THE OFFICERS:
A STORY OF THE LAST WAR WITH ENGLAND.
----"All furnished, all in arms, All plumed like estridges."--SHAKSPEARE.
Sophia Clements had just arrived in Philadelphia on a visit to hersister, Mrs. Darnel, the widow of a merchant who had left his family invery affluent circumstances. The children were a son now settled inbusiness at Canton, two very pretty daughters who had recently quittedschool, and a boy just entering his twelfth year.
Miss Clements, who (being the child of a second marriage) was twentyyears younger than Mrs. Darnel, had resided since the death of herparents with an unmarried brother in New York, where her beauty and hermental accomplishments had gained her many admirers, none of whom,however, had been able to make any impression on her heart.
Sophia Clements was but few years older than her gay and giddy nieces,who kindly offered to pass her off as their cousin, declaring that shewas quite too young to be called aunt. But secure in the consciousnessof real youth, she preferred being addressed by the title that properlybelonged to her.
This visit of Sophia Clements was in the last year of the second contestbetween England and America; and she found the heads of her two niecesfilled chiefly with the war, and particularly with the officers. Theyhad an infinity to tell her of "the stirring times" that had prevailedin Philadelphia, and were still prevailing. And she found it difficultto convince them that there was quite as much drumming and fifing inNew York, and rather more danger; as that city, from its vicinity to theocean, was much easier of access to the enemy.
The boy Robert was, of course, not behind his sisters in enthusiasm forthe "pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war," and they wereindebted to him for much soldier-news that they would not otherwise havehad the felicity of knowing--his time, between school hours, beingchiefly spent in collecting it.
On the morning after Miss Clements's arrival, she and her nieces weresitting at their muslin work,--an occupation at that time very customarywith the ladies, as no foreign articles of cotton embroidery were thento be purchased. There was much military talk, and frequent running tothe window by the two girls, to look out at a passing recruiting partywith their drum, and fife, and colours, and to admire the gallantbearing of the sergeant that walked in front with his drawn sword; forrecruiting sergeants always have
"A swashing and a martial outside."
"Certainly," said Harriet Darnel, "it is right and proper to wish forpeace; but still, to say the truth, war-time is a very amusing time.Everything will seem so flat when it is over."
"I fear, indeed," replied Miss Clements, smiling, "that you will findsome difficulty in returning to the 'dull pursuits of civil life.'"
"Aunt Sophy," said Caroline, "I wish you had been here in the summer,when we were all digging at the fortifications that were thrown up inthe neighbourhood of the city, to defend it in case of an attack byland. Each citizen gave a day's work, and worked with his own hands.They went in bodies, according to their trades and professions, marchingout at early dawn with their digging implements. They were alwayspreceded by a band of music, playing Hail Columbia or Washington'sMarch, and they returned at dusk in the same manner. We regularly tookcare to see them whenever they passed by."
"The first morning," said Harriet, "they came along so very early thatnone of us were up till the sound of the music wakened us; and being inour night-clothes, we could only peep at them through the half-closedshutters; but afterwards, we took care to be always up and dressed intime, so that we could throw open the windows and lean out, and gazeafter them till they were out of sight. You cannot think how affectingit was. Our eyes were often filled with tears as we looked at them--eventhough they were not soldiers, but merely our own people, and had nouniform."
"All instances of patriotism, or of self-devotion for the general good,are undoubtedly affecting," observed Sophia.
"Every trade went in its turn," pursued Harriet, "and every man of everytrade, masters and journeymen--none stayed behind. One day we saw thebutchers go, another day the bakers; also the carpenters andbricklayers, then the shoemakers and the tailors, the curriers and thesaddlers, and the blacksmiths. Often two or three trades went together.There were the type-founders, and the printers, and the book-binders.The merchants also assisted, and the lawyers, and the clergymen of everydenomination. Most of the Irishmen went twice--first, according to theirrespective trades, and again as Irishmen only, when they marched outplaying 'St. Patrick's Day in the Morning.' The negroes had their day,also; and we heard them laughing and talking long before we saw them.Only imagine the giggling and chattering of several hundred negroes!"
