The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-04-04
THE NATIONAL ERA.
BOOK SECOND.
IV-CoNTIsUED.


him, he saw travelling carriage descend the road
leading from neighboriDg village, and taking
the direction to the little bridge connecting the
hank of the river with the Isle Of Rays, pass over
IL and entering upon the circular carriage road
leading to the front entrance of the mansion,
drive slowly up, aud pause The coachman
Jumped from the box, opened the door, let down
the steps, and stood aside, to let gentleman de-
scend. The General arose, and advanced to re-
ceive his visiter. He was a neatly and elegantly
dressed man, of about twenty-six years Of age
tai. slender, handsome, dark complexioned, and
of very graceful manners, and charming address.
have the honor of addressing General Stu,
art-Gordon 2"
THAT is my name, sirp
IL am James Frobsher, of the British EN-
bassy"
II am happy to see you, sir. Walk in !" said
the General, bowling, and leading the way to the
oak parlor
81 shall feel obliged if you will grant me
private interview, sir"
Certainly, sir, with great pleasure Will you
accompany me to the library?7
followed his conductor to the library. As soon
as they were seated
81 presume, sir that | am speaking to the
guardian of Miss Britannia O'Rileyw inquired
the visiter.
"Sir--I am in some sort the guardian Of that
young lady"
You know her intimately, then"
Il do, sirp
"Where was she educated? What is she like ~
DAT Hartford, Connecticut, sir; and she is Ike
beautiful elegant, aud accomplished woman
al am pleased to hear you say so, sir. Is she
Mt your house at this timer If so, how soon can
be presented TO her ~
{" Sir, the young lady is at present on a visit of
some weeks to young friend, whose residence is
two miles distant. If you wish it, will send a
messenger 10 your rs.i. any hour
you may name"
THANK you, sir. Will it be asking too much
of your goodness, to request your company on
this visit ?"
ooh no, sir; will attend you with pleasure,
at any time
GThen the sooner the better, my dear sir, as
am impatient to be presented to this young lady"
General Stuart Gordon rung the bell, and said
81 will send messenger Immediately, to an
nounce our visit, and we will set out in half an
hour Excuse me moment, sir and, going to
a writing table, he wrote
"My DEAREST BRITANNIA: Mr.. Frobsher is
here and we will both be with you in an hour.
&C. S-Gn
and folded it, just as Apollo made his appearance
at the door.
"Take this to Miss O'Riley~ The man bowed
and withdrew.
GAS you are the young lady's guardian, and as
have but few days to remain, will tell you,
sir, the motive of my anxiety to be presented to
her. In word, it is this The Castle of Clon-
machnois is a ruin the estates are dwindled down
TO few acres Of marsh land, tenanted by few
wretchcl peasants, who are not able to pay Tor
the mud huts in which they starve"
"This comedies with what have heard from
the young lady herself, sir"
Nothing therefore remains but the title"
That is understood, sir"
"Well. sir: am distant relative Of the fam
lily Of Clonmachnois ] have an ample fortune,
and am under no necessity to marry an heiress of
PROPERTY wish to get into the House Of Peers,
for the sake of serving there the interests of Ire
land My father has interest at Court, and has
obtained for me the promise of the reversion Of
the title of Earl of Conmachnois, in the event Of
my marrying the heiress of that house,
General Stuart-Gordon did not reply lie sat
staring at the young and handsome speaker with
knf nd aful ~ hoh ab
been the Gorgon that had turned him into stone
Happily the General sat with his back to the win
dow, so that the young man could not see the dis
may blanching his countenance as he continued
his discourse
"Yes; that is the reason why wish, without
delay, to be presented to this young lady, to see
whether she is by education and manners fitted
to be introduced to London society,"
Sir" said the General, 81 have never seen a
more elegant or accomplished woman than Britain
mia O'Riley. You will see her, however, this
morning. There is no carriage road leading from
The Isle of Rays to the Crags, so that we shall
have TO get into the saddles y and again ringing
the bell, General Stuart-G Gordon gave directions
Tor two horses to be sadded. In few minutes
the two gentlemen were on horseback, and am.
bling towards the Crags, the younger traveller
stopping frequently in the ascent, and turning to
look with a poets enthusiasm at the enhancing
beauty suolimi'y, and ,plendor Of the landscape
VI mountains rocks, falls, river isle, and verdant
banks with all the glOries of the earth and sky
doubled and reflected in the clear water.
why this is scene Of divine beautv, Thers
Is nothing on the Rhine like this, No,h;no in
Switzerland, or Italy, like this. The tale q,
nays 1t scintillates and sparkles like a dia.
mond' Emits lines Of light like a cluster o,
uArnng sunbeams wish my friend Turner
were here, to sketch this Edenp
Moody and silent the General scarcely heard
or replied to the enthusiastic admiration Of his
companion. They reached the Crsgs at last
raped, were admitted. Britannia and Susan
"omerviile arose to receive their visitera Gene.
raj stuart-Gordon presented aMr. Frobisher.n
britannia received him with courtesy, and pls-
eng her hand in that Of the General, returned
Tue pressure with which he greeted IT, General
staart-Gordon looked from Britannia To Fro
usher, to note their mutual effect upon each
other. He saw In Frobisher the sururiss the
ALL I...s a