten feet distant from the front door of the 
 tavern.
 
 158 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 Their costumes were that of the dressed deer skin, 
 made into a kind of coat extending to the knee, orna- 
 mented with fringe of the same material, that in like 
 manner adorned a sort of cape which hung gracefully 
 over their shoulders. This coat when wrapped around 
 the body and fastened with a belt, resembled the 
 " sack" with its conveniences and comforts, as worn 
 at the present day. Their pantaloons, or pants, as 
 they are now termed, were made of like material; the 
 whole neatness of which displaying forms of muscular 
 strength and symmetry, of which men inured to the 
 hardships of former days were possessed. Upon their 
 heads was worn a cap made of otter skin. In this 
 apparel, with the shot-pouch and requisites for the 
 chase gracefully hanging by their side, with their 
 rifles upright upon the ground, held in one hand, and 
 the reins of their bridles held in the other, they were 
 patiently and respectfully waiting the arrival of others 
 who were to join them in the hunt already spoken of. 
 A trespass upon the gallantry of the hunters had not 
 been long imposed, before two ladies, mounted upon 
 fine horses, accompanied by two young gentlemen, 
 were seen at some distance coming towards them. 
 
 Usefulness with convenience, exempt from danger, 
 was in those days consulted by ladies in costumes 
 used when on horseback, consequently, the skirts as 
 now worn on such occasions, almost reaching the 
 ground, and preventing the free use of the many pretty 
 understandings of the fair, were alike unsafe or disap- 
 proved of. The lovely form of woman was never 
 intended by the knowing Author of such excellence 
 to be hidden, when the appearance of any part of it 
 becomes necessary for comfort, ease and assistance.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 159 
 
 Nor was it ever intended to be squeezed to death by 
 the trappings of that species of folly above all most 
 destructive to health aud life. 
 
 My fair readers, doubtless, understand the allusion 
 made in the paragraph just ended, and have, unques- 
 tionably, too much good sense to condemn me for the 
 remarks, which with others contained in this work, 
 are all intended for their amusement, instruction and 
 good, in the virtues of refinement and taste, which I 
 know the true lady is in the possession of, as well as 
 practice of. 
 
 The intervention of a few minutes from the time 
 they were first seen, brought into the presence of the 
 huntsmen, two beautiful and high-spirited black steeds, 
 bearing upon their backs, the ladies spoken of. The 
 expert use of the check rein, and the graceful ease with 
 which they govern their horses soon placed Antoinette 
 Leftridge and Leontine Withrow in a line fronting 
 that occupied by their gallant friends, while on each 
 side of the ladies were ranged their two attendants. 
 
 The dress of those gentlemen was after the descrip- 
 tion of that of the huntsmen. In the immediate atten- 
 tions required of them, that day, by their fair charge, 
 they were for that cause exempted from carrying the 
 rifle. 
 
 Accustomed to a mountainous region, and especially 
 in a section of country and at a period when and where 
 the use of carriages were less known and less thought of, 
 any excursion undertaken and carried into effect, was 
 invariably made upon horseback. In that particular 
 exercise our heroines were adepts, and often with 
 others of their sex, accompanied by gentlemen of their 
 acquaintance, were seen, where horses could possibly
 
 160 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIER1NGAY. 
 
 keep foot, upon the sides and tops of the widely 
 extended and lofty peaks of the Alleghanies. 
 
 Upon the occasion before us, the ladies in question, 
 were costumed in a riding-dress, made of a dark green 
 cloth, fashioned after the order of the pelisse ; the skirt 
 of which extended, when dismounted, a little below the 
 lower edge of their dress, and when on horseback grace- 
 fully resting upon the top of the instep. Its ornament 
 was simply a double row of last gilt buttons at thick 
 and equal distances, extending from the top of each 
 shoulder to a point in the centre of the breast, from 
 thence a single row extending in front to the extremity 
 of the skirt, displaying the bust, not drawn in, but as 
 nature designed it to be distended. Upon their heads, 
 was worn a sort of hat made of fine black plush velvet, 
 not exactly, but resembling in make that used by 
 ladies of the present day. It's decoration was an 
 ostrich feather fastened in front, and under, an orna- 
 ment attached to a band extending around it. The 
 hat was placed more upon the right side than other- 
 wise, of the head, and made fast by a ribbon, neatly 
 tied under the chin; the whole displaying a graceful 
 attitude, fine foreheads, and the tresses of jet-black 
 hair, that so attractingly waved in the breeze as it 
 passed. 
 
 As the ladies took their positions, a profound silence 
 was observed, and in a few moments, drawing their 
 lace veils to the right side of their faces, were in full 
 view of the company, with whom they intended spend- 
 ing that day, amongst the wilds of Fotheringay. Their 
 expressive eyes were concentrated upon one of the 
 huntsmen occupying the centre of the line; and each 
 at the same moment presenting him with sealed notes,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERIXGAY. 161 
 
 made signs for him to read them. That done they 
 unclasped their pencils, suspended to massive gold 
 chains, supporting miniatures resting upon their 
 bosoms, and handing them, with elegantly bound note- 
 books, to him ; his reply was soon given, when, in 
 the next moment, the entire party was seen on its 
 way to the adjacent part of the mountains. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. >, 
 
 An agreeable reflection upon the post, and cheerful thoughts of the 
 present are wholesome food for the mind. 
 
 DURING the scenes described in the latter part of the 
 last chapter, our travellers had ceased their promenade, 
 and were also silent, though astonished, as well as 
 delighted spectators of the (to them) mysterious occur- 
 rences in which it seemed involved. 
 
 Strangers to that of any thing like, let alone the 
 realities of a frontier life ; the costume of the hunts- 
 men ; their stern and determined deportment, yet gen- 
 tlemanly and respectful manner in which they received 
 the fair ones, who had just joined the company, were 
 matters of remark, as well as reflection to the minds 
 of the travellers. And the glance of the eye, and con- 
 tour of the feminine forms and faces that morning dis- 
 played, all contributed to excite their curiosity, attrac- 
 tion, and particular regard. 
 
 At the breakfast hour no lady lent her pleasant 
 smile nor looked the social intercourse at the taking 
 their repast, as had been the case at supper the pre- 
 11
 
 1G2 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY. 
 
 ceding evening. Sanco the servant spoken of on a 
 former occasion, was their only attendant ; and when 
 questioned by the junior part of the strangers relative 
 to the occurrences of the morning, and an adversion 
 to the music heard on the night before; the answer 
 received was, that "he had been taught to speak of 
 nothing but what his owners allowed," adding with a 
 polite gravity of countenance, " if you wish to know, 
 it would be better to apply to some one of your own 
 color." 
 
 In a few moments after the reply just written, was 
 made, the travellers rose from the table and went to 
 their room, which they found neat and clean, and 
 everything arranged in genteel and comfortable order. 
 Several volumes of fine works had been laid on their 
 table, upon which had been also placed, pens, ink and 
 paper. " This is gratifying," said one of the young 
 men, "for, if I can't know what I have attempted to 
 enquire of here, I can at least amuse myself at read- 
 ing." 
 
 The elder gentleman seemed to have caught an idea 
 favorable to the part he was to perform in the affairs 
 then transpiring; and finding his young friends seated, 
 each one with a book in his hand, and intently en- 
 gaged reading took that opportunity to leave them, 
 saying: 
 
 " This is a fine morning, and I will avail myself of 
 a walk in it." As he finished the remark, he buttoned 
 his coat, throw his cloak around him, put on his 
 gloves, placed his hat upon his head, and soon was 
 out of the room. 
 
 Passing through the porch from whence he had but 
 a few hours before, beheld for the first time our hero-
 
 THE HEIEESSES OF POTHERING AY. 163 
 
 ines, and their gallant friends ; the first person he met 
 was Sanco. For a moment, he felt at a loss to know 
 what route to pursue or how to act ; but recovering, 
 his, at that instant, confused powers of reflection, 
 thought of the signal imparted to him at his departure 
 from the city of New York, by the fathers of those 
 he now had under his charge and keeping; and, ven- 
 turing its use, gave it to the servant. It was well 
 understood and very promptly returned. That done, 
 the gentleman said : 
 
 " Will you conduct me to your master?" 
 
 Sanco, making a respectful bow, by way of a wil- 
 lingness to obey his request, replied, " Please follow 
 me," and taking a circuitous route to the mansion, 
 the stranger was soon in the presence of him and his 
 lady, who on the preceding night, had played the 
 parts of tavern-keeper and landlady of the mountain 
 inn. 
 
 The appearance and language of Mr. Standly be- 
 spoke that of the gentleman; and, not now as had 
 been necessarily the case on the last evening, did 
 reserve and cautious expressions govern his second 
 interview with Leftridge and his lady. He spoke 
 freely of the plans which had been devised, and that 
 were then being carried into effect, with a view to the 
 happiness of the sons of his patrons ; and the extent of 
 credit and honor, this would be so justly due to, and 
 redound upon the fair ones who had become engaged 
 in them, and who had thus consented to stoop in 
 order to conquer. 
 
 In speaking of the young ladies he said : " I was 
 agreeably surprised, as well as much amused, at the 
 ease and gracefulness with which they executed their
 
 164 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAT. 
 
 first act this morning in Pantomime: and one happy 
 effect that it has had, where it should, is the anxiety 
 already entertained by my young gentlemen, to know 
 who the unfortunates, as they expressed it, are ; and 
 from whence such exquisite beauty of form and face 
 came. In entire ignorance of the plans made for their 
 benefit, they seem to be in ecstacies, relative to how 
 they may become acquainted with those deaf and 
 dumb nymphs of the mountain, so termed by them. 
 And, continued Standly, should the ladies be equally 
 successful in their future, as they have proven them- 
 selves to have been in their first attempts, the deaf 
 and dumb will hear and speak when it shall become 
 necessary, to such effect only, as will make those for 
 whose sake they are now so happy. 
 
 After a minute description of the plan intended 
 had been given him, 1 together with a knowledge of 
 the borrowed name under which Mr. and Mrs. Left- 
 ridge were to be spoken of and addressed by, and 
 those of Ellen and Susan Dieroffe, by which Miss 
 Leftridge and Miss Withrow were to be known, 
 Standly withdrew from the, presence of the Colonel 
 and his lady, and winding his way from as he had 
 done to the mansion, was soon with his young friends 
 at the tavern. On entering their apartment, he found 
 it vacated, and feeling chilly from the effects of his 
 walk, seated himself by the fire. Here, and after be- 
 coming comfortably warm, he thought of how best to 
 wile away the temporary absence of his fellow- 
 travellers. 
 
 His attention was drawn to the table, where he 
 discovered their pencils were left lying, each upon a 
 sheet of paper, on both of which were discovered,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 165 
 
 half-finished and hastily-sketched drawings of female 
 heads, evidently intended to represent the ladies seen 
 by them that morning with here and there signs of 
 the invocation of the Muses. 
 
 "This is as it should be; and if thus now, what 
 will it arrive at in the progress of mysteries surround-' 
 ing them ?" thought Standly, as he carefully replaced 
 everything as he had found it. He had scarcely done 
 so, before the young gentlemen entered the room. 
 
 Having resumed his seat, and his head resting 
 upon one hand, Standly seemed to be indifferent to 
 anything in the room, and more in the reflective than 
 talkative humor. In a few moments his attention was 
 called to a question asked. 
 
 "What," said one of the young men, "do you 
 think of those sketches, made of the lovely fair ones 
 seen by accident this morning? Don't judge them 
 too severely," continued the speaker, "for the time 
 may come, though now in a rough and rude state, 
 that we may be allowed the privilege of putting a 
 better finish to them. But no !" he continued, " why 
 do I say so, and why the indulgence of such an idea ? 
 their faces may never be seen by us again, however 
 beautiful and equally intellectual the possessors of 
 them may be ; and if so, who can bear the thought of 
 marrying the deaf and dumb?" 
 
 " I think you would Venture it," replied Standly ; 
 "and from the effects of the first sight of those 
 mountain girls have had upon your minds, all the 
 defects I could possibly point out upon the sketches 
 shown me, would not, though allowing me the plea- 
 sure of being known correct in my criticisms, pre- 
 vent your continued attempts, even without another
 
 166 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 sitting, to place them more perfect before one who I 
 think caught at last, and whom I have heard say, 
 'She must be a Venus of whom I would ask the 
 question, Will you marry me ?' 
 
 " Both of you have spoken thus to me, and now it 
 seems," continued Standly, " that, far from your native 
 city, where wealth and beauty abound, and amid the 
 expansive display of Nature's hills and lofty moun- 
 tains, you are disposed to become tamed and this, 
 too, by entire strangers, of whom you know nothing; 
 and if you did, might perhaps indignantly spurn your 
 offers; or, in an opposite light, whose position, com- 
 pared with that of your own, in birth, rank, and 
 wealth, place them, for aught you know, out of the 
 .sphere of your further notice. We must," continued 
 he, " leave this place shortly, and in our journey still 
 west, may find others more worthy the admiration of 
 both of you as you appear inclined to love than 
 those now the subjects of your remarks." 
 
 The object in view with Standly was to create an 
 excitement, and wish expressed by his young com- 
 panions to continue where they were. To his allusion 
 of a departure, they both spoke against, and expressed 
 desires to take up their quarters there for the winter. 
 Their gentlemanly friend seemed, at first, to disap- 
 prove of the measure, and, after an appearance of 
 much reluctance, and apparent objection, accord their 
 wish agreed to do so. 
 
 Here reader, I ask, very respectfully, your permis- 
 sion to leave our travellers for a second time in your 
 mental keeping, in order to discover the further ope- 
 rations of the huntsmen, who will represent as now
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 167 
 
 being under the direction and control of the ladies 
 spoken of in the second paragraph of the present 
 chapter. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIY. 
 
 What shall I say to attract your attention ? Read and you will see, if 
 I shall have done so. 
 
 IT was not so much the intention, of the huntsmen to 
 employ their time that day in procuring the wild game 
 of the mountains, as it was their wish and pleasure to 
 be identified with two, for whom they entertained high 
 regard, and whose objects in being with them on the 
 present occasion, was to further a plan already devised, 
 to get possession of the tame game that had been 
 recently seen in their neighborhood. 
 
 The cabin of Close, another whose name has also 
 appeared in a former part of this work, was their then 
 place of destination ; and in order to apprize his family 
 of the intended visit of the ladies and their company. 
 Close had left the tavern, wher-e, it may be remem- 
 bered by my readers, he had assembled with others 
 on the night before that morning, long ere the 
 approach of day appeared upon the horizon. 
 
 Close was poor, and in that particular was not dis- 
 similar to many of us, but in other respects, eminently 
 so. He possessed a generous heart ; many are strangers 
 to such a throb. He was nobly kind to his fellow men 
 in the hour of distress ; many, vastly many, are per- 
 fectly indifferent to a knowledge and sight of such
 
 168 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 fates. He was particularly grateful for favors bestowed ; 
 many arrogate to themselves honor in thinking of 
 them no longer than the time occupied in their recep- 
 tion. He was unassuming and retiring in his manners ; 
 many are too vain to comprehend the worth of such 
 virtues, and too ignorant to sustain themselves in the 
 sphere where an overcharge of modest impudence, 
 created from the idea of wealth alone have placed 
 them. He was an humble, though brave soldier in the 
 army of the revolution ; fought coolly and deliberately 
 for the rights of his country, and at the time of which 
 I am writing, was a neighbor of his former commander ; 
 he was acquainted with and knew well the fathers of 
 the young strangers then in his neighborhood, and 
 himself and family were the warm and zealous friends 
 of the ladies before us. 
 
 Something more than three hours were occupied in 
 their slow and single file order of movement, before 
 the termination of their morning ride, which brought 
 the gentlemen and the ladies accompanying them to 
 the cabin door of Close. Here they were received 
 with that undissembling kindness and hospitality, 
 striking the imagination at no time and place with 
 more forcible pleasure than when it is made manifest 
 at an hour unexpected, and amid the rural pleasures 
 of a backwoodsman's hut. His residence was a double 
 log cabin, standing at the edge of a narrow valley, 
 affording a few acres of level ground. Upon that spot 
 he sowed and reaped yearly a scanty subsistence. 
 With that and what was afforded him by the grand 
 aid of Nature's God, in the plentiful number of bears, 
 deer, and turkeys, with which the mountains and 
 valleys about him abounded, he seemed contented.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERIXGAY. 169 
 
 Added to that was the routine of the province of his 
 wife, and two only grown daughters, in the neatness 
 of every thing about them, proclaiming them at once 
 above that of sloth. And the attentions of two only 
 sons, then young men, upon their mother, sisters, and 
 aged father, bespoke the calm and happy bosoms of 
 that poor, yet honest family. 
 
 A nine mile ride that morning, through valleys and 
 over the mountains, had given to our party a good 
 appetite, and while they were partaking of a com- 
 fortable breakfast, the subject of conversation was the 
 Cavern, formerly spoken of, and of which our ladies 
 and their attendants were in search. 
 
 In the course of his rambles, Close had discovered 
 it many years ago, and remarked at the time I am 
 speaking of, "that at the period he had done so, no 
 idea intruded itself upon his imagination, that it 
 would ever be put to the use it was now intended for. 
 
 With a view the better to aid his yo ng friends, 
 Close had, with his sons explored the cave a few days 
 before, and on the present occasion had provided 
 several fine pine torches preparatory to their intended 
 entry of it. 
 
 " It is about a mile distant from my cabin," said 
 he, and addressing the ladies, remarked, "in the first 
 apartment you must divest yourselves of your riding 
 dresses, for you will find yourselves plenty warm 
 without them, before you return to that room." 
 
 In a short time after he had finished his remark, 
 the party were on their way, piloted by him and his 
 son, and were at the end of the next mile in view of
 
 170 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 THE CAVERX. 
 
 That grand and awfully sublime display of nature's 
 rude work under the supervision of the Great Archi- 
 tect of heaven and earth, was at the south base of one 
 of the neighboring spurs of the mountains, and led to 
 through a meandering and narrow vale. If rny read- 
 ers will bear with, and allow me the time to do so in, 
 I will with as little display as possible attempt a 
 description of the cave, as upon it depends another 
 starting point of incident; serving in its turn to make 
 the work at which I am engaged one of interest, or 
 to beguile, at least, a leisure moment, for those who 
 may read it 
 
 The edifice (if I may so express it) presents at first 
 view, an exterior perpendicular front of rock, lying 
 in long strata and as if piled by art, one upon the top 
 of the other, for more than forty feet high, and some 
 twenty-five feet wide. At the summit of that wall is 
 a projecting or shelving rock extending outward 
 about four feet, the appearance of which indicates a 
 thickness of some six feet. Upon it, and emanating 
 from a plentiful supply of rich soil, stood, in majestic 
 splendor, two beautiful spruce pine trees of thick and 
 tall dimensions, accompanied by several cedars, all of 
 which conveyed the impression to the mind, that they 
 were there stationed as talismans in His works of the 
 " Great I Am." 
 
 At a distance in height of several hundred feet, in 
 the rear of and from the top of the cave, are seen huge 
 masses of rock hanging, in appearance, as it were, by the 
 most slender fastenings, the least touch of which would 
 set them at liberty to tumble in awful and terrific dis-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 171 
 
 play down the steep side of the mountains, laying in 
 one vast pile of ruins, the beautiful foliage, that in 
 native splendor vie with each other, in the growth 
 of the lofty pine, compact cedar and wide-spread 
 branches of the chesnut tree. 
 
 The door, or rather entrance, leading to the interior 
 of the cavern, is a space of about four by three feet, 
 and is situated near the centre of the front or outer 
 wall. 
 
 That door led into a hall or ante-chamber, about 
 twelve feet square, the perpendicular walls of which 
 are something like ten feet in height, of a dingy white 
 color, and what is most remarkable about the first 
 room, was, that its walls and earthen floor were en- 
 tirely dry. To the left of the entrance, and within a 
 few feet of the corner of that room, was an aperture 
 extending through the wall about midway between 
 the floor and ceiling. It was of an oblong figure 
 about six inches in length and four inches wide. In 
 that room, the whole party availing themselves of the 
 advice given by Close to the ladies, left everything 
 they could possibly do without in their subterraneous 
 route. 
 
 Leaving the front room there is a narrow descent of 
 about ten feet, terminating at the commencement of a 
 passage four feet wide, the walls and height of which 
 being much like those of the first room. 
 
 That passage led to a fissure at some distance, ra- 
 ther difficult than otherwise to enter, and opening 
 into two magnificent apartments, presented a pitch of 
 wall, a dome-like appearance of roof, of something 
 like twenty feet in height and some eighteen feet 
 square. Here, in the grandeur of the display of her
 
 172 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 works, Nature seerns to have been disposed to a better 
 finish, of those apartments than the exploring party 
 had met with, thus far, in their subterranean dis- 
 coveries. 
 
 From the opposite sides of the wall, and as if in- 
 tended for a partition, was seen, at a distance of about 
 six feet, a crystal transparency of about two inches in 
 thickness, and some ten feet in height; there it seems 
 to have been met by a similar piece of workmanship 
 extending from one main wall to the other, exhibiting 
 in its course a sort of fluted column, placed at nearly 
 a proportionate distance apart, leaving below its archi- 
 tectural range an aperture or door leading from one 
 to the other of the rooms, of about six feet in width 
 and ten in height. In the centre of each room stood 
 a crystal column over a foot in diameter at the base ; 
 with an ascent till reaching the under part of the 
 dome, they were slightly united at the ceiling. The 
 walls and ceiling were perfectly dry, exhibiting a beau- 
 tifully white appearance, the dirt floors being here 
 and there interspersed with rock about the height of 
 the seat of a chair, and level upon the surface, gave to 
 the chambers more the appearance of being inhabited 
 by human beings than otherwise. 
 
 Upon leaving the rooms just described, the route is 
 a still more difficult one, till reaching a third and last 
 apartment, much smaller than either of the others, 
 and in a direct line with those spoken of, the eye is 
 met by the sight of a large number of crystals, par- 
 taking of various forms and hanging in transparent 
 clusters from the ceiling. The walls of this apart- 
 ment wore a more dingy than other aspect, and were 
 here and there interspersed with the drippings of
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 173 
 
 water upon its flooring of solid rock ; the crevices of 
 which seemed to conduct these limpid and sounding in- 
 truders upon the otherwise silent and solemn grandeur 
 of the scene, to perpetual exile, thereby keeping the 
 floor clear of water, though constantly damp. Through 
 that room was seen passing a beautiful, but small 
 stream of water, clear and cold, the rippling sound of 
 which as it moves rapidly over and amidst the rocks 
 in its course, falls delightfully upon the ear of the 
 listener. - 
 
 To the cavern before us, and into the room of which 
 I am speaking, judging from appearances about it, 
 and at a time not now known and to be spoken of 
 from personal knowledge by any one living, some un- 
 fortunates had retired for refuge and for safety. Or 
 may have been taken during the ravages of savage 
 warfare and murder; and where, too, others may have 
 been dragged by savage bandits amid scenes of horror 
 and despair. There the victims of outrage, they may 
 have watched and listened, and listened and watched 
 again and again, till the last pulse of raving humanity 
 resting upon Hope's slender anchor, took its eternal 
 flight. Or where some innocent and helpless fair one 
 has breathed her last under insolent familiarites and 
 inflictions of the robber and assassin, leaving her vio- 
 lated and mangled remains buried far beneath the 
 summit of towering mountains. 
 
 Here, reader, suffer me to add, that the room last 
 described was designated and talked of long after the 
 events giving rise to this work, as the Chamber of 
 Death. 
 
 The day had become far spent when the ladies and 
 their command had returned to the front chamber of
 
 174 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 the cavern. Here an hour's conversation ensued rela 
 tive to the best mode of comfort, accompanied by an 
 apparently severe treatment, to be observed and prac- 
 ticed toward those intended to be confined there ; and 
 the party invested of what they had divested them- 
 selves, were soon on their way in social glee, upon the 
 events of the day, to the cabin of Close^ There a like 
 marked attention to that spoken of in the morning 
 was shown, and after partaking of a dinner, which 
 their ramble had created a good relish for, the ladies 
 and their attendants, with the exception of Close and 
 his son, set out for the mansion. 
 
 They had not proceeded far before the huntsman, 
 spoken of as occupying, that morning, the centre of 
 the line described, asked for, and obtained permission 
 of the ladies to go in advance ; and getting a rifle and 
 equipments from one of the number present, was soon 
 lost to their view. 
 
 The party had just descended into the valley that 
 led to the mansion, when they discovered, at a few 
 hundred yards from them, our huntsman dismounted, 
 and standing by the side of his horse having upon 
 its back, and made fast by means of the bark of the 
 hickory tree, across and in the seat of his saddle, one 
 of the largest and finest order of bucks. 
 
 " This," said he, as the company advanced to where 
 he was standing, with one hand resting on the body 
 of the deer, "will soon serve two purposes; one, to 
 cover our movements of to-day, under the pretext of 
 a hunt in the opinions of the travellers the other, 
 to afford them the opportunity, very rarely, if ever 
 before enjoyed by them, of partaking of a saddle of 
 vension prepared among the wilds of the frontier."
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 175 
 
 It was now sun-set, and ere our party had arrived 
 at the tavern, they were lighted on their way by the 
 brilliant beams of the moon, here and there pene- 
 trating the thick foliage of the forest lying in the re- 
 mainder of their route to the mansion. Upon arriving 
 at the tavern the like order was observed as practiced 
 in the morning ; and when the ladies had resumed 
 their stations, and had given the dumb signal of adieu, 
 returned in like manner by their associates, they and 
 their two attendants before spoken of, were soon lost 
 sight of ; while the others, leaving their horses in the 
 care of servants, were soon, with their trophy of the 
 day, in the bar-room of the tavern. 
 
 After partaking of something to drink, and becoming 
 comfortably warmed by the fire, one that seemed to 
 have been left in command of the company, gave an 
 order to skin the deer, and sent a message to the land- 
 lady requesting a delay of the supper hour, with a 
 promise of sending her some steaks. In the presence 
 of our travellers, the noble buck was stripped of his 
 coat, and that night the strangers partook of his flesh, 
 at the same table, and in company with the huntsmen. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 The best modes of arriving at ends intended for good, are calmness 
 of deportment and a calculating intellect; for the one engenders 
 firmness, the other execution. 
 
 DURING the day that had just passed with them, the 
 junior portion of our travellers spent much of it in
 
 176 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 attempted discoveries, relative to passing events, but 
 with no better success than their efforts at the break- 
 fast hour with Sanco. 
 
 Shortly after the return of Standly to the tavern, 
 from his morning's walk, and conversation held with 
 his young companions there, Melvin made his appear- 
 ance at the room of his guests. 
 
 " I should have made my appearance before you at an 
 earlier hour than the present one, gentlemen, to know 
 if any thing you may desire to know or have done, by 
 which to promote your pleasure ; as I was once con- 
 versant with the restlesness and instability of youth, 
 and now with the sober and dispassionate reflections 
 incident to an advanced life, personifications of both 
 the periods are at this time before me," continued 
 Melvin, " and if old Melvin, the tavern-keeper, in this 
 remote region from your fashionable city of New 
 York, can add to the gaiety of the one, and more 
 solid comforts of the other, he is at your service to 
 command in doing so. And," continued he, "in thus 
 offering myself as an assistant in the promotion of 
 whatever comfort, amusement and happiness falling to 
 your respective lots, please excuse one of the charac- 
 teristics of the people of my state in allowing me the 
 pleasure of knowing your names ?" 
 
 No sooner had the inquiry been made, than he was 
 answered by one of the young gentlemen, saying, 
 
 " You are excusable, Mr. Melvin, and we cannot be 
 otherwise than happy in making your acquaintance." 
 Then, gracefully rising from his chair, continued: 
 "In that gentleman," (politely waving his hand 
 toward his senior companion,) "you behold Mr. 
 Standly ; in this one," (turning to his young friend,)
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 177 
 
 "you see Mr. Laurence, and in myself Mr. Hyne; 
 and," continued he, " in your further acquaintance 
 with George Leftridge Laurence and Samuel Laurence 
 Hyne, and our estimable friend, Mr. Standly, you 
 will, I hope, find no cause to regret our stopping at 
 your house, and our stay until the more pleasant 
 season of spring, at, as you term it, the ' Mountain 
 Inn.' " 
 
 " I am honored, sir, by your preference," replied 
 Melvin ; and after a few cursory remarks upon the 
 inclemency of the season, the best modes of enjoy- 
 ment for his guests, and the general monotony of a 
 winter spent among the mountains, as operating upon 
 the minds of the youthful and gay, he left them to 
 the enjoyment of pleasure, or whatever else, of the 
 ideas produced from his remarks. 
 
 The return of the huntsmen to the tavern that 
 evening, also added to the multiplicity of thought 
 occupying the minds of Laurence and Hyne; and 
 when at supper, the silence with which their attempts 
 at conversation was met, were, in every instance, mat- 
 ters of no small share of regret with them. Repulsed 
 in all, however polite, of their attempts to draw the 
 mountaineers into conversation, and their efforts thus 
 far to learn who the deaf and dumb ladies were, 
 where they lived, by whom escorted that morning to 
 the tavern, from thence to the hunt, and on their 
 return at evening remaining in utter ignorance still 
 all had an opposite effect to pleasure upon the minds of 
 our now evidently in love young gentlemen. 
 
 The condition of their minds, and the position in 
 which his young friends were now placed, were 
 greatly conducive to the part of the performance
 
 178 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 
 
 assigned him, of Standly; and eminently so to the 
 movements of Melvin, as well as to the ladies and 
 their gallant associates. The departure of the latter, 
 at early dawn on the following morning, for their 
 respective homes, the monotonous and dreary appear- 
 ance of the mountains, that had the preceding night 
 been covered by the fall of a deep snow, were all con- 
 siderable tributaries to inertness of mind as well as 
 body. 
 
 That morning, while standing in company with hia 
 companions, upon the porch before mentioned, and 
 looking upon the scenes surrounding them, Laurence, 
 in reply to some remark of Standly, in allusion to the 
 place occupied the previous morning by the ladies, 
 said : 
 
 " How happily would it wile away our stay here, 
 had Sam and myself, with each his pallet, pencil and 
 brush in hand, another sight of the ladies, occupying 
 this morning that spot, as they did yesterday. In 
 such a sitting, though a stolen one, as the first has 
 been, we should reflect such light upon the surround- 
 ing snowy landscape as would at once display a bril- 
 liancy lasting as life upon two at least of their to them 
 unknown friends." 
 
 " Still becoming more tamed," replied Standly, in a 
 half-sneering look, and indifferent tone of voice. " Why 
 could not both of you have thus concentrated your 
 whole minds upon two of your own State ; where, not 
 blinded with regard as to whom they might be in 
 point of birth and wealth, and aided by the sage opin- 
 ions of others, there could be but little, if any, danger 
 in making a judicious choice, as is now, for aught you 
 know, with strong probabilities, the case?"
 
 THE HEIRESSES OB' FOTTIEKINGAY. 179 
 
 "What are your opinions of it, Sara?" continued 
 Standly. 
 
 " It is too cold to discuss the matter here espe- 
 cially as the ladies are not present," replied George, 
 interrupting him, "and I move," continued he, " an 
 adjournment to our room there to continue it." 
 
 " With all my heart," returned Standly, when, in 
 the next moment, the ring of a bell announced the 
 breakfast hour. 
 
 Upon entering the dining-room, they discovered, 
 standing at the table each one having hold of a chair 
 and as if waiting their arrival two tall and very gen- 
 teelly dressed young men, engaged in an apparently 
 earnest conversation with Melvin. 
 
 " Please be seated, gentlemen," said the latter, and 
 in a few moments after, their plates were all served 
 by a supply of fine venison steak, rendered still more 
 palatable by cups of hot and well-made coffee, with 
 some well-baked light rolls of wheaten flour, with 
 other incidentals of a frontier fare, here and there 
 dispersed about the table. 
 
 " This is much of a winter's morning, gentlemen," 
 said Melvin, "and I hope your breakfast will serve 
 the double purpose of additional bodily \varmth, as 
 well as being taken with good appetites." 
 
 " So far as I am individually concerned, sir," replied 
 Standly, "I can assure you, that both will be the case 
 with me." 
 
 " How is it with you, Mr. Laurence, and with you, 
 Mr. Hyne?" asked Melvin. 
 
 "For my part," replied Laurence, "your fare is as 
 it has been and will doubtless continue during our 
 stay with you good."
 
 180 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 " That is what I shall endeavor to have it," was the 
 reply." 
 
 " And you, Mr. Hyne, what, if you please is your 
 opinion ?" continued Melvin, for my rule is, to know 
 the worst, and in knowing of it, can, in all matters of 
 life exert a surer preparation for the best, especially 
 with those whose friendship I wish to retain." 
 
 " Your remark is rather an evasive one, as regards 
 me," replied Hyne, "and so far as it is so, it may not 
 be prudent for me to inquire into, nor even, perhaps, 
 my province to know. But so far as the partaking of 
 a breakfast is concerned, and in view of the general 
 hospitality extended to us, I must cordially concur 
 with my two friends in opinion." 
 
 "Your concurrence with your friends, in opinion, 
 touching the fare and hospitality offered is gratifying," 
 replied Melvin, who at that instant, as if he had for- 
 gotten to do so, addressing himself to the travellers, 
 said, " Allow me, gentlemen, to introduce to you my 
 two young acquaintances, Mr. Dispatch and Mr. 
 Eightquick." By that time they had all partaken of 
 breakfast, and in a few moments, the two latter gen- 
 tlemen withdrew, accompanied by Melvin, when the 
 others following their example soon entered their own 
 apartment. 
 
 " What could Melvin have meant ?" said Hyne, as 
 they were taking their seats, " in the last part of his 
 remark to me? Something that I cannot comprehend, 
 is certainly hidden under it, and, whatever it may be, 
 I should like very much to know. And," he con- 
 tinued, " what adds more to my anxiety is, those two 
 gentlemen, as he called them ; I caught their eyes fre- 
 quently and knowingly placed upon all three of us.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 181 
 
 It is true that they are genteelly dressed, yet all are 
 not gentlemen who may be in such costume ; and, for 
 my part, I think it will be no*harm, at least, to watch 
 them." 
 
 " How can you, so soon, arrive at such conclusions 
 with regard to the young men ?" said Standly. " They 
 are to us, as we are to them, strangers; and it would 
 be illiberal, to say the least of it, were we to do away* 
 with the advantages that a further acquaintance with 
 them would give us ; and substitute in its stead dis- 
 trust and suspicion. It is said," continued he, "and that 
 in a volume the best of all writings, that ' Sufficient 
 to the day is the evil thereof;" therefore, in the cases 
 before, it would not only be ungentlemanly, but ex- 
 ceedingly ungenerous, were we to denounce those men, 
 whom you have just now said, might or might not be 
 gentlemen, before giving them an opportunity to prove, 
 either the one or the other. And with regard to the 
 remarks of Melvin, let them mean what they may, it 
 will be eminently to our advantage to take no excep- 
 tions at whatever he may say, however direct or indi- 
 rect his remarks and allusions. As to his kindness, 
 we expect to be so long debtors for a hospitable and 
 very comfortable home in the stormy depth of winter." 
 
 " You have reasoned well," replied Laurence. Then 
 addressing himself to Hyne, said: " Come what may, 
 Sam, we owe it as a duty to ourselves to take all pa- 
 tiently. This old Melvin may be a means placed 
 within our reach, by which to find out, and see again, 
 the originals of our attempt at art." 
 
 " Well," replied Hyne, " it is said that, ' amidst 
 counsel there is safety,' and instead of maintaining 
 my intended position, I will assume another more
 
 182 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 lenient, and receive and treat, if I should ever meet 
 with them again, those to whom we were introduced 
 this morning with becoming civility. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 Perseverance points to preferment, and ap2>lication to the possession 
 
 of it. 
 
 THE cold weather that had then commenced its 
 influence over all animate, as well as inanimate na- 
 ture, continued, and for several days our travellers 
 were necessarily compelled to keep within doors. 
 
 During this time, the constant supply of wood pro- 
 ductive of warm fires, and other conveniences desired 
 by them, were all very strictly attended to by Melvin. 
 Sanco, was placed at their order and control with 
 particular instructions to obey them in attentions to 
 their every expressed wish save that of a direct or 
 indirect disclosure of the plans being put into execu- 
 tion at the mansion. The like order as related to 
 those plans, was also given to the servants of Fother- 
 ingay, as well as to those of and about the "Mountain 
 Inn." To any enquiries that might be made of them 
 by Laurence and Hyne, all were instructed to make 
 no reply save that of seeing the signal already men- 
 tioned, by placing the forefinger of the right hand 
 perpendicularly across their lips. And in regard to 
 Standly, after and not before the signal given in like 
 manner by him to them, all were instructed to con- 
 verse with, freely, and render him any service required,
 
 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 183 
 
 with a further injunction, that their conversations 
 with him were to be at times and places, remote as 
 possible from, and out of reach of the hearing and 
 even sight of Laurence and Hyne. 
 
 One day, and after having become tired in a close 
 application at reading, in which particular they had 
 been plentifully supplied, by the almost daily profu- 
 sion of different works^ brought into their room by 
 Sanco Laurence happened to take from the table a 
 work upon "Landscape Drawings and Painting." 
 
 " If all things," said he, " were as appropriate to 
 our desires here as by chance, I have found this 
 volume to be, the climax of pleasure might attain its 
 zenith and hopes of a future, be realized, from cer- 
 tainties of the present. But, as it is, we must make 
 the best we can of our condition, and lose sight of 
 nothing out of which, a pleasure, for the time-being 
 may be derived. This volume reminds me of our 
 painting apparatus which you remember, Sam, our 
 beloved mothers so earnestly recommended that we 
 should bring along with us. What say you," continued 
 Laurence, "to each one of us taking a landscape 
 drawing of this romantic as beautiful winter scenery 
 surrounding us, not forgetting the 'Mountain Inn,' 
 and philosophic 'Phiz,' of its true very kind, yet 
 deep-thoughted landlord, old Melvin ?" 
 
 " I have no objection to doing so," replied Hyne. 
 
 " Well, then," returned Laurence, " to-morrow morn- 
 ing we will begin, each one at his work." 
 
 On the following morning was seen all their draw- 
 ing and painting material, necessary to a commence- 
 ment, spread upon an additional table that had been 
 ordered by them into their apartment ; and whenever
 
 184 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 the weather would admit of it, our young friends were 
 seen occasionally in long walks taking observations; 
 sometimes at the tops, and at others at the foot of the 
 nearest and different spurs of the main chain of moun- 
 tains. Here, by the aid of their telescopes, on scenes 
 at a distance, they were enabled to convey to the 
 mind correct impressions of the surrounding country, 
 and thus, day after day, were afforded a rich display 
 of Nature's works for the employment of their pen- 
 cils, and the exercise of a talent liberally bestowed 
 upon them by the Qrand Author of such gifts, em- 
 bellished by the mixture of genius, taste and appli- 
 cation. 
 
 One evening, after a day spent in intent application 
 at their work, and after they had retired from the 
 supper table, the subject of conversation turned upon, 
 in what manner most conducive to their amusement, 
 that evening could be spent. 
 
 " We often know nothing of w r hat real pleasure is 
 until the means of partaking of and enjoying it have 
 passed beyond our control. Then the mind begins 
 collecting, as it were, all the odds and ends that had, 
 in a truant-like manner, escaped a better and more 
 worthy notice : when the mishaps of such neglect rush 
 like a torrent upon every thought of the soul, and 
 driving into an irrecoverable state things reflected 
 upon only to be regretted." 
 
 " What new idea has now struck you?" said Standly 
 to Laurence, as he had finished his remark. 
 
 "I was thinking," he replied, "of how pleasantly 
 Sam and myself could pass our evenings, could it 
 have been possible for us to have brought our musical 
 instruments with us ; and I am sure," continued he,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 185 
 
 " that your love of music would not fail to afford you 
 pleasure in hearing us perform." 
 
 " That is true," returned Standly ; "the like thought 
 has occurred to me, also. Here comes Sanco ; let us 
 ask him if he can get us a fiddle ; it often occurs that 
 we find a taste for rnusic among persons of his color." 
 
 Just as Standly had finished his remarks, Sanco en- 
 tered their room, bearing between his hands a large 
 waiter, upon which was placed three bowls, each con- 
 taining a quantity of shell-bark hickory-nut, already 
 cracked. Upon the- waiter was also placed three 
 plates, a salt-cellar, nut-crackers and picks. When 
 placing them on the table, he said, " My mistress di- 
 rected me to give you her compliments, gentlemen, 
 and to say that she had sent you something to partake 
 of, and at which to pass away a part of the evening." 
 
 " Say to her that we are thankful and much ob- 
 liged," said Standly. 
 
 " Yes, sir," was the reply. And at the time that he 
 was leaving the room, Laurence said : 
 
 " Stay, Sanco, I have business with you." 
 
 " What is your pleasure, sir," said Sanco. 
 
 " Are there any of your color here who perform on 
 the violin ?" 
 
 "Yes, sir, master has two or three servants that 
 saw a little on the strings between the bridge and 
 finger-board of a fiddle." 
 
 " Do you think they would loan their fiddles for a 
 while?" 
 
 " To who, young master ?" said Sanco. 
 
 " To Mr. Hyne and me," replied Laurence. 
 
 " Oh yes, sir! and do you wish me to ask in your 
 names for them ?" said Sanco.
 
 186 THE HEIRESSES OP FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 "Yes! and that to-night," replied Laurence 
 
 After a moment's reflection, Sanco said, 
 
 " But I think I can get you two better violins than 
 any the servants have, and flutes besides, if you wish 
 them." 
 
 "Ah! why you surprise me. Well, will you try 
 to accommodate us, to-night ?" 
 
 "Certainly, sir," replied Sanco; and at that mo- 
 ment he left their room. 
 
 " .We are more fortunate, Sam, than I could have 
 looked for," said Laurence; "for, in the first place, 
 we have the pleasure of a treat from our landlady, 
 and in the next, a prospect of getting musical instru- 
 ments." 
 
 They had scarcely finished their nut repast, before 
 the return of Sanco, and his appearance before them, 
 bearing in each hand an elegant mahogany and locked 
 case. 
 
 " Here, gentlemen," he said, " are articles that you 
 are not used to see in such a wild country as this." 
 
 As he finished the' remark, he placed the key of 
 each in its respective lock. Upon opening the cases, 
 they were presented with the sight of two fine-toned 
 violins, and two equally sweet-toned flutes ; the latter 
 of which were contained in recesses made for that 
 purpose in the boxes, and alongside of the violins. 
 On the opposite side to where the flutes were placed, 
 were recesses for the bows, and at each end of the 
 cases were places for strings and rosin. 
 
 " Eeally, gentlemen," said Laurence, as he opened 
 the cases, " this is a treat to us worthy of our sincere 
 thanks, in this remote region. Those instruments are,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERITS T GAY. 187 
 
 in appearance, what the fashionable city of our homes 
 cannot surpass." 
 
 In a few moments, our two young friends had tuned 
 the stringed instruments, and tried the flutes. 
 
 After they had played in concert, one on the violin 
 and the other on the flute, and that while Sanco was 
 yet in the room, Laurence said : 
 
 " To whom do these instruments belong, and where 
 did you get them ?" 
 
 " I can't tell, sir, whose they are or may belong; and 
 all I can say is, that I got them at the residence of Mr. 
 Umsden." 
 
 " Who is Mr. Urnsden ?" 
 
 "He is our neighbor, and lives on the hill, near the 
 little mountain, sir." 
 
 " Has he a wife and children ?" 
 
 "His family consists of a wife, and four children; 
 two sons and two daughters, all grown." 
 
 "Are his daughters handsome?" 
 
 " Of that you would be better able to judge were 
 you to see them, than to receive my opinion." 
 
 " Can we see them, do you think ?" 
 
 " I suppose so, sir." 
 
 " How, Sanco ?" 
 
 " I don't know, sir ; but before you go away, you may 
 do so, and may know more about them to your advantage 
 than either of you do now." 
 
 " You seem to speak knowingly, Sanco," continued 
 Laurence. " What do you mean by saying that we 
 may know more about them, to our advantage, than 
 we do now ?" 
 
 "Nothing, sir," replied Sanco, "only that I think 
 that all young gentlemen like you ought to be fond
 
 188 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 of the society of ladies, well-informed and rich, (if, in 
 your fancy, you can combine the two); and as for 
 beauty, sir," continued Sanco, "you know that riches 
 often, and sometimes to their sorrow, make both gen- 
 tlemen and ladies think each other handsome." 
 
 " Your remarks are very true," replied Laurence, 
 " and we wish to know something more of your ob- 
 servations upon the nature of man. Can you tell us," 
 continued he, " who the young ladies were, and any- 
 thing more you may know about them, that were seen 
 by us the morning after our arrival here, and who 
 joined the young men in their deer hunt that 
 morning ?" 
 
 " I beg pardon, young Master," replied Sanco, bow- 
 ing gracefully to Laurence, as he spoke, "for calling 
 your attention to my answer to your question, put to 
 me the morning after, in the dining room." 
 
 Here, the sound of a bell in the bar-room attracting 
 his attention, Sanco was soon out of the presence of 
 the gentlemen. 
 
 " The manners and actions of that servant portray 
 another allusion, bound up in mystery to us," con- 
 tinued Laurence, " and if not more mistaken than I 
 have ever yet been, that servant is thoroughly con- 
 versant with circumstances having taken place, or 
 about to occur here, that he dare not speak of, or if 
 he has a right to do so, thinks us not of that class 
 with whom he would speak of them." 
 
 " You are unusually suspicious," replied Standley, 
 " that servant is a stranger to us, as is every one in 
 this house, and elsewhere in this country. Has there 
 not been a marked politeness and hospitality extended 
 to us by all we have yet known here ? Dare we say,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 189 
 
 in view of truth, that that servant who has just left 
 us, is not, meritoriously, ranked among the number 
 from whom we have received attentions? And," 
 continued he, " think for a moment with how much 
 pleasure the, with you, suspected Sanco, seemed to 
 enter into your desires of amusement, and with what 
 kindness of heart he executed the successful efforts, 
 with him, of procuring the fine instruments that you 
 and Sam now hold in your hands." 
 
 " Hemmed in again, George," said Hyne, "and that 
 is not all, for you had nearly violated the treaty of 
 alliance between you and your suspicions, when, a few 
 days ago, and on a similar occasion to the present 
 one, and calling my attention to your remark, you 
 said, ' Come what may, Sam, we owe it as a duty to 
 ourselves to take all patiently.' Let us continue to 
 do so," added Hyne, " and depend upon contingencies 
 alone, to make plain in the future, what now appears 
 a mystery, in the movements of the inhabitants of 
 these mountains." 
 
 " I am not convinced of error when I submit to 
 opinions in opposition to my own judgment," replied 
 Laurence. " Yet in furtherance of the respect in 
 which I have ever held the sage counsel of Mr. 
 Standly, and especially on the present occasion, it is 
 wise at least for me to do so ; and to yield one, to 
 where two opinions are opposed." 
 
 " You are complimentary, George, and in it act in 
 strict accordance with your good sense, which will, 
 one day, richly pay you for the very proper use ofSt 
 now." 
 
 In a few moments the perturbations of Laurence 
 became calm ; and the remainder of that night,, till
 
 190 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 bed-time, was spent in a musical way by the young 
 gentlemen, alternately in concert upon the violin, and 
 then upon the flute. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 Disquietude borrows from the capital of anxiety, and Doubt endorses the 
 check. 
 
 THE rambling exercises of our, at present, station- 
 ary, travellers, though for the purpose of completion 
 of their landscape views, were beginning now, not to 
 be entirely confined to that of inanimate objects, but 
 also to those of personal ones. 
 
 The occurrences of the past evening had commenced 
 calling into operation a mental exertion in the minds 
 of Laurence and Hyne, to which they had, heretofore, 
 been strangers. The conciliatory position occupied 
 by Standly, as related to them, his never-failing and 
 constantly practised attempts at argument, carrying 
 out his purposes of reconciliation even in things where 
 resentment might become . a necessary as virtuous 
 resort, were incidents assuming an impetus to rapidity 
 and succession of thought in the minds of our young 
 aspirants. 
 
 Amidst trains of reflection upon such topics, how- 
 ever, the well-balanced minds of the young gentlemen 
 in question, possessed too strong a preponderance to 
 admit with them for a moment the slightest indulgence 
 of disrespect. Hence their interviews, as well as con- 
 versations with Standly upon all subjects, were accom-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAT. 191 
 
 panied by manifested dispositions of profound respect 
 and submissive obedience ; and to which they were 
 prompted by an inviolable injunction laid upon them 
 by their mothers, and ratified by their fathers. 
 
 Their thoughts upon the subjects of which I have 
 just spoken, did not find with Laurence and Hyne a 
 resting place, though as far as Standly was concerned 
 in them, they had for the time being at least, arrived 
 at a quietus. Melvin. it 'is true, was kind, polite and 
 marked in his attentions to and upon them ; yet, there 
 seemed to be an appearance -of design about him, and 
 accompanying his actions that they could not see into. 
 Then, there was their servant Sanco, who, as they had 
 been told by old Melvin, would be always at their 
 service, in whatever and all uses they might think 
 proper to place him. In Sanco, they had seen a ready 
 willingness to obedience, but in the execution of their 
 orders by him, was displayed considerable savoring 
 to precaution, reserve, cunning, and deep-laid schem- 
 ing. 
 
 The day following that of the evening in which they 
 had obtained the loan, from an unknown hand, of the 
 instruments spoken of, the young gentlemen had risen 
 at an early hour, and immediately after breakfast bid 
 an adieu for the day to the mountain inn, on their ac- 
 customed walk for landscape purposes. Sanco had 
 told them but little of Urnsden, and much less of that 
 portion of his family and particulars of it, upon which 
 Laurence had wished him to be communicative on the 
 night previous, and in that state of affairs with them, 
 Laurence and Hyne had determined to find out on 
 that day, everything in their reach which might lead 
 to a discovery with them of a means of acquaintance
 
 192 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 with Dierdoffe and the family; and, as far as possible, 
 to ascertain who the deaf and dumb ladies were, that 
 they, as yet, had seen but twice, and that before the 
 tavern door. In furtherance of their views, they had 
 also determined to know definitely at what place the 
 ladies spoken of, and who had already given them so 
 much concern, resided amid the mountains with which 
 they were then surrounded. 
 
 While in an opposite course to any yet taken by 
 them, and upon the top of the " Little Mountain," 
 spoken of by Sanco. Laurence and Hyne, by the aid 
 of their telescopes, had a full view of the, as is well 
 known by my readers, temporary residence of Urns- 
 den. The family of that man, according to the ac- 
 count of it, received from Sanco, consisted of a wife 
 and four children, but at the time that account was 
 being given and under the circumstances attending it, 
 the servant seems to have been too cunning and too 
 well versed in the performance of a co-operative part 
 with Melvin, in other words, his master, to say that 
 the children spoken of, were the daughters and sons 
 of Urnsden and his wife. 
 
 My readers will remember the assumed name of the 
 ladies of the hunting party, which will account for 
 their appearing, for the time being, as the supposed 
 daughters of Urnsden, and his wife " Abitha." Here 
 also, the sscretaries formerly mentioned are their sup- 
 posed sons, and the residence of all at the Fotheringay 
 mansion, served to impose the opinion upon the minds 
 of Laurence and Hyne, that the family there, was one 
 of consanguinity, and not, as will hereafter be shown, 
 composed of different relationships united there as 
 elsewhere, only to eff ct pu -poses in the execution of
 
 THE IIEIRE3SES OF FOTHEEINGAY. 193 
 
 a plan resulting in the happiness and comfort of our 
 young travellers from the city of New York, and the 
 deaf and dumb nymphs of the western mountains of 
 Virginia. 
 
 The wind blew keen, accompanied by shrill sounds, 
 as it passed through the lofty pines, while they stood 
 with their feet covered with snow upon the top of the 
 mountain, viewing the house and its environs, of their 
 now sought for new acquaintances ; and after some 
 talked of, and agreed upon movements of themselves, 
 our young gentlemen began a meandering descent 
 to the foot of the mountains, from whence a level 
 expanse leading to the mansion presented itself to 
 their view. 
 
 They had not proceeded far upon a narrow path- 
 way, as, in their progress it led through a forest of 
 cedar and pine growth before, at some distance from 
 them, they discovered the view of their pathway 
 obscured by the appearance of a man stepping into it, 
 from which position he seemed to look upon them 
 with an intent of inquisitiveness on their near approach, 
 that bordered upon fixed suspicion and distrust. 
 Dressed in the attire of a frontiersman, decorated by 
 a spotted fawn skin shot-pouch, powder horn and 
 butcher knife, suspended from a broad strap of black 
 leather crossing the right shoulder, with an elegantly 
 mounted rifle resting upon it ; the man maintained his 
 position, till our travellers came within speaking 
 distance of him. Upon their advance, and in an 
 under-tone Laurence said: "this man in his dress 
 resembles others we have seen, and in his costume 
 reminds me of that worn by the huntsmen, and it may 
 be, Sam that he is one of that number that appeared 
 
 18
 
 194 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 the other day to us, in the double capacity of gallants, 
 as well as a kind of body-guard to nature's loveliness, 
 in the shape and attire of woman that doubtless 
 dwell upon some spot among these wilds." 
 
 Hyne had scarcely endorsed the opinion of his 
 friend ere both occupied, in a standing posture, a spot 
 but a few steps distant from the man spoken of. 
 
 "Hunting, stranger?" said Laurence. 
 
 " Have been !" replied the man, as indifferently he 
 cast his eyes upon them. 
 
 "Have you killed anything?" resumed Laurence. 
 
 " Yes," was the equally indifferent reply. 
 
 " What?" returned Laurence. 
 
 " One of the family of my growling neighbor 
 Bruin." 
 
 " Oh, a bear you mean." 
 
 "Yes, what else should I mean," was the reply. 
 
 " Where is it ? we don't see it," was the return. 
 
 " I know you don't, for it is too far off," replied the 
 man. " I am going home for a horse," he continued, 
 "to bring it, and if you like to do so, and will go 
 to my house with me, you can see it there when it 
 comes." 
 
 "You are kind, and we accept your invitation," 
 replied Laurence. 
 
 u It is nothing to me, whether you think me kind 
 or not," returned the stranger. "There are few to 
 whom I ever extend kindness, because its general reward 
 is bae ingratitude. When I say a thing, I mean it," 
 continued the stranger ; then pointing to the path that 
 lay partly snow broken before them, and bringing his 
 gun to a trailed arm position, said as he stepped forward, 
 "follow me!"
 
 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHERINGAT. 195 
 
 The sudden transition from an impression of placidity 
 and benevolence to that of the sternly indifferent and 
 double-intended last reply of the stranger, excited a 
 degree of surprise in the minds of the two friends, 
 bordering upon a decline to obey his injunction of 
 "follow me!" But making a virtue of the result of 
 accident, they were soon on an unknown way in com- 
 pany with the stranger, whose occasional monosyllable 
 answers to questions put, still added to their uncertainty 
 of whether the acceptation of his offer would not, or 
 would afford any facilities to their efforts at dis- 
 covery. They had not gone far before, instead of a 
 dense forest, they were now presented with an exten- 
 sive view on both sides, and in front, of tastely 
 inclosed grounds, divided into fields and meadows, 
 between their, then, positions and the mountains on the 
 opposite side of the river. 
 
 Proceeding onwards, in a short time afterwards a 
 gate was opened at the commencement of a beautifully 
 serpentine gravelled causeway, off of which the snow 
 had that day been scraped. That walk led to a mag- 
 nificent and spacious building, which, if my readers 
 may recollect, was the one spoken of in other parts 
 of this work as the Fotheringay Mansion. From the 
 eminence it occupied was afforded a splendid view of 
 lofty mountains and extensive bottom lands, as they 
 lay alongside of the Eoanoke river, as it moved some- 
 times slow, and at others rapidly on, washing the foot 
 of each bluff that had, here and there, and intruder 
 like, extended their limits to the water's edge. 
 
 Upon arriving at the house, the stranger and our 
 two friends were, for a few moments, engaged getting 
 the frozen flakes of snow off of their boots. To that
 
 196 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 
 
 particularity their attentions were drawn by the 
 stranger, who, upon stopping at the entrance of the 
 piazza leading to the hall door, drew from their scab- 
 bards, placed in different positions upon the broad 
 strap of his shot-pouch, three knives, presenting two of 
 them and keeping one himself. This species of civility 
 on the part of the stranger was unaccompanied by 
 remark ; but n noticing the use to which his own 
 knife was put, they used theirs as he did. When the 
 knives wjere returned to him, he placed them in their 
 respective places from whence they came, "and raising 
 the knocker of the door, announced his desire of 
 entrance. 
 
 In the next moment after our two friends were ad- 
 mitted into the hall, and from thence conducted by the 
 stranger, they were soon in the interior of a splendidly 
 furnished double-roomed parlor. They had been 
 there and seated by a comfortable fire but a few mo- 
 ments, before the re-entry of the servant, who had 
 answered the door call of the stranger. He held be- 
 tween, his hands a salver upon which was borne a 
 pitcher, composed of one kind of the precious metals, 
 three goblets of like material, one decanter of cogniao 
 brandy and another of Jamaica spirits. 
 
 " Come," said the stranger, approaching the table 
 upon which the liquors had been set, and addressing our 
 young friends, " if you have tastes like that of mine, 
 you can take a drink of brandy, or rum and water, 
 after coming out of the cold. Help yourselves," con- 
 tinued he. 
 
 As soon as they had prepared their drinks, they were 
 followed in example by the stranger, who, by way of 
 a toast to his guests, said, " Success to the fortunate,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 197 
 
 and may Fate never deal harshly with the virtuously 
 successful." 
 
 After they had drank it, no time was allowed for 
 comment on the part of our friends, and while the 
 stranger was stepping to the parlor door, he continued, 
 " I must leave you and go for my bear." Then pass- 
 ing out of the room, in the next moment the hall door 
 announced his departure by the noise at its close, and 
 the stranger was now out of the company of them, 
 whom he had now left in rather an unenviable as 
 awkward position. 
 
 ""We have been cold, but in it, fortunate to-day 
 are now warm and comfortable have had some per- 
 plexity, and are yet more in amaze than ever, George," 
 said Hyne, as they both sat by the fire in rather a 
 sombre mood. " The animal by whom we have just 
 been left in this apartment is a perfect medley, pos- 
 sessing qualities deserving of a better chest for safe 
 keeping, as well as a heart dictating the exercise of 
 them. Who he is ? what he is ? and by what right 
 he has brought us to and left us in this parlor, (the 
 equal of which we have not seen since we left the 
 city of New York,) involves equally as much, if not 
 more mystery than any previous occurrence with us 
 since our arrival at the celebrated ' Inn of old Melvin,' 
 That singular genius," continued he, "is a complex 
 tissue of friendship, intermixed with a depth of dis- 
 cernment and well calculated cunning that has baffled 
 alike our attempts to read as to comprehend him. At 
 his house, however, we have a temporary home, 
 second to few, if any of its class, and where we pay our 
 way. But in this house, the residence from appear- 
 ance of a gentleman, we may for aught we know, be
 
 198 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERmGAY. 
 
 already looked upon as insolent intruders, and at any 
 moment of our stay here become more and more liable 
 to be kicked out of doors." 
 
 " What say you to our immediate departure for the 
 inn?" 
 
 Hyne had just finished his inquiry, when, from one 
 of the middle doors of the parlor entered a lady. She 
 was neat in her person, exhibiting an appearance in 
 age of some forty-five or fifty years, and combining a 
 good natural with peculiar traits of a correctly dis- 
 criminative mind. 
 
 CHAPTEK XXVIII. 
 
 What gives pleasure in the pursuit is, the hopes entertained in thoughts 
 upon actual possession. 
 
 AT the appearance before our young friends of the 
 lady spoken of in the last chapter, a degree of pleas- 
 antry accompanied her expression, while friendship 
 and ingeniousness seemed to govern her deportment 
 toward the gentlemen before her. 
 
 In the course of attempts to entertain them, the 
 conversation, by her, turned upon the that day's 
 adventure of her guests of their accidental meeting 
 with' a stranger of his having brought them to (as 
 they supposed)- his house, and the abruptness with 
 which he had just before left them. 
 
 " That man," continued she, " is my husband, and 
 a like attention to that that you have met with in his 
 modes of civility, is after the manner in which he
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 199 
 
 treats all, whether friends and intimate acquaintances, 
 or entire strangers. He is a man," continued the 
 lady, "who does not meddle with the business of 
 others, and but seldom extends his singular and rude 
 methods of showing friendship, unless entertaining a 
 certainty, within his own mind, that his attempts at 
 it would result in a benefit for those concerned. 
 With you, gentlemen, I feel happy in the belief that 
 what my husband has done for you to-day, is at 
 least a benefit in that of your present comfort, and, if 
 I mistake not, promise' of its increase." 
 
 At that moment a servant coming into her presence 
 and informing the lady that dinner was ready, she 
 arose from her seat, and inviting the gentlemen to 
 partake- of it, they were soon seated at a table in the 
 dining-room, where, accompanied by the lady alone, 
 they dined upon a plainness of fare, partaking of 
 plenty, without pomp, or appearance of parade. 
 
 As they were returning from the dining apartment 
 to the parlor, the bell of the hall door rang, which 
 was shortly followed by the entry of the stranger^ 
 
 In his usual bluntness of manner, he said : " I am 
 back, and if you gentlemen want to see Bruin before 
 his coat is taken off, when I eat my dinner, I will 
 come in the parlor for you." 
 
 "We thank you," returned Hyne. 
 
 " You need not do so," replied the stranger, as hi 
 passed them : and in the n j xt moment the young 
 friends were again in the parlor, and the stranger in 
 the dining-room. 
 
 As soon as the stranger had partaken of his u inner, 
 he returned to the par.lor, and inviting t'.c yuu.ig 
 gentlemen to accompany him, complied with his j ro-
 
 200 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHEKIXGAY. 
 
 mise to show them what he had killed ; and after a 
 couple of men, under his direction, had taken the 
 necessary care of the proceeds of his hunt, he, starting 
 from the place at which they were standing, said : 
 " Well, now that you have seen what I promised to 
 show you, you can come into the house again." Here, 
 and in presence of the lady, he said : " I am not med- 
 dlesome with the business of any one, without they 
 ask me to do so, and not then, unless I know that I 
 can do them a good. But though, what I have told 
 ydu is a maxim with me, I always want to know the 
 names of all whom accident places me in company 
 with ; for the sole reason, that if I see them again, I 
 may know them, and knowing them, be the better 
 judge whether I can or cannot do them a service, 
 asked for, implied or understood," continued the 
 stranger. 
 
 " Your kindness to us consequent upon our first 
 meeting with you, to-day, was then as it is now, 
 worthy of your request, and implied possibility of your 
 fixture service to us, sir," replied Hyne. Then rising 
 from a chair he had just resumed, said : "in that gen- 
 tleman allow me to make you acquainted with Mr. 
 George Laurence, and in myself, sir; I claim the 
 privilege of introducing to your acquaintance Samuel 
 Hyne. 
 
 Here the stranger rose from his seat, and taking his 
 wife by the hand, replied : " In this lady and myself, I 
 also ask the privilege as well as great pleasure of mak- 
 ing you acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Urnsden." 
 
 Not much of an intervention had taken place after 
 the introduction of our, now, new acquaintances to 
 one another, followed by a social conversation upon
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY. 201 
 
 general subjects, and upon which each seemed to lose 
 sight of nothing calculated to interest, before a servant 
 announced the arrival of Melvin and Standly at the 
 door. After a few moments spent by them in the hall, 
 divesting themselves of their great-coats and hats, the 
 two latter entered the parlor. 
 
 " You will excuse the privilege taken, Mr. Urnsden," 
 said Mr. Melvin, advancing with Standly, as he spoke, 
 to the seats occupied by Urnsden and his wife, " of my 
 introducing to yourself and lady, Mr. Standly, a guest 
 and sojourner at the ' Mountain Inn.' " 
 
 " As with you, Mr. Melvin, so shall it ever be with 
 Mr. Standly, a pleasure to me and my wife, Abitha, to 
 see [addressing Standly] you, sir, at my house," replied 
 Urnsden. Then turning to Laurence and Hyne, he 
 continued, " I have learned from these young gentle- 
 men, that they, are also your guests." 
 
 "Yes," replied Melvin, "and I am particularly 
 pleased at seeing them here, for your house and its 
 comforts will serve more effectually to keep them 
 posted up in remembrance of the conveniences and 
 pleasure of their native home at New York, than my 
 humble abode, and their stay at the Mountain Inn, 
 can." 
 
 The friendly remarks of Melvin and Urnsden rela- 
 tive to them, induced a reply from the young men, 
 whereupon Hyne said: "Our introduction to, and 
 hospitable reception met with from you, Mr. Urnsden, 
 are highly prized by us, and those of Mr. Melvin, being 
 weighed in a like balance, we will remember with 
 fondness, not only during, but long subsequent to 
 our arrival at, and yet to be continued sojourn, with 
 the proprietor of the ' Mountain Inn.' "
 
 202 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY. 
 
 "I thank you, Mr. Hyne," replied Melvin, "and 
 here let me add, that you may remember it, with more 
 intensity of thought hereafter, and upon your return 
 home than you do now." 
 
 By this time the approach of sunset had put a stop 
 at their first, and then longer continuance at the resi- 
 dence of Urnsden than expected, and in a few moments 
 our three friends, accompanied by Melvin, were on 
 their return to the " Mountain Inn." 
 
 After tea, and in their own room, our three friends 
 were quite in that kind of humor, the opposite of loqua- 
 city. Each seemed busy at a mental review of p< st, 
 present, and future events, and but little disposed to any 
 casualties that might have a tendency to interrupt the 
 respective progress of their thoughts. While in that 
 mood, a gentle tap was heard at the door, and. in the 
 next moment Melvin was in their presence. 
 
 "You are kind and disposed to be sociable, Mr. 
 Melvin," said Standly, "and on this occasion may be- 
 come more desirably so to us, than at any previous 
 time, since we have been with you." 
 
 " How so, sir," replied Melvin. 
 
 "Because," returned Standly, "so far as regards 
 myself, and in which, I believe, I shall be joined by 
 my young friends, I am particularly desirous of know- 
 ing more of the family to whom we have been intro- 
 duced to-day." 
 
 " We concur with you, in this desire, Mr. Standly," 
 was the simultaneous reply of both the young men. 
 
 " I will do that you desire, with much pleasure," 
 resumed Melvin ; and in the next moment our travel- 
 lers were being pleasantly entertained by Melvin, in 
 his account given of Urnsden and his family.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIEKINGAY. 203 
 
 When Melvin had come to that part of his narra- 
 tion upon the incidents of his personal acquaintance 
 with the family of Urnsden, he was observed to lose 
 some of that animated expression, with which the 
 previous part of his recital had been accompanied; 
 and with a tremor of voice and vacant look, he ex- 
 hibited signs of deep felt concern. But recovering 
 himself, and after a few moment's pause, he said : 
 " Gentlemen, many years have now passed since the 
 taking place of those occurrences, and the incidents 
 accompanying them, connected with that family, in 
 my knowledge, having sunk, as I had supposed, into 
 a vortex of tim \ causing indifference, I had thought 
 myself fully competent of performing my task of de- 
 velopment to you, without the semblance of a return 
 of melancholy in it. It has, however, and after a kind 
 of mental torpidity returned upon me ; and you will 
 therefore excuse the (as you may justly suppose) weak- 
 ness shown by me upon this occasion ; when I shall 
 make another attempt at complying with your re- 
 quest. 
 
 " Urnsden," continued Melvin, "being one of the 
 number associated with me in boyhood sports, was,, 
 on his arrival at the age of about eighteen years, 
 severed from his associates and school-fellows, by that 
 sort of restless enterprise, too often producing the 
 truth of the maxim with men that, ' some do not know 
 when to let well-enough alone.' After an irreparable 
 wreck of his father's large estate T by the visionary 
 plans of the old gentleman, I lost sight of young 
 Urnsden, till some time after the termination of our 
 recent National struggles. When I, in my turn of 
 adventures came to the spot, part of which you now
 
 204 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 occupy, you can more easily imagine than I can de- 
 scribe, my surprise and pleasure at finding him here. 
 Eccentric, blunt, and apparently uncivil in his cha- 
 racter, I have lived in terms of close intimacy, and 
 in all the routine of a neighbor from the period of 
 which I last spoke, till the present one. 
 
 "In addition to his own family," continued Melvin, 
 " he has five others supposed to be relatives living with 
 him at present; among whom are, an elderly and two 
 young ladies, the first-mentioned of whom was she 
 who presided at my table the night of your arrival at 
 the ' Inn.' From the incidents giving rise to hers, and 
 the abode of the two young ladies there, may be attri- 
 buted the feelings manifested by me a few minutes 
 since." 
 
 "Who," interrupting Melvin, said Laurence, "were 
 the persons playing that night on the piano and 
 guitar ?" 
 