"Mr. and Mrs. Linley took us out in their carriage to see thefortifications," resumed Caroline. "It was the lawyers' day; and therewere some of the principal gentlemen of the city, in straw hats andround jackets, and some in their waistcoats only, with theirshirt-sleeves rolled up, digging with pickaxes and spades, and wheelingbarrows full of sods. It was delightful to look at them."
"There's a drum and fife again!" exclaimed Harriet. "See, see, AuntSophy, do look out; here's another recruiting party--and they havepicked up four men, who have actually joined them in the street. Howglad I am!"
"Do come and look, aunt," said Caroline; "it is not the same party thatpassed a little while ago. I know it by the sergeant, who has darkerhair and eyes than the other. This is Lieutenant Bunting's recruitingparty. He has handbills on all the corners, headed: 'List, list--oh,list!'"
"Aunt Sophy," said Harriet, as they resumed their seats, "you cannotimagine what a lively summer we have had!"
"I can easily imagine," replied Sophia, "that you almost lived out ofthe window."
"How could we do otherwise," answered Harriet, "when there was so muchto look at, particularly during the alarm? Alarms are certainly veryexciting."
"Undoubtedly," observed Sophia; "but what was the alarm?"
"Oh! there has been one long alarm all summer; and it is still going on,or our volunteers would not stay so long at Camp Dupont. But there, itseems, they may have to remain till winter drives the British away fromthe Capes."
"I conclude," said Miss Clements, "the alarm _par excellence_ was whenthe enemy sailed up the Chesapeake to attack Baltimore, and there was anapprehension of their crossing over to Philadelphia."
"The very time," answered Harriet. "We had a troop of horsereconnoitering on the Chesapeake. Their camp was at Mount Bull, nearElkton. They were all gentlemen, and they acted in turn as videttes. Oneof them arrived here every evening with despatches for GeneralBloomfield concerning the movements of the enemy--and they still come.You know last evening, soon after your arrival, one of the times that Iran to the window was to see the vidette[73] galloping along the street,looking so superbly in his light-horseman's uniform, with his pistols inhis holsters, and his horse's feet striking fire from the stones."
[Footnote 73: _Estafette_, we believe, is the proper term, but themilitary couriers of that period were always called _videttes_ by thecitizens.]
"Once," said Caroline, "we heard a galloping in the middle of the night,and therefore we all got up and looked out. In a few minutes the streetswere full of men who had risen and dressed themselves, and gone out toget the news. I was sorry that, being women, we could not do the same.But we sent Bob--you don't know how useful we find Bob. He is versed inall sorts of soldiers and officers, and every kind of uniform, and theright way of wearing it. He taught us to distinguish a captain from alieutenant, and an infantry from an artillery officer,--silver forinfantry, and gold for artillery,--and then there is the staff uniformbesides, and the dragoons, and the rifle officers, and the engineers. Ofcourse, I mean the regular army. As to volunteers and militia, we knewthem long ago."
"But you are forgetting the vidette that galloped through the street atmidnight," said Sophia.
"True, aunt; but when one has so much to tell, it is difficult to avoiddigressions. Well, then--this vidette brought news of the attack onBaltimore; and, by daylight,
there was as much confusion and hustle inthe town, as if we had expected the enemy before breakfast."
"We saw all the volunteers march off," said Harriet, taking up thenarrative. "They started immediately to intercept the British on theirway to Philadelphia,--for we were sure they would make an attempt tocome. We had seen from our windows, these volunteers drilling for weeksbefore, in the State House Yard. It is delightful to have a house insuch a situation. My favourite company was the Washington Guards, butCaroline preferred the State Fencibles. I liked the close round jacketsof the Guards, and their black belts, and their tall black featherstipped with red. There was something novel and out of the common way intheir uniform."
