The Manatitlans: or, A record of recent scientific explorations in the Andean La Plata, S. A.Smile, R. Elton
Science
The Manatitlans: or, A record of recent scientific explorations in the Andean La Plata, S. A.
Smile, R. Elton
Science fiction, American
The mother, aroused with the continued sound of falling money, for, as
with the exampled impulse of panic fear in battle, and the gambler’s
reckless course in the downward path of fate, charity becomes heedless
of self under the associate impression of congregated bestowal, made an
effort to free her eyes from tears, that she might give expression to
her thankfulness and stay the uncalled-for gifts of money. Then making
known her desire to land, the padrone directed the boat to the stairway
of the pier, the eyes of the children the while being engaged in a
wandering search among the spectators, with a woful expression of loving
desire. Ascending the stairway from the water, the motley crowd opened a
free passage; the foreigners following the example of the negroes,
removed their hats in token of respect. My auramentee had been greatly
moved from the first sound of the instrumental prelude, but the
appealing sadness of their voiceful invocation enlisted his sympathetic
excitability beyond control. Unable, with his utmost exertions, to
approach within speaking distance, he followed in the wake of the
procession until he saw the padrone and boat’s crew deposit the harp and
baggage of the mother and children, at the street door of a house
occupied by an _attaché_ of the English consulate, in a court opening
upon the Rua da Dereita. As their entertainer proved to be an
acquaintance of the auramentee, he returned to his hotel well satisfied
with the assurance of their congenial safety, which had fulfilled his
kind intentions. On the second day after their arrival he obtained an
introduction, and with an unobtrusive offer of service gained their
confidence. When but partially recovered from the anxiety and fatigue of
the voyage, they commenced their street perambulations as musicians,
with a pecuniary success more than equal to the exalted expectations of
favorite opera singers, which to the credit of the Rioans was bestowed
from the enlistment of true sympathy in their behalf, rather than in
acknowledgment for their musical talent. The family of the emperor
became interested from the universal expression of sympathy bestowed in
recognition of their sufferings; although the cause was unknown, they
extended to them their protection. Failing in their endeavors to
dissuade them from the exposure of street concertizing, by the offer of
a less laborious and more pleasing method of rendering their talent
provident, they were content to aid them with their special protection
and patronage. A week later, in a private interview, she gave them such
reasons for the course she had chosen, that they used their power to
facilitate the attainment of her object.
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