It must here be confessed that Sister Slocum, having on hand a
newly-married couple, nicely suited to the duties of a mission to some
foreign land, has conceived the very laudable project of sending them
to Aleppo, and is now spending a few weeks among the Dutch of Albany,
who are expected to contribute the necessary funds. A few thousand
dollars expended, a few years’ residence in the East, a few reports as
to what might have been done if something had not interposed to prevent
it, and there is not a doubt that this happy couple will return home
crowned with the laurels of having very nearly Christianized one Turk
and two Tartars.
The maid of all work suddenly remembers that Mrs. Slocum left word that
if a distinguished lady arrived from South Carolina she could be
comfortably accommodated at Sister Scudder’s, on Fourth Street. Not a
little disappointed, the venerable old lady calls a passing carriage,
gets herself and black box into it, and orders the driver to forthwith
proceed to the house of Sister Scudder. Here she is-and she sheds tears
that she is-cooped up in a cold, closet-like room, on the third story,
where, with the ends of her red shawl, she may blow and warm her
fingers. Sister Scudder is a crispy little body, in spectacles. Her
features are extremely sharp, and her countenance continually wears a
wise expression. As for her knowledge of scripture, it is truly
wonderful, and a decided improvement when contrasted with the meagre
set-out of her table. Tea time having arrived, Lady Swiggs is invited
down to a cup by a pert Irish servant, who accosts her with an
independence she by no means approves. Entering the room with an air of
stateliness she deems necessary to the position she desires to
maintain, Sister Scudder takes her by the hand and introduces her to a
bevy of nicely- conditioned, and sleek-looking gentlemen, whose
exactly-combed mutton chop whiskers, smoothly-oiled hair,
perfectly-tied white cravats, cloth so modest and fashionable, and
mild, studious countenances, discover their profession. Sister Scudder,
motioning Lady Swiggs aside, whispers in her ear: “They are all very
excellent young men. They will improve on acquaintance. They are come
up for the clergy.” They, in turn, receive the distinguished stranger
in a manner that is rather abrupt than cold, and ere she has dispensed
her stately courtesy, say: “how do you do marm,” and turn to resume
with one another their conversation on the wicked world. It is somewhat
curious to see how much more interested these gentry become in the
wicked world when it is afar off.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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