"No matter," said Caroline, "the dress of the State Fencibles was farmore manly and becoming. They wore coatees, and white belts, and littlewhite pompons tipped with red; pompons stand the wind and weather muchbetter than tall feathers. And then the State Fencibles were all suchgenteel, respectable men."
"So were the Washington Guards," retorted Harriet, "and youngerbesides."
"No, no," replied Caroline, "it was their short, boyish-looking jacketsthat gave them that appearance."
"Well, well," resumed Harriet, "I must say that all the volunteercompanies looked their very best the day they marched off in fullexpectation of a battle. I liked them every one. Even the blankets thatwere folded under their knapsacks were becoming to them. We saw some ofthe most fashionable gentlemen of the city shoulder their muskets and gooff as guards to the baggage-wagons, laughing as if they considered itan excellent joke."
"To think," said Caroline, "of the hardships they have to suffer incamp! After the worst of the alarm had subsided, many of the volunteersobtained leave of absence for a day or two, and came up to the city tovisit their families, and attend a little to business. We always knewthem in a moment by their sunburnt faces. They told all about it, andcertainly their sufferings have been dreadful, for gentlemen. Standingguard at night, and in all weather,--sleeping in tents, without anybedsteads, and with no seats but their trunks,--cooking their owndinners, and washing their own dishes,--and, above all, having to eattheir own awful cooking!"
"But you forget the country volunteers," said Harriet, "that camepouring in from all parts of Pennsylvania. We saw them every one as theypassed through the city on their way down to Camp Dupont. And really weliked _them_ also. Most of the country companies wore rifle-dresses ofcoloured cotton, trimmed with fringe; for instance, some had blue withred fringe, others green with yellow fringe; some brown with bluefringe. One company was dressed entirely in yellow, spotted with black.They looked like great two-legged leopards. We were very desirous ofdiscovering who an old gray-haired man was that rode at the head. He wasa fine-looking old fellow, and his dress and his horse were of the sameentire gray. I shall never forget that man."
"I shall never forget anything connected with the alarm," resumedCaroline. "There was a notice published in all the papers, and stuck upat every corner, telling what was to be done in case the enemy wereactually approaching the city. Three guns were to be fired from the NavyYard as a signal for the inhabitants to prepare for immediate danger.You can't think how anxiously we listened for those three guns."
"I can readily believe it," said Miss Clements.
"We knew some families," continued Caroline, "that, in anticipation ofthe worst, went and engaged lodgings in out-of-the-way places, thirty orforty miles from town, that they might have retreats secured; and theypacked up their plate and other valuable articles, for removal at ashort notice. We begged of mamma to let us stay through everything, aswe might never have another opportunity of being in a town that wastaken by the enemy; and as no gentleman belonging to us was in any wayengaged in the war, we thought the British would not molest _us_. To saythe truth, mamma took the whole alarm very coolly, and always said shehad no apprehensions for Philadelphia."
"Maria Milden was at Washington," observed Harriet, "when the Britishburnt the President's House and the Capitol, and she told us all aboutit, for she was so fortunate as to see the whole. Nobody seems to thinkthey will burn the State House, if they come to Philadelphia. But Ido--don't you, aunt Sophia? What a grand sight it would be, and how fastthe State-House bell would ring for its own fire!"
"We can only hope that they will always be prevented from reaching thecity at all," replied Miss Clements.
"But don't I hear a trumpet?" exclaimed Caroline; and the girls wereagain at the window.
"Oh! that is the troop of United States dragoons that Bob admires somuch," cried Harriet. "They have recruited a hundred men here in thecity. I suppose they are on their way to the lines. Look, look, auntSophy,--now, you must acknowledge this to be a fine sight."
"It is," said Sophia.
"Only see," continued Harriet, "how the long tresses of white horse-hairon their helmets are waving in the wind; and see how gallantly they holdtheir sabres; and look at the captain as he rides at their head,--onlysee his moustaches. I hope that captain will not be killed."
"But I shall be sorry if he is not wounded," said Caroline. "Woundedofficers are always so much admired. You know, Harriet, we saw one lastwinter with his arm in a sling, and a black patch on his forehead. Howsweetly he looked!"
