Gifts of Genius: A Miscellany of Prose and Poetry by American Authors — John Shaqi
Gifts of Genius: A Miscellany of Prose and Poetry by American Authors
General
Gifts of Genius: A Miscellany of Prose and Poetry by American Authors
American literature; Gift books
Redman Rush hesitated, with his foot upon the doorstep. He looked up and
down the street. It was beautiful and bright without, but, oh, how bare
and cold! homely enough within, but the glare of a hot coal fire
suggested comfort, as the skylight did cheerfulness. Did he really wish
for warmth and comfort, for cheerfulness and company? That was the point.
"Come in, I will show you something," said Summerman.
"He invites me as if I were another boy like himself," thought the man.
Perhaps for the sake of that unimaginable boyhood he crossed the
threshold, and allowed Summerman to close the door behind him.
This room was the organist's home. His household goods were all around him
when he stepped into the shop. It was a little place, but so well
arranged, that there seemed room, and to spare. Summerman was hospitable
as a prince--the shade of Voltaire reminds me of the great Frederick's
hospitality! yet, let the word stand.
This shop gave outward and visible signs of the versatility of its owner's
mind. The front part was devoted to the clock and watch making business;
before the large window stood a table, where the requisite tools were kept
for conduct of that business. A few clocks, and frames of clocks, gathered
probably from auction rooms, were ranged upon a shelf, and dust was never
allowed to accumulate around or upon them. Never was housemaid more exact
and scrupulous than the proprietor of this Gallery.
In the back part of the shop, which was lighted by the skylight, stood the
instrument for daguerreo-typing, possession of which would have made the
organist a proud man, if anything could have done so.
When he had invited Mr. Rush to sit down, and the invitation was accepted,
it was by a device of Summerman's that the gentleman found himself
directly facing the machine, and now, if he took an interest in any
earthly thing, or was capable of curiosity, some good would come of it,
thought the organist.
He had promised to show his visitor somewhat, and accordingly approached
him with a miniature case in his hand.
Mr. Rush had removed his fur cap, and Summerman approaching him, was so
struck by his appearance, the dignity, and pride, and trouble his
countenance expressed, that he nearly exclaimed in his surprise, and quite
forgot the intention he had, till Mr. Rush reminded him by extending his
hand for the picture.
"This is little Mary," exclaimed he, presenting the miniature. "I took it
last summer. She died in October. Maybe you will understand now why I
said that we should have had a singer, if she had lived."
But Summerman was in doubt about this, as, from the point to which he
immediately retired, he cast a glance at the face of the stranger, who
took the picture, and surveyed it, with such a look.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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