I've Been Thinking; or, the Secret of SuccessRoe, A. S. (Azel Stevens)
General
I've Been Thinking; or, the Secret of Success
Roe, A. S. (Azel Stevens)
Conduct of life -- Fiction; Diligence -- Fiction; Success -- Fiction
'Tell Mrs. Morris that I shall call for her.'
'Ay, ay, sir.'
'Bless my soul! he's a fine fellow.' The Commodore was now walking up
and down very fast: 'Something must be done for him; he must let that
old sloop go to the ----;' the Commodore was not always particular
where he sent things, so that they were out of his way.
There are green spots in this world of ours, which tempt us to forget
that it is a fallen world, and point us, in their exhibition of true
enjoyment, to what it might have been, and what it may yet be. There are
pleasures that seem so unalloyed by selfish, earthly dross, we almost
feel the breath of heaven fanning our spirits while we mingle in them.
Such was the bright and pleasant scene that Sam had lighted up within
that circle of domestic love, his home.
Nor was there any lack of friends that day to greet them kindly, or to
sympathize in their joy. The tidings soon spread, as James said they
would, and neighbor after neighbor came dropping in, some, no doubt, to
gratify their curiosity, but many, many more to give utterance to the
joy they really felt.
It was about the middle of the afternoon when the equipage of Commodore
Trysail drove up. The old gentleman was a sailor, and not very
particular when dealing with men, at least not always so, to polish
either his language or his manners; but in the company of ladies he
never forgot the respect due to them; he was mild and courteous, no
matter how humble the individual or the circle to which he was
introduced. Mrs. Morris was no stranger to the family; she had often
visited them in their lonely home, and by her affable and kind manners
had won their hearts.
No wonder, then, that the girls ran with such haste to welcome her, and
conducted her into their new abode with feelings, if not of pride, at
least of heart-felt pleasure. She kissed them as they met her at the
door.
'I wish you joy, my dear good girls, with all my heart. Mrs. Oakum, I
congratulate you on your entrance into such a pretty home; it is a sweet
place; but it must be doubly sweet and precious to you under all the
circumstances.'
Mrs. Oakum could not reply; tears alone responded to the kind greeting.
'But where is that noble fellow, Sam? I must call him so yet--where is
he?'
'He has run away. Do you think, Mrs. Morris,' said Mary, 'he found the
neighbors began to come in, and off he went.'
'Do you tell him for me, he's a pretty fellow; and that I shall expect a
visit from him expressly in return for this.'
The Commodore had been detained at the door a moment, in offering his
whole-soul congratulations to Sam's father. As he entered the room, Mrs.
Morris formally introduced him to the mother and sisters. Bowing very
low to Mrs. Oakum,
'Madam, I do not wonder that your feelings are excited; he is a noble
boy, and you have every reason to be proud of him.'
'He has ever been a dear, good child, sir.'
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.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account