"Nay," said Harriet, "I cannot assent to that; for he was one of theugliest men I ever saw, both face and figure, and all the wounding inthe world would not have made him handsome."
"Well, interesting then,"--persisted Caroline;--"you must own that helooked interesting, and that's everything."
"May I ask," said Miss Clements, "if you are acquainted with anyofficers?"
"Oh, yes," replied Harriet, "we meet with them sometimes at houses wherewe visit. How very unlucky it is that brother Francis happens to beliving in Canton, just at this time of all others! If he were with us,we could go more into company, and his friends would visit at ourhouse--and of course he would know a great many officers. But mamma isso very particular, and so very apprehensive about us, and she cannotherself be persuaded to go to any public places. I wish Bob were grownup."
"We were very desirous," said Caroline, "of being among the young ladieswho joined in presenting a standard, last October, to a regiment ofinfantry that was raised chiefly in the city, but mamma would not permitus. However, we saw the ceremony from a window. The young ladies whogave the standard were all dressed alike in white muslin frocks and longwhite kid gloves, with their hair plain and without ornament--theylooked sweetly. The regiment had marched into town for the purpose,--forthey were encamped near Darby. The young ladies with the flag stood onthe steps of a house in Chestnut street, and the officers were ranged infront. She that held the standard delivered a short address on theoccasion, and the ensign who received it knelt on one knee, and repliedvery handsomely to her speech. Then the drums rolled, and the bandstruck up, and the colours waved, and the officers all saluted theladies."
"In what way?" asked Sophia.
"Oh, with their swords. A military salute is superb--Bob showed us allthe motions. Look now, aunt Sophia, I'll do it with the fly-brush.That's exactly the way."
"I have always considered a military salute extremely graceful," saidMiss Clements.
"But we have still more to tell about this regiment," continuedCaroline. "You must know we spent a most delightful day in theircamp--actually in their camp!"
"And how did you happen to arrive at that pitch of felicity?" askedSophia.
"Oh!" replied Caroline, "we are, most fortunately for us, acquaintedwith the family of an officer belonging to this district, and theyinvited us to join them on a visit to the camp. Our friends had madearrangements for having a sort of picnic dinner there, and baskets ofcold provisions were accordingly conveyed in the carriages. The weatherwas charming, for it was the Indian summer, and everything conspired tobe so delightful. First we saw a review: how elegantly the officerslooked galloping along the line,--and then the manoeuvres of thesoldiers were superb,--they seemed to move by magic. When the review wasover, the officers were all
invited to share our dinner. As they alwayswent to Darby (which was close by) for their meals, they had noconveniences for dining in camp; and the contrivances that were resortedto for the accommodation of our party caused us much amusement. Theflies of two or three tents were put together so as to make a sort ofpavilion for us. Some boards were brought, and laid upon barrels, so asto form a table; and for table-cloths we had sheets supplied by thecolonel. We sat on benches of rough boards, similar to those that formedthe table. Plates, and knives and forks, were borrowed for us of thesoldiers. We happened to have no salt with us,--some, therefore, wasprocured from the men's pork-barrels, and we made paper salt-cellars toput it in. But the effect of our table was superb, all the gentlemenbeing in full uniform--such a range of epaulets and sashes! Theirswords and chapeaux, which they had thrown under a tree, formed such apicturesque heap! The music was playing for us all the time, and we werewaited upon by orderlies--think of having your plate taken by a soldierin uniform! Wine-glasses being scarce among us, when a gentleman inviteda lady to take wine with him, she drank first, and gave him her glass,and he drank out of it--and so many pretty things were said on theoccasion. After dinner the colonel took us to his tent, which wasdistinguished from the others by being larger, and having a flag flyingin front, and what they called a picket fence round it. Then we wereconducted all through the camp, each lady leaning on the arm of anofficer: we almost thought ourselves in Paradise. For weeks we couldscarcely bear to speak to a citizen--Mr. Wilson and Mr. Thomson seemedquite sickening."
