The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-05-10
CHAPTER II.


the window,and blending with the rosy
hue of the siken hangings diflused a
soft, mellow light around the pleasant
apartment wherein Mr.. Rivers was
first discovered by the reader. He is
sitting there still. The close fitting
coat, however, of the morning is ex.
changed for an elegant Aowered dres.
sing-gown,and reclining within the yiel
ding cushions of luxurious chair; a
table before him on which books and pa.
pers are confusedIy mingled, as if by
press of business, with an open letter
in his hand, Mr.. Rivers is again before
US. Our young friend Of the green hun.
ting-iacket is also there; he stands near
one Of the windows, with an arch and
mirthful expression Of countenance.
careIesslv leaning upon his gun, while
Turk, his favorte pointer, has made
himself comfortable by appropriating a
sofa exclusively to his own use. Mr..
Rivers still smiles; but with the smile
there may also be detected Il look of
perplexity and vexation; the business
before him is evidently embarrassing.
In fact, Mr.. Rivers had found out that
the presence of such handsome,
ightly lad as his nephew would prove
no auxiliary to his designs upon the
heart and hand of Jessie. Not that he
by any means doubted the fascination
of his own person, or that Jessie would
/ g so unwise as to resist all the tempt
inget ceteras of wealth which he had
thrown into the scale; neither would
she now, for the first time in her life,
exert will of her own in opposition to
his wishes; all these things were as ut
ter impo ssibiIities to the vanily-pamper-
ed mind of Mr.. Rivers. But there was
no'necessity that Claude should always
be reading with Jessie--or that Jes-
sic should always accompany Claude
in his rambles; none at all; and so, to
put quietus at once upon such folly,
Mr.. Rivers determined as soon as ar
rangements could be effected to send his
nephew to Europe, and in the meaL-
while to despatch Jessie to visit an old
lady residing some ten miles from the
Grove. These discreet resolves all
prove that Mr. Rivers had cut his wis
dom teeth.
But how 10 announce this project to
his nephew ocoasioned his present per-
plexity. Turning at length toward
Claude with an air which seemed to say
you see how much am ever exerling
myself for you,' he began
"My dear nephew, it is "a source of
great happiness to me to be the instru-
ment of happiness to YOU. q wish by
the bye, Claude, you would remove the
dirt OF the fields from your boots, and
not suffer Turk to follow you into this
roomD To the eyes of youth, Claude,
the vista of life is ever adorned with
flowers of the most brilliant dyes. and
to inhale. Qook, Claude, that beast of
yours is absolutely noseing my draw
ingsD } to pluck the delights of this beau
tlful perspective is naturally the wish
OF every youthful mind; therefore it is
! am 50 much delighted at having it in
my power to remove you from this dull
sphere. (You will injure the carpet by
twirling your gun in that mannerD Il
have this day received a letter from one
of my many Partisan correspondents
upon matters which require immediate
and personal attention. Thereare rea-
sons why 1 cannot leave at present"
(here Turk received kick from Claude,
"and therefore to you shall entrust
the affair, and 1t is one of such import
ance as must make youfeel honored by
the charge. You can make your ar
nephew, to sail for Liver
pool in the next steamer. a.a.lr |
! "May be hanged if do!'' thought
Claude, but he only said with much cool
ness:oG 3Ti III sjeisHU9 GgUi oil.
la"I thank you for your kindness,uncle,
but really lido not feel disposed to ac-
cept ofyour offer, advantageous asyou
may consider it, u sad 9i.i ja
Ht"Not accept my offer! You aston
ish me-" And Mr.. Rivers rubbed his
forehead ,as ifhe doubted his o,oa sanity.
And besides, uncle, lhaye promised
Jessie to take her to Boston next
week." iic130 dHB xE1 g!l io 5liuga.i
a"No matter about Jessie" answered
Mr.uRiyers, rather hastily; .sshe will
not go; and neither has she any incli-
nation to visit Boston at present.
: lla91oioi' OF o. beniMa9}oh bsil !