The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-09-15
From Chambers's Journal
HOP WILL

l had not seen Luke Swinton for thirty
years; and so long ago, we were classmates
and sworn chums. In the interim, I had been
knocked about, the very shuttlecock of fortune,
until at last the capricious dame gave me the
means Of coming home-that is to England
with the prospect Of ending my days there.
said ] had not seen Luke Swinton for thirty
years, and yet, when he and l accidentally
jostled each other on Change" soon after my
arrival, there was enough Of the old face left
for me to recognise it.
"You are Luke Swinton,' said, and held
out my hand
ly, and his palm, slowly extended, touched mine
with doubtful clasp, till filed up the SEN
tence:
" James Ashburtonr
No want Of cordiality when those words fell
on his ear. To think l did not know you."
said be. "But thirty years make many
changes, and yours has been a rowing life, by
ali accounts. You shall tell me everything by
and by"
I shook my head "Mine would be too long
story in detail, but you may fill it up from the
outline. l went away poor; l have not re.
turned rich, though with enough to supply
bachelors wants"
am sorry you are bachelor, my dear
sionately. But there is bright side to every
thing, and you can go home with me to dinner
without its being necessary to ask permission !;
moreover, You can give orders for your baggage
to be forwarded to Hop Villa, my little place
out Of town, without fear that your other half
will lodge detainer. Depend on it, shall
not soon part with you"
"And can you really give such an invitation
without the cognizance Of the lady that owns
your Oh, happy Benedict" continued /,
laughing "tell me where ! may find such a
partner, and l will forthwith join sour frater.
nity; H.. ..u. ~, -,
all the preparations you need for a long visit,
and join me two hours hence"
He named the place of meeting. Both were
punctusl, and we duly arrived at Hop Villa
did not expect TO see such lovely domain
as that which called my old friend master, and
its extent as far exceeded my anticipations as
did its beauty. "So this is your homer"
asked, my face expressing both surprise and
pleasure.
9" Yes, all is really mine these boundaries
enclose see you wonder how it came to be
so; but / do not like to begin long story
before dinner, so be patient while longer"
We were near the house when we came upon
the gardener, who was examining the withered
remains Of an old hop-vine.
ais it quite dead, Scott?" asked my friend
"Quite, sir Shall remove it?"
81 suppose you must, but feel sorry to give
the order Remember, you procure and plant
another in its place Immediately. I must not
have Hop Villa without one vine.
az have been wondering" said l, what in
duced you to give this charming place the name
it bears--if, indeed, you acted as its sponsor"
"Ah thereby hangs a-or rather the-tale
but wait till after dinner"
must say felt very forlorn, in comparison
with my friend, when saw the joyous greetings
he received from handsome matron, and half
dozen boys and girls, varying in age from six
to eighteen. In spite of bis mocklugubrious
expression Of face, when he informed me that
these formed only portion Of his " response.
bilties," for oae olive branch was at college,
and the youngest tendrils Of bis household vine
would come in with the dessert, one might see
that his home deserved the name. 1t was
pleasant to receive sors Of reflected edition Of