"What nonsense you are talking!" said Mrs. Darnel, who, unperceived byher daughters, had entered the room but a few moments before, and seatedherself on the sofa with her sewing. "When you are old enough to thinkof marrying (the two girls smiled and exchanged glances), you mayconsider yourselves very fortunate if any such respectable young men asthe two you have mentioned so disdainfully, should deem you worthy oftheir choice."
"I have no fancy for respectable young men," said Harriet, in a lowvoice.
"I hope you will live to change your opinion," pursued Mrs. Darnel. "Icannot be all the time checking and reproving; but my consolation isthat when the war is over, you will both come to your senses,--and whileit lasts the officers have, fortunately, something else to think of thancourtship and marriage; and are seldom long enough in one place toundertake anything more than a mere flirtation."
"For my part," said Miss Clements, "nothing could induce me to marry anofficer. Even in time of peace to have no settled home; and to betransferred continually from place to place, not knowing at what momentthe order for removal may arrive; and certainly in time of war myanxiety for my husband's safety would be so great as entirely to destroymy happiness."
"Well," said Mrs. Darnel, "I wish, for a thousand reasons, that this warwas over. Setting aside all more important considerations, theinconvenience it causes in our domestic concerns is too incessant to betrifling. We are not yet prepared to live comfortably without the aidof foreign importations. The price of everything has risen enormously."
"That is very true, mamma," observed Harriet; "only think of having togive two dollars a yard for slight Florence silk; such silk as beforethe war _we_ would not have worn at all--but now we are glad to getanything,--and two dollars a pair for cotton stockings; cambric muslin adollar and a half a yard--a dollar for a paper of pins--twenty-fivecents for a cotton ball!"
"And groceries!" resumed Mrs. Darnel; "sugar a dollar a pound--lemonshalf a dollar a piece!"
"I must say," said Caroline, "I am very tired of cream of tartarlemonade. I find it wherever I go."
"Well, all this is bad enough," said Harriet; "but somehow it does notmake us the least unhappy, and certainly we are anything but dull."
"And then it is so pleasant," remarked Caroline, "every now and then tohear the bells ringing, and to find that it is for a victory; and it isso glorious to be taking ship after ship from the British. Bob says heenvied the New Yorkers the day the frigate United States brought in theMacedonian."
"I own," said Miss Clements, "that the excitement of that day, can neverbe forgotten by those that felt it. It had been ascertained the eveningbefore that these ships were off Sandy Hook, but in the morning therewas a heavy fog which, it was feared, would prevent their coming up tothe city. Nevertheless, thousands of people were assembled at daylighton the Battery. At last a sunbeam shone out, the fog cleared off withalmost unprecedented rapidity, and there lay the two frigates at anchor,side by side--the Macedonian with the American colours flying above theBritish ensign. So loud were the acclamations of the spectators, thatthey were heard half over the city, and they ceased not, till bothvessels commenced firing a salute."
The conversation was finally interrupted by the arrival of some femalevisitors, who joined Mrs. Darnel in lamenting the inconveniences of thetimes. One fearing that if the present state of things continued, shewould soon be obliged to dress her children in domestic gingham, and theother producing from her reticule a pattern for a white linen glove,which she had just borrowed with a view of making some for herself; kidgloves being now so scarce that they were rarely to be had at anyprice.
A few evenings afterwards, our young ladies were invited to join a partyto a ball; where Mr. Wilson and Mr. Thomson were treated withconsiderable indifference by the Miss Darnels; but being verypersevering young men, they consoled themselves with the hope that _lebon temps viendra_. About the middle of the evening, the girls espied ata distance, among the crowd of gentlemen near the door, the glitter of apair of silver epaulets.
"There's a field-officer, Aunt Sophia," said Harriet: "he wears twoepaulets, and is therefore either a major or a colonel. So I amdetermined to dance with him."
"If you can," added Caroline.
"How will you accomplish this enterprise?" asked Sophia.