 "The young men of Urnsden's family are profi- 
 cients upon those instruments ; and upon which, the 
 wife of, for the time being, widowered Melvin once 
 played. Upon this subject, however," continued 
 Melvin, " I pray you, spare further enquiry as con- 
 nected with it, are matters foreign to any promise to 
 you, and which are peculiarly my own." 
 
 Here a straight-out, uninterrupted disclosure was 
 put a stop to, followed by interrogatories put by the 
 young gentleman, and answers returned by Melvin, in 
 such particulars as to place Laurence and Hyne in 
 possession of everything relative to the residents alone 
 of Urnsden's family. 
 
 It had now advanced to a late hour, and after Mel- 
 vin had expressed his wishes for pleasant dreams to
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 205 
 
 attend the young men, and a refreshing sleep for 
 Standly, he withdrew from their presence. 
 
 In possession of that they most desired the known 
 residence of their then greatest favorites, the deaf and 
 dumb ladies Laurence and Hyne were little disposed 
 to the acceptance of inducements offered to them by 
 Morpheus, and were on that occasion visited by simi- 
 lar preventives to sleep, that were their attendants 
 on their first night at the " Mountain Inn." Early 
 the next morning they were up, and having consulted 
 their toilet, had determined upon another adventure. 
 
 That caste of expression, usually the accompaniment 
 of calm reflection, was noticed in the countenance of 
 Standly, and still more so in the appearance of Mel- 
 vin, who, after the breakfast hour had passed, was 
 Been in the bar-room, engaged in close conversation 
 with two old men, dressed in similar costume to that 
 already spoken of. Occasionally their eyes were 
 directed to, and rested upon, our three friends, as in 
 their walk on the porch they passed and repassed in 
 front of the room. 
 
 In a short time the strangers disappeared, and Mel- 
 vin joining the company of his guests, took a seat 
 with them in their own room, by a table, upon which 
 lay their drawing and painting apparatus, with the 
 sketches already mentioned, and to which they had 
 that morning applied some additional touches, pro- 
 duced by their last night's reflection, aided by dream- 
 like representations of fancy. 
 
 " What now, gentlemen 1" said Melvin. " I am 
 again in possession of something new on this occasion, 
 as heretofore, whenever admitted into your apartment."
 
 206 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 "To what have you reference, Mr. Melvin ?" said 
 Standly. 
 
 " In a general point of view, to social and interest- 
 ing conversation ; but now, to the scientific sketches 
 seen upon this table, reminding me strikingly of those 
 with whom I have the pleasure of a. personal and inti- 
 mate acquaintance," replied Melvin. 
 
 "You are complimentary to Mr. Hyne and myself, 
 Mr. Melvin," replied Laurence, "and let me add, that 
 the chief one of our present desires is, for opportuni- 
 ties to complete what is but begun" 
 
 The double-intender reply of Laurence was readily 
 construed in the way meant, and Melvin, seemingly 
 ignorant of the preferences entertained for the ladies 
 in question by the young gentlemen, indifferently 
 replied : 
 
 " You may perhaps have an opportunity of com- 
 pleting the likenesses begun, of their faces ; but with 
 any further acquaintance, however worthy you may 
 both be of it, with the ladies to whom you allude, is, 
 I think, doubtful. As, in the first place, they repre- 
 sent the misfortunes incident to the deaf and dumb ; 
 are supposed, though thus unfortunate, to be in love ; 
 and, withal, are under the control and direction of an 
 exceedingly singular and knowing old genius, whom, 
 to comprehend, will occupy more of your time than 
 I imagine both or either of you are willing to bestow." 
 
 " We will try it, if aided," replied Laurence. 
 
 " Then," replied Melvin, " I am happy in being the 
 humble instrument of its commencement." And 
 taking from his coat pocket three sealed and directed 
 notes, which he had received from one of the men 
 who had just left, presented each with an invitation to
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 207 
 
 dine next day at the residence of Urnsden. At that- 
 Melvin withdrew, and as he closed their door after 
 him, Standly said : "A new sphere is now offered for 
 each of you young gentlemen to sustain ; in doing so, 
 take care that you are not made the dupes of fanoy, 
 and, upon the acquiring or diminishing scale, come off 
 worse than when you entered the further plan of dis- 
 covery." 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 Our shares of the capital of happiness afforded by this world, are fre- 
 quently drawn upon by large drafts of ills. 
 
 AT eleven o'clock the following day, our three 
 friends, accompanied by Melvin, left the inn for the 
 residence of Urnsden. Upon their arrival they were 
 met by similar expressions of friendship to that shown 
 them on the day of their first, as accidental, visit 
 there. The grave salutations and replies of Urnsden 
 to remarks and questions put, had been dwelt upon 
 at some length in the account given of him by Melvin, 
 so that those of his traveller guests were well versed 
 in the proper way to take him in his remarks, ques- 
 tions or replies-. 
 
 With the exception of the gentlemen from the inn, 
 the dining party consisted of five others; two of whom 
 were the persons seen the morning previous, but who, 
 upon the present occasion, were neatly dressed, in 
 which particular, and on the present occasion, all had 
 been observant.
 
 208 THE HEIKES3E3 OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 The hours in the parlor had passed sociably, and in 
 an ordinary degree of politeness on the parts of Lau- 
 rence and Hyne. Still the incentive to a further dis- 
 play of their knowledge and practice of etiquette, had 
 not made their second appearance before them. 
 
 At about half an hour before dinner a messenger 
 informed Urnsden that the ladies intended making 
 their appearance. 
 
 " Let them do so," was the reply, and another speci- 
 men of the politeness of Urnsden. The servant with- 
 drew, and in a short time re-opening the door, Mrs. 
 Urnsden and Mrs. Dierdoffe (for the time being) arm- 
 in-arm, followed by the two young ladies, in a like 
 position, were in the presence of the gentlemen. 
 Here Urnsden rose from his chair, and addressing 
 Standly, Laurence and Hyne, said : " You know my 
 wife : the lady she has by the hand is Mrs. Dierdoffe ; 
 here (advancing as he spoke) are her daughters, Miss 
 Jane and Miss Eliza." Then making a signal by 
 way of a notice of his intentions, and placing himself 
 arm-in-arm between them, in rather a mellowed and 
 expressive tone of voice, unusual with him, continued, 
 " And here, gentlemen, is Miss Susan and Miss Ellen, 
 nieces of, and the daughters to a brother of, Mrs. 
 Dierdoffe; bearing. in their persons two of the mis- 
 fortunes incident to life that of the deaf and dumb" 
 
 At the last expression of Urnsden, the young 
 gentlemen exhibited marks of some confusion, which 
 being noticed, the ladies made signals to be, and in 
 the next moment they were, seated Laurence by the 
 side of Ellen, and Hyne by the side of Susan Dier- 
 doffe. In that position, and on the part of the ladies, 
 was presented to each gentlemen the elegant note-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 209 
 
 books and pencils noticed on a former occasion, and 
 which, on the present one, were used with no small 
 degree of delight by those who my readers may 
 readily suppose at the commencement of perspective 
 happiness. 
 
 Thus engaged in a social, yet pantomimic style of 
 communicating ideas, their time passed pleasantly, 
 and interrupted by nothing, save the call to the 
 dining-room, to which, through the gallantry of our 
 young travellers, the apparently deaf and dumb 
 ladies were escorted. 
 
 Here, not forgetting that series of etiquette, the 
 imperative duty of gentlemen when in the company 
 of ladies, our two friends were seen to be polite and 
 attentive to all present. And on returning to the 
 parlor, a like routine of the agreeable was being 
 strictly aimed at from the mutual efforts of the enter- 
 tained as from the entertainers. 
 
 The designs of Ellen and Susan were, to intercept, 
 as often and as much as possible, the, at that time, 
 entire attentions to them of their new acquaintances, 
 and for that purpose had made such remarks as in 
 reply to, soon brought in contact with the young 
 travellers the remaining ladies and gentlemen present. 
 
 The signals from the deaf and dumb with which 
 those around them were familiar, and the perfect 
 acquaintance with their use, in the minds of Ellen 
 and Susan, gave to others an advantage in communi- 
 cation much superior in point of facility to those of 
 our young friends. In that particular, Standly, being 
 in the secrets of the general confederacy (part only of 
 whom were then present) was promptly aided by 
 young Rightquick, whenever it was necessary in con- 
 
 I!
 
 210 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHERINGfAY. 
 
 veying his immediate remarks to the ladies, and 
 their answers returned. 
 
 Just previous to the arrangement of their plan, 
 Ellen and Susan had succeeded in bringing Laurence 
 and Hyne into a conversation relative to the pleasures 
 and advantages of society in a city, and its comforts, 
 compared with those of a like nature in that of a life 
 in the country, the latter of which our ladies in ques- 
 tion were in favor. 
 
 In rapid succession, the looks spoken of on former 
 occasions were seen to pass between our travellers 
 and the deaf and dumb ladies, the results of which, 
 in the preponderance of their replication and the pur- 
 posely incidental comments from those present, pro- 
 claimed the ladies victors. Desirous of being still 
 more so, and with a view the better to arrive at some 
 certainty of what might be the condition of impres- 
 sions by that time formed of them in the minds of 
 our young friends, it was courteously ceded to the 
 gentlemen in question, that the chances for the attain- 
 ment of beauty and wealth the predominant impetus 
 to marriage but not intellect, presented a more ex- 
 tensive one in cities, than the like extent of territory 
 or numerical order did for the country. 
 
 Here a momentary cessation to conversation ensued, 
 when Urnsden, passing in front of the piano, and 
 near which Jane and Eliza Dierdoffe had taken seats, 
 asked of the former where the violins were that a few 
 days before had occupied a pile of music then lying 
 on the piano? This question was put in the hearing 
 of our three friends; and Jane, exhibiting some con- 
 fusion, replied : 
 
 " Thinking that you would not object to the privi-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OP FOTHERIXGAY. 211 
 
 lege taken, uncle, I sent them and your flutes, by 
 Sanco, to Mr. Melvin, a few evenings since." 
 
 At the reply of Miss Dierdoffe, and before Melvin 
 could say anything, there was a simultaneous rising 
 from their seats of the two friends, and each present- 
 ing himself before Jane, expressed his thanks and the 
 obligations they felt themselves under to her for the 
 favor she had, unknown to either, bestowed upon 
 them, and the pleasure they then felt at being made 
 acquainted with the source from whence it had 
 emanated. 
 
 " Then," replied Eliza, who had at that time joined 
 in the conversation, "since we are thus apprized of 
 your being amateurs, we would be most happy, gen- 
 tlemen, in uniting our efforts with, those of yours in 
 music, on any evening suiting your convenience to 
 join us." 
 
 " O, yes 1" replied Urnsden ; " all my family are not 
 deaf and dumb, and those of it who can hear and speak 
 are fond of music. But whether or no they of it who 
 pretend to play can do so before you, with that taste 
 with which you have heard others in your fashionable 
 city, remains for us at some future time to know." 
 
 It was now at a late hour of the evening, and our 
 three . friends, with Melvin, returned to the "inn," 
 where, in pursuance of their custom, our travellers, 
 soon after supper, retired to their room, and there 
 commenced their comments upon the occurrences of 
 the past day, as had been their usual practice on each 
 successive and passed one, since their stop at the house 
 of their familiar host, Melvin. 
 
 Standly, Mentor-like, was ensconced by all that forte 
 of mature reflection, that riper age and long experience
 
 212 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHEEINGAY. 
 
 gives over the vacillancy reverse of youthful life; 
 while Laurence and Hyne in that volatile and delusive 
 strain of expression consequent upon unripe and 
 unexperienced opinions, thought of nothing, and talked 
 of nothing but the opportunity that had that day been 
 offered them of proffering their claims to the hearts 
 and hands of the heretofore strangers to them, but 
 now known, and beloved nymphs of the mountains. 
 
 After listening to much of expressive eulogy, the 
 usual attendant upon and gatherer of the scattered 
 arrows of blind love, Standly, in his usual position of 
 having an elbow upright on the table, with his head 
 resting upon the back part of the fingers of his half- 
 closed hand, said : " But little else than astonishment 
 has occupied my mind, at your deportment since our 
 arrival here, young gentlemen. And it seems to me 
 that the return of each successive day opens to 
 my view new sources of surprise. We know that 
 which has passed, and amidst which, the spending of 
 the day just gone, adds to your calculations a new 
 starting point. I allude to your attachments for, and 
 your determined intents to address, those trebly poor 
 girls to whom we were introduced to-day. I say 
 trebly poor, because they are deaf, because they are 
 dumb, and, in all probability, because they may be 
 the dependents upon an uncle, who has, as you have 
 seen, two daughters with whom to share his, perhaps, 
 but limited estate." 
 
 The lecture of Standly was answered by the young 
 men with every earnest of intent, accompanied by a due 
 deference of the giver of it, and respect to his offered 
 opinions, ending with their assurance to Standly that 
 they both felt what they had said, and that what they 

 
 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY. 213 
 
 had said and still felt was so interwoven with what 
 they thought the only sure basis of their earthly hap- 
 piness, that the first opportunity offered should be 
 seized upon, to make their proposals, to the, although 
 deaf and dumb, as they believed, highly gifted ladies : 
 and whose misfortunes would not preveut them from 
 making each a wife, each a companion, and each an 
 ornament to their youth, as well as a comfort in the 
 decline of their lives. 
 
 That kind of discussion with the sentiments enter- 
 tained and expressed relative to the ladies in question, 
 was what Standly most wished for, as the representa- 
 tive of the parents of his young charge ; and the fol- 
 lowing morning the account of his conversation with 
 them, and their determined course, was, at his earliest 
 convenience, related to Melvin, with whom Standly 
 passed the greater part of his time. 
 
 Towards evening of that day, and at the close of 
 several hours spent upon their landscape views and 
 favorite sketches, before spoken of, our young- men 
 were heard practising upon the violins and flutes, with 
 which, by the kindness of Miss Dierdoffe, they had 
 been favored. At this time, Standly, accompanied by 
 Melvin, entered their apartment, and, after taking 
 their seats, the visit to Urnsden, and incidents there, 
 were adverted to. 
 
 " I cannot but suppose you, Mr. Melvin," said 
 Hyne, " from the information already given us, fa- 
 miliar with every particular connected with that 
 family, and on the present occasion do hope, you will 
 not think me impertinently inquisitive, nor impute to 
 my motives, any improper designs, in calling your at- 
 tention to some events that took place there yesterday,
 
 214: THE HEIEESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 
 
 with a few matters occurring elsewhere, to my know- 
 ledge, since my arrival here. And now, sir," con- 
 tinned Hyne, " if you will answer them, I will put 
 my questions, and will be much pleased to have your 
 replies." 
 
 At the unexpected remarks of Hyne, and the re- 
 quest made of him, Melvin was silent for some mo- 
 ments, and within that time like requests were made 
 of him by the other two gentlemen. 
 
 " It is not my place," said Melvin, " at least for the 
 present, to ask of you, gentlemen, why such remarks 
 as have led to them, nor the reasons governing you in 
 in your proposed inquiries of me were made ? And 
 all I can say is, that I may not tell you all, but as 
 much as may, perhaps, answer your purposes, what- 
 ever they may be. With a further proposition on my 
 part, that, if ever the time comes, in which similar 
 requests shall be made of you, that you will now 
 promise to perform, and to keep inviolable, similar 
 trusts reposed in you by me, upon things you may be 
 informed of, divulging them to none, except you first 
 shall have obtained my permission to do so." 
 
 Melvin's reply and his injunctions, and in which his 
 whole deportment appeared concerned while making, 
 baffled for a time the objects had in view by the tra- 
 vellers. For they had already come to the conclusion, 
 from his frankness to them, on former occasions, that 
 what he had then said, as well as that Melvin might 
 now speak of could be by them, if occasion required, 
 repeated ; as well as giving their author for it ; the 
 name of the keeper of the Mountain Inn. 
 
 When Melvin had finished speaking, our three 
 friends gave each other a look as much as to say, in
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERUSTGAY. 215 
 
 the several expressions of their countenances, " "Will 
 you agree to his proposition?" 
 
 Here, Standly assuming the province of speaker in 
 reply, said ; " We doubt not your sincerity in friend- 
 ship to us, Mr. Melvin, nor the sound reasons you have 
 for placing us under injunctions of secresy, upon 
 matters that you just expressed a willingness to impart 
 to us. In assuming the privilege of requesting infor- 
 mation of you you may have already entertained the 
 opinion that we were stepping beyond the limits allowed 
 strangers, and the only recompense we can make for 
 having done so, is to assure you that the most pro- 
 found secresy will be observed and practised by us 
 upon all matters in which it may please you to instruct 
 us relative to and connected with the family of Mr. 
 Urnsden. And if what I have just assured you of," 
 continued Standly, "is a sufficient voucher, whereby 
 to give a credit to that effect, we should be glad of 
 your consent to oblige us." 
 
 It is a well-known fact to my readers, that Standly 
 was playing a double part that he was associated in 
 the confederacy with Melvin that they had been seen 
 in frequent and long conversations, and in the imme- 
 diate presence of the young men that both Standly 
 and Melvin spoke and acted in such a way as induced 
 at different times thoughts of suspicion. 
 
 Like all others under the influence of Love in 
 broken doses, or in other words hesitation, doubting, 
 suspense, hoping, and desponding thoughts they were 
 desirous of having some one in whom to confide and 
 with whom to speak freely ; and situated as they were, 
 it was natural for them to look in that light upon
 
 216 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 Standly. If the latter should prove an Iscariot, it 
 remains for the future of this tale to discover. 
 
 At the close of Standly's remarks, Melvin replied, 
 "That he had not, upon the conditions agreed to by 
 the young gentlemen and Standly, the least objection 
 to give it, if a further information of Urnsden and his 
 family could afford any additional satisfaction to 
 them." Adding, that as it had then advanced to a 
 late hour of the night, and having some business to 
 attend to, he would return to their room at an early 
 hour the next day. 
 
 Thus saying, Melvin bade them " good night," leav- 
 ing our three friends to reflections upon what had 
 passed, with suppositions upon the future. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 We often miss the attainment of onr desires from the oversight in the 
 means made use of to possets the objects of them. 
 
 DURING the interval between the adieu of Melvin 
 and the time at which they returned, several questions 
 had been put to Standly, by Laurence and Hyne. 
 And among the most material ones were, "If he, 
 (Standly) had at any time since their arrival at the 
 inn, cause to suppose, or had come to the conclusion, 
 that Melvin was deceitful in his deportment towards 
 them." 
 
 Upon the reply of Standly in the negative, it put a 
 stop to further interrogatories for the time, and- in a
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 217 
 
 few moments after our three friends were in the keep- 
 ing of Morpheus. 
 
 My readers may recollect distinctly, that .there was 
 not only a perfect silence observed relative to the 
 designs of perpetuity between the parents of our la- 
 dies and gentlemen, but also that there was nothing 
 upon which to predicate the supposition that they 
 were even known to one another. Consequently, the 
 acts of the whole confederacy, with Melvin at their 
 head, were so entirely unknown to our young stran- 
 gers, as in every move relative to his object to give 
 Melvin an ascendancy in the perfection of his scheme. 
 Those advantages, connected with the apparent candor 
 aud seeming plausibility of Standly, gave Melvin no- 
 thing to fear ; and on the following morning, after an 
 early breakfast, he made his appearance before our 
 three friends. Melvin seemed quite collected, and his 
 whole demeanor portrayed forethought and that kind 
 of affability calculated to arrest any thing like that of 
 suspicion. 
 
 MELVIN'S ACCOUNT OF URNSDEN AND HIS FAMILY. 
 
 In an allusion given to his promise, Melvin said: 
 " I have already told you, gentlemen, of the boy- 
 day acquaintance existing between Urnsden and my- 
 self of our long separation and renewal of that 
 acquaintance after a termination of many years. And 
 that which I shall now speak of relative to him, will 
 create a medley of thought with you, partaking of 
 emotions thought little of, of him by those to whom I 
 am speaking. 
 
 " Impetuous and reckless in his disposition, and not
 
 218 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 having moral courage sufficient to stand firm and re- 
 solute amid the ills that had attended his family, 
 Urnsden was seen to give way under them, till, at 
 length, he disappeared, and no one knowing where he 
 went, or what object he had in view when he went, I, 
 with others, feeling more for him than he did for 
 himself, soon got into the prevailing opinion that he 
 had made a mockery of the gifts of Heaven by put- 
 ting an end to that, not his by any alienable right, 
 but as a boon from the Most High. 
 
 "Not dead, as was supposed, but long lost to that 
 circle. of society in which he had been accustomed to 
 move, I found him here as you have been told. 
 
 " An adventurer amid, not many years before, 
 these by savage occupied wilds, and seated one night 
 with a few others of my brave companions before a 
 log fire at the entrance of our tent, a small party was 
 seen in their advance to where we were. On their 
 nearer approach I discovered the party to consist of 
 two women, two men, four little girls and two boys. 
 The men and boys were costumed after the manner in 
 which you first saw Urnsden a few days since, and 
 the huntsmen seen the morning after your arrival 
 here. The women and girls were clad after the cos- 
 tume of the present time. And here, let me add, that 
 I shall never forget the feelings with which the 
 younger two of the fair girls inspired me. When 
 they had gotten to our tent, a particular degree of 
 courteousness, ever the attendent of the virtuous fair 
 of creation, was developed by the women, and the 
 force of precept and example was also discovered in 
 the little prattlers of both sexes, as they stood by the 
 sides of those supposed to be their mothers.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERISTGAY. 219 
 
 " One of my party was engaged fixing log seats 
 for those of whom I have just spoken, while I was 
 engaged talking to the men yet standing, but who a 
 few moments after were also seated by the fire. 
 
 " Age with the consequences of time and circum- 
 stances had so changed his general deportment, as at 
 first sight to make it doubtful of whether one of the 
 strangers before me was, or was not Urnsden : till, at 
 length pressed by similar impressions and feelings to 
 those of my own, one of them addressing me, said : 
 
 " 'Stranger, from whence come you?' 
 
 " ' From near Charleston, South Carolina,' I replied. 
 
 ' " If so, and I mistake not,' said he, ' Will Urnsden 
 and Jack Melvin have again met, and that after a sepa- 
 ration of more than thirty years.' 
 
 " I could scarcely credit the assertion ; but when he 
 had rolled up the left sleeve of his deer-skin coat, and 
 showed me a scar received in my defence, I was no 
 longer a 'Thomas' and in the next moment our 
 right hands were firmly clinched in each others. 
 
 " That greeting over, Urnsden introduced me to the 
 women and men present, and I in return made him 
 and them acquainted with my party. By this time 
 the night had run over Time's list to one of its late 
 hours, and the women and children expressing a desire 
 to rest, Urnsden and the man with him accompanied 
 by their charge, left our camp with the promise of 
 himself to return to us the next morning. 
 
 " Accordingly he did so, and while there, informed 
 me in a long and particular statement of all his 
 troubles, of his few pleasures, and of the many diffi- 
 culties he had encountered. 
 
 " Urnsden told me, that, in less than a month after
 
 220 TI;E HEIRESSES OF FOTTIERINGAY. 
 
 his departure from the city of Charleston he had be- 
 come a land-pirate, and associated with a regular train 
 of them that infested the secret passes in the States of 
 the two Carolina's those of Georgia, and at that time, 
 extensive State of Virginia. The scenes of horror 
 and despair that he was not only frequently compelled 
 to behold, but to engage in, in order to gain from 
 others of the company his portion of the profits of ex- 
 cursions for plunder, were many. Till at length being 
 awakened to a sense of the degradation and horrid 
 modes by which to gain, at the best, a miserable sup- 
 port, he determined to retire from the company, with 
 some ten thousand dollars of booty, that more than 
 twenty years service had made his, not by fair, but 
 by the basest and most foul means. 
 
 " Possessed of gold and valuables of a precious 
 nature, Urnsden's next object was, how best to regain 
 society and maintain in it his former position. But 
 here, as he has since frequently told me, conscience 
 ever uses him severely, and instead of a return to the 
 routine of gayer circles of life, he has contented him- 
 self to settle where he now is; where, in the society of 
 the family that now surrounds him, he has the appear- 
 ance of being more happy than he really is. 
 
 -"From the force of habit in the associations of time 
 passing between youth and advanced life, he appears 
 at intervals rough and extremely rude in his manners. 
 But there is a virtue that lies hidden under the mass 
 of ruins to which his more polished manners and de- 
 portment have become victims." 
 
 "I have now, gentlemen," continued Melvin, 
 " brought Urnsden step by step before you, and in 
 your minds keeping, till within his own house it may
 
 THE IIEI!. ESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 221 
 
 be present with, your memories, of how he and his 
 family met with and received you at the dinner given 
 you two days since ; and, whether you think him be- 
 neath your further notice or not, consequent upon the 
 account thus far given you of him, remains for t\vo 
 important incidents to disclose, and they are : 
 
 " First. That he is the supposed uncle of the deaf 
 and dumb ! and, secondly, being so, whether or not, 
 they can any longer command your respect and admi- 
 ration ? 
 
 " Of the now elderly ladies, if you please, of Urns- 
 den's household," continued Melvin, "I shall say but 
 little more for the present; for it is an undeniable 
 truth, that however base, of low origin, illiterate and 
 unnoticed human nature may be, in such spheres as I 
 have represented Urnsden, that the moment some 
 lucky chance gives to them wealth, every feature I 
 have mentioned is cast into an eternity of oblivion, 
 and the idolized virtues of such, consequent upon 
 wealth alone, are seen placed in the front ranks of 
 fashion, and there asked after by all. Such are the, 
 at present, high-toned sentiments of the few settlers 
 of this region of country, relative to Urnsden and his 
 family ; which will, in a few years from now, grow 
 into such strength and virtue, consequent .upon the 
 influence of their wealth, as to secure for it the high- 
 est tributes of esteem from abroad, as well as among 
 those by whom they are now surrounded. And," con- 
 tinued Melvin, " however much or little you may, 
 from your own observations in the future, see to 
 approve or disapprove of, in the elderly ladies of 
 Urnsden's family, remains likewise for an unknown 
 future to determine.
 
 222 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 "The two young girls, then children, and to whom 
 you were introduced a few days since, in Urnsden's 
 house, as grown young ladies, I have before said, did 
 at the time I first saw them, as they have continued to 
 do since, inspire me with feelings of deep concern, 
 and I think you will concur with me in a similitude 
 of sentiment, emanating from a representation of the 
 deaf and dumb before you on that occasion. It is not 
 my design, nor indeed do I believe it my province, to 
 tell you now whose daughters those of whom I am 
 speaking are ; and when," continued Melvin, " that 
 disclosure shall have been made if ever by me, it 
 will be attended by impressions upon your minds 
 highly commendatory, or to sink them far beneath 
 your most ordinary respect. So far, however, as care 
 in their raising and education is concerned, you are 
 doubtless gentlemen of too good discernment not to 
 have discovered, in your late interview with them, 
 that in that particular no pains have been spared. 
 
 " The appearance of personal defects are most fre- 
 quently by order of the most High, and upon those in 
 whom they appear are but too often hurled the sneers 
 of shallow-brained intellects. The most learned are 
 sensitive in such cases, but, like the magnetic needle 
 in its vibrations, are so only momentarily. This I have 
 thought proper to mention, not because you are sup- 
 posed to belong to that class of beings who think it a 
 mark of good sense 'to make contemptible remarks 
 upon the works of the great ' I Am,' but to place you 
 upon your guard in your future interviews with the 
 deaf and dumb in the family of Urnsden. 
 
 " Of the other two girls now also grown, and 
 looked upon as ladies in the house of that eccentric
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERIXGAY. 253 
 
 genius, Urnsden I shall say only, that they also have 
 been well raised, and equally well educated as those 
 just spoken of; but of them, as of the former, the veil 
 of mystery now covering them must not yet be drawn 
 aside, which, when done, as I have before said, will 
 secure for the four concerned, your much rivalled 
 esteem or utter contempt. 
 
 " I have now," continued Melvin, " only two other 
 children to speak of, that attracted my attention at the 
 camp-fire, already spoken of, and they are the, then, 
 boys, now young men, seen at the dinner given you 
 by Urnsden. They, too, have been properly raised, 
 and being conversant with business, and the care and 
 attention necessary thereto, are beginning to be spoken 
 of, by those who know them, as rapidly forming for 
 themselves foundations of future usefulness and envied 
 rank in their advance among the incidents belonging 
 to life. 
 
 " Urnsden," continued Melvin, " is said to be very 
 partial to those young men, and however wrapped in 
 mystery, as the family now seems to be, with those 
 knowing little or nothing about it, the prevailing 
 opinion is, that the deaf and dumb ladies are to be the 
 wives of those two young men. And furthermore, 
 that he will dispose of the remaining two of his charge 
 in such a way as to reflect credit upon himself and 
 happiness and prosperity upon them. 
 
 " Here, gentlemen, suffer me to speak of another 
 trait in the character of Urnsden, omitted in my re- 
 marks of him personally ; and that is, that thougli 
 reckless and indolent, and somewhat inclined to in- 
 temperate habits in his early life, he has often declared 
 that he will never give his daughters (as he calls
 
 224 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 them) to any who are not personally known to him, 
 or credibly reported to him so to be, possessed of a 
 knowledge of business, of habits of industry and 
 carefulness, a love and practice of them, and an aver- 
 sion to habitual intemperance. With these qualifica- 
 tions, united to an honorable integrity, Urnsden has 
 repeatedly said that he will cheerfully give his daugh- 
 ters, though such husbands may not have at the time 
 they may become so, one cent with which to com- 
 mence the marriage estate. 
 
 " I have now, gentlemen," continued Melvin, 
 " completed my promise ; and if what I have said 
 has contributed to strengthen your whatever pur- 
 poses further intended here, my wishes are certainly 
 with you for success." 
 
 Eising from his seat as the last remark was being 
 made, Melvin withdrew, and in the next half hour 
 our three friends were seated at the dining-table. 
 
 There are times, in the mental condition of men, 
 when that which is necessary for the support of life 
 (a good appetite) is frequently denied us. At their 
 dinner-table, much indifference was manifested on the 
 part of our young friends, while the eldest of the 
 three did not require a command like to that given 
 to one of old, but, on the contrary, used his knife and 
 fork with a gracefulness and ease exhibiting good 
 manners, whilst he partook of the respective varieties 
 of their table with as much dignified composure and 
 satisfaction as a distinguished partizan of the Ameri- 
 can Revolution did, while feasting with the British 
 officer upon " sweet potatoes" 
 
 The sagacity of the elder of our three friends, was 
 then, as it had been constantly, upon the alert, and lis-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 225 
 
 teniiig to more than he chose replying to, of the allu- 
 sions made by the young men to Melvin's partial dis- 
 closure; in that state of mind within himself and the 
 young gentlemen's comments, they entered their 
 apartment ; where, by your permission, reader, I shall 
 leave them for the present, to go elsewhere, with a 
 view to your amusement and pleasure. 
 
 I 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 The appearance of ills in tbe affairs of life, are sometimes productive of 
 happy consequences. 
 
 THE impulse to the passion of love is assignable to 
 many causes ; upon the different proprieties of which 
 the hearts only of those who are votaries of and 
 solicited for at its shrine, are capable of deciding. 
 Sometimes a single glance of that invariably ex- 
 pressive talisman of the soul, the eye; at others, a 
 single expression of the countenance; a sentence 
 peculiarly expressed ; at others, the attitude, form, 
 and external appearance of make and shape; and, 
 again, that which is most lasting, and by which all 
 the vicissitudes of life can be thwarted as well as 
 borne with, according to cases the strength and 
 qualities of a well-cultivated mind ; had, in their re- 
 spective natures, an attempted at influence been 
 offered to the consideration of the ladies of Urnsden's 
 house. Nor was that all : for wealth, with its weight 
 of influence, had been tendered to them, with the 
 
 hearts and hands of many, as yet to no desired effect. 
 15
 
 226 THE HKIEESSE3 OF FOTHEBINGAT. 
 
 Hence our ladies were still free to think and act upon 
 further solicitations, as they thought most conducive 
 to their future of this world's happiness. 
 
 It had been the constant practice of Standly to 
 visit the mansion whenever he could do so unnoticed 
 by our young gentlemen, and particularly when they 
 were, engaged at reading, or in their amusement of 
 music, and now favorite employment at the sketches 
 and drawings spoken of in former chapters. 
 
 In one of his visits, and in answer to some inquiries 
 made of him, among other matters relative to Lau- 
 rence and Hyne, Standly spoke of their boasted 
 indifference to the society of ladies, and the want of 
 female influence over them, so far as any particular 
 affection was concerned. Adding that it had been a 
 favorite expression with those gentlemen (and of 
 which my readers have been already apprized) that, 
 " She must be a Venus of whom I would ask the 
 question, ' Will you marry me?' " 
 
 That information was enough for the present use 
 of our ladies, and upon the receipt of it, they, from 
 that moment, intended adopting such a course as 
 would afford a slight chastisement for the lofty 
 opinions of the gentlemen, and to test the maxim of 
 Mr. Laurence and Mr. Hyne. 
 
 Already had a favorable impression been created 
 in the minds of the young ladies for the gentlemen in 
 question ; but before the most remote intimation of 
 it should be given to them, direct or indirect, it had 
 become a settled-upon determination with Ellen and 
 Susan to let the young gentlemen know from exper- 
 ience, and from a round of purposed difficulties 
 thrown in their way, that a total recantation of such
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEEIXGAY. 227 
 
 opinions as they entertained, and had expressed, was 
 required of them. And that women, though not all 
 Yenuses in point of beauty, are yet equally entitled 
 to the sincere affections of men, as those who are so ; 
 and are, also, no less capable of making men happy 
 under the should-be (but too often abused) endeared 
 title of wife, as those who are endowed with every 
 elegance of form, face and feature. 
 
 Night after night, after all was quiet at the Inn, 
 Melvin went to. the mansion, and returned from it 
 early in every and each arrived morning. There in 
 familiar converse in furtherance of the plans of the 
 ladies, he was, as has been heretofore seen, at the 
 head of their arrangements and intention. Here was 
 also had occcasional interviews with the huntsmen 
 before spoken of, and who I shall now introduce to 
 the further notice of my readers under the names of 
 Charles Everett, Henry Neville, Eufus Clement, 
 Lucien Arnsdale, William Irvin and James Yancy. 
 
 The well known integrity and high bearing of those 
 young men, and the intimate acquaintance of Melvin 
 and his family with them, and their parents, were pre- 
 ventatives on the part of the ladies to the least hesita- 
 tion in associating them with their intended plan; 
 and relative to the estimation in which the ladies were 
 held by the gentlemen, I may only refer my readers 
 to the declaration of the huntsmen on. the night they 
 assembled at the Inn preceding the deer hunt. 
 
 As yet and since that morning, Lawrence and Ilyne 
 had made the acquaintance of none, with the excep- 
 tion of those already before my readers, and so far as 
 information is concerned, as being obtained from ser- 
 vants at or about the Inn, and at the mansion, our
 
 228 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERKSTCAY. 
 
 young gentlemen were completely debarred, for they, 
 being without the proper signals to obtain it, were, at 
 every attempt at inquiry, answered by those to whom 
 they applied, with a particular use of the fore finger 
 of the right hand, and of which my readers have 
 already been apprized. 
 
 Although in the ultimate, and in that part of their 
 intended plan of penance, for what the ladies thought 
 a want of due respect for their sex in their eastern 
 admirers, they resorted to a greater degree of severity 
 than necessary for the offence committed ; it was the 
 intention of the ladies, even in that instance, to make 
 the victims of their revenge as comfortable as their 
 respective treatments would admit of. 
 
 It has been said by one of the leading characters in 
 this work, and that much to the honor and credit of 
 the fair sex, " that where ladies take an interest in 
 advancing the happiness of our sex, their acts are 
 from the best of motives, and a less danger of ills 
 resulting from them than otherwise. I shall go fur- 
 ther and beg leave of nature's fair to add : that they 
 seldom, if ever, fail of success, while those of like 
 effort in men for men, are but too often merged in 
 difficulties, and resulting in a worse condition of those 
 for whom intended, than when commenced. 
 
 My readers have been informed of the main object 
 had in view in the " deer hunt, " already spoken of. 
 The " cavern, " of which an account has also been 
 given, being in a state of nature and unqualified by 
 anything in art, with which to render its habitation 
 even a tolerable one to those who had been accus- 
 tomed to the conveniences and comfort of fine houses 
 in the city of New York, was now one of the next
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEEINGAY. 229 
 
 objects of consideration, with our ladies. For that 
 purpose they assembled their confederates and in gen- 
 eral consultation, determined upon preparing the two 
 rooms of the second apartment, and that of the third 
 or " Chamber of Death " for Lawrence and Hyne du- 
 ring their captivity by the " bandits, " who were to 
 occupy the front or entrance room of the cavern. 
 
 Close was to assume the appearance of a maniac, 
 combining with it at intervals that of a soothsayer, 
 and occasionally to be at the Inn, for the purpose of 
 watching the movements of our young friends, and 
 in their walks and rambles to place himself, as if by 
 accident, in their way. 
 
 Handy was to attend upon and act a servant's part 
 to the confederates, while they, commanded by one of 
 their party as chief, were to act in separate parties as 
 a guard over their prisoners. 
 
 In the rooms of the cavern destined for the safe 
 keeping of the prisoners, were to be placed articles^ 
 as trophies, taken at different times by the bandits. 
 And in the Chamber of Death were, in addition to , 
 fragments of human skeletons then there, from time 
 unknown, to be interspersed here and there, appear- 
 ances of rapine and murder ; and as for Standly, 
 should occasion require it, he was to betray his young 
 friends and appear in evidence against them. 
 
 I have now given a plot of the future, to appear in 
 the subsequent chapters of this work ; and think not, 
 my fair readers, that the description just given of the 
 order and intentions of two of your sex in a further 
 development was, with them, a prepared intent to 
 take life. But, on the contrary, to save it. And, in 
 their own way to elevate those against whom they 

 
 230 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 may at the present time, seem inimical to conditions 
 far preferable to those now about to take place. Bear 
 with me a while longer, and in a few subsequent chap- 
 ters from where your kind indulgences are at present 
 with your humble author, he will endeavor to place 
 things in that sort of light for which your sex are ever 
 most celebrated virtue, constancy, kindness, love and 
 mercy. 
 
 CHAPTEE XXXII. 
 
 Our motives and acts for honorable purposes, generally carry with them 
 the weight and influence of success. 
 
 A NEW field was now being opened, when the men- 
 tal and physical action of the distinct parties, as men- 
 tioned in the preceding chapter, were to continue 
 their operations. The one in the concentration of all 
 that force of imagination, power of elegance, suavity 
 of manners, and impressively pleasing look and de- 
 portment which Cupid, in his ordered array of the 
 tender passions, engendered in the bosom ; and from 
 whence to flow through the mediums just men- 
 tioned upon the objects of our affections ; the other, 
 though the conductors of it had, ultimately, a like 
 object in view, and had chose to arrive at it by other 
 means, is seen, for the time being, intent upon obey- 
 ing orders to the letter, and with false pretensions 
 and all its retinue of disreputableness, descending to 
 that of the glaring appearance of apparently intended 
 murder itself ; and to make love the subordinate to
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 231 
 
 humor for the present, in order to its more brilliant 
 display in the future. 
 
 For some days after the disclosure made by Melvin, 
 Laurence and Hyne were observed to be more than 
 usually silent, and no remark whatever had been 
 made by them relative to Melvin, Urnsden, or of the 
 ladies. The books that had been sent to them, no 
 one knew by whom, were now taken up and read 
 with constant and unabated attention ; and the hours 
 as they passed were divided by the gentlemen into 
 the respective periods for refreshment, labor and 
 sleep. 
 
 Those considered for labor, were the hours devoted 
 to reading, study, music and drawing, subdivided into 
 separate time for each avocation. Thus employed, 
 they were seldom out of their room, which circum- 
 stance gave Standly a better opportunity to study the 
 part assigned him, and watching from time to time, 
 the occurrences upon which he might be called upon 
 to testify; and when occasion offered, had interviews 
 with the ladies at the mansion and with others in his 
 double capacity of seeming friend and seeming foe. 
 
 At one time, and in one of their meetings, a dis- 
 crepancy of opinion was discovered upon the subject 
 of who amongst the confederates should be appointed 
 their chief in command. 
 
 Each of the huntsmen, in his warmth of desire, 
 contended for that honor, as, upon it rested an event, 
 not now to be made known, but ere the last line of 
 this work shall have been written, will, among other 
 things, be forthcoming in its closing chapter. All 
 being candidates, and each one not allowed to cast a 
 vote for himself, after some trial, the attempt at elec-
 
 232 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 tion was dropped, and the affair of appointment re- 
 ferred to Miss Ellen and to Miss Susan Dierdoffe. 
 
 "With a view to an amicable settlement of the matter 
 in dispute, the ladies decided that each one of the six 
 gentlemen should draw one card from a deck, and 
 that he who should hold in his hand the " ace of 
 diamonds," or the nearest in a less number of spots to 
 the like card, should be the one appointed to com- 
 mand, and to the control and government of the whole 
 party. 
 
 That meeting was in the library, where the occur- 
 rences that had there taken place, in times past and 
 gone, are all probably still fresh in the memory of 
 my readers. But a subsequent as singular event to 
 that of a declaration of love, and a favorable answer 
 returned, remains to be told as having taken place 
 there. 
 
 One thing at a time, however, and there will be 
 less danger of confusion ; and if the lack of interest 
 and pleasure to my readers is now mine, in the here- 
 tofore material furnished, the future may add a zest 
 to all that has been written, and obtain for itself a re- 
 spectable reception in the estimation of those in whose 
 hands this work may fall. 
 
 The company was in a short time furnished with a 
 new deck of cards by Melvin, and handing it to one 
 of the ladies, she separated the diamond cards from 
 the rest of the deck, and in a few moments after the 
 result was ascertained. 
 
 At the ladies' request, each gentleman drew from 
 her hand a card, and holding them in silence until 
 directed ; at an order given, they deposited them upon 
 the table before her. The moment it was done, it
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 233 
 
 was accompanied by a simultaneous expression from 
 them, of " Nevelle is our leader !" 
 
 " And," exclaimed Melvin, " well he may be, for his 
 card is the ace of diamonds itself I" 
 
 "A good omen, Mr. Nevelle," said Urnsden, "and 
 that to which I wish to draw your attention, as one 
 of your first official acts, is to recommend your ap- 
 pointment of an assistant, or second in command ; and 
 my reasons for it are, that your duties may not always 
 enable you to be present, in which event a loss of 
 time and an availment of urgent circumstances would 
 be the pernicious consequences." 
 
 " True," replied Melvin. 
 
 At that moment, the eyes of all present were turned 
 upon Nevelle, who, rising from his chair, and, after 
 a graceful bow given to the ladies and gentlemen, 
 said, 
 
 " I know of nothing ever creating a greater pleasure 
 to me, than that which, it seems, chance alone has 
 destined me to. And that is the chief-in-command, 
 wherein the happiness of two, at least, (looking at 
 Ellen and Susan) of our long-known and esteemed 
 friends are concerned. That their plan for obtaining 
 the object of their affections, and forming a future 
 basis of their future bliss, is novel, none can pretend 
 to deny ! In it I am called to act a conspicuous as 
 responsible part ; and associated with the gentlemen I 
 have the pleasure as well as honor to be, no care will 
 be spared with our joint efforts, in the like chivalric 
 duties before us, to terminate the plan intrusted to 
 our execution, for our lady friends and all others 
 concerned, in the best, highest and most pleasingly 
 satisfactory manner within our power."
 
 234 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 Then addressing his comrades, he said, 
 
 "Gentlemen, blame me not for the impossibility 
 with me to appoint you all to office, however much it 
 might be my wish to do so. ' Our raising and educa- 
 tions have been together, and were it practicable upon 
 the present occasion, I should make no distinction, 
 nor portray partiality. But the latter is imperative." 
 Here a momentary pause ensued, when placing his 
 eyes upon him, with an expressive look of esteem and 
 confidence, he said, " I appoint to my second in com- 
 mand, Mr. Charles Everett." 
 
 At his enunciation the room resounded with loud 
 applause from all in it ; and after a few moments, 
 upon the necessity of a genteel deportment in the dis- 
 charge of their several duties, Nevelle resumed his 
 seat ; after which followed a social and agreeable even- 
 ing, spent in the family of Urnsden, when, at a late 
 hour, the junior part of our confederates left for their 
 respective homes. 
 
 " Thus far, and since the promise given by Melvin, 
 before the change to that name from his real one had 
 taken place, to make a report to our friends in the 
 city of New York, relative to the movements of their 
 sons and other matters connected with them, no letter 
 or even a note had ever been written. And, with re- 
 gard to the letters of the young gentlemen to their 
 parents, no answers had been received. That state of 
 affairs with them, had been previously taken care of 
 by Melvin, whose intimate acquaintance with the post- 
 master, some fifteen or twenty miles distant, had pro- 
 duced the practice of having all letters directed to any 
 of his family or persons residing at the Mountain Inn, 
 sent directly to his personal care. Thus, the chance
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 235 
 
 for interception being in his power, it was invariably 
 practiced by Melvin upon all letters written by our 
 young travellers, no matter whether to relatives, or to 
 whom else, in or about the city of New York. The 
 practice, however, was different with regard to Standly, 
 inasmuch as the letters passing to and from him, were 
 regularly received, and in no instance was there a 
 single interception. 
 
 That state of affairs would, at times, create surprise 
 and awaken in the minds of our young friends a 
 disposition to murmur and wonder at such apparent 
 neglect. But the false philosophy of Standly was 
 Falstaff-like, at the bottom of all of it. 
 
 Proud of the position he then occupied, and for 
 reasons which may be hereafter spoken of, Neville 
 lost no time in putting into effect the requirements 
 entrusted to his care ; and among the first objects to 
 which his attention was drawn, were~the rooms in the 
 Cavern. 
 
 The residence of Close was made his head-quarters, 
 where for several days the whole of his command 
 were actively employed in collecting borrowed arti- 
 cles by way of trophies, and making such arrangement 
 of them as would be most conducive of effect in im- 
 pressing the imagination with an idea that it was in 
 reality the rendezvous and residence of bandits. 
 
 The first object in the interior of the Cavern to 
 which he directed the attention of his company, was 
 the clearing of the intricate passes ; and, that he did 
 by having the loose rock removed, so that in a short 
 time to pass and repass through those routes which 
 were before difficult, a slight bend of the body only, 
 was now necessary.
 
 236 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 In the ante-cliamber was erected, and on each side 
 of the entrance door, two berths, one over the other, 
 sufficiently broad to contain two persons each. Upon 
 those places for sleep was placed supplies of deer and 
 bear skins, to which was added a plentiful supply of 
 bedding and furniture necessary to comfort. As an 
 additional convenience to that apartment, there was 
 made in it a sort of fire-place built of stone work, pre- 
 senting a front with hearth attached, after the manner 
 of the " Franklin stove." 
 
 From its top was built a chimney connected with 
 the aperture in the front wall ; around and about that 
 fixture, was a place for everything, and everything in 
 its place, relative to the sleeping, cooking and wash- 
 ing for of the confederates. 
 
 The outer door, or main entrance to the cavern, was 
 composed of oak batten, of about an inch thick, fas- 
 tened together on the interior side by slats of like ma- 
 terial. On each side and above the doorway, was made 
 a casement, in which the door was swung, and moved 
 upon a strong pair of iron hinges. Its fastenings were 
 simply two wooden bars, at equal distance, placed 
 crossway of the door, and resting in iron staples at each 
 end. On the outside of that door, between the wood 
 casement of the interior and Nature's stone casement 
 outward, was placed a steel spring, attached to a wire, 
 affixed to a small bell that was suspended immediately 
 over the fire-place ; the touch of that spring announced 
 the arrival, and wish to enter of any one or more of 
 the company, and others, invested with the proper 
 signals performed upon the bell for entry, as by that 
 means, and no other, was an admission to the cavern 
 allowed.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 237 
 
 In the second apartment, and in two rooms, which 
 it seemed nature had intended it to represent, was 
 exhibited a greater display of artificial work. The 
 entry door leading into the first room of the apart- 
 ment was made of like material with those of the 
 main entrance, differing only in the mode of fastening, 
 being locks instead of wooden bars and iron staples. 
 For the passway, from one to' the other of the cham- 
 bers, a frame and neat casement had been prepared, 
 extending to a height of eight feet, leaving a space 
 between that and the works of nature, at the upper 
 part of the door- way, of about two feet ; that recess 
 was filled by a neatly framed window-sash, containing 
 two rows of gas-lights. 
 
 Upon four of the rock-pedestals, as it were, situated 
 in each room of the second apartment, about six one 
 way and five feet the other way, in the corner of each 
 room was placed a wooden frame, having a head and 
 foot board to it, intended to answer the purpose of a 
 bedstead. These frames were covered with battens, 
 and upon each was placed a straw and feather bed, 
 with all of every article of covering; and furniture 
 necessary to comfort. A like process of framing for 
 tables was observed as that already resorted to for bed- 
 steads ; and for that purpose, a frame, as neat as cir- 
 cumstances would admit of, occupied four others of 
 the elevated rocks in each room, while the remainder 
 of them answered the purposes of seats. Upon the 
 floors were laid riveted boards, which, about the bed- 
 steads were covered with bear-skins. 
 
 In both of the chambers were deposited boxes, 
 trunks, and other materials, with a view to the repre- 
 sentation of plunder taken at different periods, by the
 
 238 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 supposed inhabitants of this subterranean dwelling. 
 Among the articles of value were, several caskets of 
 jewelry, and other valuables of gold and silver, depo- 
 sited in small boxes and placed here and there through- 
 out the rooms. Added to these, was a small mirror, 
 with comb and brush, wash-bowl, soap, pitcher, and 
 silver tumbler, placed in a sort of wash-stand in each 
 room. The apartments thus arranged were lighted by 
 several small oil lamps, suspended by wire from the 
 projections that here and there emanated from the 
 crystal columns in each. 
 
 The Chamber of Death ! That apartment displayed 
 an appearance by no means favorable to even a tole- 
 rably pleasant reflection. It had also its door and its 
 lock and resembled much the appearance of a dissect- 
 ing room ! Such apartments must be as a necessary 
 benefit to man. And think not, my fair readers, that 
 the scenes and operations to which surgery as a science 
 calls the attention in a dissecting apartment, of many 
 talented men, that those gentlemen are any the less 
 worthy of your esteem and regard. Two lamps only 
 lighted this apartment, as if to corroborate the solemn 
 grandeur it had, once or more, perhaps, represented ; 
 and was still bearing an impressive resemblance to 
 a place of horror and despair. 
 
 Having finished his, then, necessary operations at 
 the cavern, Nevelle and his command, on the follow- 
 ing day waited upon, and made a report of his pro- 
 ceedings to the ladies at the mansion, where we will 
 leave them for the present, and until some other events 
 take place making it necessary to bring them collec- 
 tively or severally again before us.
 
 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 239 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 From unexpected and, indeed, unlocked for sources, are often derived 
 respect, rank and wealth ; the first gives weight, the second influence, 
 and the third power, in the affairs of men, however few there are who 
 merit them. 
 
 THE day following the report of Nevelle, Melvin, 
 Urnsden, and the two gentlemen seen at the Inn, and 
 subsequently at the dinner party, were noticed, at an 
 early hour, entering the library ; and in a few moments 
 after a messenger was sent to, requesting the Misses 
 Dierdoffe, and Ellen, and Susan to attend them. 
 
 Accustomed as they were to affection and obedi- 
 ence, but ignorant of the cause why sent for sooner 
 than the usual hour, they had made a practice of daily 
 being with Melvin in the library, the requirements of 
 their parents were no sooner given, than preparations 
 for compliance were made ; and in a short time they 
 were in the presence of those by whom they had been 
 sent for. 
 
 On entering the room, and the usual etiquette of 
 civility had passed between them, and the gentlemen 
 present, Melvin requested the ladies to take the chairs, 
 that had been placed at a table where he was seated 
 on one, while Urnsden and the other gentlemen occu- 
 pied others at the opposite side of the fire-place. 
 
 " Young ladies, " said Melvin, as a pleasant smile 
 denoted the effusions of a noble soul, "yesterday you 
 spent the greater part of the day with those who, like 
 yourselves, are in possession of youthful hearts, and
 
 240 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 the workings of whose minds are untrammelled by 
 the cares of life, nor a thought upon the future of 
 experience. This, in its place, I am happy to see; 
 and which, in the order of nature's divine Author, is 
 peculiarly the province of youth. As the onward 
 march of life and experience produces proofs of real- 
 ity, the mind gradually assumes a different position 
 for its axis ; and though then far removed from the 
 like sphere which is now being occupied by your- 
 selves, can revert to the scenes of youth, and with 
 pleasure there, have pass in review those of such times 
 as are now yours. Such, I am happy to say, is the 
 state of the minds of those in whose presence you now 
 are. To recite some of my own and the acts of 
 others, with whom I was concerned, is my present 
 purpose, and with that view you have been sent for 
 to lend me your attentions, in common with the gen- 
 tlemen present, while I am disclosing things hereto- 
 fore purposely kept from you, until your minds 
 should have become sufficiently mature to receive 
 them. That time has arrived, and it is now that I 
 ask of you your attention. " 
 
 Here, Melvin went to his bureau, and unlocking, 
 took from it an ebony box of neat workmanship, 
 about ten square and eight inches in depth, and re- 
 turning to his seat placed the box upon the table, 
 with one hand resting upon it, and again addressing 
 himself to the ladies said : " You look upon this 
 article, as I presume, with some degree of surprise, 
 and an appearance of intense thought ; and well you 
 may, for ere I have done with it, and the events at- 
 tached to it, an agreeable as happy and profitable 
 result will be the consequence ; giving to those, whom
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 241 
 
 its contents concern, a new era in the future of their 
 lives, heretofore unknown, and by no means ever 
 thought of by them. 
 
 " Ever the friend, since the period of manhood com- 
 menced its course upon me, of the distressed and un- 
 fortunate in want, and especially in cases where the 
 weaker portion of the master-piece of creation is con- 
 cerned, I with one other, whose feelings are still con- 
 genial with rny own, engaged in an enterprise resulting 
 more fortunately than either of us could have then 
 entertained an idea of, and of which I was fully ap- 
 prized the year I became a married man. 
 
 " In the affair alluded to, it became necessary with 
 a view to its accomplishment, to assume different 
 names to those of our real ones ; and my friend took 
 upon himself that of 'Urnsden,' and I, that of ' Mel- 
 vinf both now familiar ones to you, and which Mr. 
 Dierdoffe and myself have adopted in the circum- 
 stances transpiring relative 'to two of you. In the 
 latter instance those names have been resorted to con- 
 sequent upon the success attending their adoption 
 with me in former and long passed days. 
 
 " At that time, and on the edge of a small village 
 in a State renowned for the name of Tory, there lived 
 a poor man having a wife and four small children. 
 Near it, and under orders from a distinguished parti- 
 san of the Revolution, a small party of young menj 
 (of whom I had the honor of being one) was stationed 
 for the purpose of watching the movements of a party 
 of the class of gentry just spoken of. 
 
 "It was the fortune of our party to live in the 
 family of a sterling friend to the liberty and indepen- 
 dence of his country, and withal, a wealthy on rt ; ro 
 U
 
 242 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 
 
 that, in truth, the prevailing opinion was, that the fine 
 young men residing with him were relations of his, 
 and excited no more observation among the disaf- 
 fected, by whom he was surrounded, than the sneering 
 remark of, ' What can one poor devil of an enemy to 
 his Majesty do, when surrounded by such friends to 
 ' King Gorge' as we are.' 
 
 " That kind of doctrine was of much service to the 
 gentlemen and to our party, and profiting by it, our 
 plans were securely laid, and our operations, deeply 
 executed, were severely felt without the smallest sus- 
 picion being attached to us. 
 
 " One day, being in company with my friend, at a 
 poor excuse for a ' tavern,' in the village, we hap- 
 pened to be near two men, who in listening to, with- 
 out the appearance of doing so, we heard one say to 
 the other : 
 
 " ' Tom, it is our time now to make a haul, and if 
 we are cunning we can do so very easy.' 
 
 " ' What do you mean ?' asked his companion. 
 
 " 'I mean,' returned the other, ' that the rest of the 
 boys in our company of His " Majesty's" scouting 
 subjects have, in their routes against the " rebels," 
 robbed them of many a bright guinea, and as they 
 have done so, I see no harm in our following their 
 example ; and as I said just now, if we are not found 
 out in it, can just as well pocket the nice sum of two 
 thousand five hundred pounds each.' 
 
 "'Indeed!' replied Tom, with a grin of willing 
 approval, ' then I agree with you ;' but, he con- 
 tinued, ' as you have not told me, I must ask, how 
 that is to bs done ?' 
 
 " ' Why,' replied the other, ' the old man that lives
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 243 
 
 at the edge of the village, in the little log cabin, has 
 fallen sole heir to the estate of an old fellow who 
 thought he had played u rebel" long enough, and who 
 made a die of it some six months ago. I have seen a 
 copy of his will, and have gone so far in the promotion 
 of our plan, as to propose to the old man in the cabin, 
 who is illiterate, (another item in our favor) to act as 
 his attorney in getting his fortune, which the will says 
 is " cash," and deposited in bank. And,' continued 
 the wiseacre, 'all we have to do now is, to become 
 his agents, get possession of his papers, prepare a 
 false demise drawn in the forcible appearance of reality 
 in our favor, and then by a slow process of unper- 
 ceived doses of poison to take his, and the lives of his 
 family. You,' continued the speaker, 'are more 
 conversant with business than I am, and if you will 
 join me, we will share the spoils of this easy and sure 
 mode of getting a good start in the world.' 
 
 "Their plan was then matured; and the next day 
 was the time set to visit the old man, and put into effect 
 their villanous designs. My friend and I became in- 
 censed at such demon-like spirits, as could devise so 
 cool and deliberate a plan of outrage, and determined 
 to put a stop to it or die in the attempt to do so. Ac- 
 cordingly we watched their movemeats of that day, 
 and in a few hours after, had the satisfaction to learn 
 that they were ordered upon a scouting excursion by 
 their leader (as he was termed) to return the next 
 morning. 
 
 "It was now our time, and that evening strangers 
 as we were to him, we went to the residence of the 
 old man ; told him of what had been overheard by us, 
 and offered ouj* services in his and his family's pro-
 
 244 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 tection and defence. Himself and his wife, seemed 
 to feel, as was shown in their every act, the deepest 
 sense of gratitude ; and soon we were recognized by 
 them as the champions of a bloody as fatal tragedy 
 to part of their family. 
 
 " The necessary precautions of who were (and, in- 
 deed, remaining unknown in that section of country) 
 the old man's friends in the affair were attended to. 
 And there is but one man living who knows that my 
 friend and myself had anything to do in the transac- 
 tion ; and he was a young ' Attorney at Law,' at that 
 time, belonging to our company, and who I had got 
 to write the old man's will, preparatory to any fatal 
 event that might happen to him. 
 
 "Having been made his executor, I took possession 
 of his papers, and leaving in their stead, and in the 
 place from whence the old man, had in the presence 
 of his intended assassin taken them the preceding 
 day, a like bundle neatly tied, we left his house ; and 
 did so, with an understanding that we would return 
 to it the next day, and lay concealed near there, to 
 watch the manoeuvres of the old man's Tory acqaint- 
 ance and his accomplice. 
 
 " Upon the following day we were disguised and 
 properly armed, and at an early hour took our station 
 in a thicket of bushes that stood a short distance from 
 the old man's cabin, from whence we had a clear view 
 of the village, and all who passed to and from it. 
 
 " The sun had nearly set when we began to think 
 that the Tories had abandoned their plan, at least for 
 that time ; but as twilight grew dim we discovered 
 two men bending their course toward the house. 
 They being yet at some distance off, and that moment
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF TOTHERINGAY. 245 
 
 the old man coming to us, (doubtless from his anxiety 
 for safety), we entered the house with him, taking a 
 position in the rear of a plank partition. 
 
 "Soon after the arrival of the disciple of the renowned 
 Iscariot, he renewed the proposals he had made to the 
 old man the day before ; adding, that he had brought 
 his friend with him, who was well versed in the law, 
 who would render him every assistance in obtaining 
 ample justice, and charging no more for all, than the 
 usual fee in such cases. And in order to a speedy 
 obtaining of his legacy, that it was only necessary for 
 him to sign that night a document that they had 
 brought with them. After some -conversation upon 
 the subject, the old man thanked him for the interest 
 himself and his companion had taken, and said : ' that 
 he believed he would decline doing anything, for the 
 present in the matter. That he knew his money safe 
 where it then was, that himself and his wife were not, 
 at that time in want of it ; and that he designed the 
 fortune that had been left him, for his young and help- 
 less children, when they should have become men and 
 women.' 
 
 " At that our Mentor of the day before, coolly, and 
 with an air of much assumed consequence, replied: 
 ' Old man, we did not come here to-night for the pur- 
 pose of hearing expressions of gratitude, nor to receive 
 flattering compliments, but to have you do what is 
 required, leaving the result to our own mode of future 
 friendship. If that is not done, then to compel you 
 to a compliance with our proposition, even at the 
 expense of the lives of yourself, your wife and your 
 children. One half hour,' he continued, ' by the watch 
 (which he held in his hand) will be given to determine
 
 246 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY. 
 
 upon, of what you will do ; and in the meantime I 
 shall see if things are in the same place I saw them 
 put yesterday.' Thus saying the speaker rose from 
 his seat, and stepping to the bed upon which the 
 little children were lying in a profound sleep, took 
 from between the feather and straw beds, a package 
 of papers, as he supposed, seen placed there the day 
 before. ' This,' said he, ' is what we want, and if you 
 will not let us have it in the way offered you, you are 
 out of the reach of assistance, and must die to-night.' 
 Still by the bed-side, where he had just discovered the 
 children, and the half hour having expired, in a few 
 minutes, and showing a vial then in his hand, he said: 
 ' Do you see this little weapon ? It has just given per- 
 mission to your children to enjoy a longer sleep, and the 
 next objects to which we shall turn our attention, is 
 to tie both of you together, by ropes prepared for that 
 purpose, and leaving you so, go away by the light 
 afforded from the burning of your house.' 
 
 " Here a different course took place from the one 
 intended by that deliberation ; and, before I proceed 
 further, it is necessary here to state, that the fourth 
 child (a girl) would have met a like fate in the tragi- 
 cal parts of the scenes of that night had it have been 
 at the head instead of at the foot of the bed, where it 
 escaped the notice of the assassin. 
 
 " That mode of taking the lives of the children, 
 was unexpected as unforeseen by either my friend or 
 myself, and the manner of its perpetration, put the 
 little sufferers beyond the reach of our protection. 
 Not so, however, with the old man, his wife and 
 the remaining child, which, at that time awoke from 
 its slumber. They were seized upon by the fiends ;
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 247 
 
 but that act by them, was the signal of their destruc- 
 tion ; for, in the next moment, my friend had one, 
 and I the other by their throats with one hand, 
 while in the other was held our drawn daggers. 
 
 " As they had committed murder silently, it was our 
 object to revenge the wrong in like manner. But 
 our enemies had nearly forced a change of that inten- 
 tion, for he who was grappling with my friend, was 
 in the act of drawing his pistol from a place in the 
 breast of his coat, when, in the next instant, my 
 friend perceiving it, the scoundrel fell dead at his 
 feet. Here the wretch I had hold of begged for an 
 extension of mercy, that was granted, and while in a 
 pretence at confession, aimed a blow at me with his 
 dagger, which was lodged in the arm of my friend. 
 At that the villain received a wound, of which he 
 died the next day, after a confession in reality of his, 
 and the crimes of his accomplice. Adding, 'That he 
 knew not by whom the justice of the retribution for 
 them had been inflicted.'' 
 
 " The scenes I have just told you of," continued 
 Melvin, " had all taken place between dusk and the 
 hour of ten on that night, and the remainder of it 
 was occupied with a view to prevent suspicion resting 
 upon us as being concerned in the rescue of the 
 family. We remained with them until about three 
 o'clock in the morning, when, giving instructions to 
 the old man and his wife of how to act on the follow- 
 ing day and subsequently, we left them ; and on our 
 way home divested ourselves of our dresses of dis- 
 guise, and after consigning them to perpetual 
 oblivion in a deep and sluggish stream close by, we 
 regained our rooms without the knowledge of any,
 
 248 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 save our long known, and then, as ever since, highly 
 esteemed friend, the ' attorney at law.' 
 
 " The old man did as we had instructed him to do. 
 The next day was one of excitement throughout the 
 whole village, and soon the news of it reached our 
 residence, where, upon hearing it, my partizan com- 
 rades and myself, and the gentlemen with whom we 
 lived, repaired to the scene of murder. 
 
 "Just at our arrival there we found the old man and 
 his wife (as three of us know they were) truly dis- 
 tressed at the loss of their children, and at this time 
 going about expressing their wishes that some kind 
 one would be their friend in the decent burial of their 
 children. 
 
 "Passing through the crowd and watching for the 
 sign which we told him would be upon the persons 
 of my friend and me, by which he would know us 
 from others, he came, presently, to where we were, 
 and looking imploringly at us, said : 
 
 "Strangers, will you be the friends of two distres- 
 sed parents and their only remaining child?' 
 
 " In a very little time the crowd was dense around 
 the speaker and ourselves, and after some questions 
 were put to the old man, and his answers returned, an 
 assent was given to his request. 
 
 "Before the man died, as spoken of, the cause of the 
 murders, and subsequent intention of the murderers, 
 were made known, and in a few days after the old 
 man made another will. He wished much to make 
 the two known, to his and the rescue of his, wife and 
 child from death, legatees, but we declined it upon 
 the basis that our compensation was already had. in 
 the pleasure we felt in the service rendered him.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 249 
 
 "A few months after that event a separation of my 
 two friends and myself took place. One, for parts 
 unknown; myself, as a commissioned officer in the 
 army of the Revolution and the attorney to follow 
 his profession. The latter I left my agent, and 
 among other duties left in his care, one was, to see to 
 and provide for, out of means always in the hands of 
 my agent, all necessary comforts for the use of the 
 old man, his wife and their child. 
 
 " The age of woman succeeded that of childhood 
 and, in the meantime, death deprived her of her 
 father and mother. 
 
 "About thirty years after the murders already spo- 
 ken of, I met with my two friends. The one who 
 had been with me in the village had accumulated a 
 fortune, was married, but without children, and had 
 adopted the fatherless and motherless ones of the old 
 man's and woman's daughter, whose life we had saved 
 when a child. 
 
 " Of the four children my friend had adopted, two 
 died shortly after I first saw them. Having two girls 
 only out of the four left, they become well raised, and 
 every attention was bestowed upon them in their 
 education by my friend. 
 
 " The other one of my friends had also married, and 
 had, at the time now spoken of, a wife and two promis- 
 ing little boys. Misfortune, however, dealt severely 
 with him, as he was then and is still poor. 
 
 " At the consent of my poor friend and his wife, 
 the children were taken quite young from them, and 
 have been raised and educated by a friend of theirs 
 and of their parents. To this day, as a piece of ec- 
 centricity in theirs, and their father's and mother's
 
 250 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 benefactor, those children, now grown, do not know 
 who their father and mother are. 
 
 "Both of the children, from particular traits dis- 
 covered in their childhood, bore different names from 
 those of their real ones ; and to this day are accosted 
 by no other, nor are they in possession of the least 
 intimation of any other being theirs. But the time," 
 continued Melvin, " for them to know their real 
 names, and whose sons they are, as also those of the 
 young ladies, of whose daughters they are, is, in both 
 instances, not far distant. 
 
 " I have now," he continued, " given you an account 
 of events that a short sequel will cast a stronger light 
 upon, and will, I hope, in its development, not fail in 
 affording an agreeable surprise in the minds of those 
 to whom I have told part only of the events of my 
 life." 
 
 Here Melvin took a small key from his vest pocket, 
 with which he unlocked, the box before him, and 
 taking from it a bundle of papers, from that he took 
 and read to the ladies and gentlemen, the following 
 letter. 
 
 " Fotheririgay, Virginia, Sept. 15, 1785. 
 " To my only child, Leontine, and ) 
 beloved niece, Antoniette. f 
 
 "DEAR CHILDREN, At a remote period from the 
 present this letter is designed for your sight and peru- 
 sal when mature age shall have become yours, and 
 when you can properly understand and appreciate 
 its contents, and the motives governing its author. 
 
 " Ere the privilege of seeing this is yours, a develop- 
 ment of circumstances by one, whom, doubtless, you
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 251 
 
 love, and who, unquestionably, in his every thought 
 and act reciprocates the feeling, will have been made 
 known to you and to others they concern. 
 
