Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1857-11-05
CHAPTER ".

CHAPTER ".
BERKsFoRD AT HcME-JoE ROBINSON
We would now carry our re ider from the
picturesque lake iu the mountain vale to "a
locality of far different nature--'tis New
York, the Empire city of the New World.
Upon a retired street stands dwelling
and lis stately height, white marble door
steps, extensive flower gardens .and spacious
grounds around, would quickly mark it as
being the residence of one Of the Merchant
Princes of the new, but important city.
But after noting the outward beauty OF this
modern palace, what is our surprise upon
entering the Hail. 1t is fioored with pol
ished marble which gives back the sound of
changing stirrup and iron heel as they
come in contact with its finty surface.
Upon the wall are arranged old and time
worn paintings of Roman or Grecian hero,
the stern, antiquafed vsage of which even
the relentless hand of time has failed to
deface. Here and there. intermingled with
these emblems OF ancient art. is a stray
scabbard, sword helmet, and other re-
miniscenes Of olden warlike days. We will
MT liRser here, pass onward, and we soon
end ourselves in The parior. The walls are
tapestried in rich, crimson satin-the car
pet is of the most costly, and so elastic you
scarcely feel yourself trf ad- the easy chair
the inviting lounge and the modest otto
man--all were in perfect keeping, and could
not fail in pleasing the most fast :dious.
A pleasing larguor seemed to pervade
the place, which perhaps had its source
from the occupant of the rosm, since the
position he had chosen gave token of indo-
leLce in the extreme. We have seen him
before and a second look tells US that we
are in the house of Captain Berksford
Surely" the reader ex:laims, she cannot
he tie possesser of this splrndidy furnished
palace!!" Nay, but do not draw too hasty a
conclusion, William Berl sford Is at present
the Lori of this Princely residence. yet his
money never erected it. At the time the
British troops took possession OF New York
there were many sincere, but too daring
friends of the Patriot army who were COM
PEELED 10 leave the ty far a season, since
their open defense of the American cause
had not failed in reaching the ears of the
Royal Commander-.n-c chief; and immedi-
ately upon their departure, their dwellings
were quietly occupied by the officers of the
victorious army.
Thus it was with Captain Berksford.-Iie
had been temporarily installed in this pl, e,
and he determined during his stay to enjoy
himself 10 the fullest extent. He is lying
stretched at full length upon lounge
where he had remained during the tour past
to the enjoyment of his much loved Hava =.
ma and his own silen reflections. But this
solitude is becoming wear;some-he turns
unea,ily from one side to the other--quotes
! from the la wv play, and sings--but the
uiue VIII n t pass away, and he becomes
wearied v ith his own company. At length
some new idea seemed to have taken posses
sion him, for with surprising energy, he
raised himself to hslf-sitting posture, ant
reaching the bell cord gave it an energetic
pull. The call Is answered by a negro o
pure African blood-eyes large and nearly
white--lips thick--jaws expansive, and viii
all the usual amount of comic thrown in thu
cast of his physioenomy. As he entered hi:
master address him:
"Casar! what have you been d ing!"
! "Oh, massa Cap'n, lots OBJ tings. feet
de dogs and rub off de hosses-and lots o.
tinys."
Now Caesar was perfectly aware that hi
master would not recognise this repetition
SO he spoke with an air of perfect assur
ance.
81 have not the least doubt ofyour bein!
, very industrious, Cesar--but wish to know
what you were about when l called you.
"Tyia' pair of paper shoes on de ole cat
"Gooc! Why Caesar, you are indeed
benevolent specimen Of ofhumanity.-shoein&
E our old Maltee! That's an original idea
But you're smart darkey, Cesar--so com
around here and we'll have talk"
r Cesar approached. I'D.
SNOW, Cesar what's your opinion Of tn
J connubial staiel"
Il couldn't glib you an idea about da
Nasal nobber trahbled Oar"
e Berksford smiled at the negro's mista
8 and continued:
n 81 fear you do not understand me, Casa
e doubtly owing to my manner oil expression
y The connubial state does not propar!y b,
5 long to the Kings colonies. 1t has higl
:, er sovereign-'ris Venus, the Goddlss
e Love- Now reflect, Cesar. Is there NJ
b some bright particular star upon whom yol
dearest hopes arecenter edl"
IT Caesar still shook his head dubiously.
d aAh, | see! If expect to converse wi
e you, must 'conAne my language to Il
very simplest form. Now tell me-don
's you at times feel peculiar futterng
e your heart when you see sOme fair Dina
ID Pheba gliding past you--don't you inval
D. ably wish yourse # by her side"
I'd "Dh, yes! You mean 90 to the shin-d
'. along wild de gals, an dance 'Ole zip Coo
= aa Way down in Shin-bone Alley, AN
g "That's it Caesar, precisely--you couldr
~ have expressed the meaning better-b
u harkee! Isn't that the street door bell!.
ie Hasten down, it may be Joe Robinson, a
'e if SO, show him here Immediately"
!, The negro repaired to the Hall, and So
=, returned, usherng in a man.
o. This new parsonage was not tall, b
in heavy and thick set. An extravagant grow
of whlskers covered the lower portion
nd his face, giving more prominence to t
ak little snakish eyes that peered industriol
ly at everything in reach. Berksiord jun