The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-07-19
ErgIi'h Uospitality-How Two Americans
Made the Acquaintance of an Earl.
[Grace Greenwood in the Advance !

Two young Americans, of refinement and culture.
while travelling together on the continent, became
acquainted, during protracted diligence Journey,
with an English gentlemen, with whom they were
greatly pleased-even charmed. He was a man
scarcely yet in the prime of life, yet who had evi
IDENTIFY seen much of the word-having been a
great traveler-hailing last from Australia-from
which golden land he had not, he frankly ackno "
ledged, come home poor man. He was q bril-
liant taker-full of wit and anecdote, and QUITO
the.way information-with freedom of manner
quite IN. English and he was a remarkably hand.
some fellow, withal.
AscertaDiDg that the travellers proposed visiting
in England, among the show houses of the nobility,
a certain fine old Yorkshire castle, this courteous
companion Informed them that at that season they
would unluckily find the flag flying from the tur-
ret, denoting that the noble family were at home
and the castle closed to sight-seers. "But stay"
be ADDED, iii you will allow me, | will give you a
letter to the earl. was born in that part OF the
country, and knew him well IN my youth. natter
myself that my name will insure you at least an
inside view of the castle, and if the earl should
invite you to stay week or so with him, | advise
you TO accept the courtesy. You will like him,
am sure !; he is noble specimen of our English
nobility.n
The stranger then proceeded to open an elegant
little writing case, and TO pen letter which, when
finished. be handed to the eldest Of the tourists.
This letter, graceful and familiar in its style,
warmly commended TO the kindly attention Of the
earl Of A, Mr.. B and Mr.. C. fellow.
travellers of his own, American gentlemen of
rare intelligence and refinement Il was signed in
free, bold hand, John Cathcart
Shortly after, the tourists parted from their
agreeable acquaintance, and a few weeks later,
the two young Americans presented themselves
az the entrance of the great avenue leading up TO
that famous old castle in Yorkshire. Giving their
letter to the porter to take TO the earl they stopped
at the lodge to await the result, hoping for moth
ing more than permission to walk through the
apartments usually shown to visitors In show
time. They had not long to wait. The porter
soon returned, and with him came-to the aston
isbment Of the porters wife and children and the
great astonishment Of the tourists-the earl him
self. He was an elderly man, with genial but
shreWd face, and that perfect simplicity Of dress
and manner that marks the strict gentleman, of
whatever rank he may be.
He seemed somewhat excited-walked hur-
riedly, and held in his hand the letter of Mr.. Cath.
cart, sill open, as he read il. While exchanging
greetings with the strangers, he seemed to meas
ure them physically, morally and socially, with
cool, clear, sliding glsnces. They stood 1t well.
This was their first encounter with live earl, but
they had had 10 do with college msgnates, had
looked on military generals and Virginia planters,
ard were not overcome. And the estimate his
lOrdship formed Of them was apparently satisfac.
tory, for be not only accorded them permission TO
see the castle, but actually fulfilled their travelling
companions prediction by inviting them to spend
a week ss his guests
I" can offer you some good sport, n you are
fond OF shooting" be said, land we have some
charming people staying with US now, 70 whom |
shall be happy 70 introduce you-no other Ameri.
cans unfortunately, but we will all be Americans
for the nODce-and we will show you the country,
which, though rather wild and moorish, is not
without fine points OF Interest,"
Our young cOuntrymen mOdestly hung back at
first, but the earl insisted with cordially quite
irresistible, ordered their luggage brought from
the little village inn, and did not leave them till he
had seen them charmingly fixed in Joining rooms,
looking out on the ancient pleasance of the castle
While separating for the night, after delight
ful dinner party, followed by dainty tea-drnk-
ing, music and dancing in the dra Wing room, "I
say, Fred, said the younger Of the tourists ''this
is jolly-the oldest adventure yet. The earl must
be uncommonly fond of our Australian friend
but it's strange be don't say anything about him
not a word"
The first wss q sample of all the DAYS Of that
pleasant week. All the amusements and hOspi-
talties Of grand English country residence we're
at the command of the fortunate young Ameri
cans. The earl, his family and guests, wore ever
most courteous and cOnsioerste to them, yet still
they noticed that not word was spoken Of the
valued old friend VITO introduced them.
The morning Of departure had arrived. The
baggage of the American cousins was brought
down to the hall, the carriage was waiting to take
them TO the station, they had taken leave of the
family and guests Of the earl, and were about