 " Knowing the intentions of him, by whom this will 
 be shown you, and thoroughly conversant with the 
 power and extent of his eccentric, it is true, yet 
 humane and benevolent disposition, together with the 
 purposes he has had, and continues to have in view 
 to effect, it is only necessary on this occasion to add, 
 that the two young ladies with whom you have been 
 and are still on terms of intimate friendship as the 
 Misses Dierdoffe, are in reality not so. Nor are the 
 two young gentlemen, now your intimate acquaint- 
 ances, in possession of the knowledge of whom they 
 themselves are ; but on the contrary, are under names 
 not assumed by them, but given them by another, and 
 are both, as yet, ignorant of why it is so. 
 
 "The Misses Dierdoffe (so called) are the grand- 
 children of an unfortunate old man and woman, whose 
 ill-fated history you will, ere this time, have learned 
 something of. The parents of those children were 
 worthy people, and highly respected by all who knew 
 them. Their name was 'Thurmond," and for the 
 acquirement of intellectual endowment of their now, 
 only surviving daughters, and parental affection and 
 care extended over them by Mr. and Mrs. Dierdoffe 
 much credit is due. 
 
 "Of the young men (twin brothers) now in our 
 family, their names are 'Thomas' and 'Edmund Mil- 
 ler,' sons of the intelligent attorney, but now poor 
 man, whose generosity and kindness were, in years 
 past, associated with others in the detection and over- 
 throw of villany.
 
 252 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 u With a view of cementing the friendship which I 
 hope still exists between you and others of whom I 
 have spoken, I have had made, and which you will 
 receive herewith, four keepsakes, alike in every par- 
 ticular ; two for yourselves, the others to be placed 
 by each one of you upon the fingers of the Misses 
 Thurmund. 
 
 " This I have written, lest I may never have the 
 pleasure of seeing my wishes in that particular carried 
 into effect ; and all I shall further add is, that I trust 
 the Supreme Architect of heaven and earth will, as he 
 has ever done, continue his decree, that 'Virtue, 
 though often depressed, shall continue to have its 
 reward !' 
 
 " I need not give you further proof, of what you 
 both know well, that, 
 
 "lam, 
 
 " Yours truly, 
 
 "JAMES WlTHROW." 
 
 During the recital of Melvin, and the reading of the 
 letter which followed it, each one of the ladies exhibi- 
 ted a countenance betokening much mental excite- 
 ment, and for some minutes after the name of its 
 author had been pronounced a profound silence was 
 observed by all present. 
 
 A knowledge of whom they really were ; a sense of 
 gratitude felt towards those by whose kindness they 
 had arrived at what they then were ; the obligations 
 they felt themselves under to the indirect though chief 
 cause of all of it, and how best to show in the future 
 a gratitude acceptable, brought to the eyes of the
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 253 
 
 Misses Dierdoffe that bright and significant talisman 
 of woman's heart a tear. 
 
 Of those who were gone they knew nothing save 
 what they had just heard throngh two unquestionably 
 correct sources. But for those upon whom they had 
 so long been accustomed to look in the affectionate 
 light of father and mother, and at an unexpected mo- 
 ment to know the reverse, much of that purity of 
 affection with which woman alone is peculiarly en- 
 dowed, was felt as expressed upon the occasion ; nor 
 was the regard with which they viewed Melvin, over- 
 looked. 
 
 Time, with its associate envelope of circumstance, 
 often presents to the mind things pleasant and things 
 painful. 
 
 " In the present, with me and my sister," said the 
 just before Miss Dierdoffe, but now Miss Julia Thur- 
 mond, " there is a feeling of both pleasure and pain. 
 The latter, because of the death of those who gave to 
 us life ; and the former, because of the means afforded 
 us to sustain it." 
 
 At that, she took hold of the hand of her sister 
 Eliza, and both advancing to where Melvin was, she 
 continued: 
 
 " To your kindness and benevolence, and that at 
 the risk of your own life, we are indebted for having 
 had a mother ; that mother's children are now before 
 you, to tender in her name, and that of their own, 
 our grateful thanks." 
 
 Here, kneeling before him, and each taking a hand 
 of Melvin in their's, and imprinting a kiss upon them, 
 Jane said : 
 
 " Ingratitude, kind sir, is the most base of all
 
 254 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 crimes, and were we, on this momentous occasion, to 
 us, remiss in feeling and showing its opposite, we 
 should be no longer worthy of that noble deportment 
 with which your past life has been marked towards 
 us. In this humble attitude, therefore, receive a 
 renewal of our obligations to respect and esteem 
 you." 
 
 As the ladies rose from their position before Melvin, 
 and were advancing to where Dierdoffe was seated, 
 Mrs. Dierdoffe and Mrs. Melvin entered the library, 
 accompanied by " Dispatch" and " Kightquick." 
 
 " At no moment of our lives," continued Tane, as 
 they both threw their arms around the person of 
 Mrs. Dierdoffe, " were we ever happier in seeing you 
 than in the present one, since it affords to myself and 
 Eliza an opportunity of renewing our pledge of 
 affection and obedience. Foundlings, in one sense of 
 the word, at an early age, we were, from a decree of 
 the All Wise, thrown upon the cold charities of a mer- 
 ciless world, to live, if at all, amid the sneers and 
 indignities too often, as fatally, levelled at our sex by 
 the ' lords of creation.' From all that you have saved 
 us; and from the hour you became the protective 
 mother of the orphans, now present, one continued 
 belief possessed us, that it was you that gave us birth, 
 and upon whom, in every sense of the word, we have 
 looked, honored and obeyed, in the conviction, with 
 us, of a beloved mother." 
 
 Here the Misses Thurmond took, each, a hand of 
 their supposed mother, and led her to a seat by 
 the side of Dierdoffe, when Jane, resuming her 
 remarks, said : 
 
 " Those who ought to be first in the esteem of
 
 THE HEIHE3SE3 OF FOTHERINGAY. 255 
 
 children, are their mothers, and next their fathers; 
 therefore do not blame us for the preference you 
 have witnessed, since it detracts nothing from the 
 honor in which you are held. The events of this 
 have afforded to my sister and myself a knowledge 
 of whose we are ; but never having the pleasure of 
 seeing our real ones, we are, as we could have ever 
 been, of the belief that your own children would not 
 have been more kindly treated than we are by our 
 adopted father." . 
 
 Thus saying, the young ladies embraced Dierdoffe, 
 and after imprinting a kiss upon his and those of the 
 lips of his wife, both seated themselves- near the 
 chairs then occupied by Mrs. Melvin and the young 
 men." 
 
 Ignorant of what had been, and was still passing 
 in the library, " Dispatch" and " Kightquick" sat in 
 silent astonishment and wonder at occurrences so 
 unusual and entirely new to them ; and after a short 
 interval of profound silence by all in the room, Melvin 
 addressing himself to the young men, said : 
 
 "Judging from the appearance of surprise that 
 your countenances indicate, you are doubtless in 
 ignorance of what has taken place in the library this 
 morning. It is my duty, among other things I shall 
 call your attention to on this occasion, to tell you 
 that that ignorance has been purposely intended by 
 me until the present hour ; not, however, from any 
 disrespect to, or want of confidence in you, on my 
 own, or on the part of any in this room. 
 
 " You have been nurtured and raised by me from 
 your early childhood, without a knowledge of your 
 parents, or of whose offspring you are. In your
 
 256 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 present estate of maturity, and preparation by educa- 
 tion, good sense and gentlemanly deportment, to 
 commence your parts upon the expansive stage of 
 life, you may be somewhat disposed to think me 
 illiberal, and perhaps unjust, in not having informed 
 you, ere now, of whose sons you are. Be this as it 
 may, I have had my own motives for it, and which, I 
 think, in the sequel you will not censure me for. 
 
 " There is no necessity for me," continued Melvin, 
 " to make many more remarks upon this subject, as 
 he whose you are, will shortly confirm what I have 
 said. You have lived in my family long enough to 
 know me, and one other, who, with myself, has 
 bestowed upon you parental care. And, as in the 
 case of which you are both apprized, and are, in fact, 
 both actors, you know me eccentric ; so, in like 
 manner, I have been with regard to you." 
 
 Here Melvin handed the letter, already known to 
 my readers, to Dispatch, saying, "Both of you read 
 that, and then tell me, if you know from it ' Who is 
 your father ?' " 
 
 Another period of profound silence was observed 
 throughout the room while the young were engaged 
 reading the letter. That done, Dispatch folding and 
 returning it to Melvin, replied : 
 
 " When such a man as the author of that letter 
 was, speaks of my brother and myself, and others, 
 whom it concerns, it is done knowingly and for the 
 best of motives ; and you, sir, to corroborate the 
 statement, makes it doubly imperative upon all 
 concerned to receive it. Taught to obey, to honor 
 and to respect } r ou, we have experienced in you, and 
 that lady (pointing to Mrs. Melvin) a father's and a
 
 THE HEIRE3SE.3 OF FOTHERIXGAY. 257 
 
 mother's care. Knowing no other till now, in that 
 light, our entire object has been to deserve in order 
 to merit your regard. Our position must now be 
 changed. In it no digression shall ever be known in 
 our deportment towards you or yours; while our 
 next care shall be to hail him who is our father with 
 that affection becoming dutiful and obedient sons." 
 
 Then, fixing their eyes upon Miller, the two 
 brothers advanced to where he was, and each taking 
 a hand of the old gentleman in theirs, Dispatch again 
 said : " Receive, sir, an assurance of the happiness we 
 feel in knowing you to be our father ; and the deter- 
 mined intent on our parts to love, to honor, to protect, 
 and to cherish you, in your now advanced age and 
 decline of life." 
 
 For some time a general fund of social as interest- 
 ing conversation followed the assertion of his two 
 sons ; when, in reply to a remark from Miller, Melvin, 
 giving to the company a well-known signal, all was 
 again silent, and every eye turned upon him who gave 
 it ; when Melvin, addressing himself to the Misses 
 Thurmond, said: 
 
 " In this box is a copy of the will of your father, 
 which you can see at any time. By it, and the care I 
 have taken of what it speaks of, you will be each in 
 possession of a handsome estate, and that in the legal 
 currency of your country." 
 
 Then turning to Ellen and Susan, he continued: 
 " There is one thing more remaining for your action ;" 
 at that, Melvin handed to each of them a small casket, 
 saying : " Do with their contents what you have been 
 directed." And in a few moments after, four ele- 
 
 17
 
 258 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEEIXGAY. 
 
 gantly finished as massive diamond rings, were seen 
 on the middle fingers of the left hand of the, then, as 
 before and ever after, four friends. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Hope is the companion of desire ; and desire the incentive to action. 
 
 THE recital in the library by Melvin to the respect- 
 ive parties concerned, had presented to the minds of 
 some present new ideas, predicated upon former 
 events; and, as with Ellen and Susan, so it was with 
 Jane and Eliza, to settle upon and adopt such a course 
 in the future as would most conduce to their happi- 
 ness. In that particular, the last mentioned ladies 
 had had proposals of long standing by the now 
 known Thomas and Edmund Miller. The former 
 had asked for the heart and hand of Jane the latter 
 that of a like bestowal from Eliza Thurmond. 
 
 The increase of wealth, on the one hand, and the 
 continued appearance of poverty on the other, with 
 the conviction that they had now not only his sister 
 (wife of Mr. Murdoch, the other stranger spoken of,) 
 to contribute to the support of, but an aged father to 
 maintain, created an impression on "the minds of the 
 young men, that, in that quarter, such hopes were no 
 longer to be retained. 
 
 Here I shall leave for the present the subject of the 
 new parties brought before you, and ask, as hereto-
 
 THE HEIKESSE3 OF FOTHERIXGAY. 259 
 
 fore, your permission, reader, to go with the ladies 
 and gentlemen in question, elsewhere. 
 
 It is a rare occurrence, in the affairs of love, that 
 invitations given to those under its influence are ever 
 wantonly neglected. 
 
 The last account we have had of Laurence and 
 Hyne, was that they were rather unsocial, yet sys- 
 tematic in the arrangement of time with them ; and, 
 from appearances, suspicions of their sage friend, 
 Standly. 
 
 The first law of nature, self-defence, had become an 
 essential with them ; and, for that purpose, whenever 
 Staudly was absent, and engaged, as he had been 
 seen frequently to be, with Melvin, Urnsden, Miller, 
 and Murdoch, they would speak of and mature their 
 future plan of proceeding. 
 
 One snowy morning, and a few days subsequent to 
 the recent occurrences in the library, the two young 
 gentlemen were discovered to be more genteelly 
 dressed than had been usual with them ; and while at 
 breakfast, and in the presence of Melvin and Standly, 
 Laurence gave to Sanco a sealed note, with instruc- 
 tions for it to be delivered that morning to Mrs. Urns- 
 den, with a reply returned. 
 
 The contents of the note were as follows : 
 
 " Mountain Inn, 8 o'clock A. M., Jan. 10th, 1802. 
 " MADAM 
 
 " The civilities shown to the strangers whose names 
 are hereunto attached, are among the many incidents, 
 of kindness extended by yours to that of our sex. 
 
 " Here, alone, and far from that circle of society to 
 which we have been accustomed, we are desirous (if
 
 260 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHER1NGAY. 
 
 agreeable) of paying our respects, in person, this 
 morning, to the ladies of Mr. Urnsden's family. 
 " Very respectfully, 
 
 " GEORGE LAURENCE, 
 " SAMUEL HYNE. 
 "To Mrs. Urnsden." 
 
 "Something is afloat," said Melvin to Standly, as 
 the young men left the room. " We must see to it, 
 and whatever it may be, it must pass our inspection 
 before it effects what it is intended for." 
 
 Just as Melvin had finished his remark, Sanco was 
 passing through the dining-room, on his way to execute 
 the order received. 
 
 "Let rne see the direction of that note, Sanco," said 
 Melvin." Upon looking at it for a moment, with an 
 appearance of intense thought, and returning the note 
 to the servant, Melvin continued, "It is all right; 
 Edmund and Thomas are there. Now let us go into 
 your room and wait the issue of the reply." They did 
 so ; and in the next half hour Sanco returned. 
 
 " Well, Sanco," said Laurence, " what news have 
 you?" 
 
 " This note," handing it as he spoke, " will tell you, 
 sir," replied Sanco. 
 
 Not a word had passed between either of the gentle- 
 men after Standly and Melvin had entered the room ; 
 and Laurence opening the note, he and Hyne read to 
 themselves, the following reply to theirs. 
 
 "Mansion, Tuesday, 9 o'clock, A. M., Jan. 10, 1802. 
 " GENTLEMEN, Your polite note of this inst., to Mrs. 
 Urnsden, I have been directed to answer, and that in
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERES'GAY. 261 
 
 accordance with my own, and feelings of others of 
 your recent acquaintances here. 
 
 " You speak of loneliness, and a want of that circle 
 of society, now far from you, in which you have been 
 -accustomed to move. Of the kindness, in general, 
 extended to yours, by that of our sex, and particularly 
 of the civilities shown to you by us at this ' house.' 
 Here you are complimentary ; but no more so, it is 
 believed, than you are earnest in the statement of. 
 
 "If you think the society among these mountains, 
 and particularly, that the members of this family can 
 contribute to your amusement, your pleasure, or your 
 happiness, the doors of the ' Urnsden Mansion' will 
 ever be open to receive you; and as an earnest of 
 what is here written by the deaf and dumb, we will 
 expect you to dine with us to-day. 
 
 " Eespectfully, 
 
 " ELLEN." 
 "To Messrs. Laurence and Hyne, Mountain Inn." 
 
 Having in their possession a guarantee of their wel- 
 comed appearance at the " mansion," Laurence and 
 Hyne, were, in the next moment, putting on their 
 cloaks for departure, when Standly said to them : 
 " where are you going such weather as this ?" 
 
 " In pursuit of that which concerns us alone, and 
 without the least regard to the advice or opinions of 
 any who have, or may ask any questions of us about 
 our movements," replied Laurence. Here giving 
 Standly a reproachful look, they were out of their 
 room, and on their way to the " mansion." 
 
 Their reception at the mansion, on that occasion, 
 was marked by a course of politeness and civility,
 
 262 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 bordering upon a sort of sociability peculiar to that 
 practiced among long known friends. 
 
 As Melvin had before said, "Edmund and Thomas 
 Miller were there," and from whom such an obser- 
 vance of attention was shown as to greatly facilitate 
 the, then, intentions of Laurence and Hyne. For 
 each one of the four gentlemen having particular 
 objects in view, they were by no means in the way of 
 each other. And, here it is only necessary to add, that 
 each having his own business to attend to, my lady 
 and gentlemen readers can, from similar experience, 
 ^ infer what it was. " Why," I think I hear you say, 
 "a declaration of love by our Eastern friends and a 
 prosecution of former proposals, by the two young 
 Millers." You are right my readers, and I shall do 
 you the credit to say : " you have guessed well !" 
 
 The taken for natural impediments of Ellen and 
 Jane were well guarded by them ; while with a 
 graceful ease of manners and suavity of countenance 
 peculiarly theirs, the hours of that day passed in an 
 uninterrupted round of pleasure. At the dinner hour, 
 Urnsden was more the gentleman than heretofore 
 shown, and ere the sun had withdrawn his light from 
 the horizon, our travellers had ceased to think upon 
 the loss of pleasure found in the circles of eastern 
 society, and thought themselves particularly happy in 
 the rays reflected upon them from western lights. 
 
 It was not with Laurence and Hyne as it was with 
 the young Millers ; for, upon that day, their cases 
 were decided by the fair judges before whom they 
 had long since preferred their claims. 
 
 The works of Melvin had arrived at the crisis desired. 
 His renowned forethought upon the principles of
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 263 
 
 philanthropy and benevolence had, thus far, terminatd 
 as wished for and intended. And the virtuous sons 
 of the learned, the worthy, yet poor attorney, were to 
 be the husbands of the Misses Thurmund. 
 
 Towards evening of that day, a cold north wind 
 had begun its course through the mountains, and 
 over a deep snow that had fallen the previous night. 
 
 After tea, Jane and Eliza were reminded of their 
 promise given at the dinner already noticed ; and in 
 a few moments after, Jane was seated at the piano- 
 forte. 
 
 At that time Boreas had become more than usually 
 boisterous without, and the shrill whistle of his sub- 
 ordinates, that were heard as they passed around the 
 cornice of the " Mansion," brought to the recollection 
 of the ladies an event heretofore spoken of. 
 
 Then, turning over some leaves of a music book 
 before her, and at the time giving a side glance to 
 Ellen and Susan, then standing with Laurence and 
 Hyne in the group, Jane requested her sister to 
 accompany her on the guitar, and Edmund to assist 
 them on the piano. 
 
 All present, except our travellers, understood the 
 course of that move and soon the "Wind of the 
 Winter Night," was again sung and played. 
 
 Much of that kind of composure and pleasant look, 
 usual upon the countenance in things pleasing in the 
 retrospect and present, was plainly perceivable in 
 Laurence and Hyne, during the performance. And 
 when through with, a simultaneous as courteous tender 
 of their thanks for the favor as unexpected, as un- 
 locked for offered them, with which to recall pleasant
 
 264 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 reminisences were instantly given to the young ladies 
 and to Miller. 
 
 A like round of the social and agreeable in rapid 
 succession upon various topics ensued during the re- 
 mainder of the evening ; and at near twelve o'clock 
 our young travellers retraced their steps towards the 
 Mountain Inn. 
 
 All was stillness there, and no one was yet up 
 save the, though obsequious Sanco who as soon as 
 the young gentlemen entered their room, said : 
 
 " Young masters, I knew you were out seeing the 
 young ladies at the mansion and thinking that 
 though you have warm hearts your feet might be 
 cold when you came in, for that reason I have kept a 
 large fire burning, and your room warm." 
 
 " You have been quite considerate, Sanco," replied 
 Laurence, "and before we leave the mountains, we 
 will reward you for your attentions upon us." 
 
 "All will be right with you, young masters, before 
 then," replied Sanco, smiling, as he spoke. Then 
 getting a boot -jack, and drawing off their boots, he 
 continued : 
 
 " Pleasant dreams attend you, my masters." 
 
 Before a reply could be made to his last remark, 
 Sanco had left their room, closing the door after him. 
 
 " I wonder what that fellow can mean by his fre- 
 quent inuenclo expressions?" said Laurence. 
 
 "Whatever it may be, he is as precautious and 
 guarded in them as old Melvin is mysterious in his 
 movements, aided by that singular genius, Urnsden," 
 replied Hyne. 
 
 " It appears to me," resumed Laurence, " to be out 
 of the order of refinement and taste, such as we have
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 265 
 
 witnessed to-day, that such animals as those two men 
 are, should have raised children possessing the refine- 
 ment found in the young ladies of that house." 
 
 " So much the better for us," replied Hyne, " for, 
 if we should be fortunate in the success of our declara- 
 tions of to-day, we will return to New York in posses- 
 sion of a display of refinement, beauty and manners, 
 inferior to none in that or any other city." 
 
 "ENTIRELY TAMED, AND SUBMISSIVE NOW," said 
 Standly, turning over in his bed, and where he was 
 supposed to have been in a profound sleep. To his 
 remarks, the young men made no reply: making 
 silence the confession of judgment, and thereby ratify- 
 ing the truth of what Standly had said ; and in a few 
 moments they retired to bed, where Morpheus long 
 hesitated to supply them with an attendant. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 When the mind is most at rest, then it is that we are most happy in the 
 affairs of life ; and it is only in the reverse of all that, that proves 
 whether we are or are not men. 
 
 HAVING launched their mental bark of hope upon 
 the calm surface of the (as it were) sea of expectation, 
 our young travellers were easy for the time being. 
 
 Answers to the preferment of their suits were sus- 
 pended, for want of further consideration upon (as 
 the ladies expressed it) a subject too newly for their 
 immediate decision. Hence the gentlemen thought 
 of nothing, and spoke of nothing, but what love, in
 
 266 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 its variety of pleasures, presents to the mind. My 
 readers, of both sexes, know what they are, and that 
 truth saves me the time as well as space necessary in 
 the description of them. 
 
 Whole days, and frequently half of almost every 
 night were spent at the mansion ; so that, in fact, few 
 if any preventives to conference were thrown between 
 Standly and his favorite companions of the con- 
 federacy. 
 
 Melvin, Urnsden, Miller and Murdock were those 
 with whom the latter traveller from the East spent the 
 chief portion of his time, while the junior two of the 
 three, were, if not with the ladies, passing their time 
 at their favorite project (though unknown to) for the 
 inspection and acceptance of the ladies a miniature 
 painting of each. 
 
 However communicative against, and treacherous 
 Standly might appear to his young friends, he had 
 kept inviolate the knowledge of their purpose ; and 
 from the hour the ladies had been first seen, on the 
 morning of the deer hunt, till then, no intimation, let 
 alone a disclosure, had been given relative to the 
 miniatures, a knowledge of which for the first time is 
 brought before us. 
 
 Acute observation, and memory in its entire 
 strength, where the only means at that time, within 
 the reach of Laurence and Hyne, by which to assist 
 their mind's ocular in placing upon ivory, with an 
 ease of resemblance to life itself, those by whom they 
 were (using the words of Standly) "caught at last," 
 and towards whom, in behalf of themselves and other 
 gentlemen overly vain in self-esteem, they had already 
 began, as is plainly seen, " a recantation."
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 267 
 
 No word, no act, or no obstruction of any kind 
 whatever, were known as intruders upon the pleasures 
 that now surrounded our two friends. The centre of 
 gravity to their every thought was now daily seen, 
 and in the ways heretofore spoken of, conversed with 
 by them. 
 
 In that course of allurement and delusion their 
 hours and days passed, till nearly the period in which 
 they had expressed a wish to know the final result of 
 that to which they had aspired. 
 
 In their attention to the ladies nothing had re- 
 mained undone, as they supposed, calculated to mar 
 an answer favorable ; and under such impressions the 
 young gentlemen had twice adverted to their decla- 
 ration. 
 
 Allied to one another by the strongest ties of 
 friendship, and the sincerely wished for success of 
 each, our young gentlemen had gone as far in the 
 respective spheres of familiar, yet profoundly respect- 
 ful interviews, had with the ladies, upon the known 
 intentions, of both, as to exercise no secrecy with 
 regard to their movements. So that, in fact, what- 
 ever one knew the other was then, or soon after 
 apprized of. 
 
 The reasons for that course were predicated upon 
 the fact that frequently in their interviews with the 
 ladies, and the manner in which they were compelled 
 to convey their ideas, recourse was had to the note- 
 books already spoken of. So that, in that particular, 
 differing materially from the practice of both sexes, 
 endowed with the faculties of speech, with the privi- 
 lege of using them ; their respective courtships were 
 conducted in a sort of harmony and mutual confidence
 
 268 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 not very often, if at all, practised in the present day, 
 by any who may read the account of so singular a 
 courtship as was that now being described. 
 
 To the proposed mode of procedure the ladies 
 assented, and in that state of affairs, our two friends 
 had began to think all was as they thought it 
 should be. 
 
 Their hopes in love went on, 
 Ever pure, as begun ; 
 From early dawn to setting sun, 
 Till each two in four, were one. 
 
 Even so, reader ! and had their, then, condition 
 have been similar with either one or more of you, 
 doubtless it would have had, and has now (for aught 
 I know) a like appearance in your estimation. But 
 the time is not yet at hand when those pleasant and 
 wished for events may be brought about (if ever) 
 between the heroines and heroes of the work now in 
 your hands. 
 
 It has been said, on a former occasion, in this 
 attempt to amuse you, and by a lady whose good 
 sense was derived from reading, observation and 
 experience, commenting upon matters such as are 
 now before you (Mrs. Rayford). " That a reciprocal 
 feeling of love and duty is a republic in miniature." 
 If this be true, which I shall leave to the opinions of 
 those who have, or may hereafter become practitioners 
 in such matters, I shall here only add, that Laurence 
 and Hyne were each laboring hard to establish a 
 similar government, and that, ere long, we shall see 
 how their efforts terminated, so far. at least, as their 
 individual interests were concerned.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OP FOTHERINGAY. 269 
 
 If love should continue as first represented, 
 What a mass of misfortune would be removed ; 
 And thousands be ever contented 
 In the choice they had made of their love. 
 
 I have often wondered at the discords to which the 
 lines just penned have reference, and regret to say, 
 that, even the gentlemen now before us in their 
 " love's young dream," were tinctured with a want of 
 confidence in those who they were at that time I am 
 speaking of, so desirous of making their own. 
 
 Jealousy, that bane to every source of true happi- 
 ness, and fatal destroyer of every gem of woman's 
 affection lay lurking in the, as yet, smooth and 
 pleasant pathway of our young gentlemen. 
 
 The day previous to that one on which a refusal or 
 acceptance of the offers made them were to be made 
 known in adverting to the subject t the ladies claimed 
 the right of interrogation ; and, that the questions put 
 and answers returned to them, should be unequivo- 
 cating and definite. To be transcribed from the note- 
 books into two others prepared for that purpose, and 
 that the parties to each respective agreement, in the 
 event of a promise of marriage, should sign their 
 names thereto, to be kept as a memento and guide to 
 their deportment toward one another in future years. 
 
 To the proposal of the ladies, the gentlemen replied, 
 "that as the events of the following day would be 
 momentous to them, they desired to defer their assent 
 to, or refusal of the plan proposed, till the next morn- 
 ing." 
 
 The proposition of the gentlemen was agreed to, 
 and soon after an adjournment ensued, to meet the
 
 270 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 next day at nine o'clock, A. M., in (where the young 
 travellers had never as yet been) the library. 
 
 " Those ladies entertain a high sense of the import- 
 ance of the obligation, and the necessity there is in 
 their opinion, of keeping inviolate the promise and 
 pledge of marriage in the exercise of love and con- 
 stancy," said Laurence, as they were on their return 
 to the Inn " and," continued he, " how shall we act in 
 that part of their opinions referred to, and awaiting 
 our answer ?" 
 
 ' " I know of no other better plan to arrive at what 
 we should do, than to refer the whole matter to the 
 opinion and judgment of Mr. Standly," replied Hyne. 
 
 "Ah, true enough, but what if he is, as we have 
 thought him to be, treacherous how then?" replied 
 the other. 
 
 " Why then we can solve him and if he is so, can 
 trust him no further," replied Hyne. 
 
 Of one opinion, and having agreed upon their pur- 
 pose, the two friends shortly after arrived at the Inn. 
 
 For several days before the one present, the young 
 gentleman had been upon their high horses, or in other 
 words, indifferent and rather disrespectful towards 
 Standly. An occurrence too often and shamefully the 
 case in youth towards their seniors in age and experi- 
 ence. But of that they had thought better, and at their 
 earliest opportunity disclosed the subject of which they 
 had been speaking to him. Standly listened with 
 attention to the disclosure of the position in which 
 they were placed. At the end of their remarks upon 
 it, one said, " What, sir, were it your case, as it is oars, 
 would you do? and what would you advise us to do ?" 
 
 "Gentlemen," replied Standly, " the Most High can
 
 THE HEIEE3SES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 271 
 
 not err, and among the invaluable of his gifts to man 
 are those of the virtuous fair of creation. They are 
 those, to whom the love and practice of that intrinsic 
 GEM, insures respect, and from whom a reflection of 
 dignity emanates, that ever keeps man in his proper 
 bounds." 
 
 "Were I in your places and desirous of a wife, 
 what I have just said would be my first object ; the 
 next would be INTELLIGENCE, for where it exists there 
 is a guarantee of DISCRETION, it leads to CALMNESS ; 
 
 CALMNESS to RESPECT ; RESPECT to love and to DUTY, 
 
 and duty to an accumulation and continuance of HAP- 
 PINESS, braced by an united exertion of the parties 
 concerned to maintain such alliances. WEALTH," con- 
 tinued Standly, "is an ENTIRELY incidental appendage ; 
 not necessary to TRUE HAPPINESS, but a convenience 
 thereto ; which when properly used adds comfort, and 
 to the reverse A CURSE. 
 
 " What I have said is applicable to both sexes The 
 ladies of whom you have spoken, are, from what I can 
 hear, possessed of the qualities to which your attention 
 has been drawn, and," continued he, "they will not, I 
 presume, exact any thing more from you than a high 
 sense of the importance attached to marriage (should 
 they accept your offers) warrants them in requiring." 
 
 The graphic as laconic remarks of Standly were 
 properly understood and appreciated by his young 
 companions ; and the next day at the appointed hour 
 they were at the " mansion.' 11 
 
 In a few minutes after they had entered the parlor, 
 a servant conducted them to the library, saying, "Gen- 
 tlemen, the ladies directed me to inform you that they 
 would be in the library in a few moments.
 
 272 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 The first object that attracted the attention of Lau- 
 rence and Hyne there, was an old man, shabbily 
 dressed, and exhibiting a countenance expressive of 
 sorrow ; and an eye, that at one time had been the 
 talisman of a well-balanced, but then, wrecked and 
 ruined intellect. He was seated at the table upon 
 which had been placed pens, ink, and paper. Here 
 he held in one hand a volume of the " British Classics," 
 while with the other he was turning over and looking 
 intently as he did so, at the spots on each one of the 
 cards, that lay in a deck upon a table, and within his 
 reach. 
 
 The gentlemen had scarcely taken seats, before the 
 objects of their wishes entered the apartment. 
 
 Presenting to the gentlemen their note books, upon 
 a leaf of which was contained the usual etiquette of 
 the morning : it was promptly returned, and soon after, 
 the business of the day before was resumed. 
 
 In reply to a few remarks having reference and 
 leading to the purpose intended ; the right of interro- 
 gation was ceded to the ladies. Whereupon they pre- 
 sented their note-books, one to each of the gentlemen, 
 for his perusal. Each book contained its exact copy 
 of the other ; and the language, style, and contents of 
 them were as follows : 
 
 " The importance attached to marriage, and the 
 consequences resulting from it, are obligations so 
 little thought of by many who become so, that if ever 
 such a position is my estate, him to whom I may be- 
 come a wife must, before that event takes place, and 
 where self-government in my sex terminates, answer 
 with that sincerity and truth similar in their weight 
 of influence to his opinions entertained of me, as his
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 273 
 
 desired companion for life, the following interroga- 
 tories : 
 
 " 1st. Do you believe in a Supremacy and first cause 
 as the Divine Author of all things ? 
 
 " 2d. Do you believe in love, adoration, accounta- 
 bility and obedience to that Supremacy? 
 
 " 3d. Do you believe intelligence, virtue, love, con- 
 stancy and a deference to the opinions of each in 
 parents, indispensable requisites to keep firm and 
 unchanged the alliance of marriage ? . 
 
 " 4th. Is jealousy a predominant feature of your 
 nature, and if so, have you self-possession and coolness 
 of deliberation sufficient to attempt the immediate 
 check to its incentive, and even then to reluctantly, 
 if at all, become its convert ? 
 
 " 5. Are you vain in self opinion? and if so, have 
 you carried it into such extremes as to have thought 
 my sex inferior to yours, by any undue as ungentle- 
 manly remarks of, or relative to them ? 
 
 " 6th. Are you of the belief that temperance, indus- 
 try and economy, are necessary to happiness in mar- 
 ried life ? and if so, will you sustain such belief by a 
 moderate use of the 'good things,' of life thereby 
 supporting the dignity of a gentleman, title of hus- 
 band, honor of father, and the pleasure of being, so 
 far as it may be in your power, without detriment to 
 yourself and family, the friend of the unfortunate, in 
 distress; judging your fellow beings more from inter- 
 nal than external appearances? :?Vf : 
 
 " 7th. Are your inclinations such as to induce a 
 preference of home to that an abroad? 
 
 " 8. Could you place a firm reliance upon the word 
 of your wife; and if so, not trammel h^r to restraint, 
 1 ?
 
 \ 
 27-i THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 but rely upon the correctness of her judgment and 
 actions in the occurrences incident to life? 
 
 " 9. Could you be slow to anger, and if necessary 
 to be shown, qualify it by that sort of rebuke peculiar 
 to the sensible man, affectionate husband, and kind 
 father ? 
 
 " 10th. Is your intellect so contracted, as in your 
 views upon the works of Deity, to make disrespectful 
 as un gentlemanly remarks of the personal defects of 
 your fellow-beings ?" 
 
 Much of that carefulness and attention shown in 
 men upon affairs commanding strict notice was ex- 
 hibited in reading the ten questions propounded for 
 their consideration and reply to ; and after reading 
 them a second time, those for whose eye and conclu- 
 sion they were intended, were for some time silent. 
 
 From the time the books had been presented to that 
 of the end of the reflective mood produced in the 
 minds of Laurence and Hyne, the ladies were occu- 
 pied in a mere semblance at reading a couple of books 
 they had taken up ; which pretext for an earnest, they 
 used as a kind of moving screen, propelled from the 
 impulse of necessity ; and watching the effect that 
 written application upon further designs might have 
 upon the minds of their lovers. 
 
 After about ten minutes spent in the way just 
 spoken of, and for the first time done by either of 
 them, Laurence and Hyne began a conversation be- 
 tween themselves, and in tones usual in ordinary 
 speech, upon the now straight-lined condition of their 
 favorite pursuit matrimony and what to do, in 
 order to become possessed of the objects of their 
 choice and preference.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 275 
 
 At length they found themselves each of a like 
 opinion and of a like sentiment, upon the questions 
 proposed, and that, in them, they knew of no difficulty 
 in passing an acceptance favorable to their desire, but 
 in one solitary instance. 
 
 Here the gentlemen wrote to each lady on separate 
 pieces of paper taken from the table the following 
 alike notes, with the exception of the signatures 
 attached. 
 
 " Your singular and justifiable requirements have 
 been read and duly considered by me. They are ex 
 pressive of your good sense and earnest judgment, and 
 the importance with which you view the present as 
 future of married estates ; at the same time that they 
 are, perhaps, unparalleled in any alliances between 
 yours and my sex. 
 
 " With me there is but one thing in the entire of 
 your requirements, that I fear will not pass your scru- 
 tiny of acceptance, and that is, the fifth number of 
 your interrogatories. 
 
 "Of that offence it becomes me to plead guilty; to 
 repent its absurdity, recant such ideas, for the future, 
 applied to your sex ; to ask a forgiveness of such of- 
 fonce from you, and in the bitter exercise and union 
 of whatever amount of good sense I may be possessed 
 of, claim the pleasure and happiness of calling and 
 knowing you mine as long as we both shall live." 
 
 To each one of those notes the gentlemen affixed 
 their names, and a little time subsequent to their pre- 
 sentment, two notes alike in contents and in answer 
 to those already seen, were presented to the gentle- 
 men, in language and style as follows: 
 
 " It is a source of much pleasure to me to see your
 
 276 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 frank, open, and gentlemanly acknowledgment of 
 error, and earnest with which you recant the further 
 continuance of it. 
 
 " All are not alike in beauty and external appear- 
 ances, and where this is apparent, there may be its 
 equivalent among the homely featured of creation. 
 And such, too, as the want of, are regretted as envied 
 by the most beautiful. 
 
 " Doubtless you understand my meaning, and to 
 what class of possessions I have reference a culti- 
 vated mind. Its owner has an interior wealth, and 
 the heart being as it should, there emanates from it 
 rays of light ever brilliant till its last pulse bids to it 
 an adieu. 
 
 "I shall be candid with you, as you have been 
 with me ; and in regard to that of which you speak 
 doubtingly, know by this, and from me, that that of 
 which you speak as an impassible barrier to your 
 wishes, is thought of as such no longer; and that the 
 repudiation of it, among other virtues I hope you 
 possess, are' the causes why I now consent to be 
 yours till (using an idea derived from one of yours) 
 life with me shall be no more." 
 
 That which may be thought singular in the estima- 
 tion of my readers, the courtship and engagement of 
 Laurence and Hyne to Ellen and Susan, was con- 
 ducted and concluded as the .two latter determined it 
 should be. And now, under that engagement, and in 
 that kind of humor towards one another that I think 
 those who are so ought to be in, I shall go with them 
 somewhere else, by your permission and indulgence.
 
 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 277 
 
 CHAPTEB XXXVI. 
 
 Villany may be for a time triumphant: but, like the influence of 
 beams upon fog, dissolves into nonentity before integrity and hon 
 
 sun- 
 ire integrity and honor. 
 
 SOMETIMES, when most flattered with renewed 
 hope, we are most in danger; and that which appears 
 brilliant as the noonday sun at his meridian height, 
 is often turned into a sadness and gloom dark and 
 dreary as the tempestuous midnight hour is to the 
 wrecked mariner at sea, on the fragment of a shattered 
 mast. 
 
 As is natural in such cases as those of which we 
 have been speaking, and particularly in that moun- 
 tainous country, where they knew but few, and 
 among that few the objects of their now principal 
 attention, our young travellers were offcener at the 
 mansion than they Would have probably been, could 
 they have been aware of its consequences. But, as it 
 is said, "love is blind," we may excuse Laurence for 
 being thus attentive to his intended Ellen, and make 
 a like allowance for Hyne in his devotions to his in- 
 tended Susan. 
 
 " What say reader?" I think I hear you say "Yes;" 
 and under that impression will proceed. 
 
 On one occasion, and not many days subsequent to 
 their engagement and pledge of constancy, our gentle- 
 men presented to their respective fair the miniatures 
 spoken of. They had been taken in the costumes in 
 which the originals were first beheld, and with regard
 
 278 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 to resemblance of feature and expression, nothing, 
 upon their presentation was considered wanting in 
 the effect of a true likeness to each. 
 
 After a few moments spent by the ladies in looking 
 intently at the paintings, and in a reply to a written 
 question of " Will you keep this token of my affec- 
 tion for you till our arrival in New York, where I 
 shall have it set as you direct?" the ladies severally 
 said, " Upon your request rests a contingency ; and be 
 the reasons surprising and disagreeable as they may, 
 I owe it to your candor, frankness, and undoubted 
 esteem, to inform you of the difficulties with which 
 I am surrounded ; and of which, as yet you know 
 nothing, and that may be the destruction of that hope 
 entertained at becoming yours, in possession as I am 
 in sentiment and in feelings." 
 
 The like expression from both ladies startled their 
 admirers, and for some time they were mute as those 
 in whose presence they were. 
 
 To the gentlemen Love was threatened with a 
 forced abdication ; and his prime minister, Hope, 
 seemed to have lost his imperial prerogative of ad- 
 ministration; while in the present and in the distant 
 was seen Despair and all his retinue of mishaps wait- 
 ing to assume the sovereignty of Disappointment. 
 
 The then impressive thought upon officiates of that 
 thronged court instantly produced in the minds of the 
 gentlemen a determined intent to inquiry ; and, if pos- 
 sible, even with a risk of a loss of life, to surmount 
 the difficulties break down the barriers of opposition 
 and to take by force, if expedient, possession of 
 those to whom they were now bound by every tie, save 
 one, of matured affection. Hence the question put by
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 279 
 
 the gentlemen in the plural number, and to Ellen 
 alone as speaker, in the language and spirit following : 
 
 " When will you honor us with the disclosure spoken 
 of, allowing our course in the result and ready wil- 
 lingness to bear its consequences ? " 
 
 '' To-morrow, at ten o'clock in the morning, and in 
 the library, where you , will receive a written state- 
 ment from me, and where Susan and I will attend you 
 and Mr. Hyne." 
 
 In a little time after they had both read the reply 
 of Ellen to Laurence, our young friends bid a respect- 
 ful adieu to the ladies, and were, with little delay, in 
 their apartment at the Inn. 
 
 A multiplicity of ideas, upon the past, present 
 and the future, occupied the minds of our gentlemen, 
 and each one, impressed with his own construction, 
 give utterance thereto in a communication of opinions 
 that had already occupied their time till near the tea 
 hour of that evening. 
 
 They had not seen Standly since breakfast, where 
 he .appeared, formal, reserved and distant directing 
 almost the entire of his conversation to Melvin and 
 several others at the table, who were strangers to Lau- 
 rence and Hyne. Since Standly 's recent advice to 
 the two latter they had become shunned by him as 
 much as it was possibly in his power to do, and even 
 in ordinarily necessary interviews with his young 
 friends was remarkable for an assumed air of dignity, 
 unusual as unaccounted for by them. 
 
 The truth was, that the excitement he had created 
 in the minds of the young men on all former occa- 
 sions had necessarily to be fed at every opportunity, 
 and the time approaching, in which his career was to
 
 280 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERESTGAY. 
 
 be an important one in the confederacy that evening 
 and in their own room he accused the gentlemen of a 
 want of confidence in him, alleging, as a proof of it, 
 that they had come to him for advice, but had not 
 reported the result of an important and late interview 
 they had had with the ladies at the mansion. 
 
 In reply to his remarks, Laurence said: "So far, 
 Mr. Standly, as respect for your person, "and the es- 
 teem with which your association with us, as a com- 
 panion, a friend, and an adviser, since our departure 
 from home to the present hour are concerned, a retro- 
 spective view of my deportment toward you, as well 
 as, I will venture to say, that of Sam has been, there 
 is nothing to the contrary of what I have just 
 asserted, of which you can possibly in truth accuse 
 us. Not so, however, with you towards us ; for since 
 the hour we concluded to remain at this inn during 
 the winter, a greater or less degree of singular if not 
 strange deportment, has been the almost invariable 
 course of your deportment toward us. What object 
 you may have had for it we are in entire ignorance 
 of; and upon what your mysterious movements, 
 united with those of others around us, are based, we 
 are alike too proud as too self-dependent, as conscious 
 of having given no, cause for it, though here alone, to 
 ask of a something like a confederacy that is gather- 
 ing around us. That you belong to it," said Lau- 
 rence, "is beyond a shadow of a doubt; and be 
 yours, and the object of those with whom you are 
 associated, what it may, the future course of Sam and 
 myself among these mountains,, and amid the depth 
 of winter that surrounds us, will be one equally re- 
 served and mysterious as that of yours and others
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 281 
 
 have been to us. And," he continued, "I request you 
 to understand, distinctly, that intercourse based upon 
 friendship between you and us, from this hour ceases 
 to exist. And know, also, Mr. Standly," continued 
 Laurence, " that whenever it becomes necessary, by 
 way of business or incidental casualties, to do so, 
 that we shall never let our resentment of wrong 
 attempted at, JOT imposed upon us, cause a refusal to 
 speak to you ; for, were we to do so, it would exhibit 
 a weakness foreign to propriety and sphere beneath 
 that of a gentleman. 
 
 The direct charge of deception with which Standly 
 was at that time suspected, and the allusions made to 
 former manoeuvres of his, were what he remained 
 silent upon, was as unexpected as unlocked for 
 from the source they came, and which for a time 
 threatened his and the co-operating movements of the 
 confederacy. 
 
 Just at the conclusion of the difficulty unfolded by 
 a reconciliation between our young gentlemen and 
 Standly, Melvin accompanied by Urnsden, entered 
 their apartment. With the two latter, Laurence and 
 Hyne were social, agreeable, and in every way the 
 gentlemen, and with Standly, not so, yet respectful, 
 whenever in the course of comments theirs came in 
 collision, or in contact with his. 
 
 The engagement of our two friends to Ellen and 
 Susan, and the change that had taken place upon 
 prospects in their late interview with them at the 
 mansion, involved other mysteries imperatively ne- 
 cessary with Laurence and Hyne, to obtain a solving 
 of and the determinations at which they had already 
 arrived, of carrying their point at all hazards, excited
 
 282 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 in them on the occasion a particularly polite as civil 
 deportment towards Melvin and Urnsden. 
 
 To their occasional allusions to the ladies, and fre- 
 quent pleasant hours they had passed in their com- 
 pany, Laurence and Hyne could effect nothing but a 
 vague as far-fetched reply, from one at least of the 
 two then in their room. 
 
 The want of that familiar and unrestrained intimacy 
 between Standly and his young companions, hereto- 
 fore observed by Melvin and Urnsden, soon caused 
 the two latter to withdraw ; and in a few moments, 
 Standly following them, the three elder were soon in 
 Melvin's apartment, while the young gentlemen re- 
 mained in theirs. 
 
 " A hurricane of furies are now beginning to vent 
 their influence over us, around us, and every where. 
 We shall, for the future, move in this region, George," 
 said Hyne, as the latter rose from his seat and began 
 walking forth and back across their room. " Standly," 
 he continued, "has this night confirmed our sus- 
 picions entertained of him ; has violated the confidence 
 reposed in him by your and my father, and as a re- 
 ward of their kindnesses has become treacherous to 
 us in the very hour^vhen his services as a friend were 
 most needed." 
 
 "True," replied Laurence, "and he has given an- 
 other forcible proof of the fact, ' that those upon whom 
 the most brilliant marks of favor are bestowed, are 
 they who too often become the most formidable as in- 
 veterate foes to their benefactors.' " 
 
 " What shall we now do ?" resumed Hyne, as he 
 returned to his seat. 
 
 "Do." replied Laurence 1 "as we have always
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 283 
 
 done, of course; act honorably and fear no danger, 
 though it were thronged upon us numerous as the 
 sands of an Arabian desert. To-morrow," continued 
 Laurence, " will be a day of greater moment to us, 
 than that of the present night is trying to our feel- 
 ings. On this occasion we have seen an Iscariot, and 
 knowing him to be so, can guard against his future 
 treachery. To-morrow we shall renew our pledges 
 of unalterable affection ; declare our further intentions 
 to maintain them, and amidst all the ills that surround 
 us, perfect our purposes, or die in the attempt to do 
 so." 
 
 At this moment a tap was heard at their door. 
 
 " Come in," said Hyne ; he had scarcely given as- 
 sent to the privilege, when Sanco entered the room. 
 
 " A cold night, masters," bowing as he spoke, said 
 Sanco. 
 
 "Yes; and what news have you in it?" inquired 
 Hyne. 
 
 " Oh nothing, but what a little note will tell you of." 
 
 " Where is it ?" inquired Hyne. 
 
 " Safe in my pocket, and when I warm my hands a 
 little, you shall see it," replied Sanco. 
 
 " Who is the note from ?" resumed Hyne. 
 
 " A lady," was the reply. 
 
 " Whom did she tell you to give it to ?" 
 
 "Master Laurence" returned Sanco, taking the 
 note from his pocket, and presenting it, as he spoke. 
 
 Here Sanco was about leaving the room, when Hyne, 
 giving him an order to remain, he did so taking a 
 standing position on the opposite side of the fire-place 
 from where the gentlemen were seated at a table. 
 
 With that sort of anxiety and excitement of feeling
 
 284 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 usually the attendants of persons in love, and particu- 
 larly on receipt of any thing in the shape of letters 
 from those of whom they are fond, Laurence was not 
 long in opening* the note, when he read from it as 
 follows: 
 
 " The Mansion, January 16th, 1802. 
 
 " MY DEAR SIR : 
 
 " I have only a moment, taken from the time occu- 
 pied by others of your sex with me and Susan, to 
 inform you of an unforeseen as unavoidable event 
 having taken place here, serving as a preventive to 
 our meeting in the library, with you and Mr. Hyne, 
 to-morrow morning at ten o'clock, as contemplated 
 upon and agreed to at our last pleasant interview. 
 
 " Knowing the attachment of yourself and Mr. 
 Hyne for us, and aware of the certainty of its being 
 reciprocated, I think the privilege can be ventured 
 without fear of censure or distrust from either of you, 
 to say, Come not at ten o'clock in the morning, but 
 at half past six o'clock to-morrow evening, when Susan 
 and myself will promptly, as with pleasure attend you 
 in this library, at .the outer door of which, a servant 
 will be waiting your arrival. 
 
 " In haste, truly yours, 
 
 " ELLEN. 
 
 " To Mr. Laurence, Mountain Inn." 
 
 After both gentlemen had read the note Hyne 
 resumed his inquiries of Sanco. 
 
 " Who, " said he, "gave you that note to Mr. Lau- 
 rence ? " 
 
 " Master, " replied Sanco. "Servants ought to be
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 285 
 
 very particular and careful of what they speak about, 
 so ought white people, " he continued, "and I, know- 
 ing my place, and being taught by my owner how to 
 behave, am fearful of doing wrong in saying any- 
 thing more about that note, or of from whose hand I 
 received it. " 
 
 "You are indeed cautious," replied Hyne, "but 
 in the exercise of caution it is allowable, in all, to be 
 their own judges, if capable, upon discretion, and 
 acting upon it are sometimes safe in confiding to 
 others, and particularly when the matter concerns 
 them, and not those by whom that confidence is re- 
 posed. " 
 
 " You talk right, young master, but tell me how I 
 may know myself safe in speaking further upon 
 things that I know, to you and Master Laurence ? " 
 replied Sanco. 
 
 " There is, belonging to men, a principle, among 
 many others, called Aonor, more often abused than 
 kept inviolate. Mr. Laurence and myself can do no 
 more, for the present, than offer a promise for its safe 
 keeping between you and us, when we now ask your 
 aid and assistance in matters where we alone are con- 
 cerned, and of which, no doubt, you know more from 
 things transpiring since we have been among these 
 mountains than all the knowledge we have of them 
 can possibly inform you of, " returned Hyne. 
 
 "You speak wisely of honor, and know how it 
 ought to be used, when you and Master Laurence 
 pledge its observance with me, in affairs that may 
 terminate as you wish them, but either for or against 
 you, must result in severe treatment to me if be- 
 trayed," replied Sanco.
 
 286 THE. HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 " I have great respect, however," continued he, 
 "for gentlemanly and honorable men, and here give 
 you a servant's word, which I make my honor, to 
 serve you faithfully in things that I know at the pre- 
 sent time most concerns you." 
 
 At that moment the ring of a bell in the bar-room 
 attracted his attention, and saying as he left their 
 door, " Danger awaits you, masters, but fear nothing." 
 Sanco was soon elsewhere in the Inn. 
 
 " From what we have just witnessed in the manners 
 and discernment of that slave, your remarks seem to 
 be true, Sam," said Laurence ; when you said to him, 
 "no doubt you know more from things transpiring 
 since we have been among those mountains, than all 
 the knowledge we have of them, can possibly inform 
 you of. And," continued Laurence, " since, as Sanco 
 said, when he left us, ' danger awaits you, but fear 
 nothing, masters,' we must keep sacred everything he 
 tells us, in order to be his equal in known integrity, 
 and other virtues. Things that have been falsely 
 alleged as not having an existence, owing to the ill- 
 treatment of owners of slaves in slave-holding States." 
 
 Time had now passed to near midnight's hour, yet 
 our young gentlemen feeling no inclination for sleep, 
 continued an interchange of opinions with comments 
 upon events present, and those to come with them, till 
 the return of Standly to their room produced a silence 
 that induced each one of the three to retire for the 
 remainder of the night. 
 
 At daybreak the next morning our young gentle- 
 men rose from their beds, and, though intensely cold, 
 as was the weather, they were out upon one of those 
 accustomed walks spoken of, and in which to reflect
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 287 
 
 upon and speak of the future of their intentions with 
 which everything now around them seemed saturated. 
 Nor were they to whom they were in their own way 
 opposed less engaged. For Standly, as welLas Melvin 
 and Urnsden, had had a long conversation with each 
 other the preceding evening, and had cogitated much 
 upon the course intended to be pursued by them and 
 their associates. 
 
 A letter had been written the previous night by 
 Melvin to the fathers of the young men, relative to 
 the projects of the confederacy thus far ; of their con- 
 templated future course, and requesting the pleasure 
 of those gentlemen's company at the " Fotheringay 
 Mansion " at a subsequent specified period. A mes 
 senger had, that morning, been dispatched to the 
 post office with the letter, and all on the part of the 
 confederates was now ready for a further prosecution 
 of their plans. 
 
 At the breakfast table a social and familiar inter- 
 change of conversation was unknown, and when their 
 appetites for food had become satisfied the young 
 gentlemen re-entered their room, leaving Standly, 
 Melvin and others in the dining room. 
 
 " All seems one entire round of gloom to us now, 
 George," said Hyne, as they had closed their door and 
 were about resuming their seats. "Three days since, 
 our hopes were buoyant as air, and our prospects of 
 happiness flattering as assurances, in view of posses- 
 sion, could make them. The present time with us, 
 however, and things with which it is- connected, are 
 striking instances of the fates reserved for man in 
 fortune's wheel of time, and uncertainty with regard 
 to hair good or ill effects, in the affairs of life. "
 
 288 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 
 
 "Come am, " replied Laurence, " don't philoso- 
 phise yourself into a state of imaginary sweetness. 
 You forget yourself; I give you credit for your short 
 yet truthful comment upon our condition, but there 
 is something else for us to do besides that of thinking 
 upon the past and upon the present. 
 
 " Have you forgotten our determination, consequent 
 upon an acceptance by the ladies and their promised 
 disclosure to us. To-night that is to be given, and, 
 if favorable, so much easier the conquest, and if to 
 the reverse, all that remains for us to do is to know 
 the worst, act upon it for the best, according to cir- 
 cumstances, and by a cool, deliberate and persevering 
 course, obtain our object by a proper exercise of the 
 means at hand. " 
 
 After the above manner of reasoning the remainder 
 of the day was spent by the gentlemen. And tea 
 over, and near the hour appointed, they set out, in- 
 tensely cold as it was, through a deep snow that had 
 fallen, to comply with the requirement contained in 
 Ellen's note of the previous evening. The servant 
 spoken of was in attendance, who, upon their knock 
 at the outer door, opened it, when they were soon in 
 the library, seated by a comfortable fire, and near a 
 table which a few days before had become familiar to 
 them. 
 
 They had scarcely become seated before the ladies 
 entered the apartment, (and after that expressive 
 greeting which ought to govern those of both sexes, 
 similarly situated,) with an air of dignity and collected 
 composure Ellen presented to Laurence a sealed let- 
 ter, which, upon opening, he read from it as follows:
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 289 
 
 " The Mansion, Jan, 17, 1802 
 " MY DEAR SIR : 
 
 " That which you now have a right to expect, as 
 well as a license to know, is now being disclosed to 
 you by me ; and surrounded by circumstances of 
 which, as I have heretofore said, you know nothing, 
 the following will only add an additional surprise to 
 the score of mysteries with which you have been and 
 are still surrounded. Amid them, it will devolve 
 upon you, and one other, to adopt and prosecute such 
 measures as will be most conducive in perfecting your 
 plans to become possessed of them who are, as yet, 
 yours by promise only. 
 
 " The same motives actuating us in becoming 
 yours by marriage, will, in a like confidence in your 
 integrity and honor, prompt us to obey, in holding 
 ourselves in readiness to do our parts in your attempts 
 to make us so. But brevity is the present requisite, 
 and I must enter at once upon what I have promised 
 you. 
 
 " Though by every occular demonstration and con- 
 clusion upon circumstances with which conversant, 
 since your arrival among the mountains, you are 
 doubtless of opinion that Susan and myself are near 
 relatives of Mr. Urnsden, it is a duty due from us to 
 say that we are not so I Nor is there a particle of his 
 blood, however remote the consanguinity, that flows 
 in our veins. 
 
 " From circumstances of which you will, in a more 
 appropriate 'hour than the present, be. apprized, 
 we have lived, (as you have a proof of,) in his 
 family ; and to its credit, suffice it to say, that every 
 
 19
 
 290 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEREST^AY. 
 
 kindness has been, thus far, in the necessaries of life, 
 experienced by us. 
 
 " Mr. Urnsden's associations in early life have made 
 him wealthy; and in the course of those events, it 
 would seem, we have become victims of his and the 
 plans of his associates in prosperity's spoil, to make 
 us the wives of those of his choice ; and in doing so, 
 not to allow us the privilege (let alone the time and 
 opportunity) of ratifying such events with our own 
 free will and approval. 
 
 " Such acts, on the part of those to whose control 
 we r have been, and are yet subject, are revolting to 
 our feelings, as well as sense of justice, and are, no 
 doubt, greatly obnoxious to the high-toned sentiments 
 of him and his friend to whom I am now writing. 
 
 " In conclusion, I shall only add (for the oppor- 
 tunity is a stolen one to say what I have,) that if you 
 and him, to whom this is equally addressed, entertain 
 now the same sentiments of affection for the deaf and 
 dumb as was a few days ago so warmly expressed for 
 them, they will hold themselves in readiness (if no 
 other more agreeable way can be devised, in order to 
 become so,) to place themselves under your protection 
 as well as honor, in an elopement, to become your 
 wives and you our husbands, by a mutual and lasting 
 consent. 
 
 " I am, dear sir, with much esteem, yours, 
 
 "ELLEN. 
 
 " To Mr. Geo. Laurence." 
 
 During the perusal of the letter by both gentlemen, 
 one reading over the shoulder of the other, the ladies 
 resorted to the mode formerly spoken of to effect fur- 
 ther purposes.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 291 
 
 " This brings us now to a proper understanding of 
 the present, and calls for an immediate action upon 
 the future," said Laurence, in a usually articulated 
 tone of voice, and as he yet held the open letter in his 
 hand, " the ladies," he continued, " have honored us 
 with their affection, as they have with their confi- 
 dence ; to maintain both, ought to be, as it must be, 
 now, our chief aim, be the consequences what they 
 may to us." 
 
 " I cordially Concur with you in opinion as well as 
 determination," replied Hyne ; " and now," he con- 
 tinued, " let us get from them a few more items, upon 
 which to base our first steps in that which so impera- 
 tively demands our immediate attention." 
 
 Shortly after this conversation between the two 
 friends had taken place, the following was presented 
 by Laurence to Ellen: 
 
 " The Mansion, Jan'y 17, 1802. 
 "Miss ELLEN: 
 
 "That with which you have this night honored us, 
 is, as you have properly said, what we have known 
 nothing of 'till within the present hour, and which 
 circumstances falling casually under our notice, pro- 
 claim the truth of. 
 
 " All now remaining for yourself and Miss Susan 
 to do, is to afford us further information upon occur- 
 rences that have passed in review before us, and upon 
 those yet wrapped in mystery, that the future of our 
 intended course may present. Is this proposition 
 agreeable, and one to which you will assent ? if so, 
 we will ask a few more questions.
 
 292 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTDERIXGAY. 
 
 " With unalterable esteem for those to whom it 
 belongs, we are 
 
 " GEORGE L. LAUREXCE 
 "SAM. L. HYNE." 
 
 To that note was the following reply : 
 
 "The 'Mdnsi&n,' Jariy 17, 1802. 
 "DEAR SIRS, Doubt not our sincerity and entire 
 willingness to place ourselves under your protection, 
 care and instruction, since it is our firm belief that in 
 doing so we will be safe. 
 
 " That you have asked for of us, is hereby granted. 
 Of us, ask what questions you please, and the con- 
 fidence now placed in }'ou, will prompt an immediate 
 reply. While, in the meantime, we are assured that 
 a mutual privilege will be allowed, as well as com- 
 plied with on your parts to, 
 
 " Sincerely yours, 
 
 " ELLEN. 
 
 "To Messrs. Geo. L. Laurence " SUSAN". 
 
 and Sam. L. Hyne." 
 
 The joint note of the ladies to the gentlemen, caused 
 the likewise written questions of them, in a united re- 
 quest, as follows : 
 
 " Will you inform us of your maiden names, or give 
 us those by which to address you for the present and 
 in the future of our contemplated plans ? 
 
 "Do you think it advisable to inform Urnsden of 
 our affection for you, and to ask his consent to our 
 respective unions?
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 293 
 
 " Can Melvm be trusted as an auxiliary to our 
 plans? 
 
 "Is Sanco trustworthy, and can we use him with 
 safety? 
 
 "Do you know of any neighbor who can be ad- 
 mitted to our confidence ? 
 
 " Would it not be advisable, in the event of a denial 
 by Urnsden, to make our visits to the ' Mansion few 
 and far between,' and in the meantime, keep up a cor- 
 respondence during our preparations for (if necessary) 
 an elopement? 
 
 " Could you not make your appearance, occasion- 
 ally, at the Mountain Inn? 
 
 " Do you know any one acquainted with the respec- 
 tive ranges of those mountains, through the secret 
 pass-way of, and nearest point to dense settlements 
 to clear them in safety? 
 
 " Truly as ever yours, 
 
 "G. L. LAURENCE, 
 "S. L. HYNE." 
 "To Misses EUen and Susan." 
 
 As soon as they could commit it to writing, the 
 ladies replied: 
 
 " The Mansion, Jariy 17, 1802. 
 "GENTLEMEN: 
 
 " You were introduced to us as the niece and daugh- 
 ter of the brother of Mrs. Dierdoffe. It is not at 
 present wise, nor indeed, necessary to your purpos9, 
 to give our real names, and in future, till a more ap- 
 propriate time, we ask of you to know and address us 
 by the name of Dierdoffe.
 
 294: THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 
 
 "It may in the end be a benefit for you to ask the 
 consent of Mr. Urnsden to our union, but under ex- 
 isting circumstances we fear a denial. In future Mr. 
 Melvin may be, but not now, a beneficial auxiliary to 
 our plans ; better to let him alone and merely watch 
 his movements for the present. 
 
 " Though Sanco be a slave, he is, nevertheless, 
 honorable, and can be with safety confided in. 
 
 " We know several who are intimately acquainted 
 with the different passes through the mountains ; but 
 at present, must claim some time for reflection before 
 recommending to you a suitable person for so import- 
 ant a trust as that will be to you and those in your 
 care and under your protection. 
 
 " Of your visits to the ' Mansion,' subsequent to an 
 application to Mr. Urnsden, (if made) we think there 
 is no necessity for them to be any less ' few and far 
 between, than previous. 
 
 " It may become necessary for each one of us to 
 write occasionally. "We can make occasional visits to 
 the Inn with safety. 
 
 " Our knowledge of the passes through the moun- 
 tains is not to be relied upon; but will try to find 
 our those whose knowledge of them can be taken. 
 * " For the present we can stay with you no longer, 
 for fear of being missed from the company of others 
 in the parlor, where our presence is now required ; 
 therefore, think it not rudeness in us for saying so, 
 and still rely upon our future, as our former acts 
 have been for your benefit. 
 
 Yours, 
 
 "ELLEN, 
 
 " SUSAN." 
 " To Messrs Laurence and Hyne."
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 295 
 
 Soon after the reply of the ladies was read, the adieu 
 was given, and our travellers retracing their course to 
 the Inn, were in possession of a new series of thought. 
 
 "It is not yet ten o'clock," said Hyne, as upon ap- 
 proaching a candle he looked at his watch. " And," 
 he continued, " as that which most effects relief to the 
 wearied mind is music, I now move that we amuse 
 ourselves, for near the last time, perhaps, upon the 
 instruments we have been favored with the loan of 
 from those, now ours, by promise." 
 
 "Agreed," replied Laurence, and in a few moments 
 their room resounded with the masterly tones of the 
 violin and flute. 
 
 Since his recent quarrel with his young com- 
 panions, Standly had removed his quarters to another 
 apartment of the Inn, and was now seldom seen by 
 them, except at the dining-table, where he continued 
 austerely fixed in his purpose, and distant as ever to- 
 ward them ; and amid the addition of his now new 
 acquaintances and those of his old ones, he seemed to 
 have become an ingrate to those who had aided and 
 assisted, and brought him into the road of wealth, by 
 his neglect of their children among strangers and in a 
 distant country from that of the home of their birth. 
 
 Base ingratitude ! thou art the offspring of his Sa- 
 tanic Majesty, and by thy influence, man not only 
 treats his fellow-man rudely, but constantly, is abusive 
 of His mercies, and insolent to the Divine Author of 
 this existence.
 
 296 THE HEIKE5SES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 CHAPTEE XXXVII. 
 
 Life like the see saw reciprocates, as long as tbe balance is retained all's 
 well; but when preponderance of ills bring men low, no matter how 
 kind those to whom most so, are they by whom a benefactor is most 
 neglected as most forgotten. 
 
 FOR several days everything wore the appearance 
 of calmness, nor was the least impediments thrown in 
 the way of visits at will of the gentlemen to the " Man- 
 sion." 
 
 It was at that period of their affairs the gentlemen 
 had flattered themselves that a reaction for the better 
 had taken place. Urnsden had become more social 
 and polite ; reserve, so long his attendant, had been 
 dismissed from service, and that frank and generous 
 deportment, that so eminently distinguishes the two 
 friends from a foe, was assumed and really well played 
 by him. 
 
 Within that time our gentlemen had frequently 
 dined and supped at the mansion, and, on more than 
 one occasion, had amused themselves at games of whist 
 in the family circle. 
 
 Here they had often met with Melvin, Miller and 
 Standly. The two former exhibiting a degree of affa- 
 bility, much calculated to change distrust into confi- 
 dence; while the latter, still retaining his bad graced 
 attempts at dignity and remaining reserved, would 
 only, when the link of conversation, by those in 
 whose company he was, required it, notice his young 
 and now shunned friends.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERTNGAY. 297 
 
 The ladies had made frequent visits at the Inn, 
 where too, in the sitting or parlor apartment, of that 
 establishment, they had met with and spent many 
 agreeable hours with their beaux ideal of affection. 
 
 In one of those interviews and in the midst of that 
 round of interesting communication, ever the delight 
 of persons whose hearts are co-partners in affection, 
 as were those then present, the man spoken of as 
 having been seen in the library entered the parlor. 
 At his appearance, both ladies rose and courteously 
 saluting him, Ellen presented a chair upon which he 
 seated himself at a respectful distance from the com- 
 pany he had thus intruded upon. 
 
 A profusion of Sampsonian signs of strength being 
 in dishevelled order, and as it rested upon the cape of 
 a coat, corresponding with the balance of his apparel, 
 that, like its owner, had had a better appearance in 
 days, to both, then passed, and long since neglected 
 as forgotten. The Maniac was strongly developed in 
 his person and actions, while, at intervals, he spoke 
 rationally and made use of strikingly impressive as 
 sensible remarks. 
 
 In a few moments the stranger rose from his seat, 
 and advancing to the one occupied by Ellen, made a 
 respectful bow and signs, requesting her note-book 
 and pencil. When she had given them to him he 
 resumed his chair, and with the book resting upon 
 one knee across the other, he wrote : 
 
 " The foxes, they have holes and are cunning." 
 
 " The birds of the air, they can fly, have nests, and 
 are sometimes caged ; when so, like ladies, ought to 
 be more prized and better taken care of by men than 
 they are." 
 
 X - * :
 
 298 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 " The Son of Man he was betrayed and made a 
 victim of, by a villain who is the chief of many fol- 
 lowers of him now in the world." 
 
 Here the stranger returned to Ellen her note-book 
 and pencil, and in the next moment left the room. 
 
 " Who is that man ?" enquired the gentlemen, as 
 he left the door. 
 
 " He is one of many unfortunates whom ill fate has 
 consigned to the wretched as horrible state of insan- 
 ity," replied Ellen. " And he has two sons, who are 
 supporters and protectors of their mother, two sisters, 
 and their wretched father. The mother and daughters 
 are sensible, modest and discreet women, and his 
 sons deserving and gentlemanly men, and, as Susan 
 and myself have thought, suitable persons for you to 
 engage in order to facilitate your intended purposes." 
 
 The recommendation of Ellen, sustained by that of 
 Susan, was sufficient, and in the course of that inter- 
 view it was settled and agreed upon that the young 
 men spoken of were to be sent for by Ellen, arid after 
 her and Susan had made known their business with 
 them, they were to be sent to Laurence and Hyne 
 at the Inn. 
 