"Oh!" replied Harriet, "I saw him talking to Mr. Wilson, who, I suppose,has got acquainted with him somehow. So I'll first dance with poorWilson, just to put him into a good humour, and I'll make him introducethis field-officer to me."
All this was accomplished. She _did_ dance with Mr. Wilson--he _was_ putinto a good humour; and when, half-laughing, half-blushing, sherequested that he would contrive for her an introduction to thefield-officer, he smiled, and, somewhat to her surprise, said at once,"Your wish shall be gratified," adding, "he fought bravely atTippecanoe, and was rewarded with a commission in the regular service."
Mr. Wilson then left her, and in a few minutes returned with thegentleman in question, whom he introduced as Major Steifenbiegen. Themajor was of German extraction (as his name denoted), and cameoriginally from one of the back counties of Pennsylvania.
When Harriet Darnel had a near view of him, she found that thefield-officer, though a tall, stout man, was not distinguished by anyelegance of figure, and that his features, though by no means ugly, wereheavy and inexpressive, and his movements very much like those of awooden image set in motion by springs. However, he was in full uniform,and had two epaulets, and wore the U. S. button.
On being introduced by young Wilson to Harriet and her companions, themajor bowed almost to the floor, as he gravely requested the honour ofMiss Darnel's hand for the next set,--which he told her he was happy tosay was a country-dance. On her assenting, he expressed his gratitude inslow and measured terms, and in a manner that showed he had beenstudying his speech during his progress across the ball-room.
"Madam," said he, "will you have the goodness to accept my most obligedthanks for the two honours you are doing me; first, in desiring theacquaintance of so unworthy an object, and secondly, madam, in agreeingto dance with me? I have never been so much favoured by so fine a younglady."
Harriet looked reproachfully at Mr. Wilson for having betrayed to MajorSteifenbiegen her wish for the introduction; but Wilson afterwards tookan opportunity of making her understand that she had nothing to fear;the field-officer being entirely guiltless of the sin of vanity--as far,at least, as regarded the ladies.
In a few minutes a fair-h
aired, slovenly, but rather a handsome youngman, in a citizen's old brown surtout, with an epaulet on his leftshoulder, came up to Major Steifenbiegen, and slapping him on the back,said, "Well, here I am, just from Washington. I've got acommission,--you see, I've mounted my epaulet,--and the tailor is makingmy uniform. Who's that pretty girl you're going to dance with?" headded, in a loud whisper.
"Miss Darnel," replied the major, drawing him aside, and speaking in atone quite different from that in which he thought proper to address theladies.
"Is that her sister beside her--the one that's dressed exactly thesame?"
"I presume so."
"You know it is--she's the prettiest of the two. So introduce me, and Ideclare I'll take her out."
"I don't see how you can dance in that long surtout," observed themajor.
"Just as well as you can in those long jack-boots."
"But I'm in full uniform," said the major, "and your dress is neitherone thing nor t'other."
"No matter for that," replied the youth, "I'm old Virginia, and am abovecaring about my dress. Haven't I my epaulet on my shoulder, to leteverybody know I'm an officer?--and that's enough. Show me the girl thatwouldn't be willing, any minute, to 'pack up her tatters and follow thedrum.'"
Major Steifenbiegen then introduced to the ladies Lieutenant Tinsley,who requested Miss Caroline Darnel's hand for the next dance. Caroline,consoling herself with the idea that _her_ officer, though in an oldbrown surtout and dingy Jefferson shoes, was younger and handsomer thanHarriet's major, allowed him, as he expressed it, to carry her to thedance,--which, he did by tucking her hand under his arm, and walkingvery fast; informing her, at the same time, that he was old Virginia.
Major Steifenbiegen respectfully took the tips of Harriet's fingers,saying, "Madam, I am highly obligated to you for allowing me theprivilege of leading you by the hand to the dance: I consider it a thirdhonour."
"Then you are three by honours," said Tinsley.
