The emigrant aid journal of Minnesota. [volume] (Nininger City, Minn. Terr. [i.e. Minn.]) 1856-1858, 1857-09-12
CHAPTER x.

Ten years after the events W. have related had trans
pired, in consequence Of some misunderstanding which
had arisen between the Indian government and the schah
Of Persia, it was deemed necessary that some individual
qualified for the purpose, should proceed to Teheran,
then the residence of the Persian court, to make, if pos
sible, a satisfactory adjustment of the difficulties that
threatened to interrupt the harmony of the two govern
ments.
In the opinion of the Marquis of Wellesley, then
governor of the immense British possessions in the east,
there was no person who would execute this important
trust so well as Major General Everington-for to that
rank he had riseu-and a young lieutenant in the Indian
army was selected to convey to him the news of his ap-
pointment. To this honorable commission of the gen
erals was added the privilege of visiting England, Ga
pleasure he had so long wished, but which the disturbed
state of the Indian affairs had hitherto rendered mex
pedient) after the accomplishment of his commission to
Teheran. aH
1t. was on a warm afternoon that the bearer of the
dispatches, Lieutenant McAuly, approached Agra, and
entered that once large and opulent city he proceeded
without delay to the mansion of General Everington.
A high wall of stone surrounded the extensive pile, and
when admitted within the ample portals, none but those
who have witnessed the beauty of an Indian pleasure
ground, when in its rich freshness, can have an idea of
the enchanting nature of the place. The white BIOS
SONS of the pomegrauate and the crimson lily of the
citron, the clustering richness of the 6g trees, and the
beautiful green of the broad leaved palm-the golden
orange and the delicious mango, were all there, and
united to form a whole, of which the inhabitant of the
frigid north can form but an imperfect estimate. The
thicket of acacias, myrtle and roses, which bordered the
walks, lent their charms and their fragrance to make the
place an earthly paradise. Through the avenues of palm
could be seen the broad Ganges, with the blue lotus
dancing on its bright waters the Indian pheasant and
the bird of paradise displayed their beautiful plumage
on the overnanging branches.
Young McAuly was ushered into a splendid suite of
rooms and on inquiring for General Everington, was
told by the servant in waiting that his master was out,
but would soon return.
So fascinating, however, was the beauties of nature
without, and so delightful was the scenery around, that
McAuly was unwilling to exchange them for carpets and
mirrors, though of the most splendid kind and having
drank a glass OF sherbet, told his servant he would walk
until the general returned. Taking his course down one
OF the walks which led beneath the trees we have men,
toned, he followed it through.several turnings and wind
lngs, until it suddenly opened upon a little green fiat,
over which hung some huge palm-tree branches and in
the centre of which a fountain threw up its column of
pure water, that, falling into a deep marble basin, pour
ed over its margin ip a thin and sparkling sheet, to fall
into the pebble covered channel, in which it pursued its
murmuring course to the river.
The refreshing GOODNESS of the spot-the dash Of the
fountaln-thc beauty of some roses that hung over the
margin of the basin, and dipped their petals in the food.
attracted the notice of the young lieutenant, and he was
advancing to it, when the sweet tones Of a woman
voice, and the lively, laughing prattle of children, ar
rested his steps. He turned his head, and saw at one
side of the flat, under q bower of woven woodbines and
Whu roses, tue general, reclining on o sota-near him,
on another, was q beautiful woman, and before them on
the smooth, green turf, two lovely girls we're frolicking,
in all the unrestIained gaiety of childhood and innocence.
The general had been reading a book which he still held
in his hand, but he had closed it to witness, with . pa
rents fondness, the happiness Of the chssming girls,
and enjoy the look Of afectionate e~xdltation which he
read as his glance met the eyes Of his beautiful wife:
AZ that moment the youngest Of the girls noticed
McAnly, and running to her father, threw her arms
around his neck So sssN
Pa, sid she, in 4 harried voice an officer h.s
come to meet u; may / 60 and meet him,