Love stories; New York (N.Y.) -- History -- 1775-1865 -- Fiction
"You spoke well, my young friend. Now, I will give you a piece of
advice--when any one abuses a great man in your presence, ask them what
kind of people, THEY admire. You will certainly be consoled." With
these words he took Hyde's chair; and Hyde, casting his eyes a moment
on this tall, loose-limbed man, whose cold blue eyes and red hair
emphasized the stern anger of his whole appearance, was well disposed
to leave the scurrilous Englishman to his power of reproof. Besides,
the badge of mourning which Jefferson wore had reminded him of his own
neglect. Probably, it was the want of this badge that had made the
stranger believe he was speaking to one who would sympathize with his
views.
So he went at once to his tailor's and procured the necessary band of
crape for his arm. But these events took time, and though he rode hard
afterwards, it was quite half-past nine when he drew rein at the door
of Richmond Hill. A slave in a fine livery was lounging there; and he
gave him his card. In a few moments the man returned with an invitation
to dismount and come into the breakfast-room. Thus far, he had suffered
himself to be carried forward by the impulse of his heart; and he still
put firmly down any wonder as to what he should say or do.
He was shown into a bright little parlour with open windows. A table,
elegantly and plentifully spread, occupied the centre of the room; and
sitting at it were the Vice-President and Mrs. Adams; and also their
only daughter, the beautiful, but not very intellectual, Mrs. Smith. It
was easy to see that the meal was really over, and that the trio had
been simply lingering over the table because of some interesting
discussion; and it was quite as easy to understand that his entrance
had put an end to the conversation. Mrs. Adams met him with genuine,
though formal, kindness; Mrs. Smith with courtesy; and the
Vice-President rose, bowed handsomely, hoped he was well, and then
after a minute's reflection said--
"We were talking about the official title proper for General
Washington. What do you think, Lieutenant? Or have you heard General
Hyde express any opinion on the subject?"
"Sir, I do not presume to understand the ceremonials of government. My
father is of the opinion, that 'The President of the United States' has
a Roman and republican simplicity, and that any addition to it would be
derogatory and childish."
"My dear young man, the eyes of the world are upon us. To give a title
to our leaders and rulers belongs to history. In the Roman republic
great conquerors assumed even distinctive titles, as well as national
ones."
"Then our Washington is superior to them. Let us be grateful that he
has not yet called himself--Americanus. I like Doctor Kunz's idea of
Washington best, but I see not how it could be put into a civil title."
"Doctor Kunz! Doctor Kunz! Oh yes, of the Dutch congregation. Pray what
is it?"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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