Graham's Magazine, Vol. XVIII, No. 2, February 1841Various
General
Graham's Magazine, Vol. XVIII, No. 2, February 1841
Various
Literature -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals
It was sunrise at Quinapiack, and the seven pillars were no longer seven
sleepers. Eugene Foster stood beside Grace Gilman, while the old elder
wrestled valiantly in prayer. When the morning service was ended, and a
substantial breakfast had been stowed away with no infant’s hand, Foster
imprinted a kiss upon the cheek of the bashful puritan.
“Farewell, Grace,” said he, “we are ready to sail. In a few months more
the smoke shall curl from my cottage chimney, and the good people of the
colony shall wait at the council board for good man Foster.”
“Eugene,” said Grace, with eyes suffused with tears, “your time will
pass pleasantly in England; but, oh! how long will the period of your
absence seem in this lone outpost of civilization. Do not, then, tarry
in the land of your fathers beyond the time necessary for accomplishing
your business. There are many Graces in England, but there are but few
Fosters here.”
“Grace,” said Foster blushing, “there is no Grace in England like the
Grace of Quinapiack, and he who would leave the blooming rose of the
wilderness, for the sick lily of the hot-house, deserves not to enjoy
the fresh blessings of Providence. The wind that blows back to the
western continent shall fill my sails, and I will claim my bride.”
The old puritan now gave the young man his blessing. Foster drew from
his cloak fold this silver tankard,—marked, as you now see it,—[so
said my grandmother, as she held the antique vessel up to the light,]
and presented it to Grace as an earnest of his love. The elder, after
seeing that it was pure silver, exclaimed against the gew-gaws, and the
drinking measures of a carnal world, and left the room. Two hearty
kisses were now heard, even by the domestics in the Gilman family. The
elder entered the breakfast room in haste; Eugene bounded out of the
door—Grace glided like a fairy up stairs, and the old tankard rested
upon the table.
After placing on board of the return ship the massive plate, and other
valuables of the discontented merchants, those whose hearts failed them,
embarked amid the tears and prayers of Davenport and his faithful
associates. The sails were spread to the breeze—the old ship bowed her
head to the foam, and dashed out of the harbor in gallant style. Grace
watched the vessel as she departed, and when the evening came, she wept
in her silent chamber, for her heart was sad.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account