 In the course of that interview Hyne asked : " Why 
 it was that the servants as well as all others about 
 and coming to the Mansion and Inn when spoken to 
 by him and Laurence, made no reply, and invariably 
 put the fore finger of their right hand perpendicularly 
 across their lips ?" 
 
 "That is," was the reply, "because Mr. Urnsden 
 and Mr. Melvin exercise a commanding influence over 
 nearly all among these mountains. And," continued 
 their informant, " among that few who are not so, are
 
 THE HEIKESSE3 OF TOTHERIXGAY. 299 
 
 those by whose aid and your management we hope to 
 be relieved from the tyranny to which we have been 
 so long subjected. The others are they who it would 
 be as impossible to induce departure from instruction, 
 as it is for you to move one of the mountains by which 
 we are surrounded. Thus," she continued, " I have 
 given you an additional statement of Susan's and my 
 situation here, and to be delivered from, depends 
 solely upon yourself and Mr. Laurence." 
 
 Here the ladies signified their departure for home, 
 and in a little time were on their way, escorted by 
 their beaux, through a broad pathway that the snow 
 had been cleared from, leading from the inn to the 
 mansion. On their arrival at the door, the gentlemen 
 declined an invitation to go in, and returning to their 
 room found Urnsden and Melvin seated by a com- 
 fortable fire in it. 
 
 " We hare assumed a privilege, gentlemen, for 
 which, if offensive, we ask pardon," said Urnsden. 
 
 " No apology is necessary, sir," replied Hyne, just 
 as Melvin had been called out of the room. 
 
 Soon after Melvin had left, Urnsden was about fol- 
 lowing, when Laurence said to him : 
 
 " Can you allow us a few moment's conversation 
 with you, alone, this evening ?" 
 
 "With pleasure, sir. At what time?" inquired 
 Urnsden. 
 
 " At seven o'clock," returned Laurence. 
 
 In a few moments the gentlemen were alone, when 
 they decided upon taking that opportunity of know- 
 ing how they stood in Urnsden's estimation, in asking 
 of him the hands of the ladies.
 
 300 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 The hour arrived, and Urnsden, punctual in his 
 attendance, entered their apartment. 
 
 On that occasion he was social, and pleasingly com- 
 municative ; and in a few moments, adverting to his 
 habits of business, asked 
 
 " "What is yours at the present time with me, gen- 
 tlemen ?" 
 
 To this question Laurence replied, " You have, Mr. 
 Urnsden, been an eye-witness of the attentions paid 
 by myself to Miss Ellen, as well as those of my friend, 
 Mr. Hyne, to Miss Susan. Those attentions from the 
 manner received have caused an affection in us, already 
 reciprocated by them, lasting as life. All now remain- 
 ing to complete our happiness is your consent to their 
 union with us. It is proper here to inform you, sir, 
 that neither Mr. Hyne or myself have any expectan- 
 cies, save through those we may merit, from a high 
 sense of duty and practice of it, to our honored parents. 
 Should this recommendation, added to an industrious 
 and honorable deportment, and an unceasing affection 
 satisfy you, we claim, at your hands, the gifts just 
 asked for." 
 
 For some minutes after Laurence had closed his 
 remarks, a profound silence ensued between the par- 
 ties concerned, when Urnsden replied : 
 
 " Gentlemen, at such a time as the present is, it is 
 natural for the mind of the applicant, as well as that 
 of the person applied to, to be (if ever) reflective. I 
 have in truth witnessed your affection and attention, 
 and am flattered with the preference you entertain for 
 those whom you have just asked of me the bestowal 
 of upon you. And am here compelled to say, that 
 that gift is not now mine to make ; consequent upon
 
 THE HEIKES3E3 OP FOTHERINGAY. 301 
 
 other arrangements. My refusal of your application," 
 continued Urnsden, "is not intended to lessen my 
 friendship for you, and as an earnest of what I say, 
 here repeat to you the pleasure, I and my family will 
 always feel, in seeing you at the Mansion." 
 
 In a short time, Urnsden withdrew, and the young 
 men were alone. 
 
 " The consequences of other arrangements, others will 
 have to bear," said Hyne, after some time of silence 
 ensued between the two friends. " Come, George," 
 continued Hyne, "let us apply to our old friend, 
 Apollo, for a temporary respite, and amid his round 
 of pleasures, create a calm, ever better to face the foe 
 with, than that of rage." They did so, and again 
 passed their evening by pleasant enjoyments in music. 
 
 Upon one of their visits to the mansion, Laurence 
 and Hyne, at their entering the parlor, met with two 
 young men, strangers to them, in a like pantomimic 
 conversation with the ladies, to those they had had so 
 frequently with them. For a few moments, the crim- 
 son blush of confusion mantled the cheek of each 
 lady, and ere our young friends had taken seats on an 
 opposite and vacated sofa, near the fire, the strangers 
 rose from their chairs and unceremoniously left the 
 room. -'. '-' 
 
 The note-books of each lady, and of each gentle- 
 man, were brought into use soon after the strangers 
 had left; and no allusion being made to the embarras- 
 ment of the ladies at their unexpected arrival, nor of 
 the strangers and their singular deportment, our gen- 
 tlemen became communicative upon their plans, and 
 the further prosecution of them, and their now earnest 
 desire of arriving at their final result. Their late inter-
 
 302 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY 
 
 view with Urnsden was spoken of, which Laurence 
 related almost word for word. 
 
 On their then interview with Ellen and Susan, the 
 miniatures of two gentlemen were discovered, resting 
 upon the bosom of each one, while to their sides were 
 tastily suspended splendid gold watches. 
 
 The youthful appearance of the keepsakes that 
 rested upon the bosoms of those who had so frequently 
 said they were theirs by promise, and the watches, that 
 seemed, from their size, those worn by gentlemen, 
 attracted the observation of our young friends, and 
 drew from them the inquiry of, u Who the miniatures 
 were intended to represent, and from whose hands the 
 watches on their persons were presented ?" 
 
 That question was unexpected, as coming from the 
 source it did, and the ladies, again a little embarrassed, 
 and somewhat piqued, severally replied: 
 
 " The miniature you see on my person is from him 
 whom I love, and shall continue to do so till the last 
 pulse becomes still that throbs in the bosom upon 
 which it is now placed. And the watch by my side 
 no less valuable is from the same source." 
 
 Having similar objects in view, there was conse- 
 quently a series of questions and answers returned 
 between each two of the four. 
 
 "You cannot be serious in what you say, since you 
 have so recently assured me, that, if necessary, you 
 will elope, in order to become mine?" was a question 
 presented by each gentleman, with looks of surprise. 
 
 "I have never been more so," was the calm reply 
 of each lady. 
 
 Here the gentlemen were for some time mute as 
 they who were then before them, and who had but a
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEHrNGAY. 303 
 
 few days before pledged their faith in unalterable 
 affection. 
 
 While all were in a sombre mood, the attention of 
 Hyne was drawn again to the watch worn by Susan, 
 and upon which he had just discovered a sentence of 
 some kind had been engraved, but what, from the 
 position the watch occupied by her side, he was unable 
 to discover. 
 
 Just at the time our gentlemen had (using a phrase 
 of the present day) received their "walking papers," 
 the Maniac, sans .ceremonie, entered the parlor, and 
 stepping to where the ladies and gentlemen were yet 
 seated, said to the latter, 
 
 " Strangers are not always to be trusted ; but, when 
 tried, they may be. Let me see your hands;" here 
 taking one of each in his, looking sternly in the faces 
 of Laurence and Hyne as he did so then attentively 
 examining the palms of their hands, he continued, 
 " your faces betoken good hearts, and your hands say 
 it is so. If you love don't think that you are always 
 right, and spoil what you have gained by being too 
 suspicious. Jealousy paralyzes the mind, and like slow 
 poison in the stomach, gradually destroys all the bet- 
 ter qualities of the soul." 
 
 At closing the last remark, the stranger left the 
 parlor as unconsciously as he entered it, and in a few 
 moments after, our two friends having had their 
 "walking papers," signed, sealed and delivered to 
 them, rose from their chairs, made respectful bows to 
 the ladies, and were soon again in their room at the 
 Inn. 
 
 How much of that kind of work have you done, my 
 fair readers! Is it with you as "regrets" are to a
 
 304 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 party written only because custom makes it neces- 
 sary, and thought of no longer than the time employed 
 in writing them ; or are they not, sometimes regretted 
 by you during life? And, suffer me to add, what 
 think you of the state of love affairs now, between our 
 ladies and gentlemen ? For my own part, out of the 
 respect in which you are held by me, and ought to be 
 by others of my sex, and motives entertained of bet- 
 tering the condition .of all, from the views contained 
 in this work, I shall tell you, as well as I can, how 
 the difficulties between those of whom we have been 
 speaking, were settled. 
 
 For the following two or three days the gentlemen 
 kept their room, not however, as many do on such 
 occasions, intently reflecting upon trouble purchas- 
 ing it at wholesale, and retailing it to themselves in a 
 sort of spinning out of sorrow; but in calling to their 
 aid the resuscitative influence of music, though at 
 times, they spoke of the event and the best terms 
 upon which to offer an adjustment. At length a joint 
 letter was fixed upon, that read as follows : 
 
 " Mountain Inn, Jan. 20th, 1802. 
 
 "'To err is human, to forgive, Divine.' If that 
 Divinity to which the last part of the borrowed sen- 
 tence, just written, is in professed imitation by you, 
 we throw ourselves under its influence in the present 
 instance, and when destruction is so threatening to 
 our hopes. 
 
 " That we haye committed that to which the first 
 part of the sentence made use of refers, we feel no 
 hesitation in the acknowledgment of; and, in doing 
 so, own the high sense we entertain of the injustice
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 805 
 
 done you, in so glaring a manner as to suspect your 
 want of sincerity in affection, for us; and, we to stamp 
 it with, the seal of jealousy.- 
 
 "If a sincere determination to do so no longer can 
 possibly place us in the position once thought to have 
 been occupied in your estimation ; your forgiveness 
 is solicited, and a recall to that rank asked for by 
 
 " GEO. L. LAURENCE. 
 
 "SAM. L. HYNE. 
 
 "To Misses Ellen and Susan Dierdoffe. The 
 Mansion." 
 
 That letter had scarcely been directed and sealed 
 and laid on the table, as it was, before the Maniac 
 entered their room. Upon his head was a broad- 
 brimmed beaver hat, that seemed to have been, long 
 in service, and having a triangular, or three-sided 
 shape. On the left side of it was placed a plume, 
 composed of part of the tail of a pheasant, and fas- 
 tened to a kind of rosette composed of dressed deer- 
 skin, and from which was suspended three neat 
 tassels made of like material, fastened to the rosette 
 by a large gilt button in the centre. Upon that occa- 
 sion the Maniac wore a dressed deer-skin hunting- 
 shirt, lined with the skins of the otter, with the fur 
 side out. His pants were also of the dressed deer- 
 skin, and united at the ankles by a pair of moccasins 
 worn on his feet. One would have supposed him more 
 sane than otherwise in the season of which we have 
 been speaking. His hunting-shirt was lapped around 
 his person, and made fast on the left side by means 
 of a belt, made of dressed bear-skin, with a large 
 buckle on one end of it. 
 
 21
 
 306 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY 
 
 On entering their room the stranger occupied, for a 
 few moments, a standing position near the centre of 
 it, from whence he seemed to eye, minutely, every- 
 thing about the room. Then advancing towards the 
 fire, he took a seat upon the same chair by the table 
 that Laurence had been seated upon and writing at, 
 and that he had a moment before vacated. 
 
 " This unfortunate again here," said Laurence, as he 
 took a chair that placed the- stranger between himself 
 and Hyne. 
 
 " Good morning !" said the latter to the stranger. 
 
 " Mornings are not always good," he replied. 
 
 " Are you well to-day ?" returned Hyne. 
 
 "Better, perhaps, than some others," replied the 
 stranger, as he looked intently upon the fire. 
 
 " What do you mean ?" continued Hyne. 
 
 " What you would like to know," was the reply, as 
 the stranger, without moving his head to the right or 
 the left, still kept his eyes fixed upon the fire. 
 
 " What use is there in it, to speak to this unfortu- 
 nate man, Sam ? It is," continued Laurence, " a use- 
 less expenditure of time only, and which we can 
 employ more pleasantly." 
 
 " The creature might throw some light upon our 
 present condition, as it is said that 'fools sometimes 
 speak wisely,' " replied Hyne. 
 
 " Wise, wise, wise," was the immediate murmuring 
 expression of the stranger. Then continuing, he said, 
 " Love, when sincere, is good ; and disappointment in 
 it is bad. Confidence betrayed is unmanly, and 
 worse than an open enemy." 
 
 Here the stranger was again silent, and changing hia
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 307 
 
 position, his face fronting the table, he fixes his eye 
 intently upon the letter. 
 
 " Hush," said Ilyne, as Laurence was about to speak. 
 " Let us watch his actions," continued Hyne, " and hear 
 what more he has got to say." 
 
 Hyne had scarcely made the request, before the 
 stranger, looking at the direction of the letter, con- 
 tinued : " For war, or for peace I am ready ! Let 
 me think ! Ah ! it is for peace distrust ! treachery ! 1 
 Those ragged set of animals ! Clear the way, and let 
 me go !" thus saying, the stranger rose from his chair, 
 and seizing the letter, was, in the next instant, out of 
 their room. 
 
 The Inn had been, after breakfast that morning, 
 vacated that is, Melvin, Standly, and others, usually 
 about it, had gone elsewhere, and Sanco himself being 
 absent, of course the attempts of Laurence and Hyne 
 made to discover the whereabouts of the stranger, were 
 all useless. 
 
 " You had better have taken my advice, " said Lau- 
 rence, after they had returned to their room, " and 
 have watched that Maniac, instead of letting him 
 watch us. Doubtless, " he continued, " that letter will 
 fall into the hands of either Standly, Melvin or Urns- 
 den, and if it does, we shall be, in that event, truly 
 betrayed, and more low in the estimation of them to 
 whom it is addressed than if we had never written. 
 For, as it was, we were discarded for a justifiable 
 cause, and one that I hate myself for, for ever having 
 entertained. " 
 
 "True, " replied Hyne, " but we may yet be fortu- 
 nate, and even in this most unexpected affair I have 
 no idea, as yet, of purchasing trouble in advance of
 
 308 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 our use of it. We must wait awhile before laying in 
 supplies serving the present demand, " continued 
 Hyne. 
 
 " You are more of a philosopher than I thought 
 you was, Sam, and in future I shall profit by your 
 present example and take lessons from you, " replied 
 Laurence. 
 
 Our two friends were still descanting upon the 
 " ups and down " they had experienced among the 
 mountains when Sanco made his appearance. 
 
 The agreement formerly entered into, between them 
 and Sanco, caused no hesitation whatever with our 
 young gentlemen, in immediately informing him of 
 what had happened. 
 
 When they had done so, Sanco shook his head 
 and remained for some moments silent, at length he 
 said : " This is ill luck to you, masters, but may be 
 I can fix it all right again. The scripter says, 
 Massa Solomon was a mighty wise man, and I think, 
 in these days, if we have not wise ones there is some 
 cunning ones-, .at least, among us. Now, who would 
 'sposed that Mr. Sligo, so long inside out in his mind, 
 would put enough of it back again' as to make him 
 take your letter to the ladies and run off with it ? 
 But that is the way, " continued Sanco, "that a good 
 many do and who often make their fortins from that 
 justly belonging to others. Mr. Sligo, " continued 
 Sanco, " sometimes talks sensible, and at them times I 
 have often heard him, in his own way, (for he is 
 strange in that) speak of the three travellers at the 
 Mountain Inn, particularly of }~ou two, and in such a 
 way too as makes me believe he likes you. I know 
 him, " continued tianco, " to be a great friend of Miss
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 309 
 
 Susan and Miss Ellen, and I don't think he will let 
 any one else see your letter, but that he will take it 
 right straight to them. " 
 
 " T hope so," replied Hyne ; " but do you not think 
 the ladies will think strange of the letter being in his 
 hands?" 
 
 "Not at all," replied Sanco ; "for they know him 
 well, and may perhaps answer your letter by him." 
 
 " Indeed !" said Laurence, somewhat surprised. 
 
 "Yes, master," returned Sanco, "and, by your 
 permission, I'll go and find out something about it." 
 
 At that remark, Sanco left their room, and our two 
 friends were again alone. 
 
 The hope renewed by the remarks of the servant, 
 his opinions expressed of Sligo, and the course he 
 would probably take for their benefit, seemed to quiet 
 for a time the influence of suspense upon the minds 
 of the gentlemen. They waited patiently the arrival 
 of the dinner hour, when, as was the case during the 
 morning, no one might be at the table, they would 
 have an uninterrupted interview with Sanco. But in 
 this they were disappointed ; for, instead of being 
 alone there, they found an additional number of stran- 
 gers, and the eyes of all occasionally resting upon 
 them. 
 
 That air of consequence usually the attendant of 
 the " would-be-great," was being shown in its entire 
 array by Mr. Standly, and the assumption of modest 
 impudence shown upon the occasion, called him into 
 notice and attention by those to whom he had, in the 
 " bar-room," been just introduced. 
 
 Being like the "scape goat" in that crowd, our two 
 friends, after being mute as those of whom they were
 
 310 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY. 
 
 thinking, soon rose from the table and entered their 
 room. 
 
 Laurence and Hyne had been there but a short 
 time before, in a room adjoining, and separated from 
 their' s by a plank partition only, was overheard, in a 
 low tone, the following conversation : 
 
 "The arrival of those strangers from New York, 
 has created much of a change in things here." 
 
 " That is very true," said Clertnont to Armsdale. 
 " I wonder what Nevelle and Everett think now ?" 
 continued Clermont. 
 
 " Think !" replied Armsdale, " Why as they have 
 always thought, since the affair was explained to 
 them." 
 
 " What do you mean ?" resumed Clermont. 
 
 "Why that they are too noble hearted to insist 
 upon having that which, by promise, belongs to 
 others." 
 
 At the close of that remark, Irwin and Yancey 
 entered. 
 
 " Boys !" said the latter, " the Captain says you 
 think too loud, and has sent me in to tell you so." 
 
 " By jingo," replied Clermont, " that's true enough." 
 
 " The remembrance," he continued, " of the Guil- 
 ford counter-sign must be present, and we must learn 
 to think like the ' deaf and dumb] without speaking. 
 But say, Yancey," he continued, in a lower tone, 
 "what are the orders of the day? Has the Captain 
 issued them to Lieutenant Everett ?" 
 
 " The orders are not yet issued, but I expect they 
 shortly will be, as the Lieutenant is in council with 
 Captain Nevelle and others," was the reply. 
 
 " Yancey," continued Clermont, "what do you think
 
 THE HEIEE3SE3 OF FOTHERESTGAY. 311 
 
 of that man, Standly, you were talking with, just as 
 Eufus and I left the dining table ?" 
 
 " I think of him," replied Yancy, " as I do of 
 many he is a two-faced man, and will not stop at 
 any time to sacrifice his friends for the sake of popu- 
 larity." 
 
 Yancy had scarcely finished his remark before 
 Captain lS"evelle and Lieutenant Everett entered. 
 The latter delivered to each man a copy of a written 
 order, and in a few moments after the company dis- 
 persed ; leaving the Inn to its usual occupants. Mel- 
 vin, Standly, the two young gentlemen and servants 
 attending. 
 
 The conversation overheard and attentively listened 
 to, created some degree of surprise with Laurence 
 and Hyne. The cause of their being alluded to and 
 associated with the name of Standly by entire stran- 
 gers, was unusual as unexpected to them, and conse- 
 quently the circumstances with which all the remarks 
 they had heard were connected, added another mys- 
 tery to the number with which they were still sur- 
 rounded. 
 
 It is said that " ignorance is bliss." On this occa- 
 sion, our young gentlemen proved the assertion. For 
 when the great luminary of day had cast his last 
 brilliant adieu upon the top of each towering moun- 
 tain that stood in majestic splendor on each side of 
 the Fotheringay mansion, and night had closed those 
 scenes in its sable attire, their room resounded with 
 exhilarating, sounds of delightful music. Thrice 
 happy are they who can thus amuse themselves ! for 
 it is sanctioned by the All Wise, and dissipates many 
 a gloomy hour.
 
 312 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 But, reader, I must attend to what is promised 
 you. 
 
 The night had far advanced, when Sanco entered 
 the gentlemen's room. Polite and particularly atten- 
 tive as he had been, and still was to them, he had no 
 sooner entered the apartment than he began to adjust 
 and arrange different things in it that were out of 
 order, such as is usually the case in all bachelor 
 establishments. 
 
 If the ladies do not believe what is said in the close 
 of the last sentence, I'll refer them to my brethren in 
 a bad cause, as it is at best, -to prove it. And while a 
 glance of the mind brings in review our numerous 
 rank and file, I beg leave here to add, that the ladies 
 ought to take into consideration how far they have 
 been the cause of it. They, it is true, are " born to 
 be asked for ;" but in using the two prerogatives thus 
 given by birth, the word No is sometimes, in subse- 
 quent events, found to be more of a disadvantage 
 than the word Yes would have been. I beg pardon, 
 however, for the digression, and shall proceed. 
 
 " Masters," said Sanco, as he was putting an addi- 
 tional supply of wood to their fire, " I love music, and 
 it always does me good to come into your room while 
 you are playing." 
 
 " We thank you for the compliment," replied Hyne. 
 "But tell us, 'Sanco, why you usually call us 'young 
 masters.' 
 
 "It is," he replied, " because I have taken a liking 
 to you, and it may be that I shall one day belong to 
 either pne or the other of you. For, who knows," he 
 continued, "but what master Melvin (who I like too)
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 313 
 
 may some day or other change from what he now is, 
 and in that change, one of you may own me." 
 
 " Such a thing might be," returned Hyne, " but at 
 present it is not even possible." 
 
 " You don't know, Massa," replied Sanco, " for 
 things very often take sudden changes." 
 
 " True," replied Hyne, " but of this we will speak 
 no more, at least for the present. Say," continued 
 Hyne, " have you any news about our letter?" 
 
 " Yes, Master, that is all as it should be," replied 
 Sanco. 
 
 " What do you mean ?" said Hyne. 
 
 " Why, Master, that I was not mistaken in my 
 opinions of Mr. Sligo. This evening I went to the 
 mansion, and while I was talking in the kitchen with 
 the servants, I found that they liked you and Master 
 Lawrence as well as I do. We talked a good deal 
 about both of you. At that time Miss Susan and Miss 
 Ellen came in, and making a sign for me to come into 
 the library before I went away, they then went into 
 the house. After talking an hour or two with the ser- 
 vants, I done what I was told to do, when Miss Sue 
 gave me this note." 
 
 Here Sanco handed the note ; it was opened, and 
 read as follows : 
 
 " The Mansion, Jariy 20, 1802. 
 " GENTLEMEN : 
 
 " We are in possession of a letter directed to us, but 
 from the person (Mr. Sligo) by whom delivered, are 
 not of the opinion that you intended it by him, nor 
 that we have, from that circumstance, a right to open
 
 314 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEEIXGAY. 
 
 it, We send this to you by Sanco, who is authorized 
 to bring to us your answer. 
 
 " Kespectmlly, 
 
 " ELLEN, 
 " SUSAN." 
 
 " Messrs. Laurence and Hyne, 
 " Mountain Inn." 
 
 If such a thing can be at the same moment in the 
 human mind as pleasure and pain, it was then so with 
 the gentlemen. For, in the first instance, they were 
 pleased that their letter had escaped falling into the 
 hands of the confederates, and in the next mortified at 
 its having been taken from them by Sli go. Soon 
 after they had read the note of the ladies to them, the 
 following reply was penned : 
 
 " The Inn, at night, Jarfy 20, 1802. 
 " LADIES : 
 
 " We regret to say that the letter intended for you 
 was not presented by the hand of another than that 
 by which it was. Please read it, and honor us with 
 your reply. 
 
 " Yery resptf 'y, your obt. ser'ts, 
 
 "GEORGE L. LAURENCE, 
 " SAM. L. HYNE." 
 " To Misses Susan and Ellen Dierdoffe." 
 
 The next evening, and as soon as he had gotten 
 through with his duties of waiting upon the gentle- 
 men and others at table, Sanco went' to the Mansion, 
 and on his return brought the following letter :
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 315 
 
 " The Mansion, Jarfy 21, 1802. 
 " GENTLEMEN : 
 
 " At your sanction we have opened your letter to 
 us of yesterday. ~ 
 
 " Possessed and in the practice of that quality of 
 the heart of which you speak, in the latter part of the 
 borrowed sentence made use of in your appeal for 
 reinstatement, we entertain no hesitation in saying, 
 that your frank acknowledgment of error, and your 
 intention to do as you have done no more, have gained 
 our forgiveness of the past ; while now, as in the 
 future, you are reinstated to that rank occupied by 
 you, and which, when it was lost, you were the 
 fault of. 
 
 " At your earliest convenience the pleasure of see- 
 ing you will be shown by 
 
 "ELLEN. 
 
 " SUSAN." 
 " To Messrs. Laurence & Hyne, Mountain Inn." 
 
 Having relieved our young gentlemen from their 
 present difficulties, restored them to favor and to re- 
 newed hopes of earthly bliss; and, consequently, 
 complied with, my promise to you, reader, I shall, 
 by your permission, close the present and commence 
 the next chapter with new material, as well as a con- 
 tinued desire to amuse and interest you
 
 316 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 No time is more properly spent by men than when in pursuit of 
 virtuous objects. 
 
 THERE is, perhaps, at no period of life an event 
 more pleasing than that of an assurance that the affec- 
 tions of an honorable man are being reciprocated and 
 accepted by the opposite sex. 
 
 At such a time the latter voluntarily resigns the 
 prerogative of self-government, concentrates the entire 
 of all in the looked-for supremacy of her liege lord, 
 in whose keeping is placed her future destiny ; and 
 to whose capital of wisdom, discretion and command, 
 she relies with implicit confidence in the future of 
 good and ill. 
 
 How far this truth is abused by my sex, gentle 
 reader, is left for yourselves to judge of, and my fel- 
 low men to reflect upon. 
 
 The letter of the ladies formed a new platform for 
 action in the minds of their admirers; and, the day 
 following its receipt, our gentlemen presented them- 
 selves at the mansion. They had been in the parlor 
 but a few minutes, before the entry in it of the ladies. 
 A pleasant smile occupied the countenances, of each 
 as they entered, when, at the same moment their 
 books were respectively presented to the gentlemen ; 
 containing a like and following sentence : 
 
 "You have erred and have acknowledged it. I 
 have forgiven the wrong done. Rely upon the future 
 as being intended and practiced for your good by me."
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 317 
 
 A recurrence was soon made by the parties re- 
 spectively, to that which is already familiar to the 
 mind of my readers. In that interview, everything 
 relative to and necessary in the intended elopement 
 was entered into and agreed upon, save the engage- 
 ment of the sons of Sligo, and arrangement of that 
 part that Sanco was to perform in it. These were left 
 to the judgment and skill of the gentlemen. 
 
 The moon in its placid serenity, had assumed its 
 refulgence of light, and aided by it our now refugees, 
 from tyranny and obstinate refusal, were now deter- 
 mined to place themselves under the protection of 
 those to whom they had vowed an inseparable alle- 
 giance. 
 
 The better to effect their purpose a convenience for 
 leaving the Mansion, had been thought of by the ladies. 
 
 At the eastern wing of the building, and in its 
 second story, there was a small balcony that over- 
 looked a beautiful view of the river, as it passed in its 
 meandering course through the valley below. In its 
 course, it was crossed at intervals by the blazed path- 
 way that had previously led our travellers to the 
 Mountain Inn. 
 
 To retrace that route in their contemplated escape 
 from the mountains, and then, "Far West," would be 
 attended, as the ladies had informed their intended, 
 with dangerous consequences, for two ostensible rea- 
 sons. One consequent upon the want of "ferry," 
 facilities in the then sudden rise of the river the 
 other, because those passes being the first, upon a 
 knowledge of their absence, to which the attention of 
 Urnsden and others would be drawn. 
 
 In furtherance of their plans for escape, it was stipu-
 
 318 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERLNGAY. 
 
 lated between the parties, that the ladies should come 
 upon the piazza at the hour of twelve o'clock on the 
 night agreed upon. From whence they were to de- 
 scend by means of a rope-ladder. That article was to 
 be sent them and received from the bearer at the en- 
 trance-door of the library. The trust thus reposed 
 was to be assigned to one of the young Slygo's, who, 
 in order to prevent suspicion, was to appear there, as 
 if in search of his father, and to have their intended 
 means of descent, concealed in an overcoat pretended 
 to be for the old man. 
 
 The better to effect his purpose, Sligo was to appear 
 at the door spoken of, at the same time that Sanco was 
 to do so in the act of returning the instruments already 
 known something of by my readers. Another care 
 assigned Sligo was, to attend the ladies on their de- 
 scent, take charge of their baggage, and to conduct 
 their fair charge to the place designated for meeting 
 the gentlemen. 
 
 The duties assigned Sanco was, to attend to and 
 Lave the horses of the ladies and gentlemen in readi- 
 ness, and stationed at the appointed hour at a few 
 hundred yards from the Mansion, and concealed from 
 its view by a thicket of cedars that stood near the 
 commencement of their intended route. There the 
 gentlemen were to await the arrival of the ladies, and 
 from whence the party was to take its departure for a 
 section of country more densely inhabited, and where 
 the parties thus betrothed were to be united. 
 
 The plan matured and settled upon at the Mansion, 
 our ladies bade their lovers adieu at a late hour that 
 evening, and our two friends returned to the Inn. 
 
 Like the father of the "prodigal son," each of the
 
 THE 11EIKE3SES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 319 
 
 gentlemen in question had had given to them by their 
 fathers a sum sufficient, at setting out upon their 
 western tour, to answer their purposes in being above 
 want, and to let them appear and act gentlemanly and 
 genteel, as all should do, who are endowed with ability 
 and thought beyond that of an idiot. Added to the 
 supplies given to Laurence and Hyne, was a fund, 
 separately placed in the hands of their fellow-traveller, 
 and once looked upon friend, Standly, for the purpose 
 of serving such necessary as honorable contingencies 
 as might occur in their journey to the West and upon 
 their return home. 
 
 So far as the necessary means for carrying out 
 their purpose was concerned, the gentlemen were in- 
 dependent of Mr. Standly, and the next object of 
 their attention was to procure horses for their contem- 
 plated guides through the mountains. 
 
 As yet the expected letter to them, upon that sub- 
 ject, from the ladies, had not been received. It was 
 upon that that their introduction to, and engagement 
 of their guides, depended; and two days having 
 passed and no letter, the gentlemen began to think 
 some unforeseen preventive had occurred to getting 
 the persons selected for that duty. The third eve- 
 ning, however, relieved them of a suspense, in which 
 each moment seemed to be an hour, with the interest 
 of a half attached, when, in a short time after tea, a 
 rap was heard at their door. 
 
 The gentlemen knew the rap. It was that of the 
 servant, and in the next moment Sanco entered fol- 
 lowed by the two yonng Sligo's. At their entry, the 
 servant, in the exercise of that politeness to which he 
 had been raised and was accustomed to, said : " Mas-
 
 320 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 ters, the Misters Sligo, " then, placing a chair for 
 each, withdrew. 
 
 Here the elder of the two presented a letter to Lau- 
 rence that read as follows : 
 
 " The Mansion, Jan'y 24, 1802. 
 " GENTLEMEN : 
 
 " We introduce to your acquaintance the bearer 
 hereof, and his brother; Messrs. Mansfield and Stan- 
 hope Sligo, in compliance with our promise to you 
 of some days since, and for the delay in doing- so, 
 the earnest with which we have thus far complied 
 with your wishes must alone plead our excuse. 
 
 "It is with great pleasure that the persons now be- 
 fore you are recommended to your esteem and confi- 
 dence, in events in which you as well as ourselves, 
 are so much involved, and in which so much depends 
 upon you as well as those who now write. 
 
 "Thinking, as we have, that it was a duty incum- 
 bent upon us to facilitate your designs and let our 
 acts prove the earnest with which we have entered 
 into them to effect mutual ends, we have, on our parts, 
 gone so far as to have sent for and apprize those of 
 whom spoken, of what is sought for at their hands ; 
 that they have kindly, as generously promised to per- 
 form. And to enable them the better to do so, we 
 have presumed so far upon your sanction of the mea- 
 sure, as to have directed them to purchase a fine 
 horse, saddle and bridle each. 
 
 "The (as the vain would say) ' crime of poverty 1 be- 
 ing theirs, and having neither friends nor means by 
 which to do so, we have directed them to select their 
 steeds and equipments, passing them our words that
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEBINGAY. 321 
 
 you would afford them the amounts required to com- 
 plete their arrangements. 
 
 " In furtherance of our plan, and to avoid further 
 concern and trouble to you, the two, and our mutual 
 friends before you, have kindly offered to provide the 
 rope and make a ladder for our means of descent from 
 the balcony. 
 
 "But, oh! should it break in our present last pro- 
 ceeding steps to place ourselves under your care, how 
 ominous of ills would it be ! These thoughts, how- 
 ever, are not only idle, but a proof of the timidity 
 natural to our sex, and must, by us be done away 
 with, in view of the happiness so dearly contemplated 
 upon ; while, in the meantime, we must proceed with 
 what remains on the present occasion for us to ap- 
 prise you of. 
 
 " Of our wardrobe we have thought best, to take but 
 little, as our wants in that particular, can, with more 
 ease than the present, inconvenience of taking it, be 
 supplied when needed. On arriving at our place of 
 destination, and particularly when in our necessitated 
 mode of travelling it would be an unnecessary incum- 
 brance. 
 
 " For our convenience, and to secure that, we shall 
 take of apparel, our friends have already provided 
 for us, an old, and it is true, much worn, valise, that 
 in travelling as we suppose, you can attach to your 
 saddles without inconvenience. 
 
 " Of Sanco, it is only necessary here to say, that he 
 understands us as well as he does you ; and that nothing 
 will be. wanting on his part, to prove his fidelity to the 
 cause of the fugitives. 
 
 " It is said, that woman is more of an adept in device 
 21
 
 <?22 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 and effecting her purpose in them, than is the case in 
 your sex ; how far this may or may not be substan- 
 tiated in events passed and those to come, remains, so 
 far as we are concerned, for your judgment and opin- 
 ions expressed, to determine. 
 
 "All is now in readiness night after to-morrow 
 night be on the alert make your appearance at the 
 mansion no more, at least for the present; and until 
 you shall do so (if ever) when all will be better for 
 you and us, than it is now. 
 
 " We can now order, but subsequently expect to be 
 ordered. The reverse at the latter is now ours, and 
 while so, we say to you, be at your posts at the proper 
 time, where rely upon being joined with much plea- 
 sure by, 
 
 "Very truly yours, 
 
 " ELLEN, 
 " SUSAN." 
 
 "To Messrs Laurence and Hyne, Mountain Inn." 
 
 The two young men sent to them were treated with 
 much kindness and respect by Laurence and Hyne; 
 and by way of a proof of the confidence reposed in 
 them, spoke familiarly upon preceding, present and 
 future events till a late hour. 
 
 The several amounts spoken of by the ladies, and 
 for which they had become indirectly responsible, to 
 be paid for their horses, and other equipage, was that 
 night placed into the hands of the elder of the 
 brothers Mansfield Sligo; and, after an understand- 
 ing upon what was to be paid each one for his ser- 
 vices as conductor, the young men rose from their 
 seats, with an intention of departure for their home.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEEINGAY. 323 
 
 " Be seated," said Hyne, " till we write a line to 
 the ladies by you ;" and in a few moments, the follow- 
 ing note was handed to Mansfield : 
 
 " The Inn, Jariy 24, 1802 
 " LADIES 
 
 " That part of your letter requiring of us an imme- 
 diate compliance with, is completed. 
 
 " That of which it speaks as yet to come, and upon 
 which we acknowledge your right of command in, as 
 well as instruction, shall with equal promptness be 
 complied with, at the time appointed. 
 
 "Adieu, for the present; and, in- the mean time, 
 believe us sincerely yours, 
 
 " GEO. L. LAURENCE. 
 "SAM. L. HYNE." 
 
 " To Misses Susan and Ellen Dierdoffe The Man- 
 sion." 
 
 The interpose between writing their note and the 
 hour they were notified to be in readiness at the 
 station assigned them, was employed by the gentle- 
 men in arranging things with them necessary for 
 departure. 
 
 Although assured that Sancho (using an expression 
 of the present day) was " all right," it was a duty due 
 to themselves, if no other, (as he had been their body 
 servant, and from whom- they had received several 
 hints of his friendship and esteem) to sound his 
 fidelity, and to know, if possible, if the information 
 of danger, and their safety in it, could be trusted to 
 his keeping. 
 
 The night preceding the one of their intended de-
 
 32-i THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 parture from the Mountain Inn, Sanco, agreeable to 
 previous arrangements with young Slygo, went into 
 the room of the gentlemen for the purpose of getting 
 and returning the musical instruments to the place 
 from whence they had been received. While in the 
 room, he was directed to return there, as soon as he 
 had performed the business he was then upon. 
 
 " Yes, masters," replied Sanco, and soon he closed 
 the door of that room in which our two friends had 
 now but a short time to be and remain in as gentle- 
 men travellers, and ere long, as fugitives from a sup- 
 posed oppressor. 
 
 "The wheels of time seemed clogged and their 
 movements appear slow indeed, when thought, more 
 swift than the winged rays of light itself, encompasses 
 its entire boundary of desire, and there waits a renewal 
 of purpose," said Hyne, as the two friends sat, each 
 involved in his own round of reflection. 
 
 " To-morrow night," he continued, "will be the com- 
 mencement of difficulties to which we, as well as those 
 who now look to us for protection, are alike unaccus- 
 tomed. Our prize, however, is invaluable, and that 
 alone, must be the stimulus to the entire possession of 
 it; no matter what obstacles are placed in our way." 
 
 " You reason well ! and see to it, that you fail not," 
 replied Laurence, as the two were examining each a 
 brace of fine rifle barrelled pistols, which they had 
 taken from their holsters, then lying on the table. 
 
 Soon after cleaning, loading, and returning the intr la- 
 ments of death to their proper places, Sanco entered 
 the room. 
 
 "Well, Sanco," said Hyne, " what news have you?" 
 
 "All's right, master," replied Sanco.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 325 
 
 I 
 
 "How?" asked Hyne. 
 
 " Why," replied Sanco, " I delivered the instru- 
 ments, and Mr. Sligo, the rope-ladder safely, and 
 without any person seeing us, but Miss Ellen and 
 Miss Susan." 
 
 " Then you know," said Hyne, " what is going on at 
 at the mansion ?" 
 
 "Yes, master, well," replied Sanco. 
 
 "Who," inquired Hyne, "informed you of it?" 
 
 "I understand signs, masters, and they were plain 
 ones, given to me by Miss Ellen and Miss Susan." 
 
 " Are their signs more plain to you, than they are 
 to others," said Hyne. 
 
 " Perhaps not, master, but I know the ways of the 
 ladies so well, and besides, they make signs and tell 
 me by them who they like." 
 
 " Then, asked Hyne, " you know that we love 
 them?" 
 
 " I do, master," replied Sanco," and know, too, that 
 they love you I" 
 
 "What," said Hyne, "do you think of theirs and 
 our plan ?" 
 
 " First rate, master," replied Sanco. " And," con- 
 tinued he, " excuse me for saying, that if my brother 
 and I were white men, and had such fine looking 
 ladies as Miss Susan and Miss Ellen, in love with us, 
 and were sure of our chance of getting them, as yours 
 are of getting these ladies, we would think we were 
 entering heaven, or some place near to it when we got 
 them." 
 
 " You then have a good opinion of the ladies," con- 
 tinued Hyne. 
 
 " That's true, master, for I nursed them when
 
 326 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERIXGAY. 
 
 children, and know well they will make good wives, 
 for they can make mighty nice shirts, and can knit 
 stockings, too. And, let me tell you," continued Sanco, 
 " that they can cut pants and vests, and then make 
 tliem as well as any tailor can. And I believe, if it 
 was necessary, could make their husbands a coat. 
 When you get them, you will not, I think, put them 
 to that kind of work, but will, no doubt, require of 
 them a proper supervision and control of their domestic 
 concerns." 
 
 " Did you not say just now, that you nursed the 
 ladies ?" said Hyne. 
 
 "I did, master; but that was at a time (as I told 
 you the other night) when things were different with 
 me to what they are now." 
 
 "Do you know," said Hyne, "that you are con- 
 cerned in the plot of ours to run off with the young 
 ladies?" 
 
 "Yes, master, and know from signs given, what 
 part I have to perform in it," replied Sanco. " And 
 depend upon it," continued he, "that I shall have 
 your horses in readiness, and your holsters and sad- 
 dle-bags put in their proper places upon your saddles." 
 
 The gentlemen being convinced that Sanco spoke 
 knowingly as confidentially upon the several topics to 
 which an advertence had been made, placed each, 
 twenty dollars, in silver, in his hands, when the faith- 
 ful creature, smiling as he spoke, thanked them and 
 withdrew.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 327 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 THE ELOPEMENT. 
 
 Locks are good in their places and sometimes a protection against 
 thieves : but with Master Cupid, are like a mist before the sun on a May 
 morning. 
 
 MUCH of that sort of feeling usually the attendant 
 of reflection upon those we love and by whom we an- 
 ticipate the completion of, not only our dearest hopes, 
 but fondest wishes, occupied the minds mutually of 
 our now about to be fugitive lovers during the day, 
 and until twelve that night on which their intended 
 elopement took place. 
 
 The day passed; night came on; suppers, more 
 partaken of from dishes of anxiety seasoned with sus- 
 pense, than from good cups of coffee, with bread and 
 animal food, were soon over with them, and each one 
 in their respective apartments, were counting the steps 
 of aged Time as he slowly as leisurely moved onward 
 to the appointed hour. 
 
 What would have been your feelings, on the eve 
 of such an event ; and what, you may now be asking, 
 was the result ? Allow me a similar favor (your in- 
 dulgence) as heretofore obtained, and you shall see, 
 reader. 
 
 The hour at length arrived, and in it 
 
 " The midnight hour serenely smiled 
 O'er nature's soft repose ; 
 No lowering cloud obscured the sky, 
 Nor ruffling tempest blowed."
 
 328 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHER1NGAY. 
 
 The language of the poet was well adapted to the 
 scene presented on the occasion of which we are now 
 speaking. Nor was that all ; for, added to it was the 
 silent attention of inanimate -and animated nature, 
 giving, as it were, their benediction upon passing 
 events, disturbed only by the rustle of a southern 
 breeze, then passing through the lofty pines and com- 
 pact cedars. 
 
 It was then lovers own hour ! and in it, all that force 
 of action, the impetus as result of influence, was 
 being brought to and cast upon the shrine of prefer- 
 ment. 
 
 But, reader, I forget my promise and desire, and 
 for your sake will proceed. 
 
 That signal used on a former occasion, and more 
 strikingly impressive than the one we are now speak- 
 ing of, was given. 
 
 The cock crowed ! 
 
 " Come, "Will," said Sanco to his brother, " it is 
 now near the hour when our young mistresses and our 
 young masters are to meet. You, as well as myself 
 and sister Sallie, are alike in the secrets of Miss Ellen 
 and Miss Susan. We must do our duty, and not 
 deny them the performance of_it. You go to the 
 mansion wake Sally, and tell her to wake the ladies, 
 while I go to the gentlemen's room. After you have 
 done that," continued Sanco, " meet me and the Mis- 
 ters Sligo at the stable, where they are in the loft, 
 asleep." 
 
 " A good sign, masters ! for if a man can sleep well 
 in the midst of danger, it shows all right at heart," as 
 the faithful servant gently tapped each upon the
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEEINGAY. 329 
 
 shoulder, and as each gentleman sprung from their 
 bed. 
 
 " We <nght to sleep well, Sanco," replied Hyne, 
 " when we have so faithful and kind a watchman over 
 us as you are." 
 
 " I thank you, master, for your good opinion," re- 
 turned Sanco. " I never wish a iy watch-tour of mine 
 to be more pleasant than the present one is to me. 
 But there are dangers ahead for you to encounter, 
 and if," continued Sanco, "I ever watch over you 
 again, it may be in more pain and anxiety than in 
 my present duty of that kind." 
 
 Thus saying, he took their saddle-bags and holsters, 
 when lightly retracing his steps from their room, was 
 soon at the stable, followed shortly after by the gen- 
 tlemen from their domicil, who were soon also at their 
 post, according to order of, reader, I need not tell you 
 who. 
 
 At twelve o'clock the ladies, dressed in the costume 
 heretofore mentioned, made their appearance upon 
 the balcony, accompanied by their faithful servant 
 maid, Sally, who, cautiously lowering their means of 
 descent, and fastening the upper ends of the ladder to 
 the post of the piazza, shook hands with them, and 
 one after the other of the ladies were shortly after in 
 safety upon the ground. That done, the servant, by 
 means of another rope, lowered their baggage, when, 
 in the next moment, our ladies being their own 
 porters, seized their valises, and were soon out of 
 the mansion, and being joined by the young Sligos, 
 were on their way either to be commanded, or to as- 
 sume pantomimic control of the captives led captive. 
 
 As a natural consequence, as long as their maid 

 
 330 TPIE HEIEESSES OF FOTHEEINGAY. 
 
 servant could see them, they were gazed upon with 
 anxious hope then drawing up the ladder, unfastened 
 it, and with it, in her possession, returned to her bed 
 unnoticed. 
 
 Upon the arrival of the ladies at the cedar thicket 
 mentioned, they found the gentlemen in readiness to 
 attend them. Sanco, at a few steps distant, having 
 hold of the bridle-reins of each horse, the two Sligos 
 took theirs, and the gentlemen a hold of theirs, while 
 Sanco, still holding the ladies' horses, the young 
 Sligos fastened the valises of their fair charges to the 
 hind part of the gentlemen's saddles. Here the ladies 
 went to where their horses were, and then returned to 
 the gentlemen. 
 
 At that arrangement, those of the party who could, 
 and perhaps my readers may here allow me the privi- 
 lege to add, dare give utterance to their thoughts were 
 all wrapped in profound silence. Here one of the 
 ladies giving a sign to Sanco, he advanced and spread- 
 ing his cloak before them, they both kneeling upon it, 
 were for some minutes engaged in prayer. 
 
 While the ladies were engaged at their mute, yet 
 sincere devotion before Him who sees and knows the 
 thoughts of all, and in earnest solicitation for their 
 protection, -Hyne discovered their horses had been left 
 unattended, and calling the attention of Sanco to it, 
 without returning to them, he replied in a low tone of 
 voice, "Ah, master! be not alarmed at that, Gallant 
 and Swift know their mistresses are here, and though 
 unattended, are too well accustomed to the command 
 of their owners to move from where they are standing 
 till mounted by Miss Ellen and Miss Susan." 
 
 By the time Sanco had finished his remarks, the
 
 THE HEIKE3SES OF FOTHERINGAY. 331 
 
 ladies had finished their invocation, and rising, made 
 signs to the gentlemen, that they were ready for 
 departure. At that signal, Sanco, speaking to the 
 horses, they came to where the ladies were standing, 
 when tapping their knees with a slight touch of the 
 riding-whip, the noble animals, understanding the 
 signals, were instantly on their knees before their well- 
 known riders, who in the next moment were on their 
 backs. 
 
 None were present to give the adieu to but one, 
 and he taking their hands, with a tear in his eye, that 
 glistened as the light of the moon reflected upon his 
 honest countenance, and each bowed the adieu to 
 him, and soon the party was on its way through the 
 mountain. 
 
 One of their routes among others, necessary on 
 their journey, led over the " Pebble Peak, " and when 
 they had arrived at the spot where, at a time long 
 since passed, the dead had been deposited, the ladies 
 halted and gazed for a few minutes upon the solemn 
 scene. Then giving another signal they were soon 
 out of sight of that hallowed spot, and far removed 
 from the mansion and its comforts, were wanderers 
 amidst the defiles of lofty mountains. 
 
 Such is the devotion of woman's heart to man ! 
 Why is it not better reciprocated ? 
 
 That night our party travelled but a short distance 
 before the guides, knowing well their duty, halted at 
 the door of a backwoodsman's hut, with whom they 
 were personally acquainted, and- where they arrived 
 about daylight the next morning, and continued there 
 until the night of that day should arrive. 
 
 At that humble abode, more pleasant on that occa-
 
 332 THE HEIRE3SE3 OF FOTIIERIXGAY. 
 
 sion, and under the circumstances, than doubtless a 
 palace would have been, deprived of their wishes as 
 dearest hopes, the ladies were provided with and oc- 
 cupied a neat as comfortable separate apartment ; and 
 after partaking of a good breakfast retired for the 
 purpose of sleep. 
 
 The gentlemen and their guides occupying another, 
 small apartment soon followed their example, while 
 their horses were well attended to by their hospitable 
 host. 
 
 Here, reader, according to my accustomed defer- 
 ence to you, I again, after repeated requests of a simi- 
 lar kind of you, ask your permission to leave our 
 fugitives in your mind's keeping for the present, to 
 return for a while to the Mansion and to the Moun- 
 tain Inn. 
 
 Sanco had reached the Inn, and having gone to the 
 stable, in accordance to instructions received, broke 
 into atoms the lock of its door. That done, and 
 retaining the key of it, he returned to the Inn, and 
 safely locking each outer door of that establishment, 
 laid himself down to take the balance of that night 
 out in sleep. 
 
 The next morning the windows of the gentlemen's 
 apartment were found open, and the entrance door of 
 the library, at the mansion, unlocked. 
 
 Upon whom suspicion could rest save in the minds 
 of those who were privy to the acts of the preceding 
 night, no certainty could be arrived at. The faithful 
 Sanco, true to the trust reposed in him, and in order 
 to prevent pursuit as long as possible, devised and 
 suggested all sorts of policy to that effect : so that and 
 the next day were spent in going from. .neighbor to
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 333 
 
 neighbor in useless attempts to learn if the fugitives 
 might not have passed that way. 
 
 Upon searching the rooms of the respective fugi- 
 tives, the letter of the gentlemen to the ladies of the 
 24th of January was found in a drawer in Ellen and 
 Susan's apartment. That, though not positive, was 
 thought circumstantial evidence sufficient to, (in case 
 they were overtaken before marriage had taken place 
 between the two parties) predicate an arrest and impri- 
 sonment upon, and the next step resorted to by Urns- 
 den, and in which he was sustained by the opinions of 
 Melvin and Standly, was to send for and engage the 
 assistance of Captain ISTevelle and his company of 
 Regulators. W 
 
 The aid just spoken of being obtained, Justee 
 Catchpenny was forthwith sent for. This learned dig- 
 nitary, more famed for charges and fees than that of 
 legal knowledge, came, and upon his arrival at the 
 mansion, made many would-be-wise as unnecessary 
 inquiries. Then issuing his warrant of arrest, received 
 the prime object of his visit there, viz. : Thirty dollars, 
 and making a respectful bow, not so much out of con- 
 cern for the persons present, as from a knowledge of 
 his unexpected good fortune, withdrew. 
 
 The orders of the gentlemanly captain of the ban- 
 el its were that day issued to his no less honorable com- 
 mand ; and the following morning the search for, with 
 the view of arrest of, the fugitive lovers, was entered 
 upon. 
 
 The respective crossings of the river, as had been 
 previously suggested, were the first objects attracting 
 the attention of the command, but finding no signs 
 nor traces of horse-tracks thereto, the search on those
 
 334 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 routes was soon abandoned. At length one of the 
 company was ordered to the stable of the Mountain 
 Inn, from whence the tracks of six horses were traced 
 to the pine thicket already spoken of. On his report, 
 the whole company moved to the spot, from whence 
 the tracks of the horses were trailed, till coming to a 
 rocky and shallow ravine, that ran for several miles 
 through a narrow vale, that lay between two large 
 mountains, the tracks were lost sight of. 
 
 It was then near nightfall, and Captain Nevelle 
 ordering four of his men to proceed, himself and Lieu- 
 tenant Everett returned to the mansion, from whence 
 they were to set out the next morning to join the com- 
 pany at a designated rendezvous -east of the mountains. 
 
 Our travellers had profited by the delays at the 
 mansion, and getting much the start of their antici- 
 pated pursuers, were approaching in safety a thickly 
 settled part of the country. One night, the last pre- 
 ceding the one of their arrival at the town of *****#** J 
 and as they were about commencing a descent of the 
 last mountain, terminating at the commencement of a 
 beautiful as wide, extensive, rich and tastily cultivated 
 section of country, their guides being some eighty or 
 a hundred yards in front, were stopped by a party of 
 six mounted men, who at that time had come to a path 
 meeting at angles on and intersecting the one intended 
 by the guides. 
 
 At that moment a cloud, that had for some half 
 hour before obscured its light, passed from between 
 the moon and our travellers, and, as if desirous of 
 affording light in the hour of danger to the benighted 
 fugitives, its mild as placid rays were displayed ; and
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 335 
 
 all animate, as inanimate, nature was in full view 
 around them. 
 
 The guides had not yet attained the point of inter- 
 section before the word halt was heard as emanating 
 from one of the six men at that time occupying the 
 pass, where they had already formed a direct line, the 
 front facing that of the guides in their advance. 
 
 When the guides had advanced to within a few 
 paces distant from the line spoken of, one of that 
 company advanced to the centre of the column, and 
 ordering them to stop, a short conversation ensued 
 between them and the person in question. 
 
 At that instant our lovers also formed a line, the 
 ladies placing themselves between the two gentlemen, 
 and in full view of affairs going on in front of them. 
 
 Here Laurence was in the act of advancing, when 
 Ellen, perceiving his intention, gave him a signal to 
 remain in his position and await the report to himself 
 and Hyne of the elder Sligo. The result proved the 
 correctness of her judgment, for in a few minutes 
 after, the two commanders, as they supposed, of the 
 company, rode, accompanied by the guides, to where 
 the ladies and gentlemen were. 
 
 The exterior costume of the officers was not as 
 valuable as (if I may be allowed the application) that 
 of their interior. 
 
 The latter displaying an excellence of texture in- 
 terspersed with a brilliancy rarely met with, while its 
 suavity and graceful appearance betokened the forms 
 from whence it emanated to be those of gentlemen. 
 The external appearance of each was neat and gen- 
 teel, and their persons were rendered comfortable by 
 a thick overcoat, buttoned around them to their chins;
 
 336 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 while on the front part of their hats was worn a rich 
 plume, fastened at its base by large gold clasps, em- 
 bossed with a number of precious stones, the brilliancy 
 of which were finely displayed from the reflection of 
 the Queen of Night upon them. 
 
 Before the officers spoken of left their positions, the 
 white flag of truce, borne by the junior in command, 
 was seen hoisted and waving in the air at a respectful 
 height above his head. That done, they slowly ad- 
 vanced to a spot about five steps from where our 
 travellers with their guides were then stationed. 
 
 Here a momentary silence was observed, when one 
 of the officers, addressing Laurence and Hyne, point- 
 ing to it as he did so, said, 
 
 "Gentlemen, that flag is the emblem of present 
 peace with me, and as long as it maintains its posi- 
 tion, know that you and your party are safe, and in 
 no danger whatever. It becomes my duty, however, 
 to inform you upon this occasion, that you behold in 
 me the chief of a company of bandits that infest these 
 mountains, and that our object is plunder, without 
 regard to rank, condition or sex. , You and your 
 party are all alike in my power, and I must here de- 
 mand of you from whence you have come? your 
 object ? your place of destination ? and the amount, 
 whatever it may be, of gold, silver and jewelry in 
 yours and your party's possession? That course 
 taken by you, of immediate compliance, may, in the 
 end, procure your release from the fate now awaiting 
 you and those of the company you seem to be the 
 protectors of. For your answers and compliance with 
 my demands," continued the robber, " I shall wait a
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 337 
 
 respectful time, and shall, for the present, return to 
 my command." 
 
 At that the officers wheeled their horses, and in 
 the next minute the flag waved in front of their com- 
 mand. 
 
 The present was a momentous time with our 
 travellers. The demands of the captain of the bandits 
 were imperative ; as also was their obligation to pro- 
 tect, as on a former occasion they said they would do, 
 their fair charge. And how then to act, involved 
 much thought and mature consideration, under cir- 
 cumstances present and least expected. 
 
 " How now, Sam ?" said Laurence to Hyne, as the 
 two officers went from them in a swift gallop, and 
 placed themselves at the head of their command. 
 " As for our money and effects, they are nothing, on 
 such occasions as the present represents, to lose, but 
 trash. But to lose those for whom our lives are 
 already pledged, is what I can neither bear nor think 
 of tolerating, till I shall cease to exist ; and they, if 
 need, must be taken over my corpse. The bandits/' 
 continued Laurence, " are, from present appearances, 
 six to four of us in number, and, as is their trade, 
 fight more for that which lines the coffers of many 
 unworthy men, than in defence of virtue and inno- 
 cence. The ladies must be protected, come what may, 
 and followed by whatever circumstances. To tell," 
 continued Laurence, " where we are from, who we are, 
 and what our object and destination, might be attended 
 with more pernicious consequences than at once to 
 fight in that of the ladies and our defence ; for, if the 
 demands of the commander of that band of robbers 
 are complied with, it will be death only to us at last, 
 22
 
 338 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEBINGAY. 
 
 with this difference that it will be two instead of 
 one. First, if obedient to the demands of their cap- 
 tain, the ladies may also be taken from us ; and, in 
 the second place, we will be murdered, with a view 
 to prevent suspicion. What say you, at this view of 
 our situation," continued Laurence, "to a refusal of 
 that captain's demands, and our preparation for and 
 commencement of hostilities !" 
 
 The argument of Laurence was readily concurred 
 in by Hyne. The fiery vehemence of youth was 
 kindled to its hottest .fervency in the bosoms of our 
 lovers, and their next object was the safety of the 
 ladies during their continuance of the determined 
 upon combat. 
 
 For the purpose of devising some plan of safety to 
 the ladies, the gentlemen had dismounted, and making 
 signs requesting them to do so, in the next moment 
 all their party was on the ground. 
 
 Here, the elder Sligo being better acquainted with 
 giving expeditious signs, upon explanation to the 
 ladies than their lovers were he was ordered to ex- 
 plain the dilemma in which they were placed, and to 
 request in the names of the gentlemen their agree- 
 ment to the then anticipated combat. 
 
 With that calmness and composure often met with 
 in the opposite sex, amidst danger ; and, that so emi- 
 nently displays the virtue with which nature's God 
 has ordered them, our ladies were strictly attentive 
 to the pantomimic explanations then being made them 
 of the check of their peaceful progress. And, when 
 asked by signs given, if they would give their con- 
 sent to the preparations for and defence spoken of,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 339 
 
 they, in the person of Ellen alone, and through their 
 interpreter, Sligo, to Laurence, replied : 
 
 " What we have done is from our own free-will and 
 choice. The present ill is one among many we expect 
 to meet with through life, and which, it appears, we 
 could neither foresee or avoid. Our act of elopement 
 with you has, perhaps, brought upon us, the indigna- 
 tion of those to whom we are, by birth, near, and 
 may, probably, rest upon us as a stain, in tjie opinions 
 of those whose weakness of intellect too often brings 
 them to think, nothing right that- is above their own 
 capacities. For that class of beings we entertain a 
 sympathy not merited, yet bestowed upon them by us, 
 in charity. With regard to yourself and Mr. Hyne," 
 continued Ellen, " it is for your sakes that we are here; 
 for your sakes that we have, thus far, braved every 
 danger, and in the present one, if necessary, that we 
 will share with you every ill the present hour seems 
 so pregnant with. 
 
 " Devise your plan," she continued, " and we with 
 you will place ourselves under an Omnipotence for 
 safety." . 
 
 Just at the time that Laurence had received the 
 pantomimic reply of Ellen, three other men were dis- 
 covered to have joined the company of bandits, and 
 as they then numbered nine to four, the hope of suc- 
 cess in a victorious escape had begun to fail in the 
 bosoms of our two lovers. ':+ 
 
 That acquisition to the number of bandits was no- 
 ticed by the ladies, and quick of comprehension, as 
 they were of sight, a short signalled conference ensued 
 between them, when Ellen beckoned to Sligo to attend
 
 840 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHEEIXGAY. 
 
 her, conveyed through his interpretation the following 
 additional remarks to Laurence. 
 
 " We have seen, with regret, the increase to the 
 number of bandits, who, a few moments ago, we had 
 thought your gallantry and bravery equal to. That 
 opinion is now changed not on account of a want of 
 confidence in your skill and management of yours and 
 our defence, but owing, entirely, to the more than 
 double force opposed. With this view of our condi- 
 tion, Susan and myself advise a parley with the leader 
 of the bandits, which may, perhaps, bring about an 
 honorable as safe escape from them, and influence of 
 their present power over us. In this act on your 
 parts," continued Ellen, " we would recommend, with 
 due deference to your better opinions, a surrender 
 into the hands of their Captain all, if necessary, of the 
 personal effects of our party. If," continued she, 
 " from this spot we may even have to walk in the 
 completion of our purposes, to the settlements, you 
 can there apprise your fathers of youf respective situ- 
 ations, and while waiting for means to return to New 
 York, that which is ever of more sterling worth to 
 man than gold and silver an honorable and gentle- 
 manly deportment are yours ; the use of which will 
 command respect from those who possess sense; while 
 upon those to the reverse, you may look with more 
 proud as compassionate sympathy than contempt," 
 adding, " the race is not to the swift, nor the battle 
 to the strong." 
 
 What to do was now, a matter of more difficulty 
 to arrive at than the hopes of success of their 
 plans, previous to the reinforcement, had created a 
 certainty of. To avoid as much as possible a show
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 341 
 
 of alarm, our party remounted, when Sligo, with a 
 white pocket-handkerchief waving in one hand, was 
 despatched, requesting the presence of the com- 
 mandants. 
 
 During the absence of Sligo, a profound silence 
 was observed, and in the meantime, our ladies lower- 
 ing their veils, took their positions as before described. 
 A valuable diamond pin rested upon the bosom of 
 each one, while four elegant as massive bracelets 
 encircled their wrists. 
 
 In a short time Sligo returned, and reporting the 
 request granted, resumed the station formerly occu- 
 pied by him. He had scarcely done so, before the 
 officers, advancing to a distance of about five paces, 
 halted in front of the line formed by the fugitive 
 party. 
 
 Here a short pause again ensued, when the officer 
 heretofore known to my readers as the Captain of the 
 bandits, said to Laurence : 
 
 " Stranger, if properly informed, I am at your 
 request before you for the purpose, doubtless, of 
 receiving your answer and compliance with my 
 demands ?" 
 
 " Not, sir, in the entire," calmly replied Laurence. 
 
 " In what particular lies the difference between 
 your views and those of my own of your case ?" 
 asked the Captain. 
 
 " In four out of five of your requirements of us, " 
 replied Laurence. 
 
 " Can you name the requisites demanded, " returned 
 the Captain. 
 
 "You certainly have not forgotten them, but be 
 that as it may, I can, " replied Laurence.
 
 342 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 " Do so, " said the Captain. 
 
 " They are : From whence we come ? our objects? 
 place of destination? silver, gold and jewelry in our 
 possession ? and lastly, frqm its inference, the prob- 
 ability of our party being made prisoners and put to 
 death by your order ? " 
 
 "The first, second, third and fifth of your demands, " 
 continued Laurence, "are what we protest against. 
 The fourth is trash, and in the present hour is looked 
 upon as yours If," continued he, " there is one atom of 
 honor yet lingering in that bosom of yours, long since 
 a wreck of disreputable profession, I appeal to it for 
 justice, in inducing you, upon the principles of gen- 
 erosity and humanity, strange as those feelings may 
 be to you, to let them now in your power pass, more 
 especially when two of them are ladies, whose per- 
 sons are sacred while living, and which myself and 
 my comrades are bound to protect at the expense of 
 a flow of the last drop of blood in our veins. " 
 
 " You are rather insolent than otherwise, as a sup- 
 plicant, " replied the Captain, cooly. 
 
 " To base oppression it may appear so, sir, but to 
 the truly honorable, never ! " replied Laurence. 
 
 " More, instead of less insolence ! and for which 
 you may (at a time better productive of convenience 
 to me than the present one) have to account, " said 
 the Captain. "It is," he continued, "not often, and 
 particularly under such circumstances as the present 
 represents, that any requests are ever granted by me. 
 To that rule the cage now presented shall be an ex- 
 ception. I have heard, " continued the robber, 
 " your protest and will now listen to your proposals 
 for yours and the ransom of your party. "
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 343 
 
 " The semblance of generosity," replied Laurence, 
 " which appears in the latter part of your remarks, sir, 
 inspires me with greater respect for you than other 
 portions of it justify me in entertaining. However, in 
 the words of the more learned and better judge of men 
 than either you or me, I shall for the present think no 
 more of it, and shall only add, that, ' In such a time as 
 this, it is not meet that every offence shall bear its 
 comment,' and avail myself of your willingness to 
 hear my proposals for a parley." 
 
 The officer gracefully bowed his approval of the 
 compliment conferred and smiling, replied, "I like 
 bravery and honor they are allies they fit me well, 
 and when reminded of them so forcibly, as on this 
 occasion they have been developed by you, I cannot 
 but own their influence, though the impetus to it be 
 given by an .enemy. We," continued the officer, 
 "will settle the insults mutually given to one another, 
 at a more remote period, and one less cumbersome 
 than the present one is to you." 
 
 " Here," advancing to where Laurence was, and ex- 
 tending it as he spoke, " is my hand, in testimony of 
 what I have just said. You and your party are free, and 
 may continue your pass through the mountains unmo- 
 lested, consequent upon your being the attendant of 
 ladies ; but" continued the officer, " if ever the time 
 comes, mark my words, that we meet again upon those 
 mountains, there will be an attempt, on my own, as well, 
 doubtless, on your part, to have the insults settled that 
 have passed between us this night. A few moments 
 more," continued the Captain, " and I shall detain you 
 no longer. In your route and where you may, probably, 
 arrive at some time to-night, stands, at a short dis-
 
 
 344 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHERENGAY. 
 
 tance from the winding pathway, terminating at the 
 commencement of the valley a house, occupied by 
 one of my command and his family, under the pretext 
 of ' Tavern-keepers.' That house is the rendezous of 
 many, who, like me, live upon the spoils clandestinely 
 taken from others, and where you will most likely be 
 in eminent danger. My honor," continued the Robber, 
 " has been pledged for your safety and my gallantry, 
 if such a spirit I may claim to possess, must be added 
 and exercised for yours and your party's protection." 
 
 Here the officer unbuttoned his great coat, and 
 followed in the act by his no less gentlemanly com- 
 panion, took from around their necks a massive gold 
 chain, from each of which was suspended an elegant 
 "signet." "These articles," continued he, "will 
 insure the safety of your persons and property, 
 wherever and whenever seen. . By your permission, 
 sir," addressing Laurence, continued the Robber, " I 
 claim the honor of placing them around the necks of 
 the ladies present, to be returned to me, if ever I 
 meet with them again, and if not, to be kept by them 
 as a token of the high regard in which they and their 
 sex are held by a robber." 
 
 When the Captain had finished his remarks, and 
 waiting for a reply from, Laurence said, " I and my 
 party feel grateful for the care and concern you 
 manifest for our safety, and regret, sir, the momentary 
 delay which must unavoidably take place, before 
 conferring your passport upon us, through that 
 esteem in which the opposite of our sex are held by 
 you. Both of the ladies," continued Laurence, " are deaf 
 and dumb, and if you will allow me a few moments, 
 they shall be apprized of your kind intentions."
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 345 
 
 " Certainly, sir," was" the reply. 
 
 Here Sligo was ordered to confer with, them, and in 
 a few minutes after, our ladies, leaving the line, rode 
 to where the officers were, when the chains were 
 placed as spoken of, and in a few moments after, the 
 adieu being passed, the commander of the bandits and 
 his men. soon disappeared. 
 
 When one trouble is over and another spoken of, 
 as likely to ensue, the reflections on the past, and 
 thoughts upon that anticipated, are alike unpleasant, 
 as they are opposed to an ease of mind. Such was 
 the condition of the mental faculties of our travellers ; 
 and under such impressions, they passed their lonely, 
 as now unobstructed route till they had arrived at the 
 eastern descent of the mountains. At that point, 
 about five miles distant from the house spoken of by 
 the Robber. 
 
 As the descent was a steep one, and traced through 
 a narrow 4 e file, the party was compelled in some 
 places, to dismount, while in single file, each one 
 leading his horse, they followed, one after the other, 
 v/ith slow and cautious step& 
 
 At about half-way the distance from the top to the 
 foot of the mountain, and on a spur, separated from 
 the spot then occupied by our party, by an impassable 
 and deep hollow, was discovered several persons on 
 horseback, and one of them hailing Sligo, demanded 
 of him, " Who he and his party were ? Where they 
 were bound ? and if friends to the house below ?" 
 
