The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-03-26
CHAPTER I.
VOLUME Y.

Perhsps there is no scenery Of North
America, moro interesting and picturesque,
than that which the traveIies surveys As
Inc stands upon the deck Of one OF those
beautiful steamers that ply between .he
cities Of New York and Albany. The
bold and majestic Huison, that has been
justly compared to tho Rhine of tho old
world, presents such varied and romantic
scenery, with 90 many historical and cs, i.
sc associations connected with by.gone
days, that the pleasure seeker is Hncon-
sciogs Of tho lapse Of time as he glides
swiftly over its smooth AT d c.Yetal waters.
and gnzes with admiration, nnon the jut-
ting turrets and towering clius on either
hand; interspersed as they are with beau
tifal plains that are covered with bril-
liant and intense verdure. Now and then
the charm of nature ia interrupted by n
magnificent work Of art, and the high and
towering front Of splendid mansion is
seen looming proudly above the dazzling
waters below.
A noble steamer OF the frat class WAS
nearing one Of these handsome Villas
Tie intense heat Of summers day lad
passed; the last lingering rays of the aet
ting sun wore glimmcring in the distance,
and all on board seemed imbucd with new
ffs from tho uncommon beauty Of the
evening, and the unsurpassed charms OF
surrounding nature. Some were. promo
nading the decks; others collected in
groups, engaged in lively conversation,
and all seemingly lost 10 every care save
that Of the passing moment.
Perhaps there was single exception.
Standing little apart from the Others,
with his arms folded across his breast, was
young man Of pleasing exterior, whom
you would judge TO be about twenty .one
years of age. lie was xlout the middle
height; Of rather slight, but graceful pro
portions, and being richly and n.stly
dressed, his figure may have passed rs un-
eIcsptionable, oven by the most fsstidious
in such matters. His face was handsome
and fair, perhaps to fault; but the
smooth and regular features-the fine and
classic brow, and bis peculiar Fearing,
which plaialy denoted aristocra,:c bril-,
Ind intellectual superiority, would forever
exclude tho idea Of etfeminacy.
Ills gaze was intentiy fixed upon the
Villa, 10 wlIicl, every u otion Of the boat
brought him nearer, with seemingly n
pleasing reverie; incited perhaps by re-
collections OF the past, when in childhood q
happy days be roamed over these beay,i.
ful hills and valleys Of the Hudson, with
no care oflife to disturb his frivolous fan.
eies. While Ia this mdsing attitude, a
young man approached him from the op.
posite side OF the deck, and laying his
hand famiiiarly upon his shoulder, thus
addressed him: .
What are you dreaming Of Ned Is
there any thing in the objects around you
to induce such melancholy musings; or
are you contrasting the beaaties of nature
With that matchless piece Of art in front
Of US, which ! al,n?st envy the possessor
Bis right to e.. go"
90 Not exactly" replied the othsr, @and
yet ! was thinking Of the dwelling to
vhich you alludc, but in connection with
ib'iHhiates. Il Is my fathers"
Indeed! and that Is Senator Nal.
collins residence n
Aes, ana you perceive that our jour
ney will soon terminate"
II il prineely establishment. do
not wonder now at your dreamy attitude;
you have q bright future 10 contemplate y
- / was not thinking Of The future, but
OF the past whose "reminiscences are infin-
itely more pleasant thsp the contsmpla-
ton Of doubtful: ahd.precarious future. !"
4 =" Scarcely doubtful, or peecarious in
your case and as lord OF that Aladdin
like palace, you can set fortune at def
ance.S
"In . pecuniary point, yes but tho
heart and affections, though shielded with
sn armour Of gold, are still vulnerable to
the shafts OF misfortune"
Certainly; 10 take q gloomy view Of
the matter; bat my motto IL Sufficient
ipF tho day is tho evil thereof and ven
ture 4 would be q poor school OF logic
that did not psoncinoo my philosophy v
letter than yonrs.r
"Well, perhaps You arc rirh. but wo
arc nearing the landing; let us SEQ q
Our baggage".
The two friends, fytuch they appeared
SSe. nov prepared have tLS Loa,,