Humorous stories, American; Short stories, American; United States -- Social life and customs -- Fiction
astonished indeed I am,” said he, “at a people who call themselves
civilized, to allow such behavior as this. Ambulinia, Ambulinia!”
he cried, “come to the calls of your first, your best, and your only
friend. I appeal to you, sir,” turning to the gentleman of the house,
“to know where Ambulinia has gone, or where is she?” “Do you mean
to insult me, sir, in my own house?” inquired the gentleman. “I will
burst,” said Mr. V., “asunder every door in your dwelling, in search of
my daughter, if you do not speak quickly, and tell me where she is.
I care nothing about that outcast rubbish of creation, that mean,
low-lived Elfonzo, if I can but obtain Ambulinia. Are you not going to
open this door?” said he. “By the Eternal that made Heaven and earth!
I will go about the work instantly, if this is not done!” The confused
citizens gathered from all parts of the village, to know the cause of
this commotion. Some rushed into the house; the door that was locked
flew open, and there stood Ambulinia, weeping. “Father, be still,” said
she, “and I will follow thee home.” But the agitated man seized her, and
bore her off through the gazing multitude. “Father!” she exclaimed, “I
humbly beg your pardon--I will be dutiful--I will obey thy commands.
Let the sixteen years I have lived in obedience to thee be my future
security.” “I don't like to be always giving credit, when the old score
is not paid up, madam,” said the father. The mother followed almost in a
state of derangement, crying and imploring her to think beforehand, and
ask advice from experienced persons, and they would tell her it was a
rash undertaking. “Oh!” said she, “Ambulinia, my daughter, did you know
what I have suffered--did you know how many nights I have whiled away in
agony, in pain, and in fear, you would pity the sorrows of a heartbroken
mother.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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