 Sligo understanding his duty, replied, " We are 
 strangers, travelling from the west to the east; 
 knowing no one, and friends to all who will treat us 
 as such."
 
 346 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 " You answer boldly, and know not to whom you 
 speak. I will see to it," replied the man. 
 
 The moment the spokesman had ended his speech, 
 he and his party disappeared from the spur of the 
 mountain occupied by them, when our travellers re- 
 sumed their winding as difficult way down the moun- 
 tain. 
 
 At length, and at about one o'clock in the morning, 
 the fugitives arrived at a spot from which they had a 
 full view of the " Tavern " spoken of. A dim light 
 was discovered in the distance, emanating from a lan- 
 tern suspended from the end of a pole rafter, that 
 aided in the support of a clapboard roof of a large- 
 sized double cabin. Beacon-like, the lantern was 
 steady, as if to attract the attention of, and induced 
 the weary and benighted traveller to seek shelter and 
 rest there. Not, however, to receive and partake of 
 the rights of hospitality there, but as the first step, 
 innocently taken, towards violation, glunder and 
 murder ! 
 
 At sight of the cabin a short pause to their pro- 
 gress ensued, occupied by consultation upon the pro- 
 priety of stopping there for the remainder of the 
 night, or to proceed to the next house, about ten 
 miles off, and which was the next preceding their 
 arrival at the town of , where they had calcu- 
 lated upon being out of the reach of danger from their 
 pursuers. 
 
 The fatigue of the ladies their want of refresh- 
 ment and sleep in the last several nights previous 
 and the desire of relief from the excitement thus far 
 of that night, induced the gentlemen to avail them- 
 selves of a chance for the latter at the " Tavern;" and
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEEINGAY. 347 
 
 leaving their long trodden pathway, they were soon at 
 the door of a miserable excuse for one. 
 
 The moon had now gradually descended behind the 
 lofty mountains that our travellers had just crossed, 
 the last one of in their route, and as if to say as the 
 placid serenity of her last rays were cast upon them 
 " Eest here in peace, for I can light you no longer on 
 your way to-night, but will, if necessary, lend my aid 
 at night to-morrow." Then all was darkness, except 
 the light afforded by the twinkling stars as nightly 
 they afford their glittering array on things during 
 nature's silent hours. 
 
 The two Sligo's being in front on their arrival at 
 the house, and one of them knocking at its door, was 
 answered from within by a guttural, surly voice, in 
 the expression of 
 
 " Who disturbs the sleep of honest people at this 
 late hour ?" 
 
 "Coming, sir," he continued, as the second rap was 
 made. 
 
 In a few moments the door was opened, when a 
 grim looking animal, in the shape of man, made his 
 appearance, with a lighted candle in his hand ; and, 
 with just about as much indifference to the necessities 
 of others as he was a stranger to the feelings of 
 friendship, addressing Laurence, said : 
 
 " The rule at the ' Take-in House,' is, to admit no 
 traveller, without he pays a threefold price, when he 
 comes to it after the hour of twelve o'clock at night; 
 besides, my house is now full of known gentlemen, who 
 I cannot disfurnish for the few hours' accommodation 
 of wandering stragglers. However," he continued, 
 " if my terms are acceptable, you may come in."
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 "You are kind, Mr. Take-in," replied Laurence. 
 We accept of your terms, and will take them for 
 what they may be worth." 
 
 In a little time the party was dismounted, and the 
 ladies, taking each an arm of the gentlemen, were 
 conducted into a small room occupied by the propri- 
 etor of the " Take-in House" and his family, where 
 they were for a few moments left alone, and the time 
 they were so was occupied by the gentlemen bringing 
 in their baggage, while the two Sligo's, with the land- 
 lord, were employed at the stable, with their horses. 
 
 Here and there was seen straw beds, lying foot to 
 foot, upon the floor, while each one seemed occupied 
 by double tenancy ; all not so much after the matter of 
 fee-simple right as at will from subsequent events. 
 
 The ladies occupied each a three-legged stool, upon 
 which they had been left by the gentlemen, near the 
 fire-place, where were the remains of what, in the 
 early part of that night, might have been taken for a 
 comfortable fire. 
 
 The signets bestowed upon the ladies, had been 
 placed by the gallant captain between their riding- 
 habits and their usual costumes, so that no orna- 
 ments or valuables were visible about them, save their 
 bracelets and breastpins. 
 
 " Necessity is said to be the mother of invention, 
 George," said Hyne to Laurence, as, in placing their 
 saddle-bags and the valises with their holsters close by, 
 alongside of the seats occupied by the ladies, they took 
 seats upon them. 
 
 Just at that time, our renowned host of the " Take-in 
 House," accompanied by the Sligos, entered the room, 
 when one of the latter perceiving the position occu-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 349 
 
 pied by Laurence and Hyne, said, " Myself and my 
 brother will profit by your example, gentlemen;" when, 
 in the next moment, getting at a vacant spot near the 
 existence of, but not warmth of, the fire, they then also 
 seated themselves upon their saddle-bags. 
 
 " An unforseen necessity impelled the measure, 
 And safety sanctioned it." 
 
 In a few moments after our travellers had become 
 seated, and while our host was yet in a standing pos- 
 ture, with one foot upon a straw-bed and another upon 
 the naked floor, two men making their appearance 
 requested him to walk to the door. 
 
 While the landlord^and the two men were in earnest, 
 as rather enraged, conversation, the expression was 
 overheard of, " Such a chance as this is, is not often 
 ours ; we will not sleep till the work is done ! The 
 captain will not be here to night it is past his hour. 
 He knows nothing of these people, or else his signet 
 would be upon them. We can murder, conceal their 
 bodies, and divide what they may have between us, as 
 so much clear gain, and our lady -protecting captain be 
 none the wiser of it. Will you agree to what I have 
 said ?" continued the speaker. 
 
 " I will," replied the assassin-like host of the Take- 
 in House. 
 
 When the landlord returned to the room, Laurence 
 asked, "If he and his party could get something to 
 eat, places to sleep, and a separate apartment for the 
 ladies?" 
 
 The animal replied, " All the places you can get, 
 vou now have, and for something to eat, that cannot 
 be furnished here."
 
 350 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 " Is this, then," continued Laurence, " the kind of 
 fare which we have to pay three prices each ?" 
 
 " Yes," in a surly tone, replied the host. " And," 
 continued he, " you may think yourselves lucky if 
 you get off from here in the morning with three prices 
 for each head of you." 
 
 " What do you mean ?" continued Laurence. 
 
 " Oh, nothing," recollecting himself, replied the 
 animal, " it is only a way I have of speaking." 
 
 At that moment another call for his attention was 
 being made, and our host hurrying from them, the 
 travellers were left to their undisturbed reflections. 
 
 Not being where they could speak but in a whisper, 
 which had then become necessary, for fear of being 
 overheard by some one or more of the bed tenantry, 
 alternate communications were made between the four 
 males of our travellers, in which Sligo was ordered to 
 give signs to the ladies of what was going on, of the 
 danger the party was in, and of the necessity there 
 was of exhibiting the signets. The ladies immediately 
 complied, and in the next minute, the signets, grace- 
 fully suspended, were seen resting upon their bosoms. 
 
 To the surprise of the party, and in the next mo- 
 ment, sprang to his feet, from one of the straw beds, a 
 tall and meagre looking fellow, with a pair of socks on 
 his feet, and his pants fastened over his shirt by a 
 leather belt. Taking three steps from where he was, 
 the door was quickly opened, and as soon slammed 
 to, when all again was still, and the eyes of the bal- 
 ance of the bed tenants peeping from under their 
 respective coverings, were instantly fixed upon their 
 nightly guests. 
 
 The man just spoken of had scarcely closed the
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 351 
 
 door before lie was met by the host, his two confede- 
 rates, and two others, on their way to the room he 
 had left, for the purpose of assassination. Their plan 
 was to offer the gentlemen and their guides, a glass 
 of brandy and water, the spirit mixed in a bottle of 
 prussic acid ; and as for the ladies, their purpose was 
 with them, strangulation. 
 
 " How now, Stub ! what has made you rise so early ? 
 What's out now with you ?" said the host, as from. 
 Stub's tall person and lengthy steps, the fellow in his 
 hurry came forcibly against him. 
 
 " More is out than you know of," replied Stub ; 
 u and you'd better look out how you fool around 
 these 'ere strangers." 
 
 " Pshaw, if you had half as much brains as you 
 have length, you would not be so easily alarmed," 
 replied our host. 
 
 " Let me have much or little brain," said Stub. " I 
 know one thing, and that is, if you injure a single 
 hair of the head of any of this party, the Captain will 
 bring you to your senses with a vengeance." 
 
 " Fool !" cried another of the assassins ; " the Cap- 
 tain knows nothing of what we are about to do, nor 
 never will, for you know this is past his, or the Lieu- 
 tenant's hour, either; and before they corne here to- 
 morrow night, we will have the bodies of these people 
 securely deposited in a cold ground sweat-case, and 
 their personal effects snugly placed beyond the 
 knowledge or reach of the Captain." 
 
 "It is sometimes easier to talk of than to do 
 things," replied Stub, " an' I say agin, you had better 
 not fool with them strangers, for the Captain's signets 
 is on the necks of them ladies."
 
 352 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY. 
 
 " Well, what of that ?" said our host. " If what 
 you say is true, we have gone too far in our intentions 
 to give them np now; but stay, boys," he continued, 
 " I'll go in and see if Stubs tells the truth or a lie." 
 
 In a few moments the keeper of the "Take-in 
 House," returned, and looking as if he had been 
 "taken in," himself, and with a countenance exhibit- 
 ing fear and alarm, said, "Stub tells the truth the 
 gold chains and signets are brightly shining upon the 
 bosoms of the ladies, and if the Captain or the Lieu- 
 tenant were now to step in, we would all feel like 
 singed rats after a fire." 
 
 The host had scarcely finished his remarks before 
 the sound of a bugle was heard, announcing the ap- 
 pearance of some one, well known at the " Take-in 
 House." 
 
 The signal just heard caused a tremor in the 
 " would-be-brave-where-there-is-no-danger" not much dis- 
 similar to that spoken of, of the "dry -bones" in Holy 
 Writ. 
 
 "There now!" said Stub, "you'll b'leive me the 
 next, if your neck aint stretched this time wont 
 you?" 
 
 Our host had no time to reply to what Stub had 
 asked him, for at that moment the Lieutenant of the 
 bandits at the head of his command, made his appear- 
 ance, and calling our host, said: "Buford, are my 
 apartments in order ?" 
 
 "Yes, sir," was the reply. 
 
 "Is supper ready," continued the officer. 
 
 " It is and has been for the last three hours, sir," 
 replied Buford, " and I have been waiting to know
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 353 
 
 whether you would have it in your ante-chamber or 
 in the dining-room ?" 
 
 " In the dining-room," replied the Lieutenant, as he 
 and his command entered a magnificently furnished 
 apartment. 
 
 They had not been there long before the Lieutenant 
 wishing to give Buford some other orders, stepped 
 into the room known to my readers, as being famous 
 for its number and sort of beds, and from one of 
 which, Stub had suddenly risen. 
 
 There, to his astonishment and mortification, he 
 discovered the travellers seated as before described, 
 and the ladies worn out with fatigue, seen with their 
 heads reclining on the shoulder of each gentleman in 
 a profound sleep. 
 
 " Worse than brute ! meanest of the mean ! you 
 deserve to be scarified with the blade of the smallest 
 pen-knife stuck with splinters of the richest pine 
 and then burned to death, for your villanous pur- 
 poses and neglect of duty. Ill see to it," said the 
 Lieutenant to Buford. Then addressing the gentle- 
 men, he said :. " I am truly mortified at the orders 
 of my commander being so badly complied with, by 
 that (pointing to Buford) dog of a landlord ; while, at 
 this late hour, I claim the pleasure of extending" i ,to 
 you and the ladies under your care, with those of 
 your attendants, in tire name of my Captain, the rites 
 of hospitality now at my command:" 
 
 Thus saying, the Lieutenant requested the ladies to 
 be awakened and apprized of his wishes; which, being 
 done, the whole party were soon ushered into the ele- 
 gant apartment awhile since spoken of. 
 
 In a few minutes the gentlemen and their guides 
 23
 
 354 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERINGAY. 
 
 partook of a glass of fine Jamaica spirits and water, 
 and, at the solicitation of the gallant Lieutenant, the 
 ladies pledged them in a glass of fine old Maderia. 
 Next came a well served as palatable supper, which 
 when over, the ladies, at the order given by the Lieu- 
 tenant to the wife of Buford, retired from and entered 
 a carpeted, well fitted-up and comfortable room for 
 the night; when, for a like period, our gentlemen 
 and their attendants occupied fine beds in one of the 
 Lieutenant's rooms, while he slept in the adjoining one. 
 The following day, and after a repetition of the like 
 hospitality shown them by the gallant stranger at the 
 " Take-in House," our travellers were soon on their 
 peaceful way again to the town of ********** } where 
 they arrived at about ten o'clock on the night of that 
 day. 
 
 CHAPTEE XL. 
 
 Like satellites moving around their more effulgent orbits; the wealthy 
 man has many sycophnntic as lip-service friends, who, in adversity, run 
 from him as if he were a pestilence; hence, if Holy Writ be true, 
 wealth makes many friends in this, while poverty secures an unerring 
 one in the next world. 
 
 THE ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT, 
 
 THE town of ****** was, at the time of which we 
 are speaking, limited with regard to the number of its 
 inhabitants, and considerably so, as is the case else- 
 where, in this kind of virtue, dictating the propriety of 
 each attending to their own and letting that of the bust-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 355 
 
 ness of their neighbors alone. The true lady and the 
 true gentlemen will ever do so, and it is that in fact, 
 which so eminently distinguishes them from the pry, 
 the gossip and the slanderer. 
 
 On the night of their arrival at" the town spoken of, 
 our party stopped at the " Eagle Hotel," a house much 
 celebrated for politeness and attention shown to stran- 
 gers. There a spacious and comfortable apartment 
 was immediately furnished the ladies, and the gentle- 
 men were not neglected in a like particular. 
 
 " Mistress," said a female servant, who, after attend- 
 ing to the ringing of a bell, returned forthwith to her, 
 " I don't know what kind of people them ladies are, 
 they won't speak, but make signs- to me that I can't 
 understand." 
 
 The good-natured dame taking from their resting- 
 place of service, a pair of gold-framed spectacles, and 
 wiping them with a clean linen handkerchief, put 
 them into a case made of like material, placed it in 
 a work basket, and rising from her chair, herself 
 and the servant soon found their way into the ladies' 
 apartment. 
 
 Upon entering the room that courtesy, ever the 
 attendant of the well-educated and polished of both 
 sexes, was displayed in the manner and deportment 
 of the strangers, who immediately rising from their 
 seats, as the old lady entered, one presented a chair, 
 and made signs for her to* be seated, which was done, 
 and alongside of the lady who had offered the 
 chair. 
 
 After some moments spent in that sort of confusion 
 usual with those entering the presence of strangers, 
 and whose manners are a little above that sphere to
 
 356 THE IIEIKESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 which the less polished are accustomed ; our lady of 
 the Eagle Hotel, thinking that her guests might be 
 hard of hearing, put her mouth to the ear of the lady, 
 and elevating her voice to a pitch at which it had not 
 been before, nor since, perhaps, bawled out, " My ser- 
 vant has told me that you make signs to her which 
 she can't understand the meaning of. I have thought 
 you deaf and dumb ; have come to satisfy myself of 
 it, and to know if I can understand what you want?" 
 A like indifference to- the old lady's expressions 
 were manifested to that before of the servants. 
 
 
 
 ' What's wanting, ladies?" And after an additional 
 sign given and not comprehended, Susan, going to 
 her valise, took from it her note book, and returning, 
 wrote, 
 
 " We are both incapable from circumstances, of 
 conveying our ideas by articulation, or that of hear- 
 ing. Can you convey your communications on paper, 
 Madam ? if so, I will converse with you in writing. 
 
 The old lady being minus of that strength of the 
 eye which had attended her occulars in years past, 
 immediately thrust one hand into her pocket, then 
 recollecting herself, dispatched Katy for her specta- 
 cles. They were soon at hand, when taking the book 
 upon her lap, and laying it open upon a snow-white 
 linen apron, covering the front part of a black silk 
 gown, by the light of a candle that the servant had 
 placed on a table near the ladies, the first thing she 
 wrote, seemingly in the goodness of her heart, was, 
 
 " What a pity that two such fine-looking ladies as 
 you are should be deaf and dumb." 
 
 In a few minutes afterwards the requests of the 
 ladies were complied with. Among other items of
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 357 
 
 the prying order was an attempt made by the hostess 
 to know the names of the ladies. " Where they were 
 from ? Where going ? What their object ? And who 
 the young men were attending them?" 
 
 After reading the questions put to her, Susan 
 placed her right fore-finger across her ruby lips, while 
 her eyes mildly resting upon those of the old lady 
 through her spectacles, conveyed the sign of, "That 
 is no one's business but those it belongs to." 
 
 In a few moments our hostess of the " Eagle Hotel" 
 left the apartment, and soon our ladies retired to that 
 of which they were not only much in need, but 
 which they were considerably indisposed for, the want 
 of, sleep. 
 
 The gentlemen were subjected to a like inquisitorial 
 course from their loquacious landlord, who, like one 
 of those spoken of by Mr. Jefferson in his " Notes on 
 Virginia," think it no harm, but exceedingly polite 
 and betokening the gentleman, to go through all 
 even descending into the most minute details of in- 
 quiry upon every man's business they may chance to 
 meet with. Of that class of beings was our landlord, 
 so that, strangers as they were and far from their na- 
 tive homes, there was little appearance of any thing 
 like kindness and friendship being extended to them 
 except so far only as the dollars in their possession 
 warranted the manifestation of. 
 
 Misfortunes are rarely, if ever, singled-handed. The 
 indisposition of the ladies increased, and for several 
 days compelled to undergo medical treatment, they 
 were unable to leave their beds, and thus deprived of 
 that invaluable requisite to pleasure, health. Were 
 among strangers, much in want of that kind of society
 
 358 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 confidential, so peculiarly necessary in their then situa- 
 tions. 
 
 Attentions are often disagreeable as painful ; and 
 of that class were those shown our ladies by their 
 hostess, who, when she was even in what she thought 
 benevolent acts towards the strangers, would often 
 place them in a fever from her annoying written 
 inquiries, as much as to say, " The laborer is worthy 
 of his hire," and my charge for services rendered, is 
 to know who you are ? What you are ? Where you 
 are from ? Where going ? And what your business 
 here? Added to that, was whether they would or 
 would not have them ? their room was, at the special 
 request of the hostess, usually crowded by their 
 own sex, more -from idle curiosity than - an intrinsic 
 good, whose remarks of, and comments upon the deaf 
 and dumb were as distinctly heard as understood by 
 those who had taken upon themselves that appear- 
 ance, which, at the time we are speaking of, was a 
 blessing in disguise, as it relieved our strangers of 
 the trouble of replying to idle as unmeaning inquiry. 
 
 Like the north-west wind on a winter's night, 
 passes through the crevices of every poor man's house, 
 the news of the two deaf and dumb female strangers, 
 accompanied by two equally strange men, with two 
 white servants, was soon in the mouths of gossips 
 seen industriously travelling the little town in every 
 direction, to give the occurrence publicity. Knowing 
 nothing of them but that they were strangers, the 
 ladies were traduced and spoken of in all sorts of 
 ways. And for what ? Merely because they did not 
 think fit to inform that class of beings, more busy 
 with the affairs of others than that of their own, who
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 359 
 
 they were? Where they came from? "What their 
 business, and where they were going ? 
 
 The celebrated " Take-in House" from which our 
 travellers had a few days before made a fortunate as 
 lucky escape, was even more tolerable with them than 
 was now their condition at the more fashionable, and 
 certainly more comfortable " Eagle Hotel." 
 
 The time, however, was then fast approaching,, 
 when every thing so desirable to be known, should 
 be, in spite of all the precautions made use of by o,ur 
 party, developed for the use and benefit of the various 
 mental appetites of that order of beings of both sexes, 
 of which we have been speaking. 
 
 It is easy to bear prosperity, because it floats, as it 
 were, upon the breeze, and is constantly studded by 
 countless millions ready to bow with equivalents to 
 devotion at the shrine of those who have arrived at 
 the possession of wealth I While adversity is like the 
 gates of Gaza would be upon the shoulders of a 
 modern Sampson, hard to carry ! Hence it is, that 
 we see so many towering intellects giving way to the 
 influence of the latter, and but few, if any, to the 
 former, extending to them, however meritorious 
 and beneficial they may formerly have been, the 
 hand of aid and offer of assistance ; but, reader, excuse 
 this indulgence of thought upon what we think you 
 will say is the truth ! We have not forgotten our 
 promise to you, and will proceed. 
 
 Our ladies had now become convalescent, and the 
 purposes had in view and to be put in effect at their 
 arrival at the town of ********** were 
 being made preparations for by those whose proper 
 business it was to have them performed.
 
 360 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 The gentlemen had ventured it, and so they had 
 found it to be, on speaking to a reverend gentleman 
 of the village ; 
 
 One who, like themselves, attending to his own, 
 Left that of the business of others alone, 
 
 and moreover, a man of few words, still tongue and a 
 good heart ! That gentleman was to make his appear- 
 ance at the hotel at eight o'clock on the following even- 
 ing, for, reader, as we have on a former occasion said, 
 we need not tell you what. 
 
 The night preceding that looked-for happy event, 
 two gentlemen, strangers, arrived in the town, and 
 describing the fugitive party to a man they had 
 spoken to in the street, found the description given, 
 to be the strangers at the "Eagle Hotel." At this 
 they asked the man for and were conducted to another 
 house called " The Comfortable." 
 
 It was now nine o'clock at night, and the landlord 
 being apprized by the strangers of their business, the 
 sheriff, who lived a few doors distant, was sent for, and 
 was soon at their command. . 
 
 The following morning, just after they had break- 
 fasted, thrown their cloaks round them, and. on the 
 piazza with a view of taking a walk, the sheriff and 
 his deputy being in their rear, stepped to where they 
 were, and tapping Lawrence and Hyne at one and the 
 same time upon the shoulders of each, proclaimed them 
 prisoners, upon the warrant issued by our celebrated 
 limb of the law, formerly spoken of, and immediately 
 divested them of a brace of small pistols, found in the 
 breast-pockets of their dress-coats. That done, they
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 361 
 
 were forthwith taken to a lawyer's office near, where 
 two justices of the peace presided on their cases. 
 
 At that time, one of the young " Millers," accompa- 
 nied by Standly made their appearance in the presence 
 of the court, alleging upon oath, as authorized repre- 
 sentatives of Urnsden, the crimes committed by the 
 accused of having unlawfully taken from his house and 
 protection, and retaining the same in their possession, 
 his two daughters, Ellen and Susan ; praying the court 
 to take such steps in the cases before it, as the law made 
 and provided in such offences justified it in doing. 
 
 Upon that occasion, among other proofs offered 
 upon the alleged outrage, was the letter, already before 
 my readers, of 24th of January, which was read and 
 admitted by the court as evidence against the accused. 
 
 After some warmth on the. part of the prosecution 
 and no one to be procured by/ee, nor out of humanity, 
 on the parts of the defence, the offence was adjudged 
 a breach of trust, and of course a bailable one, in 
 default of which the offenders were committed, with 
 the additional instructions of the court, that they should 
 be taken under a sufficient guard, and at a short sub- 
 sequent period, to the jail of the county, in which the 
 offence had been committed, for trial. 
 
 At judgment being pronounced, and after a fruitless 
 attempt to procure bail in the enormous sum of ten 
 thousand dollars each, for the appearance at the court 
 of the county spoken of, our young gentlemen made 
 application and an appeal to the generosity of Standly, 
 who their fathers had started in business in the city 
 of New York, and who had then become wealthy, to 
 join them and some others, at his own instance, in a 
 bail-bond. Judas-like, Stnndly betrayed the confi-
 
 362 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY. 
 
 dence of his benefactors! suffered their sons to be 
 imprisoned and at that time told them that their 
 conduct had long since dropped them from the ties of 
 parental affection. 
 
 At the moment Standly had finished his ungrateful 
 reply, and at a time when it had brought upon the 
 young men the look from every direction of sneering 
 contempt and abusive remarks, the reverend gentle- 
 man who was that evening to have consummated the 
 happiness of his stranger friend, and had heard from 
 the foul aspersions of babbling gossips the dilemma 
 in which his young and but limited acquaintance had 
 been placed, entered the court-room. 
 
 With that pre-eminence of soul ever so eminently 
 portraying the line of distinction between the vir- 
 tuously good and the grovelling of human nature, he 
 asked of the court "The amount of bail required?" 
 
 On being told it, he asked, "Can I be allowed to 
 confer privately with the two accused?" 
 
 The Court replied, " that that could not be per- 
 mitted but in presence of an officer. In a few 
 moments he, accompanied by the young gentlemen 
 and the sheriff, entered an adjoining room. 
 
 Unceremonious, and with that cordiality of feeling 
 and expression natural to the truly friendly, address- 
 ing Laurence and Hyne, the clergyman said : 
 
 " From what I have heard, I felt a. desire to satisfy 
 myself in, and finding you, as reported to be, arrested, 
 in trouble, and without friends, have come to offer 
 anything within my reach and control, serving your 
 present as urgent wants.'' 
 
 The gentlemen expressed as they felt their grati- 
 tude for the exhibit in the Parson of man's most
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIS, GAY. 363 
 
 brilliant gem, benevolence, and in a few moments the 
 conversation became general between them upon the 
 subject of procuring bail, and the release of the 
 young gentlemen from prison. Many suggestions 
 were made, but which, upon analysis were found 
 inadequate to the purposes in view. The clergyman 
 was in possession of a sufficiency of that class of funds 
 amply requisite to insure for himself an inheritance 
 in that " bourne from which no traveller returns," 
 but with regard to the kind required in the present 
 emergency gold and silver lie was weighed and found 
 wanting. 
 
 In the continuation of the Parson's remarks, he 
 said : " I have heard it stated that your fathers are 
 merchants in the City of New York ; if so, there are 
 gentlemen of that profession here who purchase their 
 goods there, and some among them may be creditors 
 of the house of ' Laurence & Hyne ;' that being the 
 case, they may be prevailed upon to become your 
 bondsmen." 
 
 " Your kindness, sir," returned Laurence, " is what 
 we could neither have looked for nor expected, and 
 at such an hour as the present one is to us, is calcu- 
 lated under the extremes, of want and friendship, to 
 rivet for you our highest sense of gratitude and 
 determined intent, if ever the time may arrive to 
 reciprocate it." 
 
 " The present," replied the doctor of souls, " is not 
 the time to speak of reciprocity, but one wherein ' the 
 word must be suited to the action, and the action to 
 the word.' " 
 
 Here the names of the merchants of the village were 
 called over, when, at the mention of the firm of Long
 
 364 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 & Buford, the gloom that had so densely settled upon 
 the countenances of the prisoners, was quickly dis- 
 pelled, and their eyes sparkling under the influence 
 of the lucid ray of hope then passing in their imagina- 
 tion. At one and the same moment, both making use 
 of the same expression, said to the clergyman, 
 
 " You have hit it." 
 
 At that, Laurence requested their friend to get him 
 a sheet of paper, pen and ink. Their friend did as he 
 was requested to do, when the following letter was 
 written and signed by the young men. 
 
 " Under arrest, , Fa., February 3d, 1802. 
 
 " Messrs. LONG & BUFORD, 
 
 " GENTLEMEN, Travellers in your State for some 
 time, we have spent two months of it in one of your most 
 remote counties, where we purposed remaining till 
 the present inclement season, or, in other words, the 
 winter should give place to the more mild and pleasant 
 influence of a spring atmosphere. 
 
 " Within the period alluded to, that passion, incident 
 to all but, perhaps, the stoic, became for the first time 
 ours. Its influence being encouraged and reciprocated 
 by those we desired it should be, their hearts were 
 asked for and obtained. A promise of marriage en- 
 sued ; the application for its fulfilment to the parents 
 of the ladies, (here strangers, as we also are,) being 
 denied, an elopement was the consequence, and for 
 which we are now under arrest, to be imprisoned 
 unless we obtain bail for the alleged offence. 
 
 " Upon the principle of favors received, not from us, 
 but from our fathers we appeal to your feeling of 
 generosity, and cast ourselves upon your friendship.
 
 
 
 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 365 
 
 " Ten years since we remember to have seen both of 
 you at the mercantile house, or in other words, firm 
 of Laurence & Hyne, in the city of New York, 
 whose sons we are. At that period, you were both 
 in indigent circumstances, as well as strangers to the 
 firm, notwithstanding, you 'asked, and it was given 
 unto you.' 
 
 " An amount of ten thousand dollars was extended 
 to your credit, and by repetitions of a like nature 
 yearly, you are now, not only wealthy, but men of 
 indisputable credit in the city that gave us birth. 
 
 " A knowledge of the facts instanced, have induced 
 us in the hour of distress, want and necessity, to ask 
 the loan not of your money but, of your names. 
 
 " Our worthy, and not until very recently known 
 friend as gentleman, the Eev. Mr. Clermont, has in- 
 formed us of your being in business here, and it is to 
 his friendship only, that we are gratefully indebted 
 for the conveyance of this letter to you. He is con- 
 versant with our history, and to him we refer you, till 
 we shall have the pleasure of meeting yourselves. A 
 prison may be ours to receive you in, before that 
 pleasure is ours, as our stay at the place we now are 
 is a thing entirely within the breast of the court. 
 ;t We are, dear sirs, 
 
 " Very resp'y, 
 "Yours, 
 
 " GEO. L. LAUKERCE, 
 " SAM'L L. HYNE." 
 
 " To Messrs. Long & Buford, Merchants. 
 " Present."
 
 366 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 At the reading aloud, as compelled to do, of their 
 letter, it was placed in the hands of the learned divine, 
 when the four re-entered the court-room. 
 
 It was now at a late hour, and, as was anticipated, 
 the court adjourned, and the prisoners, under control 
 of the sheriff, were taken to jail, followed there as if 
 they had committed a score of murders, by idle curi- 
 osity, in an unfeeling crowd. 
 
 The next morning, Standly and Miller, exercising 
 the prerogative vested in them, instructed the female 
 portion of our fugitive party to prepare for a depar- 
 ture from the village, and return to the home they had 
 left. On reading the decree of the court, the ladies 
 penned a request, to have an interview with the prison- 
 ers previous to the departure then ordered. That 
 request, after some hesitation between their new escort, 
 was reluctantly granted, and even then upon condition 
 that they, Miller and Standly, should be present at 
 that interview. - 
 
 The following morning to that in which the ladies 
 had received their instructions, they repaired to the 
 prison, and, as if they were also culprits, the intent 
 gaze of many of their own, as well as that of the 
 opposite sex, was fixed upon them, by 'hich to gain 
 occular supplies of gossip material. 
 
 On entering the prison, that sort most impressive of 
 all contempt viz., silent was strictly observed 
 toward Standly and Miller, while the prisoners 
 directed their whole attention to written remarks and 
 answers thereto from the ladies. 
 
 Said Ellen, in one of them: "The laws of our 
 country have succeeded in separating our persons 
 from each other, but it is beyond the reach of any
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKIoSTGAY. 367 
 
 earthly power to do so, with regard to memory. 
 This assertion time alone must, as it will, develope; 
 and, for the purpose of impressing that truth where 
 it is desired it should be stamped upon your hearts 
 for what I write Susan ratifies we claim the right 
 as the pleasure of presenting these prayer-books," 
 (holding them in her hands as Laurence read aloud,) 
 " one to yourself, the other to Mr. Hyne as memen- 
 tos of the givers." 
 
 Here two elegant, well-bound, and gold-edged 
 pocket prayer-books, were placed in the hand of 
 each gentleman ; and, in the next moment, Laurence, 
 taking her note-book and pencil from Ellen, wrote as 
 follows : 
 
 " Ladies, by you these books are given, 
 To guide us in our paths to Heaven ; 
 Now, next to it, in earthly bliss, 
 Are those whose hands have given this." 
 
 Then: 
 
 " Farewell, dear maids, yet, where'er we be, 
 Our thoughts shall fondly be fixed on thee 
 One hour of absence to our bosoms prove, 
 No partings short, to they who truly love ' 
 
 In a little time after Laurence had finished writing, 
 the adieu was given, and the creaking of the massive 
 doors, as they turned upon their hinges, announcing 
 the signal of separation, the bolts within the locks 
 confirmed it ; when each one, engaged in thought, was 
 again surveying, in silence, the return journey of the 
 absent. 
 
 The morning following the interview spoken of, and
 
 368 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 after an early breakfast, more to avoid the gratification 
 of tattling, than their own physical appetites, our 
 ladies set out for that home which they had some 
 days before left, in the manner and under circum- 
 stances with which my readers are already familiar; 
 but not with that pleasure and tranquillity of mind, 
 attended by the accusers of their lovers, that they 
 would have felt, had those they loved, and had left 
 behind them, been present. 
 
 To loathe those who are present, and to love them 
 who are absent, are two direct opposites, as they are 
 powerfully operative principles in the human bosom. 
 Hence, it. may be. inferred that the time occupied by 
 the ladies in their return home, was to them particu- 
 larly disagreeable, as their elopement had been 
 fraught with the most elevated hopes, as, desire of 
 happiness. 
 
 The days had now moved with all their slowly mea- 
 sured passings, upon fondly anticipated relief, and the 
 fourteenth one gradually giving its light through the 
 iron-bound gratings of their prison windows, when 
 still no appearance of, nor intelligence from Long & 
 Bufort had been seen or heard of. That, however, 
 was not Clermont's fault, but those of whom he had 
 been iti search, and waiting the hourly expected re- 
 turn of both, from a business transaction in the coun- 
 try, at some distance from town. 
 
 On the morning of the fourteenth day of the im- 
 prisonment, Clermont repaired to the counting-room 
 of Messrs. Long & Bufort, and finding them both in 
 and disengaged, presented the letter of his two friends, 
 after some preliminary remarks. 
 
 The letter was read by both a few moments were
 
 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 369 
 
 spent in that kind of silent indifference, usually dis- 
 played upon the countenances of those with whom 
 avarice becomes a god, friendship but a name, grati- 
 tude a crime, and distress a scorn. 
 
 Clermont was too good a judge of mankind to be 
 mistaken in the appearance of Long & Buford, to then 
 suppose for a moment that the appeal of his friends to 
 them for relief would be granted, and waiting till the 
 merchants (to verify the remark contained in Holy 
 Writ,) " Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth 
 speaketh," would do so, he was much mortified to 
 hear Long say, " We will not do it." 
 
 Here every argument in his power to effect a. 
 change in the iron cased decision he had just heard, 
 was urged by Clermont ; but to those he was speaking, 
 his persuasive as impressive language was of no more 
 use than the attempt to create fire upon ice, by the 
 application of water. 
 
 " Then, gentlemen," continued Clermont, "you will 
 for the sake of politeness, if from no other motive, 
 answer the letter of the unfortunate applicants to your 
 generosity, whereby to afford some sort of relief from 
 the mortification of mind I feel, as their friend, at 
 your refusal of aid in this, their time of distress and 
 appeal to you for assistance." 
 
 " The answer to their letter, sir, will cost us but 
 little trouble, compared with the unpleasantness we 
 experience in listening to the warmth with which you 
 advocate the cause of your prisoner friends, and here," 
 continued Long, "let me inform you that it is only 
 out of the respect entertained for their friend, that 
 their letter would be at all noticed. It shall be 
 answered." 
 
 21
 
 370 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 " Now and by me ?" asked the Clergyman. 
 
 " Yes," was the cold reply and in a few moments 
 after the following was written arid signed by our 
 merchants : 
 
 " Fetfy 17, 1802. 
 
 "To MESSRS. GEO. L. LAURENCE, ) 
 " SAML. L. HYNE : j 
 
 "Your letter under date the 3d instant, was handed 
 us this morning by your friend, the Eev. Clermont. 
 You are frank in the intelligence of your being so- 
 journers jn our State of your attachments your 
 elopement with the objects of your affection of your 
 arrest for offence of your being compelled to impri- 
 sonment, unless bail can be procured ; and then, after 
 calling our attention to the kindness, it is true, of 
 your fathers to us, you ask our interference in your 
 case, so far as to be your bondsmen. In reply to all 
 of which you have apprized us, there is one thing 
 only, we think proper to notice and that is, our 
 opinions are that your love affairs have not been 
 conducted with any regard to propriety, nor with that 
 of sound discretion ; consequently, the obligations of 
 which you remind us to your fathers, are not of such 
 natures as to induce us to become your bail ; the result 
 of which might be, the furnishing of the means for 
 you to do worse instead of better. 
 
 " For the sake of the respect due to your fathers, 
 we deprecate your condition, but no help can be 
 afforded you by " JAMES LONG. 
 
 " EGBERT BUFORD."
 
 THE HEIRESSES OP FOTIIERIXGAY. 371 
 
 "And is this the reward of kindness bestowed?" 
 said Clermont, after he had read, and yet holding in 
 his hand the folded and then opened frigid epistle of 
 the purse proud animals, who had now become in- 
 different to the obligations due as payable to their 
 benefactors. 
 
 "It is not our practice nor is it our business nor 
 have we even the inclination if time did permit it, to 
 spend in argument upon what you have just asked 
 us," resumed Long, "and the earlier you leave us 
 now, the like earlier you- will be enabled to visit the 
 detected fugitives, and to tell them, that we will not 
 interfere to save them from any portion of the punish- 
 ment their imprudence dictates the suffering for." 
 
 " Were you a sensible man, -sir, you would not speak 
 thus to me; and the only palliation for your impu- 
 dence and ignorance is the compassion I entertain 
 for you under the influence of both," replied Cler- 
 mont. 
 
 At that the reverend gentleman, politely bowing, with- 
 drew, and in the next hour was admitted (the jailor 
 accompanying) to the presence of his two friends. 
 
 There is no analogy nearer the four legged animal, 
 the name of which can be arrived at by the ortho- 
 graphical arrangement of three letters of the alpha- 
 bet, than the man void of a sense of gratitude. The 
 body of the first is all over covered with hair and 
 bristles. Grunting, he moves; grunting, he eats, 
 drinks and sleeps ; grunting, rises from his wallow, and 
 grunting he returns to it without the least regard to 
 the condition of his fellow animal. The latter has a 
 body, likewise, susceptible of the growth of hair,
 
 372 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 with the exception of the palms of the hands and 
 soles of the feet. 
 
 When, therefore, man becomes ungrateful he is 
 only a two legged ***, and grunting out his existence 
 here, goes to a clime unknown, where he meets with 
 an increase of the amount of debt, and where he 
 learns the punishment due to the perpetrators of the 
 most base of crimes. But reader, here as elsewhere, 
 we have trespassed upon your kindness and indul- 
 gence, and again, asking your forgiveness, will pro- 
 ceed: 
 
 The interior of the prison room, in which our fugi- 
 tives were confined, presented nothing to the sight 
 nor imagination like that of comfort ; on two sides of 
 it, and projecting from the walls, were stone pillars of 
 about eighteen inches diameter and two feet high, 
 standing at equal distance of some three feet apart ; 
 these serving the purpose of seats, were barely 
 touched by hanging chains, suspended from large 
 iron bolts and rings, fastened in the wall. To the 
 ends of the main chains were attached smaller ones, 
 having to them manacles, for the better security of 
 capital offenders against the ought-to-be-chaste doc- 
 trines of -the law. A dim light reflected from small 
 apertures at considerable height in the prison walls, 
 was that alone by which to discriminate objects; 
 while about rnid-way of the opposite wall was a 
 small as limited excuse for the comforts of fire. At 
 one end of the room was a like miserable apology 
 for water privileges, near which sat an empty earthen 
 dish containing two knives and forks, all five of 
 which articles seemed to have been long in the duty 
 of serving criminals; and the clean dirt upon them
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 373 
 
 appeared to have been preserved as a sort of memento 
 of the distinguished service to which they had been 
 put, while upon its floor laid some three or four filthy, 
 as long-in-service, blankets ; to some, perhaps, who 
 had risen from them for the last time, before being 
 suspended between heaven and earth. 
 
 Upon those requisite as time honored servants, our 
 young strangers were reclining, at the entry into their 
 prison of their Rev. friend. At his entry the impulse 
 of thoughts upon liberty, strengthened by an im- 
 agined Herculean anchor of hope, brought them erect, 
 and seizing a hand each, of Clermont, welcomed his 
 return to them. 
 
 CHAPTER XLI. 
 
 Time and circumstances are the indelible land-marks of the acts and 
 motives of men the former to conceive, the latter to develope all that 
 nobleness of soul which his Maker designed him for or to sink aa far 
 beneath the sphere, for which intended, as he is above the rest of 
 animated nature. 
 
 " MR. JAILOR," said Laurence, after the reception 
 of Clermont by himself and Hyne, " you are sensible 
 of the fact that we have no means in our possession, 
 by which to attempt, let alone effect, our escape from 
 these walls. As for our friend, Mr. Clermont, you 
 can search him and ascertain for yourself the truth 
 . of what I say when convinced, I hope you will have 
 politeness or sense enough to know, that your presence 
 is neither agreeable nor needed here, and that the 
 turn of that key now in your hand upon those who
 
 374 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 are now before you, is sufficient to make you easy 
 with regard to your responsibilities and care neces- 
 sary to be taken of us." 
 
 At the remarks of Laurence, the stern countenance 
 of the ' turn-key" became serenely calm, and betoken- 
 ing traits of complaisance and benevolence to which 
 his inward self had been long a stranger, he said, 
 "Such men as you are and your fellow-prisoner my 
 key has never before turned upon there is a some- 
 thing in your manners and deportment above my 
 comprehension to describe, but which when seen and 
 heard, softens the heart and makes the sensible 
 stranger dear to the illiterate." Thus saying, he 
 placed the key in the lock, moved back the bolt, 
 drew the key, and soon outside, replaced and turning 
 it again, our three friends were alone together for the 
 first time since the arrest. 
 
 " The reply of that jailor to you," said Clermont to 
 Laurence, " reminds me of the remarks of Xanthippus, 
 who being asked, ' wherein the learned differed from 
 the unlearned,' replied, ' send them naked to strangers 
 and you will see.' " 
 
 " We are doubtless free? Have you brought the 
 bond already drawn up and prepared for our signa- 
 tures ?" eagerly enquired Hyne, as the three sat upon 
 a stone seat each. 
 
 " From the source you both have a right to expect, 
 as I have anticipated it there is a direct refusal, and 
 myself as well as both of you insulted," replied Cler- 
 mont. At my interview with those, whom circum- 
 stances ought to have instantly made your friends, I 
 had like to have forgotten my position in this tran- 
 sitory life and was near being provoked to do after the
 
 THE IIEIHESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 375 
 
 manner of one of the olden time, in the case of Mai- 
 chus the sword of contempt, however, is with such 
 men as Long and Buford, often better than that of 
 steel. The latter," continued Clermont, " dispatches 
 quickly, while the former, when conscience does its 
 duty, keeps ever kindled in the bosom, a kind of 
 mental hell with those who forsake their friends in 
 the hour of need. Such are they of whom I have just 
 spoken, and here (holding the letter in his hand as he 
 expressed it) is ft document that proves my words, 
 regarding the ungrateful." 
 
 Here Clermont, placing the letter in the hands of 
 those to whom it belonged, its contents were soon 
 scanned by the prisoners, with that sort of feeling 
 engendering scorn, contempt and pity. The first, for 
 comment upon their love affairs ; the next, for dupli- 
 city; and the last, for the want of soul manifested by 
 its authors. 
 
 In a little time, it was determined upon to answer 
 Long & Buford's letter, and, after some persuasion, 
 Clermont was prevailed upon to be the bearer of it to 
 the house of Long & Buford. 
 
 "Gentlemen," said Clermont, "I assure you that 
 nothing but the esteem I entertain for you would 
 induce me to meet, on business again, the clowns of 
 whom we have not improperly been speaking; and 
 let it be here perfectly understood, that it is for your 
 sakes alone that I consent to and will do so." 
 
 At the consent sought for, Laurence, striking the 
 prison door with a hand-cuff chain that reached it, the 
 jailor soon entered, and being requested, furnished the 
 prisoners with a make-shift for a small table, providing 
 them also with pen, ink and paper, and a candle ; then
 
 376 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIEEINGAY. 
 
 withdrawing from their presence, the key was again 
 turned, when the following was written : 
 
 "Prison of , Virginia, FeVy 17, 1802. 
 
 " Messrs. LONG & BUFORD, 
 
 "GENTLEMEN, Yours of this date, in answer to 
 ours of the 3d instant, is before us, and were it not for 
 the feelings ever entertained by us of honor, and that 
 urging in the most imperative terms the defence of 
 ourselves and of our. acts, against the aspersions of 
 the illiberal and unjust, we would disdain to answer 
 an epistle coming from the source or its like elsewhere, 
 that yours has to us. 
 
 " Bead that you may see ! and reflect well upon it 
 as emanating from us, in order that you may know 
 (if it offends) to whom you may look for redress. 
 
 " And know, also, that though a prison now confines 
 us, it will not always be so, and that we shall at some 
 future time see you. 
 
 " To become offended at your refusal to befriend us, 
 would be a direct tax upon good sense, and annoyance 
 to that which we profess to be gentlemen the re- 
 verse of which appears prominently shown by you in 
 meddling with that with which you have no business, 
 and for the performance of by us, you have thought 
 proper to predicate your refusal upon to aid us. 
 
 " Could we have been otherwise than frank in our 
 letter to you? it would have been a breach of honor, 
 and a subversion of that integrity that ought to sus- 
 tain a gentleman under all circumstances ; ^ but to 
 speak of this to you, and such as you are, is like the 
 throwing of ' pearls before swine.' 
 
 M Upon the subject of reciprocal favor and friend-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 377 
 
 ship returned, with you it is like a wrecked vessel 
 upon the boisterous ocean, which becoming cairn, 
 seems forgetful, as it were, of its turmoiled waves, as 
 destructive waves that had pervaded it. You have 
 been served, but to the offspring of those by whom 
 you have become so there is a direct denial. The 
 excuse offered by you for this is too base for com- 
 ment, and too low for further notice as in your 
 remarks the lie is indelibly prefixed to an impress of 
 which you ought to be ashamed. 
 
 " He who presents this is our unchanged friend, the 
 throb of whose heart in sincerity is what makes the 
 difference between himself and you. His feelings 
 have been injured in our behalf by you. Do so no 
 more ! but treat him with, if you know what it is, 
 respect ; or rely upon it that you account for the re- 
 verse to 
 
 " G-EO. L. LAURENCE, 
 "SAM. L. HYNE." 
 
 Our prisoners had scarcely finished and read the 
 contents of their letter to Clermont, ere their atten- 
 tion was drawn to the creaking of the massive iron- 
 grated door as it turned upon its hinges. In a little 
 time was heard a key applied to the lock from the 
 outside of the inner-door, when the jailor, accompanied 
 by Mercer, the keeper of the Eagle Hotel, entered their 
 apartment. The former of the two making, what he, 
 in his civilities shown, had long been a stranger to, a 
 polite bow to our prisoners, and addressing them said, 
 "It is not my wish to interrupt the private interview 
 between you and Mr. Clermont, gentlemen, especially 
 when I am convinced neither one nor the other of
 
 378 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAT. 
 
 you three would do any thing in that privacy which 
 would endanger my responsibility as a public officer, 
 nor the confidence I repose in you as gentlemen. 
 And," continued the jailor, " why I have done so on 
 the present occasion is, the urgent necessity to see you 
 expressed to me by Mr. Mercer." 
 
 "You are complimentary, Mr. Jailor," returned 
 Laurence; "and let me, as a stranger, inform you 
 that the unexpected display of civility shown by you 
 has, but in one solitary exception, and that is Mr. 
 Clermont and family, caused a lenity from myself 
 and my fellow-prisoner towards the citizens of this 
 village, similar to that shown by One of old, in the 
 case of Lot, and the little city of Zoar ; and what that 
 is with us, I shall leave it with you and your fellow- 
 citizens to guess at." 
 
 " What is your business with us ?" turning to 
 Mercer, continued Laurence. 
 
 Mercer being in the hearing of the remarks that 
 had just been made by Laurence to the jailor, and 
 knowing that he stood implicated among others in 
 the village, when impertinent curiosity and a love of 
 meddling had rendered them a bore to the impri- 
 soned strangers, exhibiting some confusion, at length 
 replied : 
 
 " I have come to see you about a man who stopped 
 at my house last evening. He is, as I believe, crazy, 
 but sometimes speaks sensibly. Your servants," 
 continued Mercer, "that came here with you, and 
 whom you discharged the other day, and told to go 
 hbme, he calls his sons. He inquired where they 
 were, and when I told him they had gone home, 
 said, ' Where are the gentlemen they came with ?'
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 379 
 
 I replied, ' They are in prison.' At that he sat for 
 some moments silent, with his eyes intently fixed 
 upon the carpet on the floor of his room, then, as it 
 were, recollecting himself, he said : ' Prisons are 
 made for transgressors, but it is not always the case 
 that those who deserve them most get there.' On 
 asking him if he knew you, he replied, 'It is a 
 pleasure to know gentlemen, but often attended with 
 great inconvenience to know those who are not so.' 
 His manners and actions," said the hotel-keeper, 
 " have excited a good deal of curiosity among those 
 who have seen him; -and his harmless ways create 
 sport for the people of the village," continued 
 Mercer, as his broad mouth, in a half-sneering grin, 
 exposed a something, more like a poor man's lease, 
 than feelings of sympathy. 
 
 "Ah, indeed!" replied Laurence; "then mirth, at 
 the expense of the unfortunate, is among the chief 
 excellencies of your town, I perceive." 
 
 Mercer felt the depth of the cut, as intended, and 
 in a few moments, recovering from his embarrassment, 
 added : 
 
 "From what I can understand from his discon- 
 nected sentences, the Maniac wishes to see you two 
 gentlemen ; and I have come to know if his presence 
 would be agreable to you." 
 
 " You are kind, Mr. Mercer; it certainly would be; 
 and if the unfortunate desires it, please, by permis- 
 sion of Mr. Jailor, conduct him here," continued 
 Laurence. 
 
 Here the Jailor and Mercer withdrew, and the three 
 friends were again alone. 
 
 " I wonder what has brought that Maniac here, and
 
 380 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 
 
 what thought impelled it, in a moment of rationality 
 with him, to inquire for his sons, and then express a 
 wish to see us ?" 
 
 " Whatever it may be, it is a something more for 
 your fruitful thought and indulgent mode of deci- 
 phering, Sam," said Laurence; "for my inclination is 
 still extremely limited, and, indeed, more so now 
 than on a former occasion, to say anything to him." 
 
 " But, George," said Hyne, " you forget yourself. 
 Did not everything turn out beyond our most remote 
 thoughts, for our benefit, at the time you allude to ? 
 And would it not, on the present occasion, be wise 
 for us to pay strict attention to what he may, in his 
 mixture of delirium and sense, have to say ?" 
 
 " Perhaps so," replied Laurence. 
 
 " Gentlemen, your private matters make me an in 
 truder ; and it is my place to leave you, and attend to 
 the delivery of your letter, if you will fold and direct 
 it," said Clairmont, as he rose from his seat, and was 
 advancing to give the door a rap, calling the attention 
 of the jailor. 
 
 " Not so quickly,", replied Laurence. " Please re- 
 sume your seat, it is yourself, sir, from whom the 
 smallest share of civility would ever 'be grateful to our 
 feelings ; and the high-toned friendship shown us by, 
 and since our acquaintance with you, renders you 
 not only worthy of, but welcome with us to know, all 
 the past, present and future, of pleasure and difficul- 
 ties, directly or indirectly, incident to us." 
 
 Laurence had scarcely given this earnest of their 
 mutual esteem for the clergyman, 'ere the clatter of 
 the keys within the door locks, announced the ap- 
 proach of the jailor when, in the next moment, him-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEEINGAY. 381 
 
 self, the landlord, and the Maniac, were in the presence 
 of the prisoners and their reverend friend. 
 
 After a few moments of profound silence, Hyne, 
 addressing himself to the jailor, said, 
 
 " If, sir, you have satisfied yourself that this man 
 has nothing about his person, serving as aids to our 
 escape from your custody, it is our wish to be alone 
 with him, with the exception of that gentleman, 
 (pointing to Clermont,) when yours and Mr. Mercer's 
 absence, will be another proof of the kindness you 
 have extended to us." 
 
 The jailor very kindly, as readily, acceded to the 
 request made ; but the landlord, full of that curiosity 
 with which the meddlesome are impregnated, said to 
 Hyne, 
 
 " I am curious to know what this man's business is 
 with you and your fellow prisoner, and must insist 
 upon hearing it." 
 
 Hyne looked at the animal for a moment, and said, 
 with a collected degree of cool contempt, " Whatever 
 may be your curiosity and your fortified reasons upon 
 it, to hear what this man may say to us, sir, are both 
 at our option to allow or refuse; the latter is most 
 agreeable to us you will please withdraw." 
 
 Little acquainted with politeness, the landlord could 
 understand but one thing, and that was the indignant 
 look of Hyne, when, in the next moment, the jailor 
 and Mercer were locked out, while the three strangers 
 and Clairmont remained within the prison. 
 
 To be marred in our affections, consequent upon 
 breaches of faith and confidence reposed, is often pro- 
 ductive of irreparable ills ; and to be imprisoned be- 
 cause we love, is another strange feature in (using part
 
 382 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 of the poet's remark) the "inhumanity of man !" You 
 have seen it even, so here recorded, and if, reader, the 
 future events relative to the imprisoned and those who 
 are free, as spoken of in this work, with all of which 
 we have endeavored to amuse, can continue to interest 
 you, for your sake we will say more in the next, while 
 we ask leave, with due deference to your permission, 
 here to close the present chapter. 
 
 CHAPTER XLII. 
 
 The incidents of life, unknown but as they appear on trial, are the things 
 by which man is proven deservedly great, or meanly low. 
 
 DURING the converse between Hyne, the Jailor, and 
 Mercer, the Maniac appeared indifferent to passing 
 events ; while, as he sat upon one of the pillars of stone 
 spoken of, he took hold, then letting them go again, 
 of the chains and hand-cuff near him ; and occasion- 
 ally, with a perfect appearance of void in the expression 
 of countenance and perturbed eye, would survey 
 everything in the prison; he seemed to watch, with 
 an intensity of look, the key-hole of its door. 
 
 As Laurence said, the task was Hyne's, to glean by 
 interrogation what might chance to fall, of sense, from 
 the Maniac, and accordingly Hyne ventured the 
 attempt. 
 
 " We are glad to see you friend," said Hyne. 
 
 " Friend, friend ! ah ! yes, that word means a con- 
 fidential," replied the Maniac. 
 
 " Did you wish to see us ? " continued Hyne.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 383 
 
 "Wish," replied the stranger, "Yes, you may 
 wish and you may be gratified. " 
 
 Here the Maniac was for some time silent, and 
 taking the chain and handcuff again in his hand 
 seemed absorbed in thought, while, with a wild gaze, 
 his eyes were fixed upon those before him. 
 
 " You will be out-generalled now, Sam, " said Lau- 
 rence, "as you seem not to have hit the proper cue, 
 to whatever of sense from this man might chance to 
 be a reply to your questions. " 
 
 " It is not good to be desponding as long as there 
 is hope. .1 shall try it again, " replied Hyne. 
 
 "I am of your opinion, Mr. Laurence, " said Cler- 
 mont, " and have ever thought that of all the condi- 
 tions, incident to man, that of settled insanity is the 
 most horrid." 
 
 " Horrid !" instantly replied the Maniac, as he fixed 
 his eyes intently upon Clermont, and as he let go the 
 articles he had hold of. 
 
 For some, time the stranger was left in his (if it 
 may be so called in him) reverie, while a brief account 
 was being given by Laurence to their friend of his and 
 Hyne's love affairs cause of their elopement with 
 the ladies, and of their unfortunate arrest for it. 
 
 At the mention of the name of Sligo, as if nature 
 in its towering influence upon parental affection had 
 in the benighted mind of idiotism ordered it, the Ma- 
 niac seemed immediately sensible of what was being 
 said, and in reply to that part of the remarks of Lau- 
 rence " those young men are our friends," quickly ob- 
 served "yes, and what has become of them?" 
 
 " Of whom," interrupted Laurence. 
 
 " My sons," was the reply.
 
 384 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 Here, without waiting for the response of Hyne, 
 the stranger continued: "The ills of life set heavy 
 upon all, and as one of the victims of such, I feel 
 thankful for intermediate moments of rationality, in 
 which to think and speak sense, and to perform the 
 duties entrusted to my care. You say," continued 
 the stranger, " my sons are your friends; so am I, but 
 of me, as yet, you know little, and of that little will 
 presently know more." Then continuing, he said : 
 " Where are my sons now." 
 
 On being told that they had left a few days since 
 for their home, he added; "It is well, I know their 
 duties, and where they have gone, events there will 
 prove them still more your friends." 
 
 A short interval of silence here ensued, when the 
 stranger again said to Hyne, "Am I in the presence 
 of one whom you and Mr. Laurence know to be your 
 confidant, and who can be intrusted in hearing what 
 I am instructed and wish now to say to you ?" 
 
 " Do you mean this gentleman ?" pointing to Cler- 
 mont, as he said so, asked Hyne. 
 
 " The same," continued the stranger. 
 
 " What you may say to Mr. Laurence and myself is 
 equally safe in his keeping, as it will be in ours," con- 
 tinued Hyne. 
 
 " Assured of that, I have complied with the first 
 part of my promise to those who are absent, and for 
 whose sake and yours, I am now before you," returned 
 the stranger. 
 
 In ecstacies at the success of Hyne, in his several 
 attempts at hitting upon points, from which to derive 
 a sensible series of communications of the stranger, 
 Laurence gave Hyne no time to frame other leading
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 885 
 
 remarks to further discoveries, and addressing the 
 stranger immediately, said, 
 
 " What, sir, is the other part of the promise of which 
 you have just spoken ?" 
 
 " I need not say more than what I have just said, 
 till that which I have for you, may (if at all) make it 
 necessary to do," replied the stranger. 
 
 The cloak spoken of in a former part of this work, 
 was the outer covering of his person at the time of the 
 stranger's interview with Laurence and Hyne in the 
 prison of ********** ? and there taking it off, a like 
 process was observed with his hunting-shirt the ma- 
 terial of which is also familiar to the mind of my 
 readers. When he had taken the latter from his per- 
 son, a large knife that occupied a black leather scab- 
 bard, attached to the inside of the left breast of his 
 vest, was drawn with it, the stranger, commenced cut- 
 ing some stitches in the lining of his hunting-shirt, 
 immediately -in a line with that portion of it covered, 
 when fastened, by the dressed bear-skin belt, that 
 buckled round his bodies. 
 
 In a little time was drawn out a sealed package. 
 
 " Here," said the stranger, as he presented it to 
 Laurence, " is what has given me much concern for 
 the safe delivery of; and which, with you, may serve 
 as a fulfilment of my second promise, as also satis- 
 faction to the question asked me a few moments since." 
 
 Upon breaking the seal, and opening the envelope, 
 it was found to contain two letters one from the City 
 of New York the other from Fotheringay. 
 
 It is human nature to attend first, amid the affairs of 
 life, to that which most interests you ; and in the inci- 
 dents now being unfolded to my readers, and particu- 
 
 25
 
 386 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 larly the fair portion of them, the gentlemen to whom 
 they were addressed, are excusable for reading first 
 the following one : 
 
 " Fotheringay, I2th FeVy, 1802. 
 
 " GENTLEMEN, Your faithful guides have returned, 
 and just in time, in conjunction with our efforts, to do 
 you another signal favor. 
 
 " From the date of this you perceive also that we 
 are at ' the mansion.' 
 
 "Our fastidious attendants played the escort, but 
 never can have the credit from us due, gentlemen for 
 bringing us home. 
 
 " Everything here since our return seems to wear 
 the appearance of dark design, intrigue and suspicion. 
 But few direct signs, nor even written communications 
 have been given to, or passed with us, yet looks and 
 actions, are, as we suppose, forebodings of approach- 
 ing ill. 
 
 "By a note from a lady friend of ours, and of 
 course of yours, though unknown to you, we learn 
 of the perfidy of Standly. He has boasted of the 
 overthrow by him of your anticipated happiness, and 
 further, that he has, and intends still to do, intercepted 
 all the letters of your fathers to you, so long as you 
 remain in the "West. 
 
 "Feeling indignant at such treachery as black un- 
 gratefulness, we have assumed the province, thinking 
 it in accordance with your approvals to attempt the 
 thwarting, as far as possible, of Standly's designs. 
 Accordingly, we wrote to one of your late guides, 
 the day after the receipt of the note alluded to, and 
 through its author, requesting him, without delay, to
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 387 
 
 go and get from the post-office (if any) the letters that 
 might be for either one or the other of you. That 
 trust has been faithfully complied with, and the letter 
 herewith inclosed is the result. 
 
 "The unfortunate whose first appearance before 
 you was in the library, is he to whom this and that 
 letter are confided for safe keeping, as sure delivery. 
 One of his sons i& now waiting for this at a memo- 
 rable spot with you and us, the "pine thicket," and 
 where he will receive it, at one o'clock to-night, from 
 the hands of faithful Sanco, from ever yours, 
 
 "ELLEN, 
 " SUSAN." 
 "Messrs Laurence and Hyne, Prison of , Va." 
 
 After the prisoners had read the letter of the 
 ladies, they handed it open to Clermont, without a 
 single comment, and while he was engaged in the 
 reading 'of it, they opened and read the other one, 
 containing the following communication to them : ' 
 
 " City of New York, January 20th, 1802. 
 
 "DEAR SIR 
 
 " The appearance (we cannot say truth) of neglect 
 in you, upon, what ought to be your duty to write 
 often, is more excusable than in that of Mr. Standly 
 as from him, business, if not the incidents of your 
 visit to the West, would impel it. 
 
 " The last, and the only letter, for aught we know, 
 was dated 3d inst., from a house among the mountains, 
 at which you had arrived a day or two before, and 
 where you spoke of remaining until spring. 
 
 " A letter from Mr. Standly, a few days subsequent, 
 confirmed that, and since which we have heard from
 
 388 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 neither one or the other of you three, although 
 writing weekly, as we have done, and directing to the 
 post-office of , to the care of a Mr. Melvin. 
 
 "The present, however, is no time to conclude 
 upon your faults, nor to lecture you (if so) for their 
 commission, but to speak of business, and of the im- 
 perative necessity of your immediate attention to it. 
 
 " The house of Enslow & Berker here, has over- 
 reached itself, and has failed for a very large amount. 
 In their wreck, they have made an assignment, and it 
 has so happened that among others to whom we have 
 been friendly, and for whom ' the milk of human 
 kindness' has run too freely in the assistance of from 
 us, by them we are likely to be sufferers. 
 
 " The acceptance of the enclosed drafts, upon notes 
 negotiable and payable in Richmond, Ya., by the 
 firm of Long & Buford, due the house of Enslow & 
 Berker, in an amount of twenty thousand dollars, is 
 what we call your direct attention to. 
 
 " You are well aware of our kindness and gene- 
 rosity to Messrs. Long & Buford, and will doubtless 
 endorse "'bur opinions of their reciprocity, and prompt 
 as satisfactory arrangement of the affair before you 
 for our benefit. See these gentlemen, and make such 
 arrangements with them as, in your judgments, may 
 be most conducive to securing of the debt, indepen- 
 dent of their own account current with us 
 
 In haste, your affectionate fathers, 
 
 " JAMES LAUREXCE, 
 " SAMUEL HYJSTE." 
 
 " To Messrs G. L. Laurence and Samuel L. Hyne." 
 
 " Here," said Laurence, after he and Hyne had
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 389 
 
 given the letter of their fathers' a second reading, -and 
 as he handed it also open to Clermont for perusal, "is 
 another striking instance of the mutability of human life. 
 
 " A few days since," he continued, " we were denied 
 by those ingrates the rights of reciprocal friendship. 
 What now, I wonder, will be their plea against the 
 authority in us vested of measure for measure." 
 
 The conversation soon became general between the 
 prisoners and their Kev. friend, relative to the disclo- 
 sures, with which he had now become familiar, while 
 the stranger occasionally spoken to, made judicious as 
 well adapted remarks upon plans then being devised 
 with intent of purpose. In a little time, the letter to 
 Long & Buford was spoken of, and after reviewing 
 this letter as far as written, a postscript was agreed 
 upon, when the following one was added : 
 
 "P. S. Since writing the above, we have been 
 honored by the receipt of a letter from the firm of 
 Laurence & Hyne, in the language and over the 
 signatures' of our revered parents, which, perhaps, in 
 unison with your wanton as well as unjust and illiberal 
 criticisms upon affairs appertaining to ourselves alone, 
 and with which you have no business further than 
 allowed ; you may be inclined to discredit the truth 
 of. It is in relation to a debt due by you to the firm 
 of Enslow & Baker, of New York; the amount of 
 which by assignment is made payable to Laurence & 
 Hyne. The security of its payment by you to them, is 
 made by authority, our business and duty to attend to. 
 
 "G. L. L. 
 "S. L. H." 
 
 The letter to Long & Buford had not been sealed
 
 390 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 before the signal, as heretofore mentioned at the door 
 of the prison for entry, was heard, when in the next 
 moment the jailor entered, accompanied by one, to 
 him, and to all present, a stranger, except the Maniac. 
 
 The keeper of the prison had not forgotten the im- 
 pressive remarks of Laurence to him on the subject 
 of politeness, and as soon as he had ushered the stran- 
 ger to the presence of the prisoners, politely bowing, 
 retired, and locking the door, left Laurence and Hyne 
 to an uninterrupted interview with the (as yet to 
 them) unknown. 
 
 " For the unceremonious appearance before you of 
 a stranger, as I am, there is no other apology within 
 my reach to offer you, gentlemen, but that arising out 
 of feelings of indignity upon persecution, and the de- 
 sire entertained of lending my aid to the unfortunate 
 in distress prompts me to. Myself a traveller," con- 
 tinued the gentleman, " yesterday night overtook me 
 at this village, and stopping at the ' Eagle Hotel,' I 
 learned from casual remarks the excitement your ar- 
 rest and imprisonment have created here. Among 
 other matters gleaned from the talk of those around 
 me, (for amongst them I was a silent listener) was a 
 knowledge of that man's (pointing to the Maniac) liv- 
 ing here ; and want of discretion and prudence, with 
 which those who were present spoke of his misfor- 
 tunes, and the representation of the degrees of High 
 Heaven passed upon man ! I know this man," con- 
 tinued the gentleman, " and have also a limited, yet 
 so far as it is so, very commendatory knowledge of 
 what and who Messrs. Laurence and Hyne are." 
 
 " The practice of the things you speak of, sir," said 
 Clermont, "is proverbial with the weak-minded only,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 391 
 
 who by the sensible are more objects of pity than that 
 of scorn." 
 
 There is a something in the expression of sincerity, 
 especially when accompanied by an air of benevo- 
 lence, that begets confidence, and admits to it in 
 others, those who are so. In a little time an exchange 
 of remarks and comment were being passed between 
 the four sane, and the one insane, gentlemen of the 
 prison. 
 
 To a question put to him by Laurence, the gentle- 
 man replied. " I respectfully claim the right, for rea- 
 sons which may hereafter be explained, to refuse 
 giving my name ; and in doing so, wish not to be un- 
 derstood as being any less ready or willing to perform 
 you a service than I would be were you to know at 
 present who I am and from whence I have come. 
 From what you have spoken since my appearance 
 within these walls, you seem to be in want of counsel, 
 and from the manner in which you have been treated 
 here, would suppose you much at a loss for legal as- 
 sistance in the prosecution of the claim of your and 
 the father of Mr. Hyne against Long & Buford. 
 " You are not aware of it, and here let me inform 
 you," continued the gentleman, " that I profess to bo 
 an attorney at law, and that any assistance I can give 
 to either or both of you, is at your command." 
 
 Thus assured by the gentleman, an immediate 
 declaration of acknowledged favor was tendered him 
 by the prisoners, and in a little time the notes and 
 drafts upon, and letter to, Long & Buford, were being 
 placed in the hands of Clermqnt, with an understand- 
 ing on the part of the stranger, to go with and be
 
 392 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 present, but not to be introduced to them, at the inter- 
 view of Clermont with the merchants. 
 
 That arrangement had scarcely been entered into 
 before the re-entry of the Jailor accompanied by Mer- 
 cer and the sheriff. The latter informed the prisoners 
 that he could give them but three more days, from 
 the then present one, to arrange whatever of prospects 
 they might be in possession of relative to their release 
 from prison by bail, otherwise that he should be com- 
 pelled to take them, as ordered, to the prison of the 
 county in which the offence had been committed. 
 
