Cora and The Doctor; or, Revelations of A Physician's WifeLeslie, Madeline
General
Cora and The Doctor; or, Revelations of A Physician's Wife
Leslie, Madeline
Physicians -- Fiction
From her choice of bridemaids, I rather think, there will be a
miscellaneous company. But if it gives the dear girl pleasure and
affords her an opportunity to take leave of friends, to whom she is
ardently attached, I shall be satisfied.
Both she and Eugene were delighted that the levee would occur on their
father's birth-day. Emily Benson has brought her babies to make us a
family visit while uncle and aunt Morgan are here, so that I have no
time to be lonely.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
"How few, like thee, inquire the wretched out,
And court the offices of soft humanity!
Like thee, reserve their raiment for the naked,
Reach out their bread to feed the crying orphan,
Or mix the pitying tears with those that weep!" ROWE.
_Wednesday, October 22d._
Last evening the company began to assemble for the levee at an early
hour, and consisted of persons selected without any reference to the
accidental distinctions of wealth and rank. Mr. Marshall, the attorney
General, and Thomas Jones the reformed inebriate, but now one of the
most respectable and respected citizens of the town, were in close
proximity. Here too, were Mr. Allen and Mrs. Lucy Mansfield, at the head
of the wealthy aristocracy, in animated conversation with William and
Anna Reynolds, once so oppressed with poverty. Mr. Benson and Emily, who
would anywhere be recognized as persons of true refinement and grace,
bestowed special attention upon those present, who were unaccustomed to
such scenes, and on that account timid and reserved. A table was
extended the entire length of the dining room, and bountifully crowned
with delicacies and luxuries, of which at the proper hour all were
invited to partake. The bride and bridegroom with their train, who were
in attendance as at the wedding, mingled with the company and addressed
a kind word to each.
There were so many children and young people present who were obliged
to leave at an early hour, that the Doctor, after consultation with me,
requested Mr. Munroe to close this interesting interview with prayer.
Instead of complying immediately with this request, I noticed that Dr.
Clapp stepped forward and said something to the Doctor, and then
suddenly left the room in company with the reverend gentleman, Mr.
Marshall, Allen Mansfield, and one or two others. I looked at Frank,
wondering what this could mean. He whispered to me, that Dr. C. wanted
to have a little singing. I was still more puzzled when Emily Benson
touched my arm and desired to speak with me. "They have found out," said
she, "that it is Frank's birth-day, and want to sing a hymn in honor of
the event. Take his arm and keep him quiet, just where you are." She
then went and led mother and the children near me, and taking her
husband's arm, stood behind us.
The gentlemen returned, and Dr. Clapp, who is a fine singer, commenced
the following hymn, in which he was joined at first by nearly all the
company except our immediate family:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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