The convalescent, Or, Adventures and rambles / by N. Parker Willis.

  • Willis, Nathaniel Parker, 1806-1867.
Date:
[s.d.]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The convalescent, Or, Adventures and rambles / by N. Parker Willis. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    his goose are the oracles of the neighbourhood in their showy emporium of the Fashions. With the freighting interests on the river, the lumber and butter interests “ up back,” the influential storekeepers, and the spontaneous boys (who, in all three villages, have treated me with affectionate fami- liarity from the beginning), I think I have my share of po- litical and county influence. On the whole, I was rather pleased with the character of the virgin vote I was about to give, and trusted that the bridegroom question, under such softening power, would soothe down into a spirit of loie and accommodation. The village looked quite astir around the tavern as the sleigh ahead of me jingled up. There was a spare post, where my horse could amuse himself with Scott’s plate of the Fashions in the tailor’s window, while the sunshine added its persuasion to the tie-strap in keeping him quiet; and, leaving there this dictatable and unrepublican halt of my usual identity, I crossed over to my twenty-millionth ot duties as an unmounted republican, mentally apologizing to my country, of course, for the two monarchical spurs, which I trusted would escape notice, and which made my heels contradict the republican respect for the majority. Public spirit was very lively among the decanters as 1 entered the bar-room, and a large majority of those present were addressing their fellow-citizens. The shake of hands I found unanimous ; and, the republic thus recognized all around, we turned to the opposite door, where John bynes the rosv landlord of Cornwall, stood announcing that all was ready. He led the way, and America followed up two pair of stairs. The meeting was to be held in the garret, that being the largest room in the house, and appropriated usually to any chance overflowings of company, the “ double beds”'being of indefinite accommodation, either for sleepers or sitters-down. Seeing a stupendous brass knocker on the inside of the door, I inquired its use, and found that the carret was used also as a Freemasons Lodge; though what secret is hidden under a brass knocker which communicates information only to those outside, I dul not very definitely understand. As the crowd poured in, I found a comfort- able seat for myself on a wooden bench, under the corner ol the roof, and the Public being distributed about among the