 "We have now no prospect of procuring bail, sir," 
 replied Hyne, "but some other business to arrange 
 which we hope by the time you have just fixed upon, 
 to have had accomplished, when we will be ready to 
 obey you." 
 
 When Hyne had answered the sheriff's respectful 
 remark, our landlord of the " Eagle Hotel," said, " It 
 is now my time to speak. I have come to know," 
 said he to Hyne, " how I am to get the amount -of my 
 bill? Whether to swear out a writ of attachment 
 against you as criminals, and levy upon- your horses 
 and baggage, or if you will give me a proof of you* 
 intention to settle my claim without that trouble." 
 
 "Why in such an ill humor, Mr. Mercer?" cooly 
 replied Hyne. 
 
 "It is enough to put any one in a passion, sir," re- 
 plied Mercer, "when such men as you are come 
 amongst honest people, such as I am, and everybody 
 else is here ; and then for you to put up at the Eagle, 
 and disgrace my house by being taken from it under 
 arrest, for committing of a crime that no honest man 
 would think of, will take me and my family a long
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 
 
 time to outlive the remembrance of in the minds of 
 our neighbors. Besides, sir," continued the would- 
 be-non-such, landlord, " you ordered me out of this 
 room when I came here the other day with, to know 
 what that madman would have to say." 
 
 "Ah 1 well then, it is because we ordered you out, 
 as you say, that makes you fearful of losing your bill 
 against us," said Hyne. 
 
 " Why, yes," replied Mercer, " that is one reason, 
 that I do not think such men as you are, ought to be 
 trusted." 
 
 " You are quite plain in your reasons," said Hyne, 
 " smiling as he spoke at the ignorant audacity of the 
 man. We may, perhaps, relieve you of one of your 
 troubles, while it would still be, if a like occurrence 
 was now passing, as was the other day, impossible 
 to gratify you in the other. We will see to all this, 
 and for the present," continued Hyne, addressing the 
 Jailor, " you will please show Mr. Mercer his place of 
 exit." 
 
 The animal became furious at the gentlemanly, yet 
 piercing close of the remarks of Hyne, and being 
 obliged to walk in quick time, the next moment 
 found the prisoners and their respected guests again 
 alone. 
 
 The stranger kindly took it upon himself to see 
 that this Maniac should be protected against insult ; 
 that he should not be made a source of amusement 
 and ridicule by others, and that he should be ren- 
 dered comfortable as well taken care of. After which 
 arrangement, the Jailor was again knocked for, and 
 our prisoners left to themselves. 
 
 Aided by one, of whom he knew nothing, save that
 
 394 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 requisite to passport, which, above all others, require 
 less surety for a gentleman, Clermont, in company 
 of the stranger, was at an early hour the next day, at 
 the counting-room of Long & Buford, and knowing no 
 name by which to introduce the stranger, further 
 than that to which he was entitled gentleman it 
 was performed by the divine with that etiquette be- 
 coming one. In return for which, he was received 
 with but little above the most ordinary of civilities, 
 and if a distinction can be described between the 
 two the stranger less so. 
 
 On presenting the letter to Long, he said to Cler- 
 mont, " If this document, sir, is from the same source 
 as the one you handed us yesterday was, you have 
 spent your time idly, and your friendship to a bad 
 purpose, while, on our parts, it will be returned to 
 you unopened." 
 
 "It is from the source you speak of, and this gen- 
 tleman having something to do with part of its con- 
 tents, I would advise you to open and read it," replied 
 Clermont. 
 
 With a sort of shallow brained dignity, resembling 
 that of the peacock on raising its tail, " All are not 
 gentlemen who have the appearance of such," said 
 Long. 
 
 "True," replied Clermont, " or otherwise we would 
 not be bothered on this occasion with the mere dress 
 of one. But," continued the clergyman, " this is an 
 unnecessary consumption of time, and I must be 
 plain. Will you read this letter ?" 
 
 " No," replied Long. 
 
 "The word 'no,'" said the stranger with an easy 
 and graceful air, yet determinedly settled counten-
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY. 395 
 
 ance, " is often repented the use as well as consequen- 
 ces of, and the negative of the opinion just now ex- 
 pressed by you, that I may not be a gentleman, you 
 may place in the affirmative before that part of the 
 business with which I am connected in that letter is 
 done with between you, Mr. Buford and me." 
 
 Here the stranger, taking the letter from the hand 
 of Clermont, said to him : "Come, sir, the present 
 meeting is dissolved, let us return to my room." 
 Then turning to Long, and at the same time laying 
 the letter upon his table, he said : " Kead that without 
 delay, and when you will have done so, come to No. 
 15, at the Eagle Hotel, where I shall be and expect 
 you at eleven . o'clock to-day." Thus saying, the 
 stranger and Clermont withdrew, leaving the mer- 
 chants to reflect and decide upon what course they 
 would take, in an occurrence so unusual, to those who 
 had fancied themselves as giving tone to the more 
 intelligent, better hearts, yet lighter purse of the com- 
 munity of the village and its-vicinity. 
 
 "That man seems authoritative," said Long, as the 
 stranger and Clermont left the store door. 
 
 " It may be better," replied Buford, " for you to 
 change your mind and to read wTiat those imprisoned 
 lovers may have written to us now. And," continued 
 Buford, "with regard to their ministerial upstart, we 
 can notice or not notice him, as we may determine 
 upon what he has said may require." 
 
 " It is better to humor than to be played with by 
 fools," returned Long, as he was in the act of breaking 
 the seal of the letter, that in the next moment he was 
 reading aloud to Buford. 
 
 After the letter of the "criminals" had passed a
 
 896 THE HEIEESSES OF POTHERING AY. 
 
 second reading, it was laid open upon the table before 
 them, and each one of the merchants, with the thumb 
 of the right hand pressed against the temple, the first 
 and second finger supporting the forehead, the elbow 
 on the table, and arm erect, remained for some time 
 silent, with their eyes intently fixed upon the harm- 
 less paper, but earnest of the sentiments written upon 
 it. 
 
 An intervention of profound silence for some 
 minutes ensued, when Long, rising from his chair and 
 traversing the room, said, " "We are ruined ! Why 
 have we been so presumptive and ungrateful, as to 
 deny the assistance asked for, to the sons of our bene- 
 factors ? Had we not have done so, it would have 
 operated as a respite against this unforeseen as unex- 
 pected blight to future success. We are out of the 
 reach of favor," continued Long, " because that already 
 bestowed upon us, has been basely abused and shame- 
 fully remembered." 
 
 At the close of the relenting and self-reproof re- 
 marks of Long, Mercer entered the counting-room. 
 
 With all that action as expression -so often seen in 
 those who ape the manners and customs of others, 
 and who, like automatons, move only as they are 
 moved, our host of the Eagle Hotel, said, "I have just 
 heard of it, and like the way you answered and treated 
 our imprisoned lovers, in their application to you to 
 go their security in bail. Now don't you think it 
 would be better for me to attach their horses for the 
 payment of my bill ? If I don't," continued the vapor- 
 souled animal, " it will never be paid, for they are poor 
 and can do nothing" 
 
 "Your troubles concerning the prisoners are small
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 397 
 
 compared with those of ours, commensurate with their 
 appearance here. Go home," continued Long, " and 
 when you see, treat them, and all about them, with 
 marked politeness and attention. Fail not! as you 
 respect me and what I say ; for they," continued he, 
 " have it in their power to make us, and many here, 
 live at the sign of the ' Case is altered.' " 
 
 The merchants being changed in their sentiments 
 toward the prisoners, from, their fear of approaching 
 events, so was Mercer " like master, like man" seen 
 following in their wake. For the former as criterions, 
 the latter was, after the manner of the larger, as male 
 of the duck species, seen nodding approval. But we 
 must on, lest the approaching conclusion of our efforts 
 to interest, may or may not have been gained for us in 
 our allusions to and comments upon humam life, as it 
 was and still is. 
 
 The hour had arrived, and punctual to the impera- 
 tive directions of the stranger, both of our merchants 
 were announced at, and entered his apartment. 
 
 The manners and deportment of the stranger wore 
 an easy, graceful and dignified appearance, which, 
 united to a suavity dissipating restraint, rendered all 
 who approached him free and unreserved. 
 
 Our merchants, as is very natural to men of busi- 
 ness and especially where that business is of such a 
 nature as involves integrity, honor, profit, or loss, as 
 was then theirs were not long, in spite of the stran- 
 ger's general, as interesting, remarks upon the country, 
 its then advantages, facilities, and early incidents with 
 which its history was connected, before they brought 
 to his notice and consideration the matters with which
 
 398 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEE1XGAY. 
 
 they were directly connected, and that have already 
 appeared before my readers. 
 
 They attempted an apology for, and upon the seven- 
 mile boot stride, with which the merchants, it will be 
 borne in mind, had trodden under foot, as it were, the 
 recollection of favors received, and from it the coolness 
 with which they had received and treated the applica- 
 tion for release of the unfortunate sons of the mer- 
 chants, their friends in New York. 
 
 In reply to all that the stranger said, " Those are 
 matters of entire privity, gentleman, and with which 
 I have nothing directly or indirectly to do ; but which 
 ought to be spoken of and said with, and to those to 
 whom they properly belong; for there," continued the 
 stranger, " if your apologies be accepted, you will 
 have gained what I am not empowered 'to deny nor to 
 accept of. My business with you, is to receive the 
 amount due from you, or to secure its payment to 
 Laurence & Hyne, from an assignment made to 
 them for their benefit, by the house of Enslow & 
 Baker. Are you ready for, and can you now satisfy 
 the demand ?" continued the attorney, with that kind 
 of pleasant look, indicating a like share of compassion 
 as consideration. 
 
 " We are neither ready for, nor can we now satisfy 
 the demand," replied Long; "and, sir," he continued, 
 " if not allowed time to do so in, we must lose our 
 honorable standing as merchants here, and sacrifice, 
 at great loss, all we have by care and industry ac- 
 quired." 
 
 " "What you have told me," returned the stranger, 
 " is bad enough to think of, and far worse to realize. 
 Attorneys-at-law," continued the stranger, "may have
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHE1UNGAY. 399 
 
 and are justifiable as well as praiseworthy in enter- 
 taining, as exhibiting, private feelings of generosity 
 and kindness ; but in the exercise of the reposed con- 
 fidence of their clients, and the duties due them from 
 
 us, we must attend to instruction, or instructions 
 
 and the profits arising therefrom will leave us. I 
 must, therefore, proceed to the institution of a suit 
 or, if it be any accommodation to you, take mortgage 
 upon your lands, tenements, goods and chattels, of 
 which, to my personal knowledge, I am well aware 
 you are in possession, and to more," added the sA- 
 torney, "than the amount of the debt in question." 
 
 The facts, with which the attorney was conversant, 
 he being a stranger, and how, as such, they could 
 have become familiar to him, from the countenances 
 of the merchants, were matters involving mystery, as 
 rather astounding and unexpected information of to 
 them. And being still more convinced of the attor- 
 ney's earnest towards them, was for some moments 
 silent, when Long again addressing the stranger said, 
 " There is, sir, but one alternative incur present con- 
 dition left us, whereby to save our credit here, as well 
 as that it may be now and for the future, in New 
 York, and that is to be reconciled to and to give your 
 terms, in whatever of our effects we are possessed, in 
 order to procure the payment of the debt you speak, 
 and we acknowledge the justice of. If this declaration 
 on our parts is acceded to, state your terms wi$h regard 
 to the limited time allowed, and we will execute the 
 mortgage," continued Long. 
 
 " Your proposition, gentlemen," replied the attor- 
 ney, " is one I am happy to hear you speak of, 
 and one that with me and others, this affair con-
 
 400 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY 
 
 cerns, is productive of two good consequences re- 
 dounding to your credit. First, that it affords a 
 striking proof of the honesty of your intentions, and in 
 the next, that it might have a weight of influence that 
 no other course might produce upon the minds of 
 those having immediate control over the lenity asked 
 for, in point of time allowed for the liquidation of the 
 debt now hanging over you. The time you ask for, 
 and its extent, are matters in my duty to my clients, 
 that the prisoners, Mr. Laurence and Mr. Hyne, have 
 the entire option of. And for that, and the other 
 reasons of which I have just spoken, I would advise 
 your personal interview with them upon," continued 
 the attorney. 
 
 At that moment a rap was heard at the door, and 
 at the words "come in," from the stranger, Mercer 
 entered the apartment, and bowing with that sort of 
 complaisance which the* force of circumstances are 
 often seen to produce in vulgar minds, created by the 
 hope of favor, or by the lash of conscience, said to the 
 stranger, " I have come, sir, to inform you that dinner 
 is ready, and waiting your convenience ; and to ask 
 your opinion whether or no, a nice one that I have 
 prepared for them, would be accepted of, with myself 
 in attendance upon the gentlemen ?" 
 
 " To whom do you allude ?" said the stranger. 
 
 " Why, to Mr. Laurence and Mr. Hyne, sir ; they 
 are clever men, and I am mighty sorry for the bad 
 treatment they have met with here," continued 
 Mercer. 
 
 " You astonish me, Mr. Mercer," replied the stran- 
 ger. "It is not long since that I heard you pronounce 
 Mr. Laurence and Mr. Hyne to be the meanest of
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 401 
 
 men ; and now you speak of them as being not only 
 gentlemen, but as entertaining sorrow at their misfor- 
 tunes. Of the opinion you ask," continued the stran- 
 ger, " the surest way of coining at its correctness from 
 me, is for you to wait upon them with the dinner you 
 spoke of having prepared for them, and then, in per- 
 son, you will know if it is or is not acceptable, and its 
 preparer agreeable or on the contrary to them." 
 
 Here the animal confessed to the stranger that he 
 had been deceived that he had pinned, as it were, 
 his opinions to the coat sleeves of others ; and like a 
 certain reptile of the serpent order, that becomes blind 
 in the month of August, he was -too much given to 
 adopting the opinions of others, of whom he was 
 meanly fearful, -or with whom he was safe in the lap 
 of their favor to maintain independent ones of his 
 own. Such was Mercer. And as a tenant of Long & 
 Buford, by whom he was raised to what he was, (pro- 
 prietor of the " Eagle Hotel,") he aped their move- 
 ments and acted at their nod. 
 
 In a few moments the stranger, Clermont, the 
 merchants and the Maniac were seated at the dining- 
 table, where much of a display of neatness, with all 
 the variety the country afforded, was before them to 
 tempt their appetites and to gratify them, aided by 
 spirits and wines of the best order from the cellar 
 apartments of the merchants. 
 
 On the occasion Long was master of ceremonies, 
 and in the meanwhile, Mercer, excusing himself, ac- 
 companied by a servant bearing. the dinner spoken of, 
 was soon seen at double-quick time measuring his 
 steps toward the jail, with some two or three bottles 
 of wine, and as many of brandy and rum. 
 
 SO
 
 402 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 " What's out now," inquired the Jailor, as Mercer 
 came into the room nearly out of breath, saying, as 
 he entered, "Is your dinner over?" 
 
 "No," replied the Jailor, "but T am just about 
 taking the prisoners their's." 
 
 " Then I have come in time. Don't take yours, 
 but the dinner I have prepared and brought for 
 them," said Mercer. "Let me tell you" (looking at 
 the Jailor with much earnestness,) " we have all been 
 deceived in our opinions about the prisoners they 
 are gentlemen, and must be treated very well. Open 
 the door, quick, and let me in !" continued Mercer, 
 as from the beginning to the end of his remarks, he 
 spoke in rapid succession from one thing to another. 
 
 " You are much changed in your opinions now, to 
 what you was of them when these men were com- 
 mitted to my keeping," replied the Jailor, as he was 
 in the act of taking his instrument of entry from a 
 large desk that stood in his office. 
 
 " It becomes me to be so, and not only me, but 
 those upon whom I am dependent," replied Mercer. 
 
 "Ah !" said the Jailor, " then there must be some- 
 thing afloat that disturbs the minds of Long & Buford, 
 for you know," continued he, " that whatever they do, 
 you will run the risk of breaking your neck, rather 
 than not follow their example. Is it not so ?" 
 
 "Yes," returned Mercer, "and you know another 
 thing, that when men are rising in the world, they 
 almost kiss the feet of those from whom favors are 
 bestowed, and that is all right. The present," con- 
 tinued Mercer, "is a case in which we have made a 
 mistake, and I, with Messrs. Long & Buford, must
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 403 
 
 take such steps in it, as to enable us, and that quickly 
 too, to get on the right side again." 
 
 " What do you mean by the expression, right side 
 again?" inquired the Jailor. 
 
 " Why," returned Mercer, " the fathers of these 
 gentlemen are wealthy, and have sent to them, as I 
 understand, notes to a large amount, to be collected 
 of Mr. Long and Mr. Buford, and we must now treat 
 the young gentlemen well, in order to gain their 
 indulgence in the matter." 
 
 " Ah, Msrcer," replied the Jailor, as he looked him 
 sternly in the face and caught his eye faltering while 
 he spoke, " you are a weather-cock. And there are 
 many like you, too mean to be relied upon. It would 
 be nothing more than a just retribution, of the atrocity 
 now in view, and the insults you have heaped upon 
 them, if these gentlemen were to spurn you and that 
 which you offer, not out of respect, but a policy 
 founded upon base deceit. I will gratify you, if it is 
 one," continued the Jailor, " but from what I have 
 heard from the prisoners, cannot think you will be a 
 welcome visitor under any circumstances, to those 
 you have spoken of and threatened, as have been, 
 those you wish to see. For my own part," continued 
 tho Jailor, "I have repented of the folly of forming 
 opinions upon the mere say so of others ; who blind 
 to anything but envy, think it wise to make, whether 
 right or wrong, others, proselytes to such opinions." 
 
 Upon the approach of the Jailor and Mercer to the 
 door of the prison, the latter said, " Is there a table in 
 the room ?" 
 
 " Yes," replied the Jailor, "for I, convinced of my 
 errors respecting those men, have, at my own expense,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 tried to render them more comfortable than when 
 they were put there, so that when the gentlemen go 
 hence, I hope they will be impressed with the belief, 
 that every comfort in reach of my power has been 
 rendered them, and myself in the enjoyment of a 
 peaceful conscience." In the next moment, the door 
 was opened, when the keeper, Mercer and the servant, 
 were in presence of the prisoners. 
 
 Not wanting in deception and modest impudence, 
 Mercer spoke of the feelings of respect he entertained 
 for them. And with that sort of deportment ever the 
 attendant of meanness detected, begged of the gentle- 
 men to partake of a dinner he had prepared, and had 
 brought to them ; adding, " That he hoped a few bot- 
 tles of spirits and wine would also be acceptable to 
 them." 
 
 During the eulogy upon his friendship, praise of 
 his dinner, and remarks upon its accompaniment, the 
 prisoners remained silent, and when he had ceased 
 speaking, Hyne-said: "The present, sir, is not a time 
 in which we can take your word as a test of sincerity. 
 Your dinner may be what you say it is, and your 
 spirits and wine of the best quality, yet, before we can 
 partake of either, (should we do so at all,) you must 
 first taste of every article you. have brought us." 
 
 " You do not mean by that remark, that my object 
 is to poison you?" replied Mercer. 
 
 "It matters not what my meaning is, or my inten- 
 tions are, in saying what I have, and singular as it 
 may appear, we cannot partake of it at all, of your 
 hospitality, before you do as I have asked you," con- 
 tinued Hyne. 
 
 Mercer's object was thwarted, and in a few moments
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTITEKINGAY. 405 
 
 after he was seen, accompanied by his servant, bearing 
 the dinner, spirits and wine, untouched, on his way to 
 the "Eagle Hotel." 
 
 The gentlemen of that day at the Eagle Hotel, had 
 just risen from table, at which we had left them, with 
 the intention of visiting the prisoners, when Mercer 
 entered his house; and supposing that his civilities 
 had commenced a favorable impression upon the 
 minds of the prisoners, Long, Buford, the stranger, 
 and the Maniac, were soon announced by the Jailor to 
 Laurence and Hyne. 
 
 Upon entering the prison the stranger performed 
 the etiquette of introducing Long and Buford, though 
 known in .New York, to the prisoners. Whereupon 
 Long, on the part of the former, said: "At an unex- 
 pected moment gentlemen, we havp been apprised of 
 an event, equally unthought of, as unlocked for> with 
 all of which you are intimately conversant. The 
 arrangement for payment is already made with your 
 attorney, excepting the time allowed to do so in to 
 be embraced in the mortgage. And that, as we are 
 informed, being entirely at your option, we have come 
 to ask your indulgence in; at as long a time as may 
 accord with your kindness, and practicable in the 
 affair. Otherwise," continued Long, "our respecta- 
 bility and reputation are ruined our credit lost and 
 our wives and children rendered beggars." 
 
 A profound silence was observed during Long's 
 eloquent as feeling appeal for indulgence and favor, 
 and for some moments after its conclusion, our pris- 
 oners sat, as if they were not animate but sculptured 
 appearances of human form. 
 
 "By what right, gentlemen," said Laurence to Long
 
 406 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERIXGAY. 
 
 and Bufort, " do you ask indulgence and favor, in a 
 matter not ours, but in which, by direction of our 
 fathers, we are agents only, and as such feel it an im- 
 perative duty to comply with their orders." 
 
 " We ask it, sir," replied Long, " upon principles of 
 long standing friendship, and the known integrity of 
 our house to meet the demands against it." 
 
 "The last part of your remarks are well enough, and 
 highly honorable ; but the first, friendship (emphasising 
 the word) is little known, and still less practiced by 
 either one or the other of you. Else, why have we 
 been so long confined within these walls ?" returned 
 Laurence. 
 
 The direct allusion to their imprisonment, and 
 shameful deportment with which the prisoners had 
 met from them, created in the minds of the merchants, 
 that sort of acknowledged conscience lashed for dicta- 
 ting to others, what they were not in the practice of 
 themselves. And which invariably ensues, when truth, 
 like a two-edged sword, developes the "inhumanity 
 of man." 
 
 " "Were we, Mr Long," continued Laurence, " to lend 
 as deaf an ear to your request, as you and Mr. Buford 
 have done to ours ; what, I ask, would you think of 
 such as act ?" 
 
 The animal was silent, and appearing as a con- 
 demned culprit, averted his eye, that those of him who 
 was speaking should not meet it, to see what the talis- 
 man of his heart was silently, though impressively, 
 proclaiming. 
 
 "You remind me, Mr. Long," continued Laurence, 
 "of the nature of one of the feathered tribe the 
 Turkey which, becoming caught, goe? step by step
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 407 
 
 picking the grains of corn strewed in its way, till within 
 the trap, it becomes forgetful of how it got there, is 
 too vain to reflect, and too selfish to look from whence it 
 come. Of such, sir," continued Laurence, "is man! 
 Humble in indigence; but when wealthy, is forgetful 
 of those by whom aided !" 
 
 Here Long attempted an apology for his and Buford's 
 course toward the prisoners, when Laurence, with that 
 politeness bespeaking the gentleman, and pleasant 
 smile upon his countenance, stopped him, and then 
 said: 
 
 " We ask no apology on this occasion from you, 
 and if," he continued, " the sense of injustice and 
 illiberality you have shown us, is so impressive as to 
 have convinced you of your error, let its conviction 
 prompt you to do so no more. And also to reflect 
 well, and thoroughly understand the conditions of, 
 before you decide against the unfortunate." 
 
 Here the merchants rose to take their departure 
 from the prison, when Laurence requested them to 
 remain a moment in their presence, addressing the 
 attorney, said, 
 
 " You will please, in the mortgage of those gentle- 
 men given to Laurence & Hyne of New York, allow 
 any time for the payment of the debt, that you, Mr. 
 Long and Mr. Buford may conclude upon." 
 
 The day following their interview with the prisoners, 
 our merchants executed the mortgage spoken of. The 
 bill of Mercer, including those of the stranger and the 
 Maniac, was paid by Laurence & Hyne. 
 
 A handsome fee to the attorney, and complimentary 
 donation to Clermont was accepted of. A like mark 
 of esteem was handed to the Jailor for his politeness
 
 408 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 to and attention upon them, and on $ie morning fol- 
 lowing, our prisoners, under charge of the sheriff, 
 assisted by three others as a guard, set out for the 
 jail of the county in which the offence with which 
 they were charged had been committed. The sheriff 
 and one of his men having on their horses the holsters 
 and pistols of Laurence and Hyne. 
 
 Things thus arranged, our prisoners at their request 
 attended by their empowered escort, left the village at 
 an early hour for the purpose of escaping that annoy- 
 ance from idle curiosity, that so much as improperly 
 feeds the mental appetite of many. 
 
 The friends of the prisoners, Clermont, the Attor- 
 ney, and the Maniac, were cordially bidden adieu to, 
 and on arriving at the foot of ths mountains, the party 
 commenced a route designated by marks upon trees, 
 as the only one leading to their place of destination. 
 
 CIIAPTEK XLII. 
 
 Benevolence is the stepping-stone to the inheritance of Heaven ! Faith, 
 Hope and Charity are its means of entrance and their reverse Con- 
 demnation ! 
 
 THE route of Mr. Sheriff and his party, necessarily 
 led to a crossing at several places, the placid as beau- 
 tiful, though when flushed, rapid stream of Roanoke 
 river, which from the melting of the snow in the 
 mountains, had began a dispute with its banks, and 
 threatening with danger the traveller venturing its 
 fords.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 409 
 
 The departure of the prisoners from the village, 
 had now put an end to much of that sort of tea-table talk 
 among the ladies as that also of the bar and counting- 
 room, discussion among gentlemen usual on love or 
 any other affairs, that rouse to curiosity,. interest or 
 speculation, the otherwise dormant intellect of the 
 people of small towns; and it may not perhaps be im- 
 proper, here to add, large cities. 
 
 Still a smattering of what we have just spoken of 
 was yet lingering in the mind's-eye of that people. 
 For the stay of the stranger and the Maniac, and that 
 too at the " Eagle Hotel," kept curiosity afloat, and 
 gave to the minds of stick- whittlers at every corner 
 of the streets of the village, a sufficiency -to go upon, 
 and occupy their minds with. 
 
 On the day following the departure of the prisoners 
 and after Clermont, by invitation had dined with the 
 Attorney, and his unfortunate friend the Maniac, the 
 former of the two latter spoke of taking a ride, and 
 requested the Clergyman to attend to him. " I feel 
 grateful, sir," said Clermont, " for your kind invita- 
 tion, but am under the necessity of declining its ac- 
 ceptance," as with serenity of countenance betokening 
 all right within his eyes rested upon the stranger. 
 
 " Why so, sir," quickly replied the latter. 
 
 " For the best of reasons, I have no horse, nor 
 means to spare from wants, to hire one ;" replied 
 Clermont. 
 
 "If they are the only ones, the causes shall be 
 quickly obviated," returned the stranger. 
 
 Here the Attorney addressing Mercer, who had 
 profitted by the lectures recently given him, and who 
 was now rather annoying than otherwise in his polite-
 
 410 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 ness and attentions, said, u You will please have mine 
 and my room-mates' horses bridled and saddled for 
 me." In a few moments after, the Attorney and 
 Clermout were on horseback and away. 
 
 It was that hour, when the sun, in his resplendent 
 orb was bidding an adieu to the calm of the surround- 
 ing scenery which proclaims with silent reverence, 
 the Majesty of the Great I Am ! for the purpose of 
 lighting other worlds, that the Attorney and Clermont 
 were returning to the village. 
 
 On entering the main road leading to it, one of two 
 gentlemen travellers accosting them, inquiring, " How 
 far it was to the next town?" being answered, the 
 gentleman continued : " We are strangers, and will 
 feel much obliged, if you direct us to the best public- 
 house." 
 
 That was promised, and in the course of their ap- 
 proach to the town, occasional inquiries were made 
 by them, and among others, "if Clermont, or the 
 Attorney knew the mercantile house of, or were ac- 
 quainted with the firm of Long & Buford." 
 
 Being answered in the affirmative, the speaker con- 
 tinued : 
 
 " We have business with that house, and you will 
 confer another favor, gentlemen, if informed of, to 
 whom we can apply as a business attorney ?" 
 
 " You are speaking to one, who upon trial, I hope, 
 you would find of that class," returned our Attorney. 
 
 By that time the party had arrived at the Eagle, 
 and dismounting, Clermont bidding the Attorney and 
 the travellers "adieu," went home; when, in the next 
 moment, the remaining three were in the sitting- 
 parlor of the hotel.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 411 
 
 Ere the travellers had time to say, "Landlord, we 
 wish to have a room," the eyes of several were fixed 
 upon them, and even the inquisitive looks of him who, 
 above all others, ought not to have been so, were 
 mingled in that, to many, delicious beverage, too pre- 
 valent, of prying into the affairs of others and leaving 
 those of their own go unattended to. 
 
 In a short time, the adjoining apartment to that 
 occupied by the attorney and the Maniac, and which 
 opened into it by an interior door-way, was prepared 
 for and "walked into by the travellers. 
 
 After tea, and on their return to their apartment, the 
 travellers discovered the attorney and his Maniac 
 acquaintance walking in a like direction to that of 
 theirs, and halting and unlocking the next door. 
 
 " I perceive we are your neighbors," said one of the 
 travellers to the attorney. 
 
 " Yes, sir," replied the latter, " and the interior of 
 the room makes us more so, by a door opening from 
 yours into ours." 
 
 " We feel glad of that," replied the traveller, as he 
 continued : " Thinking yourself positively engaged by 
 us in the business that brought us to this country, you 
 will be quite convenient, and to whom we can have 
 access without being subjected to the gaze and com- 
 ment of the curious." 
 
 " You honor me, sir," was the reply, as the four 
 entered their respective rooms. 
 
 In a little time, a rap was heard at the inner door 
 of the travellers' room, and the words, "come in," being 
 spoken by the attorney, the door was unlocked, when 
 the travellers entered his apartment.
 
 412 TUB HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 
 
 After they became seated, one of the travellers 
 said : 
 
 " Business of some import to us, part of which lies 
 at this place, has brought us to this now ' far West.' 
 And, as business men, having but little time allowed 
 for delay, we-wish to perform it, and be off again to 
 other parts of your 'country." 
 
 Here their business was made known to the 
 attorney, and soon sociably spoken of and upon by 
 the party present. Then and there, for the first 
 intimation of it, the recent affairs that had taken 
 place in the village, and which, thus far, is all 
 familiar to the minds of my readers, was made known 
 to the travellers, At its intelligence they sat for 
 some moments absorbed in thought, till, at length, 
 one of them, accompanied by a heavy sigh, as he 
 gave utterance to it, said : 
 
 "And has it come to this? We, sir," continued 
 the traveller, "are they from whom the young men 
 you speak of have derived their exisitence. I," 
 continued the traveller, " am the father of Samuel L. 
 Hyne, and that gentleman (pointing to the other) is 
 the father of George L. Laurence, the prisoners, 
 of whose, ill fortune you have given us the intelli- 
 gence." 
 
 Surprise, from a two-fold source, was the first 
 ingredient for the action of his mind with the attor- 
 ney, when the Maniac, whose few and far between 
 remarks in rationality, speaking, said : 
 
 " Addition, substraction, multiplication and divi- 
 sion, are the rules by which arithmetical problems 
 are solved. And in many of the affairs of life, all are 
 badly as ungenerously used."
 
 THE HEIRES3E3 OF FOTHERIXGAY. 413 
 
 " Tliis man has said wisely," continued Hyne ; 
 " for in the first two rules mentioned, man in his 
 hours of ease, adds self-consequence, and often in 
 such assumption, subtracts from others the credit 
 due ; while, in doing so, he multiplies distrust, and 
 divides a shameful as corrupt spoil. Our sons have 
 been the victims of scorn and neglect from others 
 who should have been the first to offer them aid ; 
 but we will see to it, and let those upon whom 
 favors have been bestowed, and badly reciprocated, 
 know how they are weighed by us," continued Mr. 
 Hyne. 
 
 From the moment the travellers had accosted the 
 attorney and Clermont in their return ride to the 
 village, one of the former was eyed with all that 
 mental scrutiny, upon reminiscences of long-gone-by 
 years, that length of time makes it occasionally 
 difficult in arriving at positive conclusions upon. 
 And not daring to venture an effort to bring himself 
 there to the recollections of the gentleman, the 
 attorney remained in suspense upon it till the 
 travellers entered his room, and the name of Lau- 
 rence was announced. 
 
 "In the revolutions of Time's wheel there are 
 events falling from its receptacles, strange as aston- 
 ishing, and which stagger credibility. But I cannot 
 now be mistaken," said the attorney, as with a look 
 of pleasant certainty he fixed his eyes upon Laurence. 
 "Do you remember, sir," he continued, "a small 
 detachment of young men stationed near a small 
 village in the South, and at the residence of a wealthy 
 partisan of the Revolution in the struggle of our 
 country for her liberty ?"
 
 414 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 Here a reaction of long dormant recollections of 
 events alluded to, instantly rushed torrent -like to the 
 mind of Laurence, when, in the next moment, seizing 
 the hand of the attorney, he exclaimed, " Edmund 
 Miller ! is this you ?" 
 
 'Yes," returned Miller; "it is but only in part 
 of what I was then ; for Time having made indelible 
 traces in my person and appearance, you behold me 
 much changed, yet in intellect sufficiently identifying 
 to recognise my Kevolutionary companion and old 
 friend." 
 
 In the next moment an introduction to Mr. Hyne ' 
 was being given by Laurence, and then addressing 
 Miller, he said to him, " Who is this stranger you 
 have with you?" 
 
 " One," returned Miller, " who is equally your 
 friend, as he is that of your son. And in like man- 
 ner," continued Miller, " is the undeviating one of 
 Mr. Hyne and his." 
 
 Here the merchants were introduced to the Maniac 
 by Miller, saying, " Allow me the pleasure of making 
 you acquainted with Mr. Close, who, for purposes, of 
 which you will hereafter be apprized, has assumed 
 that of the character of a deranged intellect, and as a 
 Maniac has yet much to perform in the affairs with 
 which your sons are still surrounded." 
 
 After some time of profound silence in all present, 
 Laurence, raising his head from an inclined position, 
 his hand and elbow resting upon the back of his chair, 
 said, " How strange and unaccounted for, Edmund, 
 are many of the incidents of life. In the day spring 
 of youth, neither of us thought an occurrence like 
 that of the present one would ever take place. Here,
 
 THE HEIRESSES Oi' 1 FOTHERINGAY. 415 
 
 after years of separation, we have again met, and ia 
 that meeting, I behold the friend of my youth, watch- 
 ing over and faithfully attending to the defence of my 
 son, in the wrongs and indignities perpetrated against 
 him. I cannot but believe," continued Laurence, 
 " from what you have told me, that that jet-black 
 hearted creature, Standly, is at the touch-spring of all 
 this, since what you say, strongly corroborates with 
 that of his deportment, and of which we have acci- 
 dentally been apprized at, and from other sources. 
 He has not only said that Mr. Hyne and myself had 
 disowned and discarded our sons, but to effect a more 
 diabolical purpose, has reported us dead, and he in 
 direct possession of everything we own. This," con- 
 tinued Laurence, "he has done for the purpose of 
 effecting a change of sentiment, at that time, (I know 
 not whether now,) in favor of our sons with Miss 
 Antoinette Leftridge and Miss Leontine Withrow. 
 Should he be successful, two nephews of Standly are 
 the designed husbands of those young ladies, and the 
 young men to reap the benefit of their uncle's plot 
 and that, too, before anything contradictory of his 
 falsehood can be known at Fotheringay, to which 
 place they are on their route by way of Richmond. 
 We," continued Laurence, " left New York, without 
 our object and destiny being known, but to few, and 
 coming direct, are now not, I fear, very far in advance 
 of them. Our object is to get off from here as soon as 
 we shall have seen and made with Long & Buford, a 
 final settlement of all our business matters with them, 
 and then, as we are utter strangers to the routes through 
 those mountains, to procure an efficient guide to con-
 
 416 THE HEIRE.JSE3 OF FOTIIERIXGAY. 
 
 duct us through them, with as little delay as possible, 
 to Fotheringay." 
 
 "Be not alarmed," replied Miller, " Standly's vil- 
 lanous treachery will not prosper." 
 
 " And it shall not, for want of a guide, for I am at 
 your service," said Close. 
 
 The merchants requested Miller to go after break- 
 fast the next morning, to Long & Buford, asking a 
 call from them, at the " Eagle Hotel," upon Laurence 
 & Hyne ; and, it now being a late hour of the night, 
 our friends went to their beds, where it was at a still 
 later hour, before the imaginations of either became 
 willing to accede to any propositions of Morpheus. 
 
 The next morning, just as Miller was leaving his 
 room, on his mission, his two friends entered his 
 apartment, and in a moment after a rap was heard 
 at his door, followed by the presence of Clermont. 
 " Pardon me, sir," said he to the attorney, " for this 
 intrusion, I thought you and your friend were alone." 
 
 "Don't mention it," returned the attorney, "for 
 whether so or not, I shall always be glad to see you." 
 Then addressing the merchants, he said, " Gentlemen, 
 the Rev. Mr. Clermont." 
 
 Another agreeable surprise was now at hand. 
 "The Chaplain of our regiment, William Clermont?" 
 
 " Major James Laurence, 2d Infantry ! Sergeant 
 Samuel Hyne, Co. ' C.'", were the instantaneous ejacu- 
 lations of the three long separated, now met friends; 
 when the hands of each became clinched, accompanied 
 by that peculiar expression of feature, betokening the 
 brilliancy of sincere regard. Here Clermont was intro- 
 duced, in their proper characters, to the Maniac and 
 the Attorney, when the latter said,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 417 
 
 " Well, gentlemen, I will leave you, for the present, 
 in the enjoyment of that pleasure, 'true friendship,' 
 felt only among those whose hearts, like the diamond, 
 reflect one undeviating brilliancy in every position 
 and under all circumstances of life !" 
 
 In the absence of Miller, a recurrence of the vicissi- 
 tudes through which they had passed, was being 
 spoken of, until Clermont, speaking of the sons of 
 Laurence and Hyne, said, 
 
 " I was within an ace of performing the ceremony 
 of marriage between your sons and two of the choice 
 work of Almighty God's master-pieces of creation. 
 ' That which is in most apparent danger, is not always 
 followed by loss.' " 
 
 " You may do that yet," replied Laurence. 
 
 Here, reader, we will leave our army friends, in- 
 cluding Close, (for he was commanded by Col. Left- 
 ridge, and, of course, in the same regiment with the 
 others,) engaged in the pleasures of review, and ask 
 your permission, as we have done frequently, for a 
 short time to look into Miller's course, and their 
 treatment of it, in the presence of Long & Buford. 
 
 The mercantile gentlemen, so often, recently, 
 alluded to, had, as is the false custom of many, con- 
 ceived and still entertained a coolness toward Miller, 
 for no other reason than that of his having attended 
 to strictly what was his professional duty to perform. 
 
 Upon Miller's entry at their counting-room, he 
 found the merchants seated at a comfortable fire, and 
 in rather reflective than talkative moods. At his 
 appearance before them-, their countenances became 
 morose, and to Miller's salutation of, " Good morning, 
 gentlemen !" the bare shadow of common civility even
 
 418 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKIXGAY, 
 
 was not returned, nor a chair offered by either of the 
 merchants. Yet, making a virtue of necessity, es- 
 pecially where convenience dictates it, Miller put his 
 hand upon a chair within his reach, and soon locating 
 himself, became a tenant at will upon it. 
 
 The difference between clowns and the well-bred, 
 was here manifest ; and Miller, perceiving a want of 
 politeness predicated upon a want of sense, deter- 
 mined upon having it more strikingly developed in 
 the course of the business with the merchants, for the 
 second time intrusted to him. 
 
 " How is business, this morning, gentlemen ?" said 
 Miller. 
 
 " Don't know that it is any concern of lawyers to 
 inquire," replied Buford, somewhat agitated. 
 
 " Excuse me, Mr. Buford ; you seem excited, and 
 construe what intends politeness for that of rudeness. 
 What have I done to merit your spleen ?" replied 
 Miller. 
 
 " Enough, sir ; for if it had not have been for you, 
 our property would not have been mortgaged," re- 
 turned Buford. 
 
 " That's your mistake, Mr. Buford ; for if I had 
 not have been fortunate in getting the business, and 
 thereby earning a fee by my profession, some one else 
 would," calmly replied Miller. 
 
 " We could have managed it more to our interest, 
 had it been done by a man known to us," replied 
 Buford. " Besides, sir," continued he, " it has de- 
 prived us, for the present, of entering into partnership 
 with Mr. Standly and his nephews, who, he has in- 
 formed us the other day when he was here, are to be 
 married to the rich heiresses of Fotheringay, taken
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERIXGAY. 419 
 
 from the hairbrained youths, Laurence and Hyne, a 
 day or two before you came to our town, and where 
 we wish you had never come. There is, however," con- 
 tinued the vindictive animal, " one delicious consola- 
 tion left us, and that is, that those loving ladies and 
 eloping gentlemen, will, it is hoped, be sent to the 
 State Hotel, at Richmond, which they are in every 
 way qualified boarders for." 
 
 " That is a hard sentence, and may prove too harsh 
 an one, under the present state of your affairs," 
 replied Miller. 
 
 "If that remark, ' present state of affairs,' is al- 
 lusive to our embarrassments, we calculate, with no 
 fear of success, to obtain the amount from the mar- 
 riage resources I speak of, to pay the debt to Laurence 
 & Hyne. And then," continued Buford, " change 
 the mortgage to a more lenient holding, in the hands 
 of those far more liberal and generous than the house 
 you are the lawyer of have ever been to us." 
 
 " Your plans are wise ones, but should they fail in 
 maturing, will be a death blow to your air castled and 
 illiberal as unjust aspersions," coolly returned Miller. 
 " But we will change the subject a little. I have 
 come with a message requesting both of you to call 
 upon the gentlemen this morning, with me, at the 
 Eagle Hotel," continued Miller. 
 
 " What gentlemen?" said Buford. 
 
 "Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Hyne," replied Miller. 
 
 "What! are they released?" said Long, who had, 
 during the conversation between Bufbrd and Miller, 
 remained a silent listener. 
 
 "Of that you will be informed, when you see 
 them," returned Miller
 
 420 THE HEIKESSE3 OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 " Well," continued Long, " I don't know what busi- 
 ness they have with us, but we will go and see." 
 
 Here, taking their hats, cloaks and gloves, the two 
 merchants, accompanied by Miller, were measuring 
 their steps toward the hotel. 
 
 On their way to the " Eagle," the merchants met 
 with a citizen of the town, who had been present at 
 their recent difficulty already known. Seeing the 
 attorney with them, the gentleman, in a kind of smile, 
 said : " Well, Long, to use your own expression, are 
 you going to live at the sign of the ' case is altered? 
 again." 
 
 "No," he replied, "But the prisoners are here 
 again wishing to see us, and, as I suppose, they are 
 ashamed to walk in our streets, we are on our way to 
 gratify them." 
 
 A few yards further brought the merchants to the 
 hotel, and seeing no one, not even the occupant land- 
 lord, Mercer, they were soon in the presence of not 
 the prisoners but the fathers of them. 
 
 "Now you may learn what they want with you," 
 as getting two chairs, Miller, with marked politeness, 
 in his own room, requested them to take seats. 
 
 The ease with which the well bred of both sexes 
 use one of nature's best auxiliaries, of a well bal- 
 anced mind and correct heart-sMtm^/, was being in- 
 stantly shown by Mr. Laurence and Mr. Hyne ; while 
 on the other hand, consternation was visible in every 
 feature, in every nerve, in all the recesses of an un- 
 grateful heart, punctured by a conscious sense of re- 
 morse, then passing in the minds of Long and Buford. 
 
 "The appearances of that manly rectitude and 
 serenity of brow, with which, seventeen years since,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 421 
 
 you came as strangers before us and obtained from us 
 your start in business, seems now turned into wretched 
 confusion, and which, to Mr. Hyne and myself, is not 
 only surprizing but, I may add, painful. Can we do 
 anything now to release you from such appearances?" 
 said Laurence, as with a dignified composure and 
 benevolent look, his eyes were fixed upon them. 
 Then turning to Clerrnont, Mr. Laurence continued : 
 "As a shepherd of your flock you seem to have been 
 unfortunate in your ecclesiastical advices, other Avise 
 this confusion would not be the consequence of a 
 meeting with our thoroughly confided-in friends ; and 
 we, on this occasion, reminded of the forcible truth of 
 an old maxim, 'that a calm external is the certain 
 talisman of a peaceful bosom.' " 
 
 "The maxim is a correct one," returned Clermont, 
 " and I regret much its impressive recall to your mem- 
 ory, in its course upon the past and present time;'' 
 
 Without a solitary remark upon the recent treat- 
 ment of his own, or that of the son of Mr. Hyne, 
 Laurence, remembering the fact, that " the lash pre- 
 pared by oneVself foj the correction of others, is most 
 severe when applied to the chastisement of those who 
 prepare it, brought in, in his polite and gentlemanly 
 way, the subject of his settlement with them, to the 
 notice of Long and Buford. 
 
 " "We are desirous, gentlemen," contined Laurence, 
 " of closing up our businesr? and retiring from the 
 care and anxieties of a mercantile life. In which, by 
 permission of the All Wise, we have amassed a com- 
 petency for ourselves and our families. Our sons, 
 should it suit their inclinations and tastes, may follow 
 our profession ; if so, a capital of one million dollars
 
 422 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 each, is at their service. And," continued Laurence, 
 " all we have now to do iii the far advance of our 
 existence is, to settle up the outstanding debts due our 
 firm, and in the remainder of time to our credit upon 
 earth, perform the duty of Mentors to our beloved 
 children." 
 
 " Here," continued Laurence, opening a bundle of 
 papers, " are the different accounts of your purchases 
 from us, endorsed as you perceive, upon the backs of 
 each ; as to their correctness, by both, when we last 
 had the pleasure of seeing you in our city. And all 
 now necessary is, to liquidate the gross amount, or 
 secure the payment of it to us." 
 
 The chastisement, as intended, was effectual, and 
 under the security of its smart, the merchants acknow- 
 ledged their inability to meet the demand." 
 
 " Then," resumed Laurence, " there is but one alter- 
 native left you, and that is the latter of my proposals, 
 security" 
 
 The merchandise of Long & Buford, the ground on 
 which stood their store, their own residence, the tene- 
 ment occupied by Clermont, and the premises, build- 
 ings and all its appurtenances of the often-mentioned 
 " Eagle hotel," had been kept out of the mortgage 
 heretofore spoken of. And it was only those upon 
 which the payment of the current account for pur- 
 chases made by Long & Buford, of Laurence and 
 Hyne, of eight thousand dollars, were the indemni 
 ties for. 
 
 The dates to which, the work have reference were 
 not those wherein inducements for speculation on the 
 rise and rapid increase of the demand for, as price of 
 real estate ; nor the cool and keen calculating genius
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF' FOTHERINGAY. 423 
 
 discovered in their operations there, as is elsewhere 
 the case in the present day. Hence it required more 
 squares of ground in the country town here alluded 
 to, and acres by the hundred of the country surround- 
 ing it, to secure the payment of Long & Buford's debt 
 to Laurence & Hyne, than is the case in places 
 where improvement and commerce furnishes the 
 impulse to speculation. 
 
 Thus situated, the real estate of the firm of Long & 
 Buford, uncovered by the former mortgage, fell far 
 short, after the most liberal valuation allowed upon 
 it, of the debt due. And the next consideration on 
 the part of the creditors was how to arrive at proper, 
 as honorable conclusions relative to the count, and 
 disposal of the goods and merchandise of the firm. 
 
 Here Miller, the equally gentlemanly friend of both 
 parties, ventured a remark as follows: "I have no 
 right, Mr. Laurence and Mr. Hyne, to say any thing 
 contrary to your interests as your attorney ; nor do I 
 intend it. And with regard to Messrs. Long & Buford, 
 I wish them to understand me, as intending nothing 
 dishonorable, or in the least disreputable toward 
 them." 
 
 Here Miller suggested, that as the court in which it 
 could be done was then in session, that Messrs. Long 
 & Buford should confess and suffer judgment to be 
 rendered for the portion of the debt against them re- 
 maining unsecured. Then by virtue of replevin, and 
 their acknowledged right to effects, their merchandise 
 being surrendered, an account of stock could be 
 taken that invoice placed in the amount to their 
 credit, and the goods disposed of. 
 
 The proposition being agreed to, the next day the
 
 424: THE HEIKE3SES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 store of Long & Buford was closed, and an account of 
 stock being taken, assisted by their old yet illiberally 
 treated friends, Laurence & Hyne, and their attorney 
 Miller. 
 
 As is too lamentably the truth, many men falsely 
 think it infringing on their dignity, and too conde- 
 scending in the rank and title of '" lords of creation" 
 to let those whom they have solemnly constituted 
 their bosom friends for life, know any thing more of 
 their business affairs than they do a horse they would 
 bridle and saddle to carry them a mile guided by the 
 rein and propelled by the spur. "Vanity of vanities!" 
 Had nine-tenths of the men but one-half of solid rea- 
 son in the seat of sense, as there is a profusion of hair 
 upon the head and face, such shameful neglect of one 
 of Almighty God's best gifts to man Woman 
 would never be thought of; for the counsels of an af- 
 fectionate wife are cased in the most precious of all 
 gems, purity; having its origin in the fount of love, 
 ending only with life itself, 
 
 Such was the case with Long and Buford, for they 
 belonged to that class men who think a urife ought not 
 to know any thing of a husband's affairs not entitled 
 to the honors of counsel, and like the automaton, are 
 only fit to move as they are moved. 
 
 Madam Long and Madam Buford were not aware of 
 the conduct of their husbands towards young Laurence 
 and young Hyne. Nor were they informed of the 
 wreck immediately following, or of the complete ruin 
 then being accomplished in the business of their hus- 
 husbands. 
 
 The ladies of whom we are now speaking, were of 
 that order of superior intellect to which all of their sex
 
 THE HEIKE3SE3 OF FOTHERIXGAY. 425 
 
 are arrivable discountenancing the passion for news- 
 carrying and gossiping. Home was their empire; and 
 the natural diadem, studded by love and duty, were 
 the ornaments of distinction by which they were 
 known and appreciated for, among the circles in 
 which they moved. 
 
 The morning of the third day after the close of their 
 store, the inventories of the merchandise on hand of 
 the firm of Long & Buford were completed. In their 
 counting-room, the several amounts of them were 
 placed to the credit of the debtors Laurence & 
 Hyne in possession of the mortgage proposed, with 
 their goods and merchandise. Long & Buford were 
 then truly living at the sign of "the case is altered." 
 
 Like an avalanche, though if possible more terrible 
 in its fall upon the minds of thousands of the virtuous 
 fair than the idea of living among the bergs of the 
 Arctic, the news of their ruin was made known by 
 Long & Buford to their ladies, with the first intima- 
 tion of the prime cause of it their illiberal deport- 
 ment towards young Laurence and young Hyne and 
 of the fact of their fathers being then in town and at 
 the " Eagle Hotel." 
 
 A true lady is like (though known only to Him) 
 God's elect ; ever correct in manners, deportment and 
 heart. And Madames Long and Buford being 'of 
 that class of their sex of which we have just spoken, 
 determined upon casting themselves and one lovely 
 daughter each, on the compassion, regard, and sympa- 
 thy of our northern merchants. 
 
 The next morning after the disasters that had over- 
 taken Long & Buford, and after their ladies had 
 requested their appearance in company with them,
 
 426 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHERING AY. 
 
 before the New York gentlemen; but refusal, conse- 
 quent upon disturbed minds and deep sense of their 
 late ingratitude, Laurence and Hyne were preparing 
 their arrangements previous to departure. 
 
 They had sent for and Clermont being in their 
 presence, was in social glee with Miller, Close, Hyne 
 and Laurence upon the past and present events of life, 
 with the expressed views and plans of each upon the 
 checkered remainder falling in with and upon them. 
 
 In descanting upon the different conditions incident 
 to man, Laurence said " The industrious and honest 
 poor are ornaments of the sublime structure of the 
 creation, from the hands of Almighty God, while the 
 rich are fearfully accountable for the use they make 
 of their wealth. For my own part, gentlemen, I have 
 ever tried," continued Laurence, "to be humble in 
 the sight of Him who bestows and who takes away 
 at will ; and now to dispute his right to his mode of 
 doing so, blessed, not from my own merits, but by 
 the mercies of the Most High, I am in possession of 
 much of the goods, and more than a sufficiency to 
 answer mine, and purposes of mine of this world 
 and as such, think myself the humble agent only of 
 my Creator, in good works." Just as the speaker had 
 given utterance to the words, "in good works," a ser- 
 vant entered the room and said, "Four ladies ask 
 permission to see the gentlemen from New York." 
 
 " It is granted ; conduct them to this room," replied 
 Laurence. In a few moments the ladies made their 
 appearance, and possessing that which distinguished 
 them from those who are not so, a gracefulness, not 
 forced nor awkward, but with an ease striking the 
 beholder at once with respect and esteem, bowed to
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 427 
 
 Clermont, and asked an introduction to the gentlemen 
 they wished to see. That etiquette performed, and 
 the ladies being seated, Mrs. Long, addressing Lau- 
 rence and Hyne, said, " Gentlemen, we are strangers, 
 though our husbands are not, neither to you, nor to 
 your generosity. The time has come when they have 
 dishonored the former, and forfeited the latter, and in 
 doing so, have more .than probably brought upon 
 them an act from you, though, just, which renders 
 them penniless, and their wives, and those (looking at 
 the young ladies as she spoke,) pledges of their love, 
 dependents upon your clemency, your generosity, and 
 your indulgence. All this could have been averted ; 
 was not the belief a general one, that the women, 
 being the weaker of the two sexes, are thereby not 
 worthy of being consulted with on matters of business 
 in which their husbands ate engaged. And now, 
 sirs," continued Madame Long, "in the extreme 
 alternative between abject poverty, and fondly 
 cherished faith, hope and charity, in behalf of our 
 husbands, ourselves and our children, we ask your 
 forgiveness of the wrongs done you, and trial of con- 
 fidence reposed once more." 
 
 Here that auxilliary to the effective force of vir- 
 tuous woman's appeal, instantly gushed from the just 
 before brilliantly expressive, but now bathed eyes of 
 Madame Long added to from those of Mrs.Buford, 
 joined in with by hers and the daughter of the 
 speaker. 
 
 The appeal of the ladies was unexpected, as it was 
 a new crisis in the business transaction with Long & 
 Buford. And for some time after its penetrating 
 delivery, the ladies and gentlemen were mute, as if
 
 428 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 
 
 the power of articulated reply had become paralysed. 
 At length recovering from the reflective mood into 
 which he and the gentlemen present had been thrown, 
 and its result to be shown in one way or another, by 
 him and Hyne, Laurence replied to Mrs. Long, as 
 follows: "Madam, I, and I bolieve Mr. Hyne, are 
 ever open to the appeals of suffering humanity, and 
 if I may not be thought vain in the expression in- 
 calculably so, when those appeals proceed from the 
 virtuous of your sex. Though a matter of great 
 astonishment, as well as, sorrow, the intelligence of 
 the late treatment of our sons from Messrs. Long & 
 Buford, was to us, Mr. Hyne and me, determined not 
 even to advert to it in any way at the time of our 
 settlement with them, nor ever after ; consequently, 
 had hoped to leave without anything transpiring to 
 break that intention and emanating from any here. But 
 your appearance, and the appeal made to our gene- 
 rosity has altered my own, and I expect, purpose of 
 Mr. Hyne. Yet, madam," continued Laurence, " what- 
 ever purpose that may be, we will, for the present, 
 with great deference to you both, decline taking any 
 course in, until Mr. Long and Mr. Buford with you, 
 and your children are with us, and in presence of 
 those now here." 
 
 In a few moments after the reply of Mr. Laurence, 
 and at their own proposal to do so, the ladies left the 
 apartment, with a view of bringing Mr. Long and Mr. 
 Buford into the presence of our New York merchants. 
 
 " Well, gentlemen," said Hyne, as the elder and 
 junior ladies left the door, " we know not what a day 
 may bring forth, in however calculating we may be, 
 amid the affairs of life. Yesterday, in the settlement
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 429 
 
 of the house of Laurence & Hyne with that of Long 
 & Buford, no other thought upon the further inter- 
 course of the two houses occupied my mind, but that 
 of a fixed resolution to have done with all future busi- 
 ness, or even social matters, with those who, in the 
 hour of distress, and want of a friend in it, could so 
 coolly as deliberately become treacherous to kindness 
 bestowed, and ingrates to those by whom conferred. 
 I repeat it," continued Hyne, " that those were my 
 thoughts ; but after hearing the appeal to Mr. Laurence 
 and me, of those ladies who are more so as such, than 
 their husbands are meritorious as men my mind is 
 changed. Not, however, to befriend Long & Buford 
 again, but to benefit their ladies and their children." 
 
 " I had thought as much while occasionally looking 
 at you, during the remarks made by Madam Long," 
 replied Clermont. 
 
 " And so did I, for it reminded me of many similar 
 expressions of countenance in acts of benevolence 
 done by Colonel Leftridge and Major Laurence to the 
 officers and private soldiers of the old 2nd Regiment 
 infantry, Virginia line, of the army of the Revolution," 
 said Close. 
 
 " We feel indebted to you, Mr. Close, for the com- 
 pliment, in speaking of things long passed, the recall 
 of which produces no remorse while living, nor wreck 
 of faith when the events of this cease, and another 
 world opens upon the immortal man" 
 
 " What," said Laurence to Hyne, as he finished his 
 remarks, " is the course you would recommend in the 
 affair now before us ?" 
 
 " That, sir, which you may conclude upon, will be 
 acceded to by me," replied Hyne.
 
 430 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 Just at that moment the room door was re-opened, 
 and the four ladies, accompanied by the late merchants 
 of the town of ********** were again in the presence 
 of those whose names are now familiar to our readers, 
 when another example of marked politeness was being 
 shown, and so much so as to have effected, to a con- 
 siderable extent, their object, in dissipating confusion 
 in the minds of their late respected friends, and pre- 
 paring their minds for what they had come there to 
 hear and know performed. 
 
 " Gentlemen," said Laurence to Long & Buford, " in 
 the settlement lately had with you, and even before it 
 took place, Mr. Hyne and myself were in possession 
 of the treatment with which our sons had "met from 
 you, in the time of their distress and need of aid. We 
 had determined no advert to it whatever to you, but 
 to let its recollection remain with us, as a lasting and 
 striking example of that want of gratitude so often 
 met with in the intercourse of man with man. Your 
 ladies, however, have altered somewhat in us that 
 intention towards you ; and it is to them, not us, that 
 your gratitude, if you possess any, is due, for what 
 we now in imitation of that august Power, and Au- 
 thor of all greatness intend returning, a good for an 
 evil performed by you. In furtherance of OUT inten- 
 tion, sirs, it is proper here to state, that we cannot 
 execute it severally without your permission, as sanc- 
 tion. And here suffer me to add," continued Laurence, 
 " that, if agreeable, we will cancel the debt you have 
 recently settled by mortgage of eight thousand dollars, 
 and restore to you the goods and merchandise in our 
 possession, provided you give to us deeds to the pro- 
 perty now occupied by Mr. Clermont, and the ground
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 431 
 
 and tenements of the ' Eagle Hotel,' occupied now by 
 Mr. Mercer, with two other conditions to those I have 
 named : First, that you will allow us to settle upon 
 your ladies, by deeds or gifts, all the real and personal 
 estate covered in the mortgage, with the exception of 
 the properties just spoken of; and lastly, that you will 
 allow us to present to Madam Long and Madam Bu- 
 ford, letters of credit to an amount of two thousand 
 five hundred dollars each, made payable by them to us, 
 or our order, at some future time specified." 
 
 Here thankfulness in its purity of gratitude was 
 being instantly shown by the ladies, and that inward 
 conviction which is at last the only salutary corrective 
 of vice. The condescension of the great I Am in 
 righting that which he had made pure, but which from 
 forgetfulness of duty becomes corrupt, was also shown 
 in the deportment of our late merchants, who acknow- 
 ledging their ungratefulness became forgiven but never 
 forgotten by their wronged friends. 
 
 The cancel, transfer, and deeds spoken of, having 
 all been done, the next morning was fixed upon by 
 Laurence and Hyne for their departure. The day 
 of that business, and after they had dined, our four 
 friends, with Clermont added, being in Miller's room, 
 the remarks became general upon the events that had 
 taken place, when Laurence said, '' I have one more 
 object in view to perform before we leave this village 
 which may one day or another be a town of some com- 
 mercial advantages, and of course of more notoriety 
 than it now is." 
 
 " What is that ?" was the almost . simultaneous 
 interrogatory of all present. 
 
 " I am not," replied Laurence, " one of that c'asa
 
 432 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 of men who wish to wait until they are dead in order 
 to see (as an Irishman would express it) how those 
 whom they think well enough of to leave anything 
 to would use the gift and think of the giver. When 
 I am no more, I will be insensible to the affairs of 
 this life, and consequently cannot know how those 
 who may be my favorites here use what they get, at 
 my generosity, and how they speak of me. So far 
 as I can," continued Laurence, "without detriment 
 to my own. and that of the comforts of my family, 
 I want to see and know all that while in existence ; 
 and here, permit me to add, that I wish to make a 
 trial of my opinions in two now, and the third, by-and- 
 by, present." 
 
 At that moment the eyes of Close, Clermont and 
 Miller were alternately fixed upon one and the other 
 of themselves, and then upon Laurence, which Hyne 
 perceiving, said to the latter : 
 
 " In that way peculiar to yourself, sir, you have 
 excited mine as well as the attention of others, as you 
 have just said present. Excuse me for saying that 
 whatever you do, I claim a participation in. And 
 for putting the question direct, To what now, have 
 you reference?" 
 
 " To that of conferring as a gift upon him, the pro- 
 perty now occupied by Mr. Clermont; and upon Mr. 
 Close this tenement, or in other words the Eagle 
 Hotel, and appurtenances thereunto belonging, to 
 them and their heirs for ever, of (looking directly at 
 Close arid Clermont) those deserving, though poor 
 gentlemen." 
 
 " I cheerfully concur with you in sentiment and 
 feeling," said Hyne, in reply to Laurence. While
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 433 
 
 the announcement of it, and sudden surprise of Cler- 
 mont and Close refused utterance for a time to their 
 attempts at speech. In their confusion Laurence said, 
 " Nothing gentlemen, is necessary for you to say, but 
 that you accept of our marks of esteem thus mani- 
 fested towards you." Then turning to Miller, Lau- 
 rence directed him to write the deeds. 
 
 The gifts were accepted ; the cordial thanks of the 
 parties were tendered. The following morning Mercer 
 became the tenant of the Maniac, through a temporary 
 guardianship of the stranger. The Rev. Mr. Clermont 
 found himself owner of his neat cottage, and its 
 grounds. Madame Long and Madam Buford were in 
 the mercantile business, (Long and Buford, Agents) ; 
 the citizens of the village somewhat astonished, but 
 for want of knowing the true cause of appearances 
 were at a loss, to know what to begin at first, in the 
 plentiful supply of food for meddling with the business 
 of others unasked. 
 
 After they had dined, Laurence, the Attorney, Hyne 
 and the Maniac, in his sphere in other scenes of dis- 
 sembling, disappeared from the town and its inhabi- 
 tants, among whom so much had been said of matters 
 that they knew nothing of, the causes for, nor business 
 to make unjust as illiberal remarks upon, 
 day. 
 
 28
 
 434 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIII. 
 
 Merit is its own reward ! and in the distribution of its gifts, forgets not 
 those to whom credit, love, constancy and obedience are due. 
 
 WHAT next, is now to follow, you may be thinking 
 of reader. Indulge us a while longer, and we shall have 
 told you the entire of what is intended to be written 
 in this work, aimed at thus far, as in the future of it, 
 to merit your approval. 
 
 Pregnant, as was natural to them, with their now main 
 desire to get to where their sons had conceived and 
 laid the foundation of earthly bliss, where, too, base 
 fraud had been resorted to, and practised to demolish 
 it, our gentlemen from New York bent their onward 
 way through the intricate defiles of the mountains, 
 piloted by those well conversant with them. And at 
 the commencement of the second day's journey, after 
 leaving the village, Laurence and Hyne, were but with 
 one of their friends (Miller,) conducted in the route, 
 superseding the necessity of crossing the river often 
 mentioned, and which yet flush, disputed any attempt 
 to pass it. 
 
 The morning just spoken of, the Maniac bid an 
 adieu to his three friends, and with an intent of watch- 
 ing the movements of the Mr. Sheriff and his water- 
 bound party, was soon lost sight of among the 
 different turns of the mountains, and in an opposite 
 direction to that pursued by Miller. 
 
 At about sunset of the second day, after he had left 
 his friends, and when on the top of one of the spurs
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 435 
 
 of that range of mountains leading to the cabin at the 
 first crossing of the Eoanoke river, and where, too, the 
 Mr. Sheriff' and his party were detained, the sound of, 
 a bugle attracted the attention of Sligo. Halting for the 
 purpose of catching a renewal (if any) of another well- 
 known blast, and thereby ascertaining the probable 
 distance its blower might be from him, the fine ani- 
 mal he was upon put forward his small and well- 
 shaped ears, as if to say to his rider, " That sound is 
 familiar to me, for it is like that of the bugle notes of 
 Captain Nevelle." 
 
 Sligo was still, and yet intent upon his object ^ at 
 length heard the third blast of the bugle as its sound 
 reverberated amid the chasms of the lofty mountains 
 by which he was then surrounded. Here his gallant 
 steed began champing the bit and pawing the earth 
 upon which he stood with a restlessness preparatory 
 to a start, and as if to say, " Master, let me carry you 
 quick to camp." 
 
 It was indeed the signal for retreat that Sligo had 
 heard, and in the next moment, yielding to the in- 
 stinctive mettle of his horse, and slackening the reins 
 of his bridle, the noble animal in an adverse direction 
 to that first thought of by Sligo, (the cabin at the 
 crossing) was with his "rider swiftly approaching an 
 encampment well-known to both, at the foot of an- 
 other spur of the mountains, and at a narrow pass 
 leading to the bluffs commanding a view of the river 
 and cabin already mentioned. Arriving at the camp, 
 his horse extended his hitherto bowed neck, then 
 banding it again, drew down his head, as if to say, 
 " We are in the presence of Captain Nevelle and his 
 command."
 
 436 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 In advance of the execution of his premeditated 
 plans, dictated to him in his last interview with the 
 ladies at Fotheringay, this spot had been selected as 
 " head quarters" and rendezvous of his men till fur- 
 ther orders from Captain Nevelle, and, among other 
 purposes, for the express one of watching the move- 
 ments of Standly, whose treachery, too flagrant to con- 
 tain itself, had begun a development not discovered, 
 till by the ladies on their return home, under escort 
 of Standly, from the town of *#**#*****. 
 
 Part of Standly's plans are already known to our 
 readers, and a part of the remaining balance, still 
 more dark than that already spoken of, must here be 
 recited. 
 
 From the moment young Laurence and young 
 Hyne had refused any longer making a confident of 
 him, Standly formed his plan of treachery in that 
 which had been confided to his special keeping, by 
 not only the young .gentlemen but those of their 
 fathers, Mr. Laurence and Mr. Hyne. 
 
 Thus, flushed with new designs, aided by a demon- 
 like spirit, involving gain at the idea of self promo- 
 tion in ill-gotten wealth, he had, as is already known, 
 written to his nephews. Nor did his villanous pur- 
 poses stop there, for when being commissioned, by 
 the gentlemen at Fotberingay, to go in pursuit of the 
 fugitives, he resolved to make their detection an 
 effectual auxiliary to the perfecting of his plans. To 
 that purpose he pronounced falsehoods on their arrest, 
 an account of which is some- time since before our 
 readers. Subsequently to that, Standly tampered with 
 Mercer incensed the minds of Long and Buford, 
 made a similar attempt upon the mind of young
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERESTGAY. 437 
 
 Miller, in the pursuit of, and after the arrest of the 
 fugitives. 
 
 And thence, on their return home, made known 
 his suit in behalf of his nephews to Ellen and Susan. 
 The two latter spurned the indignity offered to their 
 fixed affections, and the former treated with high- 
 " toned contempt the assassin-like impudence of the 
 black hearted ingrate. 
 
 Led on by a delusive hope, even among the frowns 
 of those whose brilliancy of soul ougbt to have 
 lighted another passion within him, Stanclly resorted 
 to one more effort in the attempt of his object; and 
 that was, like the chameleon, to change his color 
 appear as the friend of the prisoners, on their way to 
 
 the jail of ; pretend a full confidence in him, 
 
 by the gentlemen at Fotheringay, and on meeting, 
 with the Mr. Sheriff and his party, to produce a letter, 
 proposing a quash of further proceedings against the 
 criminals paying fees and charges thus far incurred, 
 thereby inducing release. Arid, on their pretended 
 peaceful route with him to the home of those they 
 loved, to administer, in prepared brandy, doses of 
 slow poison, in order to bring about the appearance, 
 at least, of the natural deaths of the sons of his 
 patrons. 
 
