The £1,000,000 bank-note, and other new storiesTwain, Mark
General
The £1,000,000 bank-note, and other new stories
Twain, Mark
American essays -- 19th century; American fiction -- 19th century; Humorous stories, American
‘Not many days afterwards, as surrounded by fragrant flowers, she sat
one evening at twilight to enjoy the cool breeze that whispered notes of
melody along the distant groves, the little birds perched on every side,
as if to watch the movements of their new visitor. The bells were
tolling, when Elfonzo silently stole along by the wild wood flowers,
holding in his hand his favourite instrument of music—his eye
continually searching for Ambulinia, who hardly seemed to perceive him
as she played carelessly with the songsters that hopped from branch to
branch. Nothing could be more striking than the difference between the
two. Nature seemed to have given the more tender soul to Elfonzo, and
the stronger and more courageous to Ambulinia. A deep feeling spoke from
the eyes of Elfonzo—such a feeling as can only be expressed by those who
are blessed as admirers, and by those who are able to return the same
with sincerity of heart. He was a few years older than Ambulinia: she
had turned a little into her seventeenth. He had almost grown up in the
Cherokee country, with the same equal proportions as one of the natives.
But little intimacy had existed between them until the year
forty-one—because the youth felt that the character of such a lovely
girl was too exalted to inspire any other feeling than that of quiet
reverence. But as lovers will not always be insulted, at all times and
under all circumstances, by the frowns and cold looks of crabbed old
age, which should continually reflect dignity upon those around, and
treat the unfortunate as well as the fortunate with a graceful mien, he
continued to use diligence and perseverance.
‘All this lighted a spark in his heart that changed his whole character,
and, like the unyielding Deity that follows the storm to check its rage
in the forest, he resolves for the first time to shake off his
embarrassment, and return where he had before only worshipped.’
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