The Columbian fountain., 1845-11-04
WASHINGTON, D.. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER L. 1873

my hearty thanks for all, worthy sir,''
said Don Julian. s But let us now proceed
to business the sun is set, and, if you please
we will retire to my private study"
Lights being called for, Don Julian led
the way to the lower part of the house; and
dismissing the Moorish maid near small
door, Of which he held the key in his hand,
desired her TO get two partridges for supper,
but not to dress them till he should order it:
then unlocking the door, he began to de-
scend by winding staircase. The dean
followed with certain degree of trepida-
ton, which the length Of the stairs greatly
tended to increase; for, to all appearance,
they reached below the bed of the Tagus.
AT this depth comfortable neat room was
found, the walls completely covered with
shelves, where Don Julian kept his works
on magic globes, planispheres, and strange
drawings, occupied the top Of the book
cases. Fresh air was admitted, though it
would be difficult to guess by what means,
since the sound Of gliding water, such as is
heard at the lower part Of ship when sail
ing with gentle breeze, indicated but
thin partition between the subterraneous
cabinet and the river. a
"Here, them" said Don Julian, offering a
chair to the dean, and drawing another for
himself towards small round table, eve
have only to choose among the elementary
works of the science for which you long.
Suppose we begin to read this small volume"
The volume was laid on the table, and
opened at the first page, containing circles,
concentric and eccentric triangles with unin-
telligible characters, and the well known
signs Of the planets.--ss This,n said Don Ju-
lian, s is the alphabet Of the whole science.
Hermes called Trismegistus n The
sound Of small bell within the chamber
made the dean almost leap out of his chair.
g Be not alarmed" :, said Don Julian; g it is
the bell by which my servants let me- know
that they want to speak to meo Saying
thus, he pulled silk string, and soon after
servant appeared with packet of letters.
It was addressed to the dean. A courier
had closely followed him on the road, and
was that moment arrived at Toledo. s.
1Good heayens!o exclaimed the dean,
having read the contents Of the letters ssrny
great uncle, the Archbishop Of Santiago, Is
e9noRl a|hlssisyk kcwevsfyssa the
|y6EIEiary says, from his lortlship's dictation.
But here is another letter from the archdea-
con Of the diocese, who assures me that the
old man was not expected to live. | can
hardly repeat what he adds-poor dear un-
cle may Heaven 'lengthen his days! The
chapter seem to( Nave turned their eyes to-
wards me, and-pugh! it cannot be--but
the electors, according to the archdeacon,
are quite decided in my favor"
WE'LL" said Don Julian, $ all regret is
the interruption of our studies; but doubt
not that you will soon wear the mitre. In
the mean time lwould advise you to pretend
that illness does not allow you to return di-
rectly. A few days will surely give deci-
ded turn to the whole affair and, at all
events, your absence, in case of an election,
will be construed into modesty. Write,
therefore, your dispatches, my dear sir, and
we will prosecute our studies at another
time.o
Two days had elapsed since the arrival Of
the messengers, when the verger of the
church of Santiago, attended by servants in
splendid liveries, alighted at Don Julian's
door with letters for the dean. The old
prelate was dead. and his nephew had been
elected to the see,sby the unanimous vote Of
the chapter. The elected dignitary seemed
overcome by contending feelings; but, hav-
ing wiped away some decent tears, he as
sumed an air of gravity, which almost touch
ed on supercilousness. Don Julian address
sed his congratulations, and was the first to
kiss the new archbishop's hand.
81 hope," he added, /" may also con-
gratulate my son, the young man who is
now at the university of Paris for fatter
myself your lordship will give him the
deanery, which is vacant by your promo
tionn
"My worthy friend, Don Julian" replied
the archbishop elect, my obligations to you
can never sufficiently repay. You have
heard my character; hold friend as an
other self. But why should you take the
lad away from his studies 7 An archbishop
of Santiago cannot want preferment at any
time. Follow me to my diocese: will
not for all the mitres in Christendom forego
the benefit of your instruction. The dean
cry, to tell you the truth, must be given to
my uncle, my fathers own brother, who has
had but small living for many years; he is
much liked in Santiago, and | should lose
my character, if, to place such young man
as YOUR son at the head of the chapter.