 At Fotheringay, Standly, deep in his designs, still 
 maintained the appearance of, and moved the gentle- 
 man ; though, from the day on which he returned with 
 the ladies, the latter never admitted him to their 
 presence. Not so, however, with young Miller, for 
 him and' his brother possessed souls the. lustre of 
 which displayed a nobleness of mind too elevated to
 
 438 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 be reached by atrocity, and too independent to be 
 approached by a self-ingrate. 
 
 For several days after his return, and at the 
 " Mountain Inn," Standly was more in his room, than 
 previous to his mission, it had been his custom to be : 
 and, indeed, his deportment had become so materially 
 changed from that formerly noticed in him, that sus- 
 picions of something wrong had daily increased. 
 About the time he supposed the Sheriff would be on 
 the move with the prisoners, Standly formed an 
 excuse for a temporary absence, and soon was away, 
 no one knew where, nor upon what business. That 
 absence, as it subsequently turned out, was with the 
 hope and purpose of meeting with the Mr. Sheriff, 
 his men, and the prisoners. 
 
 Nevelle was at his post, and upon the alert 4 aided 
 by the intrepid Lieutenant Everett, whom our 
 readers may not have forgotten in the affair at the 
 " Take-in House." 
 
 Standly and his movements were more intently 
 noticed than he had any idea of. That the cabin at 
 the first crossing of the river, Mr. Sheriff and his 
 party being there the reasons for it and the location 
 at an early period after the arrest, of the encampment 
 of Captain Nevelle, will account to my readers for 
 the cause of the appearance of Sligo among his 
 known friends and fellow-gentlemen confederates. 
 
 Intent upon the success of his villanous plans, 
 Standly had managed to avoid all crossings of the 
 river, save the one at which stood the cabin, and on 
 the side that Nevelle and his party had encamped. 
 
 In that dilemma, having stopped at the hut of a 
 squatter, in view of the cabin on the opposite shore
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 439 
 
 from him, Standly watched the gradual as daily de- 
 cline of the then less enraged stream, noticing as 
 particularly as he could the egress and ingress, out 
 and in, of others and the proprietors of the cabin. 
 
 Sligo had given to the Captain, and the persons of 
 his command, a minute account of all the incidents 
 
 having transpired at the town of , and dwelt, 
 
 with no ordinary degree of eulogy, upon the gene- 
 rosity of Messrs. Laurence and Hyne to him and 
 Clermont, and alluded to intended liberality of the 
 gentlemen to Miller. But in Sligo's remarks upon 
 that occasion, upon Long & Buford, he was satirical, 
 as the former named gentlemen had been generous 
 and kind to the wives and daughters of the latter. 
 
 One evening, just before sunset, while the officers 
 and their command of bandits, were seated at a good 
 fire, in front of the tent-doorway of Nevelle, review- 
 ing, in social converse, the scenes and acts of their 
 past lives, and commenting upon those of a like 
 nature passed by others, there was seen at some dis- 
 tance a lady on horseback, and approaching their 
 encampment. Upon her nearer approach, she was 
 discovered to be the younger of the daughters of 
 Sligo, or, in other words, Miss Close. 
 
 From the respect and esteem in which his family 
 was ever held, the moment of her arrival was in- 
 stantly hailed by all with courtesy in rivalship, wel- 
 coming her to their tented quarters. 
 
 " Some unusual event, my dear Laertes, has brought 
 you here. What is it?" eagerly inquired Sligo. 
 
 Imprinting a kiss upon the old veteran's lips, his 
 lovely daughter, with an emblematic smile of inno- 
 cence and virtue, replied, "Wait, dear father, till your
 
 440 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 
 
 hungry daughter gets something to eat, (looking 
 around her and at each gentleman as she spoke,) if I 
 have even to cook it myself, and then you shall hear." 
 
 Instantly Armsdale, who was that day caterer, as 
 cook to the mess, went to their temporary though 
 plentifully supplied larder, and commenced getting 
 supper, and in doing so to prepare something extra for 
 for the comfort of their fair guest. Miss Close per- 
 ceiving it, said, " Mr. Armsdale, ladies are better cooks 
 than gentlemen are supposed to be ; on this occasion I 
 claim the pleasure of serving Capt. Nevelle and his 
 party in that capacity, with the additional one of pre- 
 siding mistress of ceremonies, while I remain at your 
 camp." 
 
 Thus saying, Miss Close politely requested Arms 
 dale to resume the seat he had vacated, and soon she 
 was employed at what ought to be one of the first re- 
 quisites of those who calculate upon being (and we 
 suppose there are few at least who do not) wives as 
 well as mothers. Not only to know how it ought to 
 be done, but if necessity may ever require it, to pre- 
 pare with their own hands a good breakfast, dinner, 
 or supper, for those they have pledged to love, to honor, 
 and to obey; for Old Time, in his record upon the events 
 of life, may blast the fairest, and shatter to atoms, smaller 
 comparatively than grains of mustard seed, the most 
 brilliant safety-valve belonging to man's precaution. 
 Then 
 
 What a woman ! An heavenly mate 
 To counsel man in his reckless career ; 
 Resigned to every incident of fate, 
 Proving him to her more dear. 
 
 Captain Nevelle relinquished the occupancy of his
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEK1NGAY. 441 
 
 tent to the use of Laertes, while he and her father 
 took quarters in the tent of Lieutenant Everett. 
 
 The chivalric souls that were encased in the fine 
 figures of those then and there encamped, were addi- 
 tionally aided by an anxious desire of knowing the 
 mission to them of their honored fair guest. And 
 while the brilliancy as sublime display of the starry 
 canopy ojf high heaven at dawn of day was yet visible, 
 Armsdale had risen from his bunk and was busily 
 employed for the double purpose of thwarting Miss 
 Close in her intentions of acting " cook at camp," and 
 to enable her to receive that repose to which the 
 fatigues of the preceding day rendered necessary for 
 her. Successful in his design, Armsdale had every- 
 thing arranged, when Sligo awoke and announced to 
 his daughter that breakfast was ready, and the Cap- 
 tain and his men were then waiting for her appear- 
 ance. 
 
 " It is a happy circumstance with you," said Nevelle, 
 smiling, after the salutations of the morning had been 
 given, and all at table, " that you have one so de- 
 votedly your friend, Miss Close, as to do duty for you 
 in the neglect of it on your part, for," continued 
 Nevelle, " under martial discipline an arrest might 
 have been the result." 
 
 " True, Captain," replied Laertes, as a blush grew 
 visible upon her cheek, " and for his gallantry on the 
 present occasion, Mr. Armsdale will doubtless not 
 refuse the reward for, at some future and more happy 
 day", for all present." 
 
 "You are kind in your double entendre of 'for all 
 present,' then I may be one of the number ?" said 
 Yancy.
 
 442 THE flEIRESSES OF FOTIIEEINGAY. 
 
 " That, I grant you," replied Laertes, " but for fur- 
 ther certainties," (looking at Yancy) " I shall refer you 
 to my sister, Dorinda." 
 
 In that zest to pleasantry, having ever a pure origin 
 in the society of ladies, passed their breakfast hour, 
 when soon after the gentlemen of the camp were seated, 
 with their fair guest in their midst, and Laertes 
 disclosed to Nevelle that with which she had been 
 entrusted. 
 
 After an advert to appearances of affairs at Fother- 
 ingay, her having left her brothers, Washington and 
 Green Close, with Mr. Hardy, on the morning of the 
 preceding day, at a house some twenty miles from the 
 camp of Nevelle, and at another ford of the river, 
 opening to a pass in the mountains, that the Mr. Sheriff 
 would be compelled to enter, Laertes holding a letter 
 in her hand, said to Nevelle, " This will give you a 
 better idea of how things are, of which we have been 
 speaking, than I am presumed to know." 
 
 Upon opening the letter, Nevelle found it to be from 
 Ellen, and its contents as follows : 
 
 " The Mansion, Slst March, 1802. 
 
 "DEAR SIR: 
 
 " We have no parallel more appalling in the future 
 of our love affair attainments in effecting a concentra- 
 tion of love with honor I these two with duty, and the 
 three with happiness than the present represents. 
 
 " Susan and myself are in the midst of alarm, for 
 the safety of those whom you know are our intended 
 liege lords. And it is upon the tried gallantry of him 
 to whom I am now speaking, aided by his no less high- 
 toned adherents, to the completion of our anticipated 
 happiness that we depend (the very idea of which
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIElliX GAT 443 
 
 affords consolation in our troubles) for the subversion 
 of the deep-laid as dark plans of a villain. 
 
 " Be patient and hear me out, that you may be the 
 better able to devise your operations. We know not 
 what may be his object, but we have fearful forebodings 
 of what it may result in. It is an incalculable pleasure 
 as benefit, to have servants whose fidelity to their 
 owners is unshaken, and any infringement upon it is 
 diametrically in opposition to honor, good faith, and 
 principles of gentlemen. 
 
 "Three nights ago, and in his own room at the 
 Mountain Inn, Standly tampered with the integrity 
 and faithfulness of the (true it is,) black in color, but 
 white souled Sanco. The latter, like the Athenian, un- 
 derstanding his duty he practised it. As on the next 
 day he came to the mansion and informed Susan and 
 me, that Mr. Standly had asked him to procure two 
 black quart bottles for him, saying that if he (Sanco) 
 would be silent upon what he wished to tell him, and 
 engage his assistance in, that it would terminate in 
 his liberty, a'hd-place him in a better condition than 
 that he was then in. ' But get me,' continued Standly, 
 'the two bottles, and fill them out of Mr. Melvin's 
 best brandy, and then I will tell you more.' 
 
 "The taciturn of Sanco, and his immediate move to 
 get the articles asked for, impressed Standly with the 
 belief that all was as he wished it. 
 
 "Soon Sanco returned with the bottles containing 
 what had been desired of him. But thinking there 
 was something not right in the strange deportment of 
 Standly, had taken the precaution to mark on the 
 inner edge of the bottom of each bottle, and with one 
 and the other with two marks imposed by means of 
 a file.
 
 444 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEEIXGAY. 
 
 " In the presence of Sanco, Standly put into one of 
 the bottles an ingredient, not known what to Sanco, 
 and said to him : ' This is to affect my purposes, and 
 in them to make you happier than you now are.' 
 
 " ' I can't b*e much more so in this world, for I have 
 a master who is kind, and whom I serve cheerfully, 
 sir,' as in taking hold indifferently of each bottle in 
 his hands, and during his reply to Standly, Sanco 
 caught sight of the mark of the bottle in which the 
 fatal dose was placed. 
 
 "True to them he respected, Sanco purloined the 
 bottle and brought it to us, with the information 
 herein given you, and then returned it unperceived 
 by Standly. 
 
 " With the hope through your agency of defeating 
 the fiend-like designs of Standly, we have filled and 
 sent by Mr. Hardy to you a bottle of brandy, marked 
 with a fac-simile of the 'fatal insignia of death, in 
 Standly 's, design, 'No. 2,' upon the cork, that you 
 may if possible, be fortunate in placing our bottle and 
 that by a disguised interview witk >ta*hdly immedi- 
 ately after he shall have joined the Mr. Sheriff and 
 his party as to have revenge intended, fall upon him 
 who merits it, thereby saving the innocent. 
 
 " Standly left the ' Mountain Inn' th'is morning, and 
 Mr. Hardy accompanied by George Washington and 
 Green Close, with their esteemed .sister the good 
 Laertes, follow with the intention of watching his 
 movements and of going to your camp. . 
 
 " Believe me, as I have e,yer been ve*y sincerely, 
 
 i'*t~,^_ . 
 
 t-.mend, 
 
 " Captain Henry Nevelle,- 
 
 " Camp, near Broadfbrd, Roanoke Eiver." 
 
 "
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 445 
 
 " Gentlemen," said Nevelle, folding the letter, which 
 he had read in the presence of his company, "this 
 is a striking instance of the atrocity but too often 
 found in the hearts of the first order of the works of 
 Divine Providence, the creature man ! Standly is but 
 a creature without a soul, or if he has one, it must be 
 of that order that its Maker refuses to own, and that 
 his Satanic Majesty of the regions of despair is proud 
 of, as an auxiliary to his plans upon earth. We 
 must," continued Nevelle, " defeat Standly in his pur- 
 poses, and with this view all must be on the alert from 
 the present hour, how best, and how most effectually 
 to do so." 
 
 Nevelle lost no time after reading and making his 
 remarks, upon the subject of Ellen's letter, and imme- 
 diately went about forming and arranging his plans 
 and issuing his orders upon them. 
 
 It may be remembered by my readers, that no inti- 
 macy whatever, nor even an acquaintance with, had 
 existed between Standly and they of Nevelle and his 
 party. They had been seen by him twice only, and 
 that for a short, time, the morning of the deer hunt, 
 aad at night of the same day at the " Mountain Inn." 
 And so particularly obnoxious had some of the re- 
 marks and actions of Standly become to Nevelle, that 
 in one of the subsequent interviews had with the ladies, 
 he was heard to say : 
 
 " There is more danger to be apprehended from the 
 treble face of Standly than is now supposed, and so 
 far as mine and the acts of the gentlemen concerned 
 with me for the accomplishment in your own way of 
 your love affairs, are with us, ladies, Mr. Standly to
 
 446 THE IIEIEESSES OF FOTHBBINGAY. 
 
 me and my command, must remain as he is a 
 stranger." 
 
 The recollection of the position occupied toward 
 him, and the additional contempt with which the in- 
 telligence received of Standly's villany had inspired 
 Nevelle, acted like electricity in the minds of him and 
 his party; and ordering Clermont and Irwin to attend 
 him, Nevelle set out that morning for the station occu- 
 pied by Hardy and the two young Closes. 
 
 Just after leaving camp, Nevelle said to Everett: 
 " Lieutenant much remains for us yet to perform, 
 and to effect our purpose of safety to Mr. Laurence 
 and Mr. Hyne, requires an energy of mind and body 
 in all I leave under your command. In that particular, 
 each one will doubtless contribute his aid. Let the 
 bluffs overlooking the first crossing of the river the 
 cabin there and its inmates be strictly taken notice of, 
 and above all effect a disguised interview with the 
 prisoners place them on their guard relative to the 
 fatal bottle, while I go to seek and obtain a stranger's 
 interview with Standly, and an exchange of his weapon 
 of death from its intended use upon the innocent, to a 
 desired effect, and with it upon him who merits it. If 
 it should be possibly practicable, order some one of 
 your command to an attempted secret interview with 
 the prisoners at the cabin, informing them not of me 
 as a leader of bandits, but to them an unknown friend, 
 being engaged for their rescue and safety and what 
 I have gone to do. Look for me when you see me ; 
 I can give you no better calculation at present of my 
 return." Thus saying, -Nevelle and his two attendants 
 mounted their horses and were soon lost to the view 
 of Everett and the remaining party.
 
 THE IIEIKESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 447 
 
 In the absence of his commander, Everett \vas in- 
 tent upon the duties assigned him, and during that 
 day had so divided his detachment as to have the 
 heights properly sentinelled, and the movements at 
 the cabin so watched, as to see plainly every move- 
 ment of those who were there, and those about it. 
 
 The Mr. Sheriff was not of that calibre of brain who 
 thought like many do in the office he held, and others 
 in public trust, that the responsible dignity attached 
 thereto forbids the extension of kindness to those 
 whom misfortune, not base crime and blackened vil- 
 lany, have placed in their power-. Hence their word 
 that they would not attempt to escape from him, had 
 gained for the prisoners the Mr. Sheriff's favor, so far 
 as to let them occupy, while at the cabin, a separate 
 apartment, and permission to take walks alone in its 
 vicinity. While for the better purpose of avoiding 
 escape, their horses were kept under lock and key. 
 
 It was in one of their walks, and at the foot of the 
 cliffs that bounded the shore of the river, and the day 
 after Everett had manned the bluffs, that our prison- 
 ers discovered, seated upon a projecting ledge of 
 rocks, far above the surface of the stream, a lady, from 
 every appearance anxiously watching their move- 
 ments. Not far from where she sat, stood a tall and 
 well-formed man, costumed in an attire, in the day of 
 which we are speaking, that would now be called a 
 backwoodsman's dress. There, his rifle placed upon 
 a rock, and the barrel of his gun erect, he rested upon 
 its muzzle in a thoughtful position. 
 
 " Do you see that sight, Sam ?" said Laurence. 
 
 " I do, and have been looking at it for some time," 
 replied Ilyne
 
 448 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 Hyne had scarcely made a reply before a beckoning 
 sign was discovered emanating from the lady. 
 
 Too high to be heard by those below her, and they 
 too low to be heard by her, the lady continued mak- 
 ing signals till our prisoners had come in a direct line 
 below the rock she was yet upon. When there, and 
 in a few moments after, they discovered, dropped from 
 her hand, a stone of some length and about two inches 
 in thickness, enclosed in a piece of white linen rag. 
 Attentively watching its fall, it was soon picked up, 
 and opening the rag, to the stone intended to guide 
 its direct descent, was tied a small piece of paper upon 
 which was written, in pencil mark, the following 
 sentence : 
 
 " Your lives are sought for, and you are in much 
 danger. Fear not, for she who writes and has dropped 
 you this from these heights is, with others, your devoted 
 friends. To-morrow, and at the same hour you have 
 done to-day, come to where you now are, where you 
 will see me, and being told more, will be properly in- 
 structed of how to act under it." 
 
 Having waited till her note had been read and the 
 signal given her that it was understood, the lady and 
 the man seen upon the cliff disappeared, and our pri- 
 soners returned to the cabin with a new series of 
 thoughts to those yet experienced. 
 
 The intricate route of the mountains, and their near- 
 est passes, were all familiar to, and well understood by 
 Nevelle ; and in his anxious desire for the safety of 
 those who were dear to others, he lost no time in 
 acquiring an interview with Hardy. 
 
 At night-fall of the second day after leaving Eve- 
 rett, Nevelle arrived within view of a house at which
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF KOTHERINGAY. 449 
 
 Standly had stopped for the night, but being uncertain 
 as to Hardy's location, held a council. While delibe- 
 rating upon what thought best, the sound of horse- 
 tramps were heard, and, from their increase, evidently 
 approaching the spot occupied by Nevelle ; when, in 
 a few moments after, and to his surprise as gratifica- 
 tion, Hardy was by the side of his commander. "All 
 is right, Captain," said Hardy, " now that I have, after 
 a reconnoitre of Standly's position, found me. Me 
 and my party have travelled with him during the day, 
 and are, in every way, on social terms with him, as 
 fellow travellers, at (pointing as he spoke) yonder 
 house, and he not knowing who we are. It is said," 
 continued Hardy, " that a bare missing of danger is 
 equally good to a mile distant. I had, in anticipation 
 of your arrival here to night, told him that we would 
 be obliged, as travellers in another direction, to forego 
 his company and society to-morrow. We shall do so 
 now without fear of that loss, as you are here to pre- 
 vent it." 
 
 Here Hardy informed Nevelle that, by the use 
 they had put a quart of the " spirits of Fotherin- 
 gay" cellars to, that evening, that Standly, from the 
 use of a little more, would be easily made a bacchanal 
 of, for a period long enough to answer speedy as fur- 
 ther purposes. In a few minutes, six of the intimates 
 in the service of the ladies at Fotheringay were in the 
 house, and the addition of the latter three to the notice 
 and social intimacy of Standly, gave to Nevelle a clue 
 to further operations. In a little time, Hardy's pre- 
 dictions were realized. Standly was put to bed, and 
 soon, under the influence of liquor upon an intoxi- 
 cated remnant of sense was in a sleep, aided by stu- 
 
 29
 
 450 THE HEIEESSES OF FOTHEPJNGAY. 
 
 por rendered alike indifferent to things around him, 
 as things passing were indifferent to him. 
 
 The present time alone was his, and Nevelle, with as 
 much dispatch as precautions exactness, placed the bot- 
 tle marked and sent him by the ladies, in the stead of 
 the one marked by Standly ; and drawing and burning 
 the cork of the fatal bottle, placed a plain, unmarked 
 one in it, having all so neatly arranged as to have been 
 above suspicion, let alone detection. His plan thus 
 arranged, Nevelle replaced everything after the order 
 found in the saddle-bags of Standly, and the next 
 morning, after taking their breakfast together, Nevelle 
 and his men, taking an opposite course to that intended 
 by Standly, soon left him in the enjoyment of what- 
 ever of happy reflection, upon the furtherance of his 
 plans, that might possibly be his ; while Nevelle and 
 his party hastened, with all practicable speed, to rejoin 
 Everett, and to learn what had been done, and what 
 more was then going on there. 
 
 Punctual in the performance of instructions given 
 them by the lady seen upon the cliff, our prisoners 
 repaired at the hour appointed to the spot designated. 
 There suspended between the rapid succession of 
 thought upon fear and hope, they were as statues, to 
 be looked upon, but not to look at or think of any 
 other object than the rock high above them, on which 
 had stood, the day before, the pantomimic fair one, 
 offering her service in the protection and defence of 
 them in their hours of danger. 
 
 " Hope is often the fondly cherished representative 
 of delusion ; and when most entertained, is the idoled 
 insignia of destruction," exclaimed Laurence, as, after 
 some time spent in intent gaze upon the cliff, he said,
 
 THE HEIKESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 451 
 
 " Let us go, Sam, and resign ourselves to the fate, 
 whatever it may be, that awaits us." 
 
 At that moment, the lady of the day before of the 
 cliff, but now of the river shore they occupied, being 
 within speaking distance, though unseen by either, and 
 hearing the latter part of Laurence's expression, said, 
 " Not yet ! but behold in me your friend and de- 
 liverer!" 
 
 After a tender of that sort of expression of grati- 
 tude which they were accustomed, as well from 
 polished minds as correct principles, emanating from 
 the prisoners, the lady continued: "I have, gentle- 
 men, but little time to spend with you, and that little 
 intended exclusively for your benefits. I require to 
 be met with by an attentive ear, silent tongue, and 
 strict compliance on your parts, upon what you shall 
 hear, and be required to perform." 
 
 Here the lady adverted to the designs and inten- 
 tions of Standly, all of which is before our readers ; 
 and after having informed them of what they had to 
 do, and as she was about leaving the prisoners, Hyne, 
 addressing her, said : " Lady, such Kindness from 
 your sex, we have for some time been strangers to. 
 Allow us to ask you your name and place of residence, 
 so that, if that time is ever ours, we may attempt a 
 reciprocal return of such disinterested friendship as 
 that you entertain for those before you in the pending 
 storm now awaiting us." 
 
 " With regard to my name and place of residence," 
 replied the. lady, "the future may develop both. Jf 
 so, it will be at a time when I and him you see yonder, 
 my present attendant," (pointing to the man seen on 
 the cliff,) " will be introduced to your acquaintance by
 
 452 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 those you love, and whom I know will love you. 
 Adieu, for the present," continued the lady ; when in 
 the next few moments she joined her attendant, and 
 both disappeared among the cedars that stood in 
 dense crowds at the foot of the river bluff's. 
 
 Nevelle's return to his camp, where his entire com- 
 mand was assembled, was hailed by them with that 
 sort of confidence and high regard incident to the 
 object held in view; and the good Laertes, after giv- 
 ing him an account of her interview, and performance 
 of what Everett had entrusted to her care and man- 
 agement with the prisoners, left camp the next morn- 
 ing, accompanied by her father, for Fotheringay, 
 where we also ask permission of our readers to go 
 leaving Nevelle and his party watching the move- 
 ments of Standly, and ourselves to recite matters and 
 things as they passed elsewhere. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIY. 
 
 One true and well-tried friend is worth a dozen of tbe miscreant order 
 of such because the cement that binds true friends is like that of the 
 order of Nature, under the government of the Most High, always the 
 same. 
 
 STANDLY was ignorant of who they were ; he knew, 
 however, that three gentlemen had arrived at the 
 mansion the night previous to his departure from the 
 " Mountain Inn," which he left early on the following 
 morning, with a view of effecting the purposes already 
 known to our readers.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 453 
 
 Another meeting of long-separated, yet long-known 
 and well-tried friends, was being had. It was night, 
 and the calm of Nature's repose had begun its gradual 
 as silent persuasions to rest, when the attention of the 
 porter was drawn to the appearance of horsemen, as 
 by the aid of the queen of night, they approached 
 the gateway leading to the mansion. 
 
 As the gentlemen were dismounting, the porter was 
 at his post, and recognising him, the servant said : 
 " Ah, Master Miller, I have many times had the honor 
 of opening these gates for you, and at no one of them 
 have I felt more pleasure than the present one gives 
 me." 
 
 "Why so, Will?" replied Miller. 
 
 " Because, master, we have all been in great doubt 
 
 with regard to the safety of . Excuse me, 
 
 master," (suddenly recollecting himself, and putting 
 his forefinger perpendicularly across his lips) ; " I am 
 so glad to see you, that I had forgotten the order, 
 continued Will." 
 
 " What you have said and intended for me, the sig- 
 nal is not now necessary to, for you are not among 
 strangers, but those who know everything of what 
 you perhaps was about to tell me," replied Miller. 
 
 By that time grooms were in attendance the gen- 
 tlemen's baggage and horses were taken, when they, 
 conducted by the porter, were soon at the door of the 
 mansion. A slight rap of the knocker soon brought 
 Sanco into their presence, when another expression of 
 pleasure at the return of Miller being given, the gen- 
 tlemen were ushered to the Fotheringay parlors. 
 
 Being then at a late hour, and informed that Col. 
 Leftridge and the family had retired, and refusing to
 
 454 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 let his return be then known to them, Miller requested 
 Sanco to conduct him and the other two gentlemen to 
 a bed room. His request being immediately complied 
 with, the gentlemen were soon at rest in one of the 
 rooms adjoining the library apartment. 
 
 " Sanco," said Miller, as the servant was about leav- 
 ing them, " be silent with regard to these gentlemen 
 and me being here, till I shall instruct you to an- 
 nounce it to the colonel in the morning." 
 
 At dawn of the following day, Sanco had entered 
 the apartment occupied by Miller and the strangers, 
 and after having made a comfortable fire, was busily 
 employed in the body-servant's duties, with which, 
 from his raising and long practice, he was well con- 
 versant. 
 
 An half hour before breakfast, and just before the 
 family entered the dining-room, Sanco again entered 
 the apartment of the strangers, and after having con- 
 ducted the gentlemen to the parlor, Miller instructed 
 Sanco to go and say to his master, " That three gen- 
 tlemen were in the parlor wishing to see him." 
 
 Sanco, fearful that his master might ask, " Who the 
 gentlemen were?" and being instructed by Miller to 
 silence, delivered his message to Sally, just then enter- 
 ing the bed-room of her mistress. 
 
 Second handed the message was delivered, and in a 
 short time after, our three friends of the memorable 
 days of '76, when the souls of men were well tried, 
 and friendship rendered pure in the several crucibles 
 incident to and connected with the American revolu- 
 tion, were together, a fourth was also present at that 
 meeting the poor attorney. But the fifth one, With- 
 row, alas ! was no more he was gone, yet his four
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 455 
 
 friends were now at the spot where he had breathed 
 his last, and had bid a final adieu to earthly affairs. 
 
 " Farewell, thou well-known one, 
 
 Thy toils of time are o'er ; 
 Virtue has given another sun, 
 And life for ever more." 
 
 After that sort of agreeable surprise which a separa- 
 tion of nearly twenty years produces in the bosoms of 
 well-known and tried friends at their meeting again, 
 had settled down upon a conviction as personal reality, 
 Colonel Leftridge asked an excuse for a temporary 
 absence, and left the parlor. In a few moments, re- 
 entering, he was discovered advancing arm-in-arm 
 with Madam Leftridge Antoinette having hold of 
 her mother's, and Leontine the arm of her uncle. 
 Next followed Dierdoffe, his lady, and the two Misses 
 Thurmund, in like manner followed by Thomas and 
 Edmund Miller. Here, and after coming -into a direct 
 line fronting his guests, the Colonel introduced them 
 severally to his friends from New York. Immediately 
 after which the "old school" gallantry of 76 being 
 reacted in the persons of Major Laurence and Ser- 
 geant Hyne each offered his arm to his intended 
 daughter-in-law and our Attorney following the ex- 
 ample just shown, offered his arm to the Misses Thur- 
 mund, and as he did so, they accepting, he said to his 
 sons, " Gentlemen, it is mine now, and will your times 
 by-and-by." In that order, the young men following, 
 they all entered the dining-room, where breakfast was 
 waiting, and where Leftridge introduced his friends to 
 the grandmother of Leontine. 
 
 The sombre that had for some time pervaded the
 
 456 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 countenance of Antoinette and Leontine, and thus had 
 become much increased by the recent deportment of 
 Standly, was strongly evident, and too much so, to 
 escape the notice of those who had just arrived at the 
 mansion. 
 
 On the day after their arrival, and on an occasion 
 when again the entire of the ladies and gentlemen 
 spoken of as being at breakfast the morning before, 
 were present, Major Laurence, addressing Antoinette 
 and Leontine, said : 
 
 " Your new plan of winning lovers has been too 
 successful thus far to fail in the completion of it, and 
 the gentlemen you yesterday spoke of as being in your 
 service, are, like their fair commanders, too pure at 
 heart, and too much of adepts at gallantry, to suffer 
 the scheme entrusted to their management as execu- 
 tion to be reported incomplete with every desired 
 success. It betrays bad generalship in a commander 
 to appear sad, even amid danger ; for, if so those who 
 are under command become timid, and destruction too 
 often follows. Be cheerful," continued the Major, " for 
 it cannot now be long before you are. invested with 
 supreme command in another more pleasant sphere. 
 To prove to you the certainty of my convictions that 
 the command under your orders will conquer in order 
 to save, and to render you and those for whose safety 
 you are concerned happy," continued Major Laurence, 
 "Mr. Hyne and myself have brought for each of you 
 a bridal present, emblematic of the high regard we 
 entertain for you, and happiness we anticipate in the 
 society of our daughters-in-law, and which we hope 
 will be accepted." 
 
 Here the gentlemen took from their pockets, each a
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 457 
 
 casket containing a rich set of diamond and pearl with 
 other ornaments incident and adapted to that period 
 in life when both sexes like to appear most attractive ; 
 and presenting them, that talisman of woman's greatest 
 ornament, virtue, announced their silent acceptance. 
 
 "Gentlemen," said Antoinette, after those present 
 had looked at the gifts, " I on mine and that of the 
 part of Leontine, thank you for the honor conferred; 
 and for yours and the sakes of those yet absent, will 
 try to be what you desire cheerful." 
 
 In a moment after, cheerfulness seemed to have 
 taken tfce place of despondency, and buoyancy depicted 
 upon the countenances of all, the morning passed 
 socially and pleasantly away. Nor were the persons 
 then present all who contributed to the pleasures of 
 that morning ; for while our addition to the family 
 circle of Fotheringay were with its head passing from 
 one to another talkative as mental review of events of 
 their youth, listened to by those present, the arrival 
 of Laertes and her father was announced. 
 
 The former recited the part she had performed, 
 which our readers are already in possession of and in 
 a few moments after the ladies withdrew from the 
 parlor, leaving the remainder of the company listening 
 to the description of Close upon recent events, all of 
 which our readers are aware of. 
 
 Things had passed for several days in their usual 
 routine of pleasure at the mansion, characteristic of 
 those ever felt and experienced among the Virginians, 
 when one evening while the ladies were adding charms 
 of music to suavity, a rap was heard at the hall door. 
 A servant soon attended to the alarm, and in a few 
 moments after, Yancy made his appearance in the
 
 458 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 parlor. The etiquette of an introduction to him of the 
 strangers being passed, he had scarcely taken a chair, 
 before the remark emanating from Leontine was heard 
 of " We know, Mr. Yancy, that you are from the camp 
 of Captain ISTevelle, say what thou wilt but in doing 
 so say not that the prisoners are no more ?" 
 
 Yancy, very gentlemanly replying, said, "Were 
 your fears realized, lady, I should be the last to appear 
 before you, so soon after its occurrence. But as it is, 
 fear not, and read this letter (presenting it as he spoke) 
 which I have the honor of being the bearer of, to you 
 and Miss Antoinette." 
 
 The magnetic caloric of love with all its impetus of 
 anxious desire, was manifest in the appearance of 
 Antoinette and Leontine, while the seal of that letter 
 was being broken, under which was contained, the 
 the following intelligence. 
 
 " Camp near Broadford, Roanoke River, \ 
 April I0th, 1802. f 
 
 "LADIES, Your esteemed favor of the 31st last 
 month was received by the hand of that one among the 
 excellent of your six, Miss Laertes Close ; who, I ask per- 
 mission here to say, has been in the part she performed 
 of it, an eminent auxilliary to the accomplishment of 
 the plan in view. This shall be the last letter to you, 
 upon a subject giving doubtless much uneasiness of 
 mind, and which (excuse me) eccentric as your love 
 affairs are, with those for whose safety you have now 
 great concern, is to say, that all, thus far, is as you 
 desire it to be. 
 
 "I was present, and known by none, when the
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 459 
 
 meeting of Standly with the Mr. Sheriff and his party 
 took place, and which occurred at the cabin at the 
 crossings two days ago. Standly presented his forged 
 quietus, and is thus far, as he supposes, in the leisurely 
 accomplishment of his plan of death. But his enjoy- 
 ments are temporary, and he soon will become a victim 
 to his own designs. 
 
 " I saw the (by him supposed) fatal bottle, and that 
 at a time Standly offered it to one, and which was 
 accepted of, by the prisoners, when Standly observed 
 to them : ' You keeping yours and I mine of our bitter 
 bottles, is often the manner we drank on our first 
 route to Fotheringay, where we will soon again meet 
 those who have forgiven you your offences, and where 
 you will soon be made happy in the possession of 
 your long loved ones.' 
 
 " I could scarcely keep my tongue quietly within 
 my teeth, nor yet command my apparent ignorance 
 of Standly and his object, on hearing a declaration of 
 such cool as plausible motives to esteem proceeding 
 from so base a source, for which, I am resolved, the 
 proper one shall pay. -*.v 
 
 " Ere you receive this, Standly and the gentlemen 
 will be on their wa'y to Fotheringay, where he pur- 
 poses they never shall return to alive ; but I and my 
 party, with the exception of Yancy, (who I have 
 ordered to rejoin us,) are here. And watching our 
 time to capture the young gentlemen, will, I expect, 
 have lodged them in the Cavern before you hear from 
 me again. 
 
 "With that respect, which has ever marked my 
 deportment towards you, and the zeal I entertain for
 
 460 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 your happiness, I am with all of it, very respectfully 
 your friend, 
 
 " And obedient servant, 
 
 " HENRY NEVELLE.'' 
 
 " To Misses Antoinette Leftridge and Leontine 
 Withrow, Fotheringay." 
 
 Yancy availed himself of the order of absence from 
 camp on detailed duty, as the bearer of the letter just 
 read, on the following morning making a visit to his 
 intended Torinda, and continuing at her father's till 
 the morning after, set out upon his return to the camp 
 of his commander. Yancy's arrival and report to 
 create a new impetus to vigilance in the mind of 
 Neville, and to avert as soon as possible the variety 
 of suspense then in the minds of the ladies at Fother- 
 ingay, he proceeded to such measures as would most 
 effectually as pleasantly possess both, (for whose 
 happiness he was sincerely interested,) of that they 
 most desired. Need we say what that was ? No, for 
 you know it already, gentle reader. In possession of 
 that sort of intellect which at once encompasses 
 design, and at a glance sees and knows the different 
 effects the same causes have upon different objects. 
 Nevelle, the morning after the return of Yancy to 
 camp, divided his command into detachments of two, 
 ordering them to proceed in disguise, and each de- 
 tachment to be nightly in separate divisions at three 
 several houses among the mountains that Standly 
 and the two young gentlemen would necessarily have 
 to stop at, in their now three days journey to the 
 " Mountain Inn;" while he in person, would go to the
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 461 
 
 last house, and that within a few miles of the resi- 
 dence of Close. Where, after they should have per- 
 formed their respective watch tours, his men were to 
 join him at an encampment not far distant from the 
 last house, and all to be there with him on the 
 evening of the third day. 
 
 Everett and Hardy were to take the first watch 
 tour, and at -that house, the first one after Standly and 
 his intended stepping-stone to prize, would have the 
 cabin at the crossings, were to so manage as to draw 
 the loads from the pistols belonging to Standly and 
 the gentlemen. 
 
 Thus arranged, each respective party repaired, with 
 as little delay as possible, to the different houses 
 assigned them ; when Nevelle, proceeding in a more 
 direct course through the mountains, was at the resi- 
 dence of Close in the early part of the day fixed upon 
 for rendezvous. 
 
 Close and his family received and entertained 
 Nevelle with all that respect and esteem which his 
 manly and honorable deportment had so justly awarded 
 him ; and while that day passed pleasantly away with 
 him and them, at the dinner table, among other 
 remarks that had passed there, Nevelle addressing 
 Dorinda and Laertes, said : 
 
 " Well ladies, when will your imitation of the 
 ancient Adonis take place ? for your intended will 
 soon be here." 
 
 " We will, when our intended say so, celebrate the 
 vow of love in marriage, in honor of them alone, 
 looking up to them as they to us modern Adonises" 
 replied Laertes.
 
 462 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKINGAY. 
 
 " The version given by my sister, Captain, is the 
 exact language of my heart," said Dorinda. 
 
 " That is right," replied JSTevelle, "I like to hear 
 such declarations from intended brides, and hope 
 those you have made choice of may live long with 
 you to see it put into practice." 
 
 As soon as he had dined, Nevelle repaired to the 
 place of rendezvous, where, in a short time after his 
 arrival, he was joined by Everett, Hardy, Clermont 
 and Irwin, having served their tours at the first two 
 houses in Standly's route. And by the time their 
 supper was prepared by one of the party, the approach 
 to camp of Armsdale and Yancey was discovered. 
 
 Commencing with Everett and Hardy, Nevelle lis- 
 tened to the several detachments, from all of whom 
 he learned of the gradually sickened and weakened 
 condition of Standly. 
 
 At that camp and the last one in which assembled 
 and protecting the persons and lives of they who were 
 dear to others, though dealt with in modes of more 
 severity than our fair readers would do in the present 
 day, in affairs of courtship and intended marriage, 
 Nevelle ordered Everett and Hardy to be at the house 
 last in the route of Standly, and there to report them- 
 selves the officers properly authorized to arrest and 
 take into custody our continued fugitives and to 
 arrest Standly for a fraud practised upon the credulity 
 of the Mr. Sheriff of the county from whence the 
 prisoners had recently been brought. 
 
 The necessarily, and last forged document to that 
 effect being placed in the hands of Everett. Hardy 
 and him, accompanied by Armsdale and Yancy, were 
 at nightfall, at their post ; while Nevelle and the
 
 TUB HEIRESSES OF FOTHEUINGAY. 463 
 
 balance of his command remained at a short distance 
 from the house, for the purpose, as soon as the arrest 
 was made, of taking the prisoners to their final desti- 
 nation, the Cavern. 
 
 Dark arrived, and with it our young men and their 
 sick companion. And after an early supper, of which 
 the gentlemen,-but not Standly, partook heartily, our 
 officers in their new sphere as Sheriff, and his Deputy 
 of the county, made the arrest of two, but not the 
 third offender, as ordered. For he had been already 
 arrested in his career by another higher Power, and 
 was then near his departure for that prison where 
 ingrates are dealt with most severely. 
 
 The young gentlemen, still resigned to the fate 
 awaiting them, and elated with the hope of release, 
 were told they must be moved that night, conducted 
 by another guard to the place of their confinement, 
 and there to wait the issue of other proceedings. In 
 a short time they were again on their way, conducted 
 by Everett and the entire command, leaving Nevelle 
 in his disguise at the house, and in the room where 
 Standly was left, yet alive. 
 
 On entering the apartment, where Standly was, 
 Nevelle found him in great pain, and at intervals, 
 sensible. In one of the intervals, when a temporary 
 relaxation was granted, Standly was heard to say, 
 " Gentlemen, I am sick, and must soon be no more I 
 I am accessory to my own miserable death, and 
 justly deserved it. I know of but one capital cause 
 for its present appearance, and that is, in its literal 
 sense, ingratitude to those on earth, and more so to 
 Him, before whom I must shortly appear! Not 
 satisfied with, nor grateful for the kindness of their
 
 464 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 fathers to me, at a fiendish hour, and in the desire of 
 a love and possession of ill-gotten gain, I conceived 
 and resorted to the execution of a plan to take the 
 lives of the sons of my true friends and benefactors ! 
 All I can now do is, to ask their pardon and forgive- 
 ness of the atrocious crime, and to request you to bear 
 witness for me, of the sincerity with which I ask it 
 of them, so that it may be, when I go hence, a sort 
 of palliation in the presence of the awful bar of 
 heaven. In a 'few moments after Standly had made 
 the confession as stated, he became delirious, and in 
 a violent spasm, the wretched man exhibited the life- 
 less remains of human nature. 
 
 Nevelle was one of those, who, that night, watched 
 over the corpse, and who, the next day, dispatched a 
 messenger to the "Mountain Inn" with the intelli- 
 gence of the death of Standly, whose nephews, having 
 arrived there the night before with brilliant hopes of 
 a speedy and long-continued bliss, were instead 
 thereof, mourners to the grave of one from whom 
 they had been taught to expect much. 
 
 The young Standly s, not aware of the arrival at 
 the mansion of Mr. Laurence and Mr. Hyne, were 
 unknown to tljem, aided in a genteel burial of their 
 uncle. And the day after the interment, without 
 ever having seen the ladies for whom they had come 
 to the then "Far West," or without knowing any 
 more than they had witnessed the remains and 
 burial of their uncle they left the Inn with all his 
 personal effects, to retrace their course back to New 
 York.
 
 THE HEIRES3E3 OF FOTHEEl^GAT. 465 
 
 CHAPTEE XLV. 
 
 The purity of love becomes refined by the constancy we attach to it; ao it 
 is with all other virtues ; and to the contrary, desolation and profligacy, 
 are most apt to follow, in woman, however, less frequent than in man. 
 
 EVERETT, in his assumed office as sheriff of the 
 county, had nearly arrived at the Cavern, when, after 
 a previous conversation with the prisoners upon the 
 treacherous course taken against them and their 
 wishes by the late Standly, he said, " Gentlemen, I 
 wish now to undeceive you, he who is speaking is not 
 sheriff of this county, nor are they, by^whom you are 
 surrounded, a guard legally authorized to take you to 
 jail. But I am one of those in command of the 
 bandits, who, as you have, on- a former occasion 
 experienced, live upon the plunder taken from others, 
 in the respective route of unsuspecting travellers 
 through these mountains. You are now our prisoners, 
 and for whatever purpose we may intend you to 
 answer, however just the claim may be on the part 
 of the State to have and to try you for the offence of 
 which you are accused. At a short distance from here 
 is our Cavern or place of head-quarters, where you will 
 be confined during the will and pleasure of our chief, 
 and those associated with him, relative to a final 
 decision upon your fate. You will, however, in the 
 intermediate time, be treated with that sort of kind- 
 ness and attention, awarded those, who from time to 
 time of their captivity, may be of least trouble to us 
 
 in their confinement." 
 
 30
 
 486 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 "Why are we your prisoners?" interrupting him, 
 said Hyne. 
 
 " For reasons you cannot now know, but which 
 will be developed in incidents hereafter following," 
 replied the officer. 
 
 " We have had enough of incidents, as you express 
 them, already," continued Hyne. 
 
 "That may be, so far as you are concerned, but 
 there are others to become satisfied of that," returned 
 the officer. 
 
 By this time the officer and his command had 
 arrived at the Cavern, which, for the purpose of 
 lighting and preparing it for their reception, Hardy 
 had been ordered to in the early part of that night 
 by Nevelle. 
 
 We need not here add anything more relative to 
 the Cavern and its conveniences, than what has 
 already appeared before our readers. 
 
 The proper signal being given, Hardy soon an- 
 swered from within ; the outer door was opened, and 
 our prisoners were conducted to their apartment in 
 their now-to-be temporary subterranean abode, where 
 the fatigues of the past day, and during a part of 
 that night, soon brought to their relief the refreshing 
 sweets of profound sleep. 
 
 Hardy in the continuation of the duties assigned 
 him, left nothing undone contributary to the comforts 
 and (if such a prison as they were then in can afford 
 it) amusement of his guests. Their repasts were 
 prepared and served up at the proper hours in the 
 best possible style, and so far as his orders would 
 admit of, he allowed the prisoners the privilege of,
 
 THE HEIP.ESSES OF FOTIIEKINGA.Y. 467 
 
 and access to, all, save the front apartment of the 
 " under ground residence." 
 
 The day following the interment of the remains of 
 Standly, Nevelle and his command paid their respects 
 in a call upon the ladies and gentlemen of the mansion. 
 And after much of the social as agreeable upon the 
 events already known had passed, the ladies leaving 
 the parlor, the conversation turned particularly upon 
 the wretched death of him, the once favorite of the 
 merchants then present from New York. 
 
 " If I know myself, I could have wished it other- 
 wise than it has turned out," said Mr. Laurence. 
 " For," continued he, " Standly was one in whom we 
 had placed great confidence, and relied upon much 
 as an assistant in bringing about the novel, it is true, 
 yet long wished for and sincerely sanctioned, union 
 of our families. His course in that- portion of it 
 entrusted to his performance, has astonished me, and 
 affords a striking instance of the injustice returned by 
 many for the kindnesses performed by the few." Then 
 addressing himself particularly to Nevelle, Mr. Lau- 
 rence continued, "But for yours, and the kindness of 
 your gallant associates, sir, our sons might have been, 
 this day where Standly is now in their graves ! and 
 he in the land of the living! You," continued our 
 merchant, "have protected, defended, and are yet 
 guarding them. And ere long your release of them 
 will result, as it is hoped, in the happiness of them 
 and their intended. And to the credit as honor of 
 the gentlemanly banditti of these mountains." 
 
 The remarks of Laurence in relation to the parts 
 performed by Nevelle and his command in the plans 
 of the Heiresses of Fotheringay in their love affairs
 
 468 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 were entirely unexpected by his men, as they were 
 by their choice-chosen chieftain. And the latter 
 making a few, yet appropriate, remarks in reply, he 
 and his company a few moments after left the 
 parlor. 
 
 The personal preparations were now being made 
 for the several marriages that were shortly to take 
 place at Fotheringay. Mr. Laurence and Mr. Hyne 
 had not forgotten the requisites in point of dress of 
 their sons. The young Millers, had some time since 
 prepared themselves with suitable attire for the hand 
 of the Misses Thurmond, and the two former, with 
 Antoinette and Leontine, had prepared and presented 
 to them every article necessary on such occasions, 
 preparatory to the four weddings on one and the 
 same night, to come off at the " Mansion." 
 
 The presence of the Kev. Mr. Clermont was con- 
 sidered indispensably necessary. He had been written 
 to in a joint letter of Laurence and Hyne and Left- 
 ridge to be present at, and to perform the ceremony 
 of marriage on a certain day fixed upon. In the same 
 letter was contained invitations to his lady and their 
 two daughters, and, by way of a continued demonstra- 
 tion of the high-toned sentiments and philanthropic 
 feelings with which the three gentlemen just named 
 were possessed, Long and Buford, with their families, 
 were invited and especially requested to attend. 
 
 In like manner the invitations throughout the ex- 
 tensive acquaintance of Col. Leftridge had gone out 
 and with the exception of a few who were in the 
 secrets of the then respective cabinets of love, (not 
 though at all times to be trusted,) the general impres- 
 sion was that Nevelle and Everett were to be the
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTUEELNGAY. 469 
 
 joiiied heirs to the "Heiresses of Fotheringay. And 
 what if it turns out so ! Eeader, will you be disap- 
 pointed ? We think we hear you say, " Wait till 1 
 see the end of your work, and then I shall tell you." 
 Well, with this promise, we shall again proceed. 
 
 Aftairs about that time began to assume a melan- 
 choly as threatening appearance at the Cavern. 
 
 One night when Hardy, in accordance with orders 
 given him, and the pleasure he felt in doing so, had 
 prepared their supper, and had asked the prisoners to 
 take their seats at the table, Laurence said to him, 
 
 " Mr. Keeper, will you be kind enough to us as to 
 tell the officer in command of your party the night 
 you brought us here, that we wish an interview with 
 him?" 
 
 " Now, sir ?" inquired Hardy. 
 
 " After we have supped will be time enough," re- 
 turned Laurence. 
 
 No other remarks passed between Hardy and the 
 prisoner, but as soon as they had supped, and Eve- 
 rett had taken his tea, he entered their apartment. 
 
 When Everett had seated himself, Laurence said 
 to him, " Knowing no other but our keeper and you, 
 sir, of your party, and none to apply to for the infor- 
 mation wished, we desire in the name of humanity 
 that you tell us by what authority we are here ? For 
 what ? And what is to be our fate ?" 
 
 As Laurence made his appeal to Everett the coun- 
 tenances of both the prisoners portrayed serenity, 
 though representing involutions of much depth of 
 thought. 
 
 "Your questions, sir," replied Everett, "are such 
 as that time alone must solve ; and as I have before
 
 470 THE HEIEE3SEJ OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 told you, I say still, that I cannot, indeed dare not 
 answer." 
 
 " Will you, then ?" continued Laurence, " answer 
 other questions which, by your permission, we wish 
 to ask you ?" 
 
 " If I can, I shall do so with much pleasure," re- 
 turned the gentlemanly Everett. 
 
 " Thank you," replied Laurence, " then I shall 
 proceed." 
 
 " Do you know the deaf and dumb ladies we have 
 been accused with the crime of running off, or steal- 
 ing from the abode of their parents ?" continued Lau- 
 rence. 
 
 " Slightly," replied Everett. 
 
 "Are they well?" continued Laurence. 
 
 " They ought to be, for they are to be married in a 
 few days from now," replied Everett, " to two young 
 men of the neighborhood." 
 
 " Have the ladies been long engaged to them ?" 
 said Laurence, in a kind of faltering articulation. 
 
 " Not very but a short time, I believe," returned 
 Everett. 
 
 Here, Laurence thanking the officer for the infor- 
 mation he had given them, and looking at him with a 
 pleasant smile, said, "We will try and give you and 
 your party, the least possible trouble in the future of 
 our existence here," placing emphasis on the last 
 words of the sentence as he expressed it, and himself 
 and Hyne remaining in entire silence after its expres- 
 sion. 
 
 Everett withdrawing, pulled the door of their 
 apartment after him, and leaving it just closed re- 
 mained at it. His fears of violence on their persons
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 471 
 
 being excited from the just expressed last words of 
 Laurence to him. He had continued at the door but 
 a moment when a recurrence of that sort of language 
 calculated to increase his suspicions, fell in rapid suc- 
 cession upon his listening ear, from the same source 
 as had come the first that had caused his alarm. 
 
 Raising his head from an inclined position resting 
 upon his hand with his elbow upon the table at which 
 they were still seated, and casting a wild vacant look 
 upon the walls of the Cavern and things around him, 
 Laurence continued. " They ought to be, for they 
 are to be married in a few days from now to two 
 young gentlemen of the neighborhood." Then asking 
 the question of Hyne, " Did you hear that ?" Lau- 
 rence continued, " It is all over with us now, Sam. I 
 do not wish and I suppose you feel as I do to let 
 ' time alone solve' what^our confinement here, and the 
 information given us by that officer of the bandits, 
 have but too forcibly proven, that we have loved in 
 vain! and, that those in whose bosoms we had thought 
 the pulse of purest affection beat for us, are now the 
 chosen and betrothed brides of others! From signs 
 visible in yonder Chamber of Death," continued Lau- 
 rence, " nature will have erected for us without parade, 
 and with the cost only of momentary pain, a monu- 
 ment as well as a vault for our remains. And," con- 
 tinued Laurence, "the few remarks we shall write and 
 leave behind us in this Cavern, may serve as an 
 epitaph to our memories! What are your opinions 
 upon that which I have said, and by me will be car- 
 ried into effect ?" 
 
 "I had rather die at once, than to spend in slow
 
 472 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHER1NGAY. 
 
 process a miserable existence here. When will you 
 write the remarks you speak of?" said Hyne. 
 
 When we can get the material to do so with, from 
 the keeper, which will be to-morrow I hope," replied 
 Laurence. 
 
 At that remark our prisoners as calm and as com- 
 posed, as if they were then in possession of their lost 
 ones at the Mansion, retired to rest when Everett 
 leaving his station, went into the ante-room and re- 
 lated to his companions what he had heard. 
 
 The deliberate intention to suicide of the prisoners 
 as overheard by Everett, were on the following morn- 
 ing communicated to the ladies and gentlemen at the 
 Mansion. 
 
 The intended strange as unexpected course of the 
 prisoners caused another alarm in the minds of Antoi- 
 nette and Leontine, resulting in a determination with 
 them to assume their former characters of perform- 
 ances as deaf and dumb; and in the feared tragical end 
 of those who loved them, to show their constancy, 
 and to avert the pending destruction to a last trial 
 given before the entire completion of their own yet 
 eccentric way of gaining husbands in converting 
 lovers to their own proper use, and requital of affec- 
 tion. 
 
 A day or two previous to the aspect of affairs at the 
 Cavern, so far as yet known, Nevelle had been dis- 
 patched on a matter which, though not then under- 
 stood by him, in the nature of a " love-trap" (if allowed 
 the expression) for him and others, had leading strings 
 attached the pulling of which by those more expe- 
 rienced in such delights terminated in that way. 
 
 We have already seen that there had been letters
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEKIXGAY. 473 
 
 written to Clermont, Long and Buford. In the one 
 to the former gentleman, and after the close of the 
 trio, Mr. Laurence and Mr. Hyne added the following 
 as a " postscript." 
 
 " The ladies here, as you perceive, have specially 
 requested your daughters, Miss Long and Miss Bu- 
 ford, to act as bridesmaids in certain affairs here, and 
 have sent Mr. Nevelle and the two Messrs. Miller as 
 escorts. See that they come, and you and lady pre- 
 vail upon Madames Long and Buford, accompanied 
 by their husbands, to come with you." 
 
 The postscription of our merchants had the desired 
 effect, and the young ladies, accompanied by the gen- 
 tlemen spoken of, soon arrived at the " Mansion." 
 
 Their pistols being taken and kept from them, at 
 and since their time of capture and confinement in the 
 Cavern, the mode devised by the prisoners to deprive 
 the heart of its throb, and the body of its action, was 
 but one alone in their power, and that one was to 
 open the veins of the neck, arms and thighs with their 
 razors. Those instruments (of death to them) they 
 had laid each one, upon a crystal slab that lay in the 
 Cavern, and one at each spot of the room selected by 
 them to die in. 
 
 The few articles -of dress and other personal valua- 
 bles which the prisoners had been permitted to 
 retain, were all carefully deposited in their (then only 
 convenience for carrying clothing) saddle-bags, and 
 which had been taken by them into the Chamber of 
 Death. 
 
 The few remaining hours they had allowed them- 
 selves to live were passed in a melancholy mood of 
 mind, and their next object was to obtain articles for
 
 474 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 writing, and to spend one mental exertion in letting 
 the world know the indifference with which they 
 looked upon life and time things, when deprived of 
 those they loved. 
 
 The request of the prisoners to be furnished with 
 writing materials was readily complied with, but they 
 knew not, nor had the most distant idea of that their 
 guardian angel, in woman's shape, was in the Cavern. 
 
 Alone, and the day previous to that in which they 
 intended committing the fixed upon " fatal act," in 
 speaking of their approaching end, Laurence was 
 heard to say, " If we cannot obtain our objects upon 
 earth, we have it in our power, at least, to thwart 
 the proceedings of men against us. Then taking his 
 pen he wrote the following: 
 
 " Subterraneous Prison, April 25<A, 1802. 
 
 " The object and end of Justice is defeated. If laws 
 are made a nullity by irregular commitment, and ex- 
 cessive bail demanded for a bailable offence, honor is 
 unsafe in such keeping. We prefer death to a forced 
 submission consequent upon indignities in prose- 
 cution. 
 
 " Spare the (to us) strangers, for whom alone our 
 last pulses beat; let it suffice that we die for them a 
 knowledge of which might be to them a sense of hor- 
 ror. They are the innocent injured victims of cir- 
 cumstances which they could neither foresee nor 
 avoid. 
 
 "Let no one claim the trifling property left in this 
 room let it be given to some one in charity, without 
 parade. We have no other estate we have no wives 
 or children to shed a tear at our loss to them.
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERING-AY. 475 
 
 " The spirits that once animated these mangled bo- 
 dies disdain to ask the least grace for them of fellow 
 worms. Perhaps the first paragraph in this note is 
 unjust; if so, let those it concerns be happy to err 
 is human. Let no one say, ' too much, or too little has 
 been written' the dead cannot reply." 
 
 When Laurence had finished and read what he had 
 written to Hyne, they both signed, and having folded, 
 taken and laid it with their other effects in the Death 
 Chamber, Laurence returned to their room. But a 
 few moments had passed after he had done so, before 
 Hardy entered their apartment, saying, that, "two 
 ladies were in the ante-chamber, wishing to see and 
 to come into their room, if permitted by them." 
 
 " Who are they, Mr. Keeper?" said Hyne. 
 
 "If I must tell you, sir, they have obtained permis- 
 sion from our commander to enter our quarters upon 
 some important occasion, no doubt. I have their 
 passports signed by our Captain, now in my pocket, 
 giving them general permission of access here, sir," 
 continued the Keeper. " And,' as I can tell you, our 
 Captain is much of a gallant, he has brought ladies 
 here himself before now." 
 
 "Do you know them?" continued the Keeper, after 
 handing the passport to Laurence he and Hyne 
 looking intently upon it. 
 
 "Ellen and Susan! is it possible? What could 
 have brought them here ?" was the ejaculatory remark 
 of both prisoners. 
 
 " Know them ! yes, but too well," replied Laurence, 
 as he folded and returned the paper. " Will you 
 show them to where we are, Mr. Keeper?" continued 
 Laurence.
 
 476 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY. 
 
 In a little time after, the long- separated were again 
 together, and while busily engaged in written commu- 
 nications to one anothei, Hardy, by order of the ladies 
 had entered the Chamber of Death, arid removed from 
 their place of deposite the razors belonging to our 
 prisoners, and (as they termed it) their " epitaph." 
 
 The balance of the paper that had at their request 
 been supplied the prisoners in their melancholy mood 
 of tragical intent and operations, was being rapidly 
 consumed in a long catalogue of questions and written 
 answers returned by our heretofore seen devoted 
 lovers. But it was all to no advantageous definite 
 hope, as they supposed, on the part of the prisoners, 
 for to every question asked by Hyne (he being the 
 interrogator of Ellen for herself and Susan) her an- 
 swers were invariably framed so as to terminate with 
 " a new era in our affections have taken place," and 
 it would now be alike dishonorable as disrespectful 
 in us, towards those we love to say No." ' 
 
 A profound silence ensued, after several answers 
 had been given in a literally like language when 
 Laurence said : 
 
 "Sam this is proof sufficient of the treachery of 
 woman's heart! How often have those now before 
 us, not only written but have given personal demon- 
 stration of their profound love for, and attachment to 
 us ! It were madness to hope for, and folly to think 
 on them longer. To-morrow will end all with us. 
 Let them go their way, and be happy ! When needs 
 must we shall be no more." 
 
 Here another tact in the inuendo design of the ladies 
 was resorted to, when Susan, as if ignorant of what 
 had been said, again wrote: "Gentlemen, certai.i
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERESTGAY. 477 
 
 that our marriages are to take place day after to- 
 morrow ; knowing that you are here, and not satisfied 
 with anything short of an attempt at least, to have 
 you eye-witnesses of the ceremony commensurate 
 with our earthly bliss. Ellen and myself have made 
 the attempt, and have succeeded in getting a stop put 
 to further prosecution, not only on the part of the 
 State, but those of individuals against you in your 
 late love excursion with us. In our possession is not 
 a forged, as others have been, but properly authenti- 
 cated proof of what is here stated. 
 
 When Ellen had jinished what she had written to 
 Hyne, the document of their release accompanied it 
 then continuing she wrote 
 
 " Know, that from this hour, you are free. The 
 earnest as deeply impressed requests of our hearts 
 are, that you, in person, attend our wedding hour! 
 Do not refuse our request, as in doing what we ask, 
 now, as a favor, you will affix a lasting impression 
 upon friendship's memory for you." 
 
 That unexpected, sincerely-meant request, produced 
 another short period of silence, when Hyne wrote : 
 
 " Ladies, the edifice of affection erected for you, 
 and having for its foundation the hearts that yet 
 throb within our bosoms, must henceforth fall into 
 ruins! Yet from them a slender fabric of mere 
 friendship for you may be constructed to totter in 
 separation, and ultimately to make memory a wilder- 
 ness of despair. If our compliance with your Avish 
 be a gratification to you, you shall have a peformance 
 of it ; but no longer than to see you in the possession 
 of others. For then we shall have important mat- 
 ters of our own to attend to, of which, in the future
 
 478 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERIXGAY, 
 
 of your happiness, you may be at some time ap- 
 prised." 
 
 The indignity and want of reciprocity with which 
 our now liberated prisoners thought themselves 
 treated, were rather sources of alarm than otherwise, 
 to their devoted, though seemingly indifferent in- 
 tended ones. But, true to their purpose, Ellen and 
 Susan were like fixtures in a certain Egyptian wonder 
 of modern time, as if about to fall bent to the 
 accomplishment of events yet unknown. 
 
 That kind of persuasive eloquence of look with 
 which Heaven has endowed lovely, and particularly 
 virtuous woman, had upon the minds of our still 
 sternly freed ones, at length the desired effect. 
 
 Not knowing that that interview with them in the 
 cavern by the ladies was the preliminary as final ar- 
 rangement for the restoration to them of all they had 
 thought lost, and for the concentration of renewed 
 hope, founded upon reality of entire possession of 
 those they loved, and had determined to die as a 
 proof of. Laurence and Hyne consented to accom- 
 pany the ladies, on their return home, as far as the 
 " Mountain Inn." There they had determined to re- 
 main, and had passed their words to be at the mansion 
 on the evening of the weddings, precisely at six 
 o'clock. 
 
 That arrangement made, the gentlemen requested 
 the ladies to remain seated, till they had collected 
 what of effects they had brought and had with them 
 in the Cavern. 
 
 Hardy, being within hearing of all that was said, 
 but in the next apartment, immediately returned 
 their effects to the respective spots occupied by them
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF POTHER.' X GAY. 479 
 
 in the chamber of death, and in the stead of its 
 reality, folded and sealed a blank sheet of paper, 
 representing that upon which the so-called epitaph 
 was written, concealing and subsequently giving it to 
 Ellen. 
 
 In a little time the ladies and gentlemen were at 
 the entrance of the antechamber doorway of the 
 Cavern, where Sanco was in attendance, and who had 
 led their own horses, equipped for service; those 
 belonging to the ladies being, as is already known, 
 well trained, at the pointing of the whip of their 
 mistresses, came to where they were; when, being 
 mounted, the four, attended by Sanco, were again on 
 their way to the " Inn" and to the " Mansion." 
 
 The next day the gallant huntsmen returned to 
 their respective owners 'the valuables and jewelry 
 they had borrowed to decorate their Cavern with ; 
 and having nothing to do then but to prepare for the 
 pleasures it had given rise to, Captain Nevelle dis- 
 banded his command, all of whom were happily 
 rewarded for the tours they had served in the chival- 
 ric campaign, terminating in the established bliss of 
 twenty, and loss of but one life. 
 
 As it is affirmed, "that there is but one step be- 
 tween the sublime and the ridiculous," in like ratio 
 we think there is but a slight barrier between the 
 inclination to refusal, and that of acceptance of offers 
 emanating from hearts that tally for one another, 
 however magnified the alleged cause for separation 
 may be. 
 
 The day after their arrival at the " Mountain Inn," 
 Laurence and Hyne received the following note with 
 an accompaniment
 
 480 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHEPJNGAY. 
 
 "The Mansion, 26 April, 1802. 
 " The last requests that we shall ever ask of you 
 in our present estates are, that you will accept of and 
 appear in to-morrow night here, the articles of dress 
 herewith sent. "We make the request, because its 
 compliance will assimilate the mode that certain others 
 are to be costumed in on the occasion. 
 
 " Let us know by the bearer, Sanco, of your accep- 
 tance or refusal. Do say, the former. 
 
 " ELLEN. 
 " SUSAN." 
 
 " To Messrs. Gr. L. Laurence, Saml. L. Hyne, Moun- 
 tain Inn." 
 
 In the package sent was an entire (though unknown 
 to them of its purpose,) wedding-suit for each, which, 
 after being carefully examined by our gentlemen, 
 their thanks to and acceptance of from the ladies, 
 were forthwith returned. 
 
 The morning of the 27th April appeared ; the sun 
 in his glorious and brilliant career had commenced his 
 course, and not a cloud then, nor during the day, 
 ventured an obstruction to the rays of light and 
 gentle warmth that was being shed upon Nature's 
 wide domain. 
 
 Towards evening, and from every direction, were 
 seen ladies and gentlemen on horseback, as they 
 arrived at the " Inn" and at the " Mansion." 
 
 Though they had lived at the Mountain Inn for 
 several months, Laurence and Hyne were strangers to 
 all, and being lookers on and listeners to what was 
 passing, occasionally heard remarks made among the 
 crowd that was there, of " how happy this night will
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTIIERINGAY. 481 
 
 be to Nevelle and Everett." For it was a remark- 
 able, as singular coincidence, that in none of the 
 invitations given, was there a word said of to whom 
 Antoinette and Leontine were to be married. Hence, 
 conjectures formed upon the attentions paid them by 
 the gentlemen mentioned, caused the general remark ; 
 though innocent within itself, was anything else but 
 pleasant to the ears of some who heard it. 
 
 According to the requests contained in the notes 
 of the ladies to them, Laurence and Hyne had dressed, 
 and punctual, were at the hour appointed in one of 
 the parlors at the Mansion. 
 
 The hours of the day rolled on, night fast approach- 
 ing. And ere the swift- winged arrows of light had 
 disappeared from the horizon, two out of three 
 magnificently decorated parlors on the same floor 
 were crowded with feminine beauty, waited upon or 
 attended to by gallant mountaineers. 
 
 The parlors opened into one another after form and 
 shape of the letter T, and that one not in a direct line 
 with the other two, was discovered with some degree 
 of notoriety as surprise to be closed and locked. 
 
 The poor attorney, the poor man Close, or in other 
 words, the Maniac, and the keeper of Captain Nevelle's 
 head-quarters, Mr. Hardy, were on this occasion 
 acting- masters of ceremony. And the two former 
 being personally acquainted with Laurence and Hyne, 
 were strict in the directed disposal to be made (though 
 unknown) of them. 
 
 At half-past the hour of nine o'clock, the ceremony 
 was to take place. 
 
 A semi-circle was formed by those in possession of 
 
 31 

 
 482 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 the arrangements, extending from one extreme of tho 
 two (in a line) parlors to the other. 
 
 Melvin and Urnsden with their ladies and Madam 
 Kayford, were placed at that part of the circle imme- 
 diately fronting the sliding door of the third parlor. 
 And from a deference to Laurence and Hyne they 
 were placed a little in advance of the last named gen- 
 tlemen, where they stood arm-in-arm. Thus arranged 
 the whole party could see the door, yet closed and 
 locked, and when opened distinctly discover any move- 
 ment therein. 
 
 The order of entry, by the brides, grooms, and their 
 respective attendants, was to be from the outer door 
 of the two parlors, at the foot of the stairway in the 
 hall. Thence proceeding to a position in front of the 
 locked door, where they were to stand forming a line 
 on each side, and leaving the view of it clear; the 
 heiresses with their attendants taking a position at the 
 head of each line and near the spot occupied by Lau- 
 rence and Hyne. 
 
 Silence, in its most acute sense, presided over the 
 scene then being presented. Not even a whisper or 
 move was heard or seen, as intruders upon the mental 
 or occular powers then in operation upon unexpected, 
 and as yet, unknown future events. 
 
 At length the parlor door leading into the hall was 
 opened, and a passway through the line at it being 
 made, were seen advancing, Antoinette and Captain 
 Nevelle, attended by Miss Caroline Clermont, Laertes, 
 and Armsdale. 
 
 Next came Leontine, attended by Miss Uala Cler- 
 mont, Dorinda Close, Lieutenant Everett, and Yancy. 
 Next came Miss Jane Thurmund and Thomas Miller,
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 483 
 
 attended by Miss Elenora Buford, Miss Eliza Long, 
 Clermont, and Irwin. 
 
 Next were seen, Miss Eliza Thurmund and Edmund 
 Miller, attended by Miss Marian Long, Miss Kingetta 
 Buford, George Washington and Green Close. 
 
 One of the needful requisites on such occasions as 
 that of which we are now speaking, and attempting to 
 describe, furnishing the means by which the nuptial 
 vow is made complete, and the commencement of 
 happiness or sorrow in it, as the case may be. His 
 Eeverenceship had, as yet, been nowhere seen by the 
 attending guests on the occasion, and every eye was 
 fixed on the line formed by the grooms, their brides, 
 and those of their honored select. 
 
 At that moment, 'Antoinette and Leontine were dis- 
 covered leaving the sides of Nevelle and Everett, and 
 taking a position side by side, immediately in front 
 of and a few steps distant from their (as the gentlemen, 
 had arrived at the conclusion of) discarded lovers. 
 
 If mental or personal beauty have charms, the 
 splendor of rich and elegant apparel is an impetuous 
 auxiliary to the mind a'nd eye, in thinking upon and 
 looking at the respective differences. 
 
 Here raising their elegant veils, and looking at them 
 " Mr. Laurence and Mr. Hyne, Gentlemen," at one 
 and the same time, said the ladies. In the next mo- 
 ment, the young friends gazed at each other in mute 
 astonishment. " It may well surprise you," continued 
 Antoinette, " that the deaf hear and the dumb speak, 
 and that on this occasion, and not before, in their long 
 acquaintance with you, they have assumed the privi- 
 lege, as well as ask for the high pleasures they feel, in 
 doing so.''
 
 484 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 
 
 "The mysteries with which you have been sur- 
 rounded since your arrival at the Mountain Inn, and 
 acquaintance with us, commenced in the room you 
 now are, are now being solved. In their solution and 
 before an eventful period now about taking place with 
 us, is began, I ask in my own behalf and that of her 
 who stands by my side, your indulgence while I make 
 a few other remarks. 
 
 " There is no time in the life allotted to ladies, in 
 which they are more free than during their celibacy. 
 In it apportioned to us, and especially since our ac- 
 quaintance with you, we have enjoyed that freedom to 
 (connected with its circumstances) an unparalleled ex- 
 tent, and after such a mode as may perhaps, have 
 amounted in your estimation to rudeness. If so, we 
 here ask your forgiveness, and hope that ere I am 
 done with what I am saying, and which we have a 
 right to before a submerging of liberty into that of 
 obedient subjection, we will occupy another position 
 in your mind's-eye, to that which the past might jus- 
 tify your slight, and consequently your neglect. 
 
 "In tbe retrospect, you had no sooner reached the 
 Mountain Inn than that which may seem to have the 
 appearance of an unpardonable disposition to coquetry, 
 commenced with us and under its influence upon our 
 minds and practice of by us, appearances now sur- 
 rounding you now may be attributed. It was us, 
 who, on the night of your arrival at the Inn as 
 strangers, played and sang, though unknown to, for 
 your pleasure, and led by curiosity to see those we 
 had heard of, but not the pleasure of knowing a sight 
 of you was got in the deer hunt the next morning. 
 In that, as well as at subsequent periods, down to the
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 485 
 
 present one, you were and continued to be impressed 
 with the belief that two of the many personal misfor- 
 tunes incident to life were ours. To the then every 
 appearance of truth in what you beheld the honor of 
 preferment was given in asking our hearts and hands. 
 
 " Not satisfied with the ascendancy thus gained, we 
 still practiced duplicity towards those who deserved a 
 better reward, and to carry it. to a still greater extent 
 the very ones who you have beheld this night con- 
 ducting us to the altar of love, were associated with 
 us in the extent to which that duplicity was practiced 
 toward you. In fact, the gentlemen you have seen 
 conducting other ladies as we were just now, were the 
 (as you suppose) banditti that accosted us on the 
 mountains the night of our escape from this house, 
 and who gave to us the golden chains as a passport 
 of yours and our security nor was that near all. 
 Your confinement in the Cavern, and recent release 
 therefrom, with other strange circumstances with 
 which you have been surrounded, have taken their 
 origin in your first sight of the beloved ones, as such, 
 deaf ax\& dumb. 
 
 " Though a high sense of false pretensions were 
 seemingly ours, and which, frequently we were fearful 
 of the consequences of, we still clung with hope the 
 fonder to those we loved, and could not think for a 
 moment of suffering the risk any longer of your car- 
 rying into effect, consequent upon the indignities with 
 which you had been treated by us the commission 
 of suicide. Hence our late visit to you, and earnest 
 request that you (and we are more than pleased to see 
 it complied with) would attend our weddings. The 
 deception practiced upon you had gone so far as a
 
 486 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY 
 
 change of the names of families found here by you 
 had made it necessary to do, to bring into its proper 
 sphere the opinions of yourselves relative to ladies 
 which you may remember to have expressed, viz : 
 
 "'She must be a Venus to whom I would say, 
 " Will you marry me ?" ' 
 
 " As regards the names we have gone by, they were 
 only borrowed ; and it is necessary on this occasion 
 here to say, that you behold in me, Antoinette, the 
 only child of Colonel George Leftridge, and in her 
 who I hold by the arm, my cousin, Leontine, daughter 
 of the late James "Withrow, whose miniature and 
 watches were on our persons the day you become 
 offended at what you thought a want in us of affection 
 for you. 
 
 " Now, sirs, I take pleasure (the want of language I 
 have not to express) that you are here for a still more 
 valuable purpose than to be mere guests upon this 
 occasion. If we have been coquettes in appearance, 
 we have not been so in reality ; but to carry out the 
 certainty to you that we are worthy of the honor we 
 now claim of taking your hands, giving in exchange 
 for them our own, and our hearts as pledges of a 
 faithful compliance with contracts now about to be 
 entered into between yourselves and us." 
 
 Here placing their ajms upon those of Laurence 
 and Hyne, Antoinette and Leontine passed through 
 the lines to the locked door of the third parlor, giving 
 their intended introductions to the respective grooms, 
 brides, and attendants as they passed. When An- 
 toinette on arriving at the door again, said, "Among 
 other pleasures that will be yours, is that of seeing 
 your friend, the Eev. Mr. Clermont, who officiates on
 
 THE HEIRESSES OF FOTHERINGAY. 487 
 
 this, to us and others, happy occasion, and who is in 
 the room we are about entering, where, also, you will 
 see your fathers !" 
 
 At that the parlor door opened, when were seen 
 advancing toward them the gentlemen mentioned, ac- 
 companied by Murdock. The .late known grooms, 
 with their brides, resumed their stations in the line. 
 It changed its position to a front of the circle. In a 
 few moments after, a general expression of good feel- 
 ing, hilarity and pleasantry resounded throughout the 
 expansive parlors of the Mansion, rendered still more 
 pleasant by the music and dancing that followed. 
 
 In a short period from the time the four weddings 
 had come off at Fotheringay, others at that time in a 
 favorable condition were agreeably fulfilled. Their 
 consummation strengthened the respective links of 
 friendship. 
 
 Long and Buford were restored to the favor of their 
 old friends. And as for Hardy, an old bachelor, who 
 the ladies liked to talk to on general subjects, but not 
 love matters, he was, nevertheless, a clever fellow in 
 his notions upon life, and leaving the mountains of 
 Virginia he put off to New York, where he lived for 
 several years after, respected and esteemed in the 
 families of Laurence and Hyne. 
 
 Here, reader, is 
 
 THE END.
 
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 (2)
 
 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 3 
 CHARLES DICKENS' WORKS. 
 
 The best and most popular in the world. Ten different editions. No 
 
 library can be complete without a Sett of these Works. 
 
 .Reprinted from the Author's last Editions. 
 
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 Every family should possess a sett of one of the editions. The cheap 
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 can be had separately. Price Fifty cents each. Tha following are then 
 names. 
 
 DAVID COPPERFIELD, DICKENS' NEW STCBTES. Con- 
 
 NICHOLAS NICKLEBY, taining The Seven Poo, Travellers 
 
 PICKWICK PAPEKS, Nine New Stories by the Christmas 
 
 DOMBEY AND SON, Fire. Hard Times. Lizzie Leigh 
 
 MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT, The Miner's Daughters, etc. 
 
 BARNABY RUDGE, CHRISTMAS STORIES. Contain- 
 
 OLD CURIOSITY SHOP, ing A Christmas Carol. The 
 
 SKETCHES BY BOZ," Chimes. Cricket on the Hearth. 
 
 OLIVER TWIST Battle of Life. Haunted Man, an ' 
 
 BLEAK HOUSE, Pictures from Italy. 
 
 A complete sett of the above edition, twelve volumes in all, will be sent 
 to any one to any place, free of postage, for Five Dollars. 
 
 COMPLETE LIBRARY EDITION. 
 
 In FIVE large octavo volumes, with a Portrait, on Steel, of Charles 
 Dickens, containing over Four Thousand very large pages, handsomely 
 printed, and bound in various styles. 
 Volume 1 contains Pickwick Papers and Curiosity Shop. 
 
 " 2 do. Oliver Twist, Sketches by " Boz," and Barnaby Rudge. 
 
 " 3 do. Nicholas Nickleby and Martin Chuzzlewit. 
 
 " 4 do. David Copperfield, Dombey and Son, Christmas Stories, 
 and Pictures from Italy. 
 
 " 5 do. Bleak House, and Dickens' New Stories. Containing 
 The Seven Poor Travellers. Nine New Stories 
 by the Christmas Fire. Hard Times. Lizzie 
 Leigh. The Miner's Daughters, and Fortune 
 Wildred, etc. 
 
 Price of a complete sett. Bound in Black cloth, full gilt back, $7 50 
 
 " " " " scarlet cloth, extra, 8 50 
 
 " " " " library sheep, 9 00 
 
 " " " " half turkey morocco, II 00 
 
 " " " half calf, antique, 15 00 
 Uluttrated Edition is described on next page. '
 
 4 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 ILLUSTRATED EDITION OF DICKENS' WORKS. 
 
 This edition is printed on very thick and tine white paper, and is pro. 
 fusely illustrated, with all the original illustrations by Cruikshank, Alfred 
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 sett in twelve volumes, or any volume will be sold separately, as ft Hows: 
 
 BLEAK HOUSE, Price, $1 50 
 PICKWICK PAPERS, 1 50 
 
 OLD CURIOSITY SHOP, 1 50 
 OLIVER TWIST, 1 50 
 
 SKETCHES BY "BOZ," 1 50 
 BARNABY RUDGE, ' 1 50 
 
 NICHOLAS NICKLEBY, $1 50 
 MARTIN CHUZZLEWIT, 1 50 
 DAVID COPPERFIELD, 1 50 
 DOMBEY AND SON, 1 50 
 
 CHRISTMAS STORIES, 1 50 
 DICKENS' NEW STORIES, 1 50 
 
 Price of a complete sett of the Illustrated Edition, in twelve 
 
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 All subsequent works by Charles Dickens will be issued i' uniform style with 
 all the previous ten different editions. 
 
 CAPTAIN MARRYATT'S WORKS. 
 
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 forms one large octavo volume, complete in itself. 
 
 PETER SIMPLE. NAVAL OFFICER. 
 
 JACOB FAITHFUL. PIRATE AND THREE CUTTERS. 
 
 THE PHANTOM SHIP. SNARLEYYOW ; or, the Dog-Fiend. 
 
 MIDSHIPMAN EASY. PERCIVAL KEENE. Price 50 cts. 
 
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 NEWTON FORSTER. SEA KING. 200 pages. Price 60 
 
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 A FATHER. VALERIE. His last Novel. Price 
 
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 ELLEN PICKERING'S NOVELS. 
 
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 THE ORPHAN NIECE. THE HEIRESS. 
 
 KATE WALSINGHAM. PRINCE AND PEDLER. 
 
 THE POOR COUSIN. MERCHANT'S DAUGHTER. 
 
 ELLEN WAREHAM. THE FRIGHT. 
 
 THE QUIET HUSBAND. NAN DARRELL. 
 
 WHO SHALL BE HEIR? THE SQUIRE. 
 
 THE SECRET FOE. THE EXPECTANT, 
 
 AGNES SERLE. THE GRUMBLER. 50 eta.
 
 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 5 
 MRS. CAROLINE LEE HENTZ'S WORKS. 
 
 COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE; OR, THE JOYS AND SORROWS 
 OF AMERICAN LIFE. With a Portrait of the Author. Complete 
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 THE PLANTER'S NORTHERN BRIDE. With illustrations. Com- 
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 LINDA ; OR, THE YOUNG PILOT OF THE BELLE CREOLE. Com- 
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 ROBERT GRAHAM. The Sequel to, and continuation of Linda. Be- 
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 T. S. ARTHUR'S WORKS. 
 
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 YEAR AFTER MARRIAGE. TRIAL AND TRIUMPH. 
 
 THE DIVORCED'WIFE. THE ORPHAN CHILDREN. 
 
 THE BANKER'S WIFE. THE DEBTOR'S DAUGHTER. 
 
 PRIDE AND PRUDENCE. INSUBORDINATION. 
 
 CECILIA HOWARD. LUCY SANDFORD. 
 
 MARY MORETON. AGNES, or the Possessed. 
 
 LOVE IN A COTTAGE. THE TWO BRIDES. 
 
 LOVE IN HIGH LIFE. THE IRON RULE. 
 
 Till-: TWO MKRCHANTS. THE OLD ASTROLOGER. 
 
 LADY AT HOME. THE SEAMSTRESS.
 
 6 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
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 CHARLES O'MALLEY, the Irish Drajroon. By Charles Lever. Com- 
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 CHARLES J. PETERSON'S WORKS. 
 
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 THE VALLEY FARM; OR, the AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN OR. 
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 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF. PUBLICATIONS. 7 
 EUGENE SUE'S NOVELS, 
 
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 DUKE AND THE COUSIN. ' THE YOUNG PRIMA DONNA. 
 
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 SYBIL LENNARD. ALICE SEYMOUR. 
 
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 LENA CAMERON; or, the Four Price 50 cents. 
 
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 GEORGE W. M. REYNOLD'S WORKS. 
 
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 THE PARRICIDE; OR, THE YOUTH'S CAREER IN CRIME. By 
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 LIFE IN PARTS: OR, THE ADVENTURES OF ALFRED DE ROSANN 
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 8 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 AINSWORTH'S WORKS. 
 
 JACK SHEPPARD. PICTORIAL LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 
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 MYSTERIES OF THE COURT OF THE STUARTS. By Ainsworth. 
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 DICK TURPIN. ILLUSTRATED LIFE OF DICK TURPIN, the 
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 DESPERADOES. ILLUSTRATED LIFE AND ADVENTURES OP 
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 NINON DE L'E.NCLOS. LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF NINON 
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 THE PICTORIAL NEWGATE CALENDAR; or the Chronicles of Crime. 
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 PICTORIAL LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF DAVY CROCKETT. 
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 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF ARTHUR SPRING, the murderer of 
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 GRACE O'MALLEY. PICTORIAL LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 
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 THE PIRATE'S SON. A Sen Nnvel of great interest. Full of beautiful 
 illustrations. Piic-e Twenty-live cents.
 
 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 9 
 ALEXANDRE DUMAS' WORKS. 
 
 THE IKON MASK, OR THE FEATS AND ADVENTURES OF 
 RAO OLE DE BRAGELONNE. Being the conclusion of "The 
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 Alexandre Dumas. Complete in two large volumes, of 420 octavo 
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 LOUISE LA VALLIERE; OR THE SECOND SERIES AND FINAL 
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 THE MEMOIRS OF A PHYSICIAN; OR THE SECRET HISTORY OF 
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 THE QUEEN'S NECKLACE : OR THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE 
 COURT OF LOUIS THE SIXTEENTH. A Sequel to the Memoirs 
 of a Physician. By Alexandre Dumas. It is beautifully illustrated 
 with portraits of the heroines of the work. Complete in two large 
 octavo volumes of over 400 pages. Price One Dollar, 
 
 SIX YEARS LATER; OR THE TAKING OF THE BASTILE. By 
 Alexandre Dumas. Being the continuation of " The Queen's Neck- 
 lace; or the Secret History of the Court of Louis the Sixteenth," and 
 "Memoirs*of a Physician." Complete in one large octavo Tolume. 
 Price Seventy-five cents. 
 
 COUNTESS DE CHARNY; OR THE FALL OF THE FRENCH 
 MONARCHY. By Alexandre Dumas. This work is the final con- 
 clusion of the "Memoirs of a Physician," "The Queen's Necklace," 
 and " Six Years Later, or Taking of the Bastile." All persons who 
 have not read Dumas in this, his greatest and most instructive pro- 
 duction, should begin at once, and no pleasure will be found so 
 agreeable, and nothing in novel form so useful and absorbing. Com- 
 plete in two volumes, beautifully illustrated. Price One Dollar. 
 
 DIANA OF MERIDOR; THE LADY OF MONSOREAU; or France in 
 the Sixteenth Century. By Alexandre Dumas. An Historical Ro- 
 mance. Complete in two large octavo volumes of 538 pages, with 
 numerous illustrative engravings. Price One Dollar. 
 
 ISABEL OF BAVARIA ; or the Chronicles of France for the reign ;/ 
 Charles the Sixth. Complete in one fine octavo volume of 211 pages, 
 printed on the finest white paper. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 EDMOND DANTES. Being the sequel to Dumas' celebrated novel of 
 the Count of Monte Cristo. With elegant illustrations. Complete in 
 one large octavo volume of over 200 pages. Priee Fifty cents. 
 
 THE CORSICAN BROTHERS. This work has already been dramatized, 
 and is now played in all the theatres of Europe aad in this country, 
 ami it is exciting an extraordinary interest. Price Twenty-five cents.
 
 10 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 ALEXANDRE DUMAS' WORKS. 
 
 SKETCHES IN FRANCE. By Alexandre Dumas. It is as good a 
 book as Thackeray's Sketches in Ireland. Dumas never wrote a 
 better book. It is the most delightful book of the season. Prioa 
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 GENEVIEVE, OR THE CHEVALIER OF THE MAISON ROUGE. 
 By Alexandre Dumas. An Historical Romance of the French Revo- 
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 with numerous illustrative engravings. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 GEORGE LIPPARD'S WORKS. 
 
 WASHINGTON AND HIS GENERALS; or, Legends of the American 
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 THE QUAKER CITY; or, the Monks of Monk Hall. A Romance of 
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 Engravings. Complete in two large octavo volumes of 500 pages. 
 Price One Dollar. 
 
 THE LADYE OF ALBARONE; or, the Poison Goblet. A Romance of 
 the Dark Ages. Lippard's Last Work, and never before published. 
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 BLANCHE OF BRAND YWINE; or, September the Eleventh, 1777. A 
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 LEGENDS OF MEXICO; or, Battles of General Zaehary Taylor, late 
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 128 pages. Price Twenty-five cents. 
 
 THE NAZARENE; or, the Last of the Washingtons. A Revelation of 
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 plete in one volume. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 B. DISRAELI'S NOVELS. 
 
 VIVIAN GREY. By B. D'Israeli, M. P. Complete in one large octavo 
 volume of 225 pages. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 THE YOUNG DUKE ; or the younger days of George the Fourth. By 
 B. D'Israeli, M. P. One octavo volume. Price Thirty-eight cents. 
 
 TENETIA; or, Lord Byron and his Daughter. By B. D'Israeli, M. P. 
 Complete in one large octavo volume. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 HENRIETTA TEMPLE. A Love Story. By B. D'Israeli, M. P. Com 
 plete in one large octavo volume. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 CONTARINA FLEMING. An Autobiography. By B. D'Israeli, M. P. 
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 MIRIAM ALROY. A Romance of the Twelfth Century. By B. D'Israeli, 
 M. P. One volume octavo. Price Thirty-eight cents.
 
 T. B. PETEKSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 11 
 EMERSON BENNETT'S WORKS. 
 
 CLARA MORELAND. This is a powerfully written romance. The 
 characters are boldly drawn, the plot striking, the incidents replete 
 with thrilling interest, and the language and descriptions natural and 
 graphic, as are all of Mr. Bennett's Works. 336 pagef. Price 50 
 cents in paper cover, or One Dollar in cloth, gilt. 
 
 VIOLA; OR, ADVENTURES IN THE FAR SOUTH-WEST. Com- 
 plete in one largo volume. Price 50 cents in paper cover, or 75 cents 
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 THE FORGED WILL. Complete in one large volume, of over 300 
 pages, paper cover, price 50 cents; or bound in cloth, gilt, price $1 00. 
 
 KATE CLARENDON; OR, NECROMANCY IN THE WILDERNESS. 
 Price 50 cents in paper cover, or 75 cents in cloth, gilt. 
 
 BRIDE OF THE WILDERNESS. Complete in one large volume. 
 Price 50 cents in paper cover, or 75 cents in cloth, gilt. 
 
 THE PIONEER'S DAUGHTER; and THE UNKNOWN COUNTESS. 
 By Emerson Bennett. Price 50 cents. 
 
 HEIRESS OF BELLEFONTE ; and WALDE-WARREN. A Tale of 
 Circumstantial Evidence. By Emeison Bennett. Price 50 cents. 
 
 ELLEN NORBURY ; OR, THE ADVENTURES OF AN ORPHAN. 
 Complete in one largo volume, price 50 cents in paper cover, or in 
 cloth gilt, $1 00. 
 
 MISS LESLIE'S NEW COOK BOOK. 
 
 MISS LESLIE'S NEW RECEIPTS FOR COOKING. Comprising new 
 and approved methods of preparing all kinds of soups, fish^ oysters, 
 terrapins, turtle, vegetables, meats, poultry, game, sauces, pickle,*, 
 sweet meats, cakes, pies, puddings, confectionery, rice, Indian meal 
 preparations of all kinds, domestic liquors, perfumery, remedies, 
 laundry-work, needle-work, letters, additional receipts, etc. Also, 
 list of articles suited to go together for breakfasts, dinners, and sup- 
 pers, and much useful information and many miscellaneous subjects " 
 connected with general house-wifery. It is an elegantly printed duo- 
 decimo volume of 520 pages ; and in it there will be found One Thou- 
 sand and Eleven new Receipts all useful some ornamental and all 
 invaluable to every lady, miss, or family in the world. This work has 
 had a very extensive sale, and many thousand copies have been sold, 
 and the demand is increasing yearly, being the most complete work 
 of the kind published in the world, and also the latest and best, as, 
 in addition to Cookery, its receipts for making cakes and confec- 
 tionery are unequalled by any other work extant. New edition, en- 
 larged and improved, and handsomely bound. Price Ono Dollar a 
 copy only. This is the only new Cook Book by Miss Leslie. 
 
 GEORGE SANDS' WORKS. 
 
 FIRST AND TRUE LOVE. A True Love Story. By George Sand, 
 author of" Consuelo," " Indiana," etc. It is one of the most charm- 
 ing and interesting works ever published. Illustrated. Price 50 cents. 
 
 INDIANA. By George Sand, author of " Fi t and True Love," etc. 
 A very bewitching and interesting work. I nee 50 cents. 
 
 THE CORSAIR. A Venetian Tale. Price 2o cents.
 
 12 T. B PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 HUMOROUS AMERICAN WORKS. 
 
 WITH ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS BY BARLEY AND OTHERS, 
 
 AND BEAUTIFULLY ILLUMINATED COVEKS. 
 
 We have just published new and beautiful editions of the following 
 HUMOKOUS AMERICAN WORKS. They are published in the best 
 possible style, full of original Illustrations, by Darley, descriptive of all the 
 best scenes in each work, with Illuminated Covers, with new and beautiful 
 designs on each, and are printed on the finest and best of white paper. 
 There are no works to compare with them in point of wit and humor, in 
 the whole world. The price of each work is Fifty cents only. 
 
 THE FOLLOWING ARE THE NAMES OF THE WOEKS. 
 
 MAJOR JONES' COURTSHIP : detailed, with other Scenes, Incidents, 
 and Adventures, in a Series of Letters, by himself. With Thirteen 
 Illustrations from designs by Darley. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 DRAMA IN POKERVILLE: the Bench and Bar of Jurytown, and 
 other Stories. By "Everpoint," (J. M. Field, of the St. Louis 
 Reveille.) With Illustrations from designs by Darley. Fifty cents. 
 
 CHARCOAL SKETCHES ; or, Scenes in the Metropolis. By Joseph 0. 
 Neal, author of " Peter Ploddy," " Misfortunes of Peter Faber," etc. 
 With Illustrations. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 YANKEE AMONGST THE MERMAIDS, and other Waggeries and 
 Vagaries. By W. E. Burton, Comedian. With Illustrations by 
 Darley. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 MISFORTUNES OF PETER FABER, and other Sketches. By the 
 author of " Charcoal Sketches." With Illustrations by Darley and 
 others. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 MAJOR JONES' SKETCHES OF TRAVEL, comprising the Scenes, 
 Incidents, and Adventures in his Tour from Georgia to Canada. 
 With Eight Illustrations from Designs by Darley. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 STREAKS OF SQUATTER LIFE, and Far West Scenes. A Sries of 
 humorous Sketches, descriptive of Incidents and Character in tha 
 Wild West. By the author of " Major Jones' Courtship," " Swallow, 
 ing Oysters Alive," etc. With Illustrations from designs by Darley 
 Price Fifty cents. 
 
 QUARTER RACE IN KENTUCKY, AND OTHER STORIES. By 
 W. T. Porter, Esq., of the New York Spirit of the Times. With 
 Eight Illustrations and designs by Darley. Complete in one volume. 
 Price Fifty cents. 
 
 BIMON SUGGS. ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN SIMON SUGGS, late 
 of the Tallapoosa Volunteers, together with "Taking the Census," 
 and other Alabama Sketches. By a Country Editor. With a Portrait 
 from Life, and Nine other Illustrations by Darley. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 EIVAL BELLES. By J. B. Jones, author of "Wild Western Scenes," 
 etc. This is a very humorous and entertaining work, and one that 
 will be recommended by all after reading it. Price Fifty cents.
 
 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 13 
 HUMOROUS AMERICAN WORKS. 
 
 YANKEE YARNS AND YANKEE LETTERS. By Sam Slick, alias 
 Judge Haliburton. Full of the drollest humor that has ever emanated 
 from the pen of any author. Every page will set you in a roar. 
 Price Fifty cents. 
 
 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF COL. VANDERBOMB, AND THE 
 EXPLOITS OF HIS PRIVATE SECRETARY. By J. B. Jomss, 
 author of "The Rival Belles," " Wild Western Scenes," etc. Prica 
 Fifty cents. 
 
 BIG BEAR OF ARKANSAS, and other Sketches, illustrative of Charac- 
 ters and Incidents in the South and South-West. Edited by Wm. T. 
 Porter. With Illustrations by Darley. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 MAJOR JONES' CHRONICLES OF PINEVILLE; embracing Sketches 
 of Georgia Scenes, Incidents, and Characters. By the author of 
 "Major Jones' Courtship," etc. With Illustrations by Darley. Price 
 Fifty cents. 
 
 LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF PERCIVAL MABERRY. By J. H. 
 Ingraham. It will interest and please everybody. All who enjoy a 
 good laugh should get it at once. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 FRANK FORESTER'S QUORNDON HOUNDS j or, A Virginian at 
 Melton Mowbray. By H. W. Herbert, Esq. With Illustrations. 
 Price Fifty cents. 
 
 PICKINGS FROM THE PORTFOLIO OF THE REPORTER OF THE 
 "NEW ORLEANS PICAYUNE." Comprising Sketchss of the 
 Eastern Yankee, the Western Hoosier, and such others as make up 
 society in the great Metropolis of the South. With Illustrations by 
 Darley. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 FRANK FORESTER'S SHOOTING BOX. By the author of "The 
 Quorndon Hounds," '' The Deer Stalkers," etc. With Illustrations by 
 Darley. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 STRAY SUBJECTS ARRESTED AND BOUND OVER; being the 
 Fugitive Offspring of the " Old Un" and the "Young Un," that have 
 been " Laying Around Loose," and are now "tied up" for fast keep- 
 ing. With Illustrations by Darley. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 FRANK FORESTER'S DEER STALKERS ; a Tale of Circumstantial 
 evidence. By the author of "My Shooting Box," "The Quormlon 
 Hounds," etc. With Illustrations. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN .FARRAGO. By Hon. H. H. Bracken- 
 ridge. For Sixteen years one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of 
 the State of Pennsylvania. With Illustrations from designs by Darley. 
 Price Fifty cents. 
 
 THE CHARMS OF PARIS; or, Sketches of Travel and Adventures by 
 Night and Day, of a Gentleman of Fortune and Leisure. From his 
 private journal. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 PETER PLODDY, and other oddities. By the author of "Charcoal 
 Sketches," "Peter Faber," Ac. With Illustrations from original 
 designs, by Darley. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 WIDOW RUGBY'S HUSBAND, a Night at the Ugly Man's, and other 
 Tales of Alabama. By author of " Simon Suggs." With original 
 Illustrations. Price Fifty cents.
 
 14 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 HUMOROUS AMERICAN WORKS. 
 
 MAJOR O'REGAN'S ADVENTURES. By Hon. H. II. Brackenridge. 
 With Illustrations by Darley. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 SOL. SMITH ; THEATRICAL APPRENTICESHIP AND ANECDOTAL 
 RECOLLECTIONS OF SOL. SMITH, Esq., Comedian, Lawyer, 
 etc. Illustrated by Darley. Containing Early Scenes, Wanderings 
 in the West, Cincinnati in Early Life, etc. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 SOL. SMITH'S NEW BOOK; THE THEATRICAL JOURNEY-WORK 
 AND ANECDOTAL RECOLLECTIONS OF SOL. SMITH, Esq., 
 with a portrait of Sol. Smith. It comprises a Sketch of the second 
 Seven years of his professional life, together with some Sketches of 
 Adventure in after years. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 POLLY PEABLOSSOM'S WEDDING, and other Tales. By the author 
 of "Major Jones' Courtship," " Streaks of Squatter Life," etc. Price 
 Fifty cents. 
 
 FRANK FORESTER'S WARWICK WOODLANDS; or, Things as 
 they were Twenty Years Ago. By the author of " The Quorndon 
 Hounds," "My Shooting Box," "The Deer Stalkers," etc. With 
 Illustrations, illuminated. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 LOUISIANA SWAMP DOCTOR. By Madison Tensas, M. D., Ex. V. P. 
 
 M. S. U. Ky. Author of " Cupping on the Sternum." With Illustra- 
 tions by Darley. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 NEW ORLEANS SKETCH BOOK, by "Stahl," author of the "Port- 
 folio of a Southern Medical Student." With Illustrations from 
 designs by Darley. Price Fifty cents. 
 
 FRENCH, GERMAN, SPANISH, LATIN, AND 
 ITALIAN LANGUAGES. 
 
 Any person unacquainted with either of the ahove languages, can, with 
 the aid of these works, be enabled to read, write and speak the language of 
 cither, without the aid of a teacher or any oral instruction whatever, pro- 
 vided they pay strict attention to the instructions laid down in each book, 
 and that nothing shall be passed over, without a thorough investigation 
 of the subject it involves : by doing which they will be able to tpeak, read 
 or write either language, at their will and pleasure. Either of these works 
 is invaluable to any persons wishing to learn these languages, and are 
 worth to any one One Hundred times their cost. These works have 
 already run through several large editions in this country, for no person 
 ever buys one without recommending it to his friends. 
 
 FRENCH WITHOUT A MASTER. In Six Easy Lessons. 
 GERMAN WITHOUT A MASTER. In Six Easy Lessons. 
 SPANISH WITHOUT A MASTER. In Four Easy Lessons. 
 ITALIAN WITHOUT A MASTER. In Five Easy Lessons. 
 LATIN WITHOUT A MASTER. In Six Easy Lessons. 
 
 Price of either of the above Works, separate, 25 cents each or the 
 whole five may be had for One Dollar, and will be sent free of postage to 
 any one on their remitting that amount to the publisher, in a letter.
 
 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 15 
 WORKS BY THE BEST AUTHORS. 
 
 FLIRTATIONS IN AMERICA; OE HIGH LIFE IN NEW YORK. A 
 capital book. 285 pages. Price 50 cents. 
 
 DON QUIXOTTE. ILLUSTRATED LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF 
 DON QUIXOTTE DE LA MANCHA, and his Squire Sancho Panza, 
 with all the original notes. 300 pages. Price 75 cents. 
 
 WILD SPORTS IN THE WEST. By W. H. Maxwell, author of Pic- 
 torial Life and Adventures of Grace O'Malley." Price 50 cents. 
 
 THE ROMISH CONFESSIONAL ; or, the Auricular Confession and Spi- 
 ritual direction of the Romish Church. Its History, Consequences, 
 and policy of the Jesuits. By M. Michelet. Price 50 cents. 
 
 GENEVRA ; or, the History of a Portrait By Miss Fairfield, one of the 
 best writers in America. 200 pages. Price 50 cents. 
 
 WILD OATS SOWN ABROAD ; OR, ON AND OFF SOUNDINGS. It 
 is the Private Journal of a Gentleman of Leisure and Education, and 
 of a highly cultivated mind, in making the tour of Europe. It shows 
 up all the High and Low Life to be found in all the fashionable re- 
 sorts in Paris. Price 50 cents in paper cover, or 75 cents in cloth, gilt. 
 
 6ALATHIEL ; OR, THE WANDERING JEW. By Rev. George Croly. 
 One of the best and most world-wide celebrated books that has ever 
 been printed. Price 50 cents. 
 
 LLORENTE'S HISTORY OF THE INQUISITION IN SPAIN. Only 
 edition published in this country. Price 50 cents ; or handsomely 
 bound in muslin, gilt, price 75 cents. 
 
 DR. HOLLICK'S NEW BOOK. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY, 
 with a large dissected plate of the Human Figure, colored to Life. 
 By the celebrated Dr. Hollick, author of " The Family Physician," 
 " Origin of Life," etc. Price One Dollar. 
 
 DR. HOLLICK'S FAMILY PHYSICIAN; OR, THE TRUE ART OF 
 HEALING THE SICK. A book that should be in the house of 
 every family. It is a perfect treasure. Price 25 cents. 
 
 MYSTERIES OF THREE CITIES. Boston, New York, and Philadel- 
 phia. Revealing the secrets of society in these various cities. All 
 should read it. By A. J. H. Duganne. 200 pages. Price 50 cents. 
 
 RED INDIANS OF NEWFOUNDLAND. A beautifully illustrated In- 
 dian Story, by the author of the " Prairie Bird." Price 50 cents. 
 
 HARRIS'S ADVENTURES IN AFRICA. This book is a rich treat 
 Two volumes. Price One Dollar, or handsomely bound, $1 50. 
 
 THE PETREL; OR, LOVE ON THE OCEAN. A sea novel equal to the 
 best. By Admiral Fisher. 200 pages. Price 50 cents. 
 
 ARISTOCRACY, OR LIFE AMONG THE " UPPER TEN." A true 
 novel of fashionable life. By J. A. Nunes, Esq. Price 50 cento. 
 
 THE CABIN AND PARLOR. By J. Thornton Randolph. It is 
 beautifully illustrated. Price 50 cents in paper cover ; or a finer edi- 
 tion, printed on thicker and better paper, aud handsomely bound in 
 muslin, gilt, is published for One Dollar. 
 
 LIFE IN THE SOUTH. A companion to " Uncle Tom's Cabin." By 
 C. H. Wiley. Beautifully illustrated from original designs by Dar- 
 ley. Price 50 cents.
 
 16 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 WORKS BY THE BEST AUTHORS. 
 
 SKETCHES IN IRELAND. By William M. Thackeray, author of 
 "Vanity Fair," "History of Pendennis," etc. Price 50 cents. 
 
 THE ROMAN TRAITOR; OR, THE DAYS OF CATALINE AND 
 CICERO. By Henry William Herbert. This is one of the most 
 powerful Roman stories in the English language, and is of itself suffi- 
 cient to stamp the writer as a powerful man. Complete in two large 
 volumes, of over 250 pages each, paper cover, price One Dollar, or 
 bound in one volume, cloth, for $1 25. 
 
 ;HE LADY'S WORK-TABLE BOOK. Full of plates, designs, diagrams, 
 and illustrations to learn all kinds of needlework. A work every 
 Lady should possess. Price 50, cents in paper cover; or bound in 
 crimson cloth, gilt, for 75 cents. 
 
 THE COQUETTE. One of the best books ever written. One volume, oc- 
 tavo, over 200 pages. Price 50 cents. 
 
 WHITEFRIARS; OR, THE DAYS OF CHARLES THE SECOND. An 
 Historical Romance. Splendidly illustrated with original designs, by 
 Chapin. It is the best historical romance published for years. Price 
 50 cents. 
 
 WHITEHALL; OR, THE TIMES OF OLIVER CROMWELL. By the 
 author of " Whitofriars." It is a work which, for just popularity and 
 intensity of interest, has not been equalled since the publication of 
 " Waverly." Beautifully illustrated. Price 50 cents. 
 
 THE SPITFIRE. A Nautical Romance. By Captain Chamier, author 
 of " Lite and Adventures of Jack Adams." Illustrated. Price 50 cents. 
 
 UNCLE TOM'S CABIN AS IT IS. One large volume, illustrated, 
 bound in cloth. Price $1 25. 
 
 1'ATHER CLEMENT. By Grace Kennady, author of " Dunallen," 
 " Abbey of Innismoyle," etc. A beautiful book. Price 50 cents. 
 
 THE ABBEY OF INNISMOYLE. By Grace Kennady, author of "Fa- 
 ther Clement." Equal to any of her former works. Price 25 cents. 
 
 THE FORTUNE HUNTER; a novel of New York society. Upper and 
 Lower Tendom. By Mrs. Anna Cora Mowatt. Price 38 cents. 
 
 POCKET LIBRARY OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE. New and enlarged 
 edition, with numerous engravings. Twenty thousand copies sold. 
 We have never seen a volume embracing any thing like the same 
 quantity of useful matter. The work is really a treasure. It should 
 speedily find its way into every family. It also contains a large and 
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 the Presidents of the United States, from Washington until the pre- 
 sent time, executed in the finest style of the art. Price 50 cents a 
 copy only. 
 
 HENRY CLAY'S PORTRAIT. Nagle's correct, full length Mezzotinto 
 Portrait, and only true likeness ever published of the distinguished 
 Statesman. Engraved by Sartain. Size, 22 by 30 inches. Price 
 $1 00 a copy only. Originally sold at $5 00 a copy. 
 
 THE MISER'S HEIR; OR, THE YOUNG MILLIONAIRE. A story 
 of a Guardian and his Ward. A prize novel. By P. H. Myers, author 
 of the " Emigrant Squire." Price 50 cents in paper cover, or 75 cent* 
 in cloth, gilt.
 
 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 17 
 WORKS BY THE BEST AUTHORS. 
 
 THE TWO LOVERS. A Domestic Story. It is a highly interesting and 
 companionable book, conspicuous for its purity of sentiment its 
 graphic and vigorous style its truthful delineations of character 
 and deep and powerful interest of its plot. Price 38 cents. 
 
 ARRAH NEIL. A novel by G. P. B. James. Price 50 cents. 
 
 SIEGE OF LONDONDERRY. A History of the Siege of Londonderry, 
 and Defence of Enniskillen, in 1638 and 1689, by the Rev. John 
 Graham. Price 37 cents. 
 
 VICTIMS OF AMUSEMENTS. By Martha Clark, and dedicated by the 
 author to the Sabbath Schools of the land. One vol., cloth, 38 cents. 
 
 FREAKS OF FORTUNE; or, The Life and Adventures of Ned Lorn. 
 By the author of " Wild Western Scenes." One volume, cloth. Price 
 One Dollar. 
 
 WORKS AT TWENTY-FIVE CENTS EACH. 
 
 GENTLEMAN'S SCIENCE OF ETIQUETTE, AND GUIDE TO SO- 
 CIETY. By Count Alfred D'Orsay With a portrait of Count D'Or- 
 say. Price_25 cents. 
 
 LADIES' SCIENCE OF ETIQUETTE. By Countess de Calabrella, with 
 her full-length portrait. Price 25 cents. 
 
 ELLA STRATFORD ; OR, THE ORPHAN CHILD. By the Countess 
 of Blessington. A charming and entertaining work. Price 25 cents. 
 
 GHOST STORIES. Full of illustrations. Being a Wonderful Book. 
 Price 25 cents. 
 
 ADMIRAL'S DAUGHTER. By Mrs. Marsh, author of " Ravena- 
 cliffe." One volume, octavo. Price 25 cents. 
 
 THE MONK. A Romance. By Matthew G. Lewis, Esq., M. P. All 
 should read it. Price 25 cents. 
 
 DIARY OF A PHYSICIAN. Second Series. By S. C. Warren, author 
 of " Ten Thousand a Year." Illustrated. Price 25 cents. 
 
 ABEDNEGO, THE MONEY LENDER. By Mrs. Gore. Price 25 cents. 
 
 MADISON'S EXPOSITION OF THE AWFUL CEREMONIES OF 
 ODD FELLOWSHIP, with 20 plates. Price 25 cents. 
 
 GLIDDON'S ANCIENT EGYPT, HER MONUMENTS, HIEROGLY- 
 PHICS, HISTORY, ETC. Full of plates. Price 25 cents. 
 
 BEAUTIFUL FRENCH GIRL; or the Daughter of Monsieur Fon- 
 tanbleu. Price 25 cents. 
 
 MYSTERIES OF BEDLAM ; OR, ANNALS OF THE LONDON MAD- 
 HOUSE. Price 25 cent?. 
 
 JOSEPHINE. A Story of the Heart. By Grace Aguilar, author of 
 " Home Influence," " Mother's Recompense," etc. Price 25 cent?. 
 
 EVA ST. CLAIR ; AND OTHER TALES. By G. P. R. James, Esq., 
 author of "Richelieu." Price 25 cent?. 
 
 AGNES GREY; AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY. By the author of "Jane 
 Eyre," " Shirley," etc. Price 25 cets. 
 
 BELL BRANDON, AND THE WITHERED FIG TREE. By P. Hamil- 
 ton Myers. A Three Hundred Dollar prize novel. Price 25 cents.
 
 18 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 
 WOKKS AT TWENTY-FIVE CENTS EACH. 
 
 KNOWLSON'S COMPLETE CATTLE, OR COW DOCTOR. Whoever 
 owns a cow should have this book. Price 25 cents. 
 
 KNOWLSON'S COMPLETE FARRIER, OR HORSE DOCTOR. All 
 that own a horse should possess this work. Price 25 cents. 
 
 THE COMPLETE KITCtfEN AND FRUIT GARDENER, FOR POPU- 
 LAR AND GENERAL USE. Price 25 cents. 
 
 THE COMPLETE FLORIST ; OR FLOWER GARDENER. The best 
 in the world. Price 25 cents. 
 
 THE EMIGRANT SQUIRE. By author of "Bell Brandon." 25 cents. 
 
 PHILIP IN SEARCH OF A WIFE. By the author of " Kate in Search 
 of a Husband." Price 25 cents. 
 
 MYSTERIES OF A CONVENT. By a noted Methodist Preacher. Price 
 25 cents. 
 
 THE ORPHAN SISTERS. It is a tale such as Miss Austen might have 
 been proud of, and Goldsmith would not hare disowned. It is well 
 told, and excites a strong interest. Price 25 cents. 
 
 THE DEFORMED. One of the best nereis ever written, and THE 
 CHARITY SISTER. By Hon. Mrs. Norton. Price 25 cents. 
 
 LIFE IN NEW YORK. IN DOORS AND OUT OF DOORS. By the 
 late William Burns. Illustrated by Forty Engravings. Price 25 cents. 
 
 JENNY AMBROSE; OR, LIFE IN THE EASTERN STATES. An ex- 
 cellent book. Price 25 cents. 
 
 MORETON HALL; OR, THE SPIRITS OF THE HAUNTED HOUSE. 
 A Tale founded on Facts. Price 25 cents. 
 
 RODY THE ROVER; OR THE RIBBON MAN. An Irish Tale. By 
 William Carleton. One volume, octavo. Price 25 cents. 
 
 AMERICA'S MISSION. By Rev. Charles Wadsworth. Price 25 cents. 
 POLITICS IN RELIGION. By Rev. Charles Wadsworth. Price 12* cts. 
 
 Professor LIEBIG'S Works on Chemistry. 
 
 AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY. Chemistry in its application to Agri- 
 culture and Physiology. Price Twenty -five cents. , 
 
 ANIMAL CHEMISTRY. Chemistry in its application to Physiology and 
 Pathology. Price Twenty-five cents. 
 
 FAMILIAR LETTERS ON CHEMISTRY, and its relations to Commerce, 
 Physiology and Agriculture. 
 
 THE POTATO DISEASE. Researches into the motion of the Juices in 
 
 the animal body. 
 CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS IN RELATION TO PHYSIOLOGY 
 
 AND PATHOLOGY. 
 
 T. B. PETERSON also publishes a complete edition of Professor 
 Liebig's works on Chemistry, comprising the whole of the above. They 
 are bound in one large royal octavo volume, in Muslin gilt. Price for the 
 complete works bound in one volume, One Dollar and Fifty cents. The 
 three last are not published separately from the bound volume.
 
 T. B. PETERSON'S LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. 19 
 EXCELLENT SHILLING BOOKS. 
 
 THE SEVEN POOR TRAVELLERS. By Charles Dickens. Price 12-1 eta. 
 THE SCHOOLBOY, AND OTHER STORIES. By Dickens. 12i cents. 
 SISTER ROSE. By Charles Dickens. Price 12J cents. 
 CHRISTMAS CAROL. By Charles Dickens. Price 12J cents. 
 
 LIZZIE LEIGH, AND THE MINER'S DAUGHTERS. By Charles 
 Dickens. Price 12 cents. 
 
 THE CHIMES. By Charles Dickens. Price 12J cents. 
 
 THE CRICKET ON THE HEARTH. By Charles Dickens. Price 12J cti. 
 
 BATTLE OF LIFE. By Charles Dickens. Price 12J cents. 
 
 HAUNTED MAN; AND THE GHOST'S BARGAIN. By Charles 
 Dickens. Price 12J cents. 
 
 THE YELLOW MA'SK. From Dickens' Household Words. Price 12J eta. 
 A WIFE'S STORY. From Dickens' Household Word?. Price 12i cte. 
 MOTHER AND STEPMOTHER. By Dickens. Price 12* cents. 
 
 ODD FELLOWSHIP EXPOSED. With all the Signs, Grips, Pass-words, 
 etc. Illustrated. Price 12^ cents. 
 
 MORMONISM EXPOSED. Full of Engravings, and Portraits of the 
 Twelve Apostles. Price 12i cents. 
 
 THE LIFE AND DEATH OF THE REV. JOHN N. MAFFIT; with his 
 Portrait Price 12 cents. 
 
 REV. ALBERT BARNES ON THE MAINE LIQUOR LAW. THE 
 THRONE OF INIQUITY; or, sustaining Evil by Law. A discourse 
 in behalf of a law prohibiting the traffic in intoxicating drinks. 
 Price 12 cents. 
 
 WOMAN. DISCOURSE ON WOMAN. HER SPHERE, DUTIES, 
 ETC. By Lucretia Mott. Price 12i cents. 
 
 EUCHRE. THE GAME OF EUCHRE, AND ITS LAWS. By a mem- 
 ber of the Euchre Club of Philadelphia of Thirty Years standing. 
 Price 12i cents. 
 
 DR. BERG'S ANSWER TO ARCHBISHOP HUGHES. Price 12J cents. 
 DR. BERG'S LECTURE ON THE JESUITS. Price 12* cents. 
 
 FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES all the Yenr round, at Summer 
 prices, and how to obtain and have them, with full directions. 12* cents. 
 
 T. B. PKTKRSOX'S WUolesale & Retail Cheap Book, Maga- 
 zine, Bfewspaper. Publishing and Bookselling Establish- 
 ment, is at Xo. 103 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia! 
 
 From which place he will supply all orders for any books at all, no matter by whom 
 published, in advance of all others, and at publishers' lowest cash prices. He w 
 gpectfully iuvitcs Country Merchants, Booksellers, I'edlars, Canvasst-m, Agents, the 
 Trade, Strangers in the City, and the public g< He-rally, to call and examine his ex- 
 tensive collection of all kinds of publications, where they will b- sure to find all the 
 btft, latent, and cheapest wnrkt pullifhrJ in this country or else* here, fur f ale Tory low.
 
 BY MRS. EMMA D. E, N, SOUTHWORTH. 
 
 AUTHOR OP "THE LOST HEIRESS," "THE MISSING BRIDE," "WIFE'S VICTORY," 
 "CTTRSE OF CLIFTON," "DISCARDED DAUGHTER," ETC., ETC. 
 
 Complete in one vol., bound in cloth, for One Dollar and Twenty- 
 five Cents ; or in two vols., paper cover, for One Dollar. 
 
 i The announcement of a new book by Mrs. Sonthworth, the author of "The Lost Heir- 
 'ess." is a matter of great Interest to all that love to read and admire pure and chaste 
 American works. It is a new work of unusual power and thrilling interest. The scene 
 i laid in one of the southern States, and the story gives a picture of the manners and 
 customs of the planting gentry, in an age not far removed backward from the present. 
 The characters are drawn with a strong hand, and the hook abounds with scenes of 
 intense interest, the whole plot being wrought out with much power and effect; and no 
 one, we are confident, can read it without acknowledging that it possesses more thau 
 ordinary merit. The author is a writer of remarkable genius and originality manifesting 
 wonderful power in the vivid depicting of character, and in her glowing descriptions of 
 scenery. Ilagar, the heroine of the " Deserted Wife," is a magnificent being, while Ray- 
 mond, Gusty, and Mr. Withers, are not merely names, but existences they live and move 
 before us, each acting in accordance with his peculiar nature. The purpose of the author, 
 professedly, is to teach the lesson, " that the fundamental causes of unhappiness in a 
 married life, are a defective moral and physical education, and a premature contraction 
 of the matrimonial engagement." It is a book to read and reflect on, and one that can- 
 not fail to do an immense amount of good, and will rauk as one of the brightest and 
 purest ornaments among the literature of this country. 
 
 READ THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE DIFFERENT CHAPTERS. 
 
 Marriage and Divorce. 
 
 The Old Mansion House. 
 
 The Aged Pastor. 
 
 The Old Man's Darling. 
 
 The Kvil Eye. 
 
 The Philosopher. 
 
 The Young Lieutenant. 
 
 First Love. 
 
 Magnetism. 
 
 The Phantom's Warning. 
 
 The Wanderer's Death. 
 
 Raymond. 
 
 Fanaticism. 
 
 Ilagar. 
 
 Rosalia. 
 
 The Attic. 
 
 Gusty. 
 
 The Moor. 
 
 The Storm. 
 
 The Lunatic's End. 
 
 The Hunt. 
 
 La Lionne de Chase. 
 
 Hagar's Bridal. 
 
 The Love Angel. 
 
 The Bride's Trial. 
 
 The Forsaken House. 
 
 The New Home. 
 
 The Midshipman's Love. 
 
 The Worship of Joy. 
 
 The Wife's Rival. 
 
 The New Medea. 
 
 The Bleeding Heart. 
 
 The Baptism of Grief. 
 Fascination. 
 The Forsaken. 
 The Fiery Trial. 
 Return to the Desolate Ilonn 
 Hagnr at Heath Hall. 
 The Flight of Rosalia. 
 The Worship of Sorrow. 
 God the Consoler. 
 Hagar's Resurrection. 
 A Revelation. 
 Family Secrets. 
 Rosalia's Wanderings. 
 The Queen of Song. 
 Rappings at Heath Hall. 
 Hagar's Ovation. 
 
 T. B. PETERSON also publishes a complete and uniform edition of Mrs. Southwortli'n 
 other works, any one or all of which, of either edition, will be sent to any place in the 
 United States, free of postage, on receipt of remittances. The following are their names. 
 WIE LOST HEIRESS. By Mrs. Emma D. E. X. Southworth. With a Portrait and Auto- 
 
 graph of the author. Complete in two volumes, paper cover. Price One Dollar; or in 
 
 one volume, cloth, for One Dollar and Twenty-five cents. 
 THE MISSING BRIDE; OR, MIRIAM THE AVENGER. By Mrs. Southworth. Two 
 
 volumes, paper cover. Price One Dollar; or bound in one volume, cloth, for $1 '25. 
 THE WIFE'S VICTORY; AND NINE OTHER NOUVELLETTKS. By Mrs. Emma D. 
 
 E. N. Southworth. It is embellished with a view of Prospect Cottage, the residence of 
 
 the author. Two vols., paper cover. Price One Dollar; or one volume, cloth, for $1/25. 
 THE CURSE OF CLIFTON. By Mrs. Emma D. E. N. Southworth. Complete in two 
 
 volumes, paper cover. Price One Dollar; or bound in one volume, cloth, for $l.~5. 
 THE D.'SCAHDED DAUGHTER. By Mrs. Emma D. E. N. Southworth. Complete in two 
 
 volumes. Price in paper cover, One Dollar; or bound in ouo volume, clo.h, for $1.25. 
 
 Published and for sale by 
 
 T. B. PETEKSOX, 
 
 No. 1O2 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. 
 
 20
 
 THE WIFE'S VICTORY; 
 
 AND NINE OTHER NOUVELLETTES. 
 
 BY MRS, EMMA D. E. N, SOUTHWORTH. 
 
 Being the Most Splendid Pictures of American Life Ever Written, 
 
 Complete In two volume**, paper cover, Price Seventy-Five 
 Cents; or bound in one vol., cloth, for One Dollar. 
 
 T. B. PETERSON has just published this new and celebrated work by 
 Mrs. Southworth. The volume contains, besides " THE WIFE'S VIC- 
 TORY," NINE OP THE MOST CELEBRATED NOUVELLETTES ever written by 
 this favorite and world-renowned American author, and it will prove to bo 
 one of the most popular works ever issued. The names of the Nouvel- 
 lettes contained in " The Wife's Victory," are as follows : 
 
 THE WIFE'S VICTORY. 
 THE MARRIED SHREW ; a 
 
 Sequel to the Wife's Victory. 
 SYBIL BROTHERTONj or, 
 
 The Temptation. 
 THE IRISH REFUGEE. 
 EVELINE MURRAY] or, The 
 
 Fine Figure. 
 WINNY. 
 
 THE THREE SISTERS $ or, 
 
 New Year's in the Little 
 
 Rough Cast House. 
 ANNIE GREY j or, Neighbor'* 
 
 Prescriptions. 
 ACROSS THE STREET I a 
 
 New Year's Story. 
 THUNDERBOLT TO THE 
 
 HEARTH. 
 
 THE WIFE'S VICTORY will be found, on perusal by all, to be equal, if not 
 superior, to any of the previous works by this celebrated American author- 
 ess, who is now conceded by all critics to be the best female writer now liv- 
 ing, and her works to be the greatest novels in the English language, as 
 well as the most splendid pictures of American life ever written. Either 
 one of the ten nouvellettes contained in this volume, is of itself fully worth 
 the price of the whole book. The Philadelphia Daily Sun says, in its edi- 
 torial columns, that it shows all the grace, vigor, and absorbing interest of 
 her previous works, and places Mrs. Southworth in the front rank of living 
 novelists ; and that indescribable charm pervades all her works, which can 
 only emanate from a female mind. Though America has produced many 
 examples cf high intellect in her sex, none are destined to a higher range 
 in the annals of fame, or more enduring popularity. It is embellished with a 
 beautifully engraved vignette title page, executed on steel, in the finest style 
 of the art, as well as a view of Brotherton Hall, illustrative of one of the 
 most interesting places and scenes in the work. 
 
 " Mrs. Southworth is the finest authoress in the country. Her style is 
 forcible and bold. There is an exciting interest throughout all her compo- 
 sitions, which renders them the most popular novels in the English 
 language." New York Mirror. 
 
 " Her pictures of life are vivid and truthful." Sunday Times. 
 
 " She is a woman of brilliant genius." Olive Branch. 
 
 " She is the best fiction writer in the country." Buffalo Expreis. 
 
 Copies of the above work will be sent to any person at all, to any part of 
 the United States, free of postage, on their remitting the price of the edition 
 they may wish, to the publisher, in a letter, post-paid. 
 
 Published and for sale by T. B. PETERSON, 
 
 No. 1O2 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. 
 21
 
 OMENS' WORKS. 
 
 Eeprinted from the last London Editions, and published by 
 
 T. B. PETERSON, No, 102 Chestnut St., Philad'a 
 
 
 
 " PETERSON'S" is the only complete and uniform edition of Charles Dickens' works pub- 
 lished iu America. The ch^ap edition is in Twelve Volumes, paper cover ; either or all of 
 which can be had separately. Price Fifty cents each. 
 Dickens' New Stories. Containing The Seven Poor Travellers. 
 
 JCine New Stories by the Christmas Fire. Hard Times. Lizzie Leigh. The 
 
 Winer's Daughters. Fortune Wildred, etc., Price 
 
 Bleak House, _ _ 
 
 David Copperneld, 
 
 Dombey and Son, 
 
 Nicholas Nickleby, 
 
 Pickwick Papers, 
 
 Christmas Stories. Containing A Christmas Carol. The Chimes. 
 
 Cricket on the Hearth. Rattle of Life. Haunted Man, and Pictures from Italy, 
 
 Martin Chuzzlewit, 
 
 Barnaby Rmlge, 
 
 Olcl Curiosity Shop, ...... 
 
 Sketches by " Boz," of Every Day Life and People 
 
 Oliver Twist, 
 
 A complete Butt of the above, twelve volumes in all, will be sold, or Bent to any one, to 
 any f\a.ce,free of postage, for Five Dollars. 
 
 50 cents. 
 
 50 " 
 
 50 
 
 50 " 
 
 CO " 
 
 50 
 
 50 " 
 
 50 
 
 50 " 
 
 50 
 
 50 " 
 
 50 " 
 
 COMPLETE LIBRARY EDITION. 
 
 In FIVE large octavo volumes, with a Portrait on steel, of Charles Dickens, containing 
 over Four Thousand very large double-columned pages, and hound in various styles. 
 Volume 1 contains Pickwick Papers and Old Curiosity Shop. 
 
 " a do. Oliver Twist, Sketches by " Boz," and Barnaby 
 
 Radge. 
 
 ' 3 do. Nicholas Nickleby and Martin CHuzzlewlt. 
 
 " 4 do. David Coppernelcl, Dombey and Son, Christ- 
 mas Stories, and Pictures from Italy. 
 
 << 5 do. Bleak House, and Dickens' New Stories Con- 
 taining The seven Poor Travellers. ISine New Stories by the 
 Christmas Fire, Hard Times, Lizzie Leigh, The Miner's 
 Daughters, and Fortune Wildred, etc. 
 
 Price of a complete sett. Bound in black cloth, full gilt back $7 5C 
 
 " " " " " scarlet cloth, full gilt back, extra, 8 5C 
 
 " " " " " full library style, marbled edges, linings, etc.,... 900 
 
 FINE ILLUSTRATED EDITION IN TWELVE VOLUMES. 
 
 This edition is printed on very thick and fine white paper, and is profusely illustrate."!, 
 with all the original illustrations by Cruikshank, Alfred Crowquili. Phiz, etc., from the 
 / original London editions, on copper, steel, and wood. Kach volume contains a novel 
 ' complete, and may be bad in complete setts, or any volume separately, as follows: 
 
 Bleak House, Price $1 50 
 
 David Copperfteld, 
 
 J 50 
 
 Pickwick Papers, 1 50 
 
 Old Curiosity Shop, 1 50 
 
 Dombey and Son, Price 1 50 
 
 Christmas Stories, and Pic- 
 tures from Italy, 1 CO 
 
 Dickens' N-w Stories. Con- 
 
 taining The Seven Poor Travellers. 
 Isine New Stories by the Christmas 
 Fire. Hard Times. Lizzie Leigh. 
 The Miuer'a Daughters. Fortune 
 Wildred, etc., 
 
 Oliver Twist, 1 50 
 
 Sketches by "Boz," 1 50 
 
 Barnuby Rudge, 1 50 
 
 Nicholas Nickleby, 1 CO 
 
 Martiu Chiizzlewit, 1 50 Wildred, etc., 1 TO 
 
 AJ1 subsequent Works by Charles Dickens will be issued in uniform style with the above. 
 
 Copies of any or all of the above works will be sent to any person, to any part of the 
 United States, free nf postage, on their remitting the price of the ones they may wish, to the 
 publisher, in a letter, post-paid. Booksellers will please send in their orders at ouce. 
 
 Published and for sale by T. B. PETERSON, 
 
 No. 1O2 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.
 
 HUMOROUS AMERICAN WORKS. 
 
 \VITII ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS BY BARLEY AND OTHERS, 
 AND BEAUTIFULLY ILLUMINATED COVERS, 
 
 T. B. PETERSON, NO. 102 CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELI HIA, 
 has just published new and beautiful editions of the following HUMO- 
 ROUS AMERICAN WORKS. They are published in the best possible 
 style, full of original Illustrations, by Barley, descriptive of all the beet 
 scenes in each work, with Illuminated Covers, with new and beautiful 
 designs on each, and are printed on the finest and best of white paper. 
 The price of each work is 50 cents only. 
 
 THE FOLLOWING AEE THE NAMES OF THE WORKS. 
 
 Major Jones' Courtship: detailed, with other Scene?, Incidents, and Adventures, 
 in a Series of Letters, by himself. With Thirteen illustrations from designs by Darley. 
 Price 50 cents. 
 
 The Drama in Pokerville t the Bench and Bar of Jurytown, and other Stories. 
 By ' Everpoitit,'' (J. M. Field, of the St. Louis Reveille.) With Illustrations from de- 
 signs by Darley. Price 50 cents. 
 
 Charcoal Sketches; or, Scenes in the Metropolis. Ry Joseph C. Nenl, author of 
 " Peter Ploddy," " Misfortunes of Peter Faber," etc. With Illustrations. Price CO cents. 
 
 The Misfortunes of Peter Faher, and other Sketches. By the author of 
 
 "Charcoal Sketches." With illustrations by Darley and others. Price 50 cents. 
 Major Jones' Sketches of Travel, comprising the Scenes, Incidents, and 
 
 Adventures in his Tour from Georgia to Canada. With" Eight Illustrations from de- 
 
 gigns by Darley. Price 50 cents. 
 The Yankee amongst the Mermaids, and other Waggeries and Vagaries. 
 
 By W. E. Burton, Comedian. With Illustrations by Darley. Price 50 cents. 
 Streaks of Squatter Life, and Far West Scenes. A Series of Humorous Sketches 
 
 descriptive of Incidents and Character in the Wild West. By the author of ' Major 
 
 Jones' Courtship." " Swallowing Oysters Alive," etc. W T ith Illustrations from designs by 
 
 Darley. Price 50 eents. 
 A Q,uarter Race in Kentucky, and other Stories. By W. T.Porter, 
 
 Esq., of the New York Spirit of the Times. With Eight illustrations and designs by 
 
 Darley. Complete in one volume. Price 50 cents. 
 
 The Ad-ventures of Captain Simon Suggs, late of the Tallapoosa Vo- 
 lunteers, together with "Taking the Census," and other Alabama Sketches. I'y a 
 ! Country Editor. With a Portrait from Life, and June other illustrations by Dariey. 
 
 Price CO cents. 
 The Rival Belles. By J.B.Jones, author of Wild Western Scenes," etc. This 
 
 is a very humorous and entertaining work, and one that will be recommended by all after 
 
 reading it. Price 50 cents. 
 Yankee Yarns and Yankee Letters. By Sam Slick, alias Judge Ilaliburton. 
 
 full of the 'Irollest humor that has ever emanated from the pen of any author. Every 
 
 page will set you in a roar. Price 50 cents. 
 Life and Adventures of Col. Vanderhomh, and the Exploits of 
 
 liis Private Secretary. By J. B. Jones, author of "The Kival Belles," 
 
 " Wild Western Scenes," etc. Price 50 cents. 
 The Big Bear of Arkansas, and other Sketches, illustrative of Characters and 
 
 Incidents in the South and South- West Edited by Wm. T. Porter. With illustrations 
 
 by Darley. Price 50 cents. 
 
 Copies of any one or all of the above works, will be sent to any per- 
 son, in the United States, free of postage, on their remitting the price of 
 the ones they may wish, to the publisher, in a letter. 
 
 Published and for sale by T. B. PETERSON, 
 
 No. 1O2 Chestnut street, Philadelphia. ' 
 23
 
 HUMOROUS AMERICAN WORKS. 
 
 WITH ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS BY BARLEY ANB OTHERS, 
 AND BEAUTIFULLY ILLUMINATED COVERS, 
 
 THE FOLLOWING ARE THE NAMES OF THE WOKKS. 
 
 Major Jones' Chronicles o'f Pineville; embracing Sketches of Georgia 
 Scenes. Incidents, and Characters. By the author of " Major Jones' Courtship," etc. 
 With illustrations by Darley. Price 50 cents. 
 
 The Life and Adventures of Perclval Maberry. By J. II. Ingraham. 
 
 It will interest and please everybody. Complete in one volume. All who enjoy a good 
 Ifcugh should get it at once. Price 50 cents. 
 
 Tle Quorndoii Hounds; or, A Virginian at Melton Mowbray. By II. W. Her- 
 bert, Esq. With illustrations. Price 50 cents. 
 
 My Shooting Box. By the authorof "The Quorudon Hounds," " The Deer Stalk- 
 ers," etc. With illustrations by Darley. Price 50 cents. 
 
 Stray Subjects Arrested and Bound Over; being the Fugitive Offspring 
 of the "Old Un" and the "Young Un." that h:ive been "Laying Arouud Loose," and 
 are now " tied up" for fast keeping. With illustrations by Darley. Price 50 cents. 
 
 The Deer Stalkers; a Tale of Circumstantial Evidence. By the author of " My 
 Shooting Box," " The Quorndon Hounds," etc. With illustrations. Price 50 cents. 
 
 Adventures of Captain Farrago. By Hon. II. II. Urackenridge. For six- 
 teen years one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the State of Pennsylvania. 
 With illustrations from designs by Darley. Price 50 cents. 
 
 The Charms of Paris: or, Sketches of Travel and Adventures by Night and 
 Day, of a Gentleman of Fortune and Leisure. From hie private journal. Price 50 cents. 
 
 Pickings from the Portfolio of the Reporter of the " New Or- 
 leans Picayune." Comprising Sketches of the Eastern Yankee, the Western 
 Hoosier, and such other? as make up society in the great Metropolis of the South. 
 With illustrations by Darley. Price 50 cents. 
 
 Major O'Regan's Adventures. By Hon. H. II. Brackenridge. With illus- 
 trations by Darley. Complete in one volume. Price 50 cents. 
 
 Peter Ploddy, and other oddities. By the author of " Charcoal Sketches," " Peter 
 Faber," &c. With illustrations from original designs, by Darley. Price 50 cents. 
 
 "Widow Rugby's Husband, a Ni";ht at the Ugly Man's, and other Tales of Ala- 
 bama. By author of " Simon Suggs." With original illustrations. Price 50 cents. 
 
 Sol. Smith : Theatrical Apprenticeship and Anecdotal Kr col- 
 lections of Sol. Smith, Esq., Comedian, Lawyer, etc. Illustrated by Narley 
 Containing Early Scenes, Wanderings in the Wst, Cincinnati, in Early Life, eto 
 Price 50 cents. 
 
 Sol. Smith, Second Series. The Theatrical Journey-work and Anecdotal Recollections 
 of Sol. Smith, Esq , witlAi portrait of Sol. Smith. It comprises a sketch of the second 
 Seven years of his professional life, together with some Sketches of Adventure in after 
 years. Price 60 cents. 
 
 Polly Peablossoni's Wedding, and other Tales. By the author of " Major 
 Jones' Courtship," ' Streaks of Squatter Life," etc. Price 50 cents. 
 
 The "Warwick "Woodlands; or. Things as they were Twenty Years Ago. By 
 the author of " The Quorndon Hounds," " My Shooting Box," " The Deer Stalkers," etc. 
 With illustrations, illuminated. Price 50 cents. 
 
 Old Leaves from the Note Book of a Louisiana Swamp Doctor. 
 By Madison Tensas, M. P., Ex. V. 1'. M. S. U. Ky. Authorof" Cupping on the Sternum." 
 With illustrations by Darley. Price 50 cents. 
 
 Aunt Patty's Scrap Bag. A Tale of Love and Jealousy. By Mrs. Caroline Lee 
 Ilcntz, author of " Kena," " Linda." " Mob Cap," " Ugly Effie," etc. Price 50 cents. 
 
 The New Orleans Sketch Book, by " Stahl." author of the " Portfolio of 
 a Southern Medical Student." With illustrations from designs by Darley. Price 50 cents. 
 
 Copies of any one or all of the above works, will be sent to any per- 
 son, in the United States, free of postage, on their remitting the price of 
 the ones they may wish, to the publisher, in a letter. 
 
 Published and for sale by T. B. PETERSON, 
 
 No. 10:3 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. 
 
 24
 
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