Miss Clements, who was too much fatigued by six sets of cotillions toundertake the "never-ending, still-beginning country-dance," remained inher seat, talking to her last partner, and regarding at a distance theproceedings of her two nieces and their military beaux.
It is well known that during the war of 1812, commissions were sometimesbestowed upon citizens who proved excellent soldiers, but whoseopportunities of acquiring the polish of gentlemen had been rathercircumscribed. There were really a few such officers as MajorSteifenbiegen and Lieutenant Tinsley.
The Miss Darnels and their partners took their places near the top ofthe country-dance. While it was forming, each of the gentlemenendeavoured to entertain his lady according to his own way--the major byslowly hammering out a series of dull and awkward compliments, and thelieutenant by a profusion of idle talk that Caroline laughed at withoutknowing why; seasoned as it was with local words and phrases, and withboastings about that section of the Union which had the honour of beinghis birth-place.
"Madam," said the major, "I think it is the duty of an officer--thebounden duty--to make himself agreeable, that is, to be perpetuallypolite, and so forth. I mean we are to be always agreeable to theladies, because the ladies are always agreeable to us. Perhaps, madam, Idon't speak loud enough. Madam, don't you think it is the duty of anofficer to be polite and agreeable to the ladies?"
"Certainly," answered Harriet, "of an officer and of all gentlemen."
"Very true, madam," persisted the major, "your sentiments are quitecorrect. All gentlemen should be polite to the fair sex, but officersparticularly. Not that I would presume to hint that they ought to be soout of gratitude, or that ladies are apt to like officers--I have notthat vanity, madam--we are not a vain people--that is, we officers. Butperhaps, madam, my conversation does not amuse you."
"Oh! yes it does," replied Harriet, archly.
"Well, madam, if it doesn't, just mention it to me, and I'll willinglystop,--the honour of dancing with so fine a young lady is sufficienthappiness."
"Well, Miss," said young Tinsley to Caroline, "you have but a stran_n_gesort of dancing here to the north. I can't make out much with yourcotillions. Before one has time to learn the figure by heart they'reover; and as to your sash_a_y and balanj_a_y, I don't know which iswhich: I'm not good at any of your French capers--I'm old Virginia. Giveme one of our own up-country reels--'Fire in the mountains,' or 'Possumup the gum tree,'--I could show you the figure in a minute, withourselves and two chears."
The dance had now commenced; and Major Steifenbiegen showed some signsof trepidation, saying to Miss Darnel, "Madam, will you allow me, if Imay be so bold, to tax your goodness farther by depending entirely onyour kind instructions as to the manoeuvres of the dance. I cannotsay, madam, that I ever was a dancing character--some people are not.It's a study that I have but lately taken up. But with so fine a younglady for a teacher, I hope to acquit myself properly. I have beeninformed that Rome was not built in a day. Please, madam, to tell mewhat I am to do first."
"Observe the gentleman above you," replied Harriet, "and you will see ina moment."
The major did observe, but could not "catch the idea." The music wasFisher's Hornpipe, at that time very popular as a country-dance, andMajor Steifenbiegen was at length made to understand that he was firstto go down by himself, outside of the line of gentlemen, and without hispartner, who was to go down on the inside. He set off on his lonelyexpedition with rather a _triste_ countenance. To give himself a widefield, he struck out so far into the vacant part of the room, that astranger, entering at the moment, would have supposed that, for somemisdemeanor, he had been expelled from the dance, and was performing asolitary _pas seul_ by way of penance. His face brightened, however,when a gentleman, observing that he took no "note of time," kindlyrecalled him to his place in the vicinity of Miss Darnel. But hisperplexities were now increased. In crossing hands, he went every waybut the right one, and the confusion he caused, and his formalapologies, were as annoying to his partner,--who tried in vain torectify his mistakes,--as they were diverting to the other ladies. Heducked his head, and raised his shoulders every time he made a dive attheir hands, lifting his feet high, like the Irishman that "rose uponsugan, and sunk upon gad."
Harriet could almost have cried with vexation; but the worst was stillto come, and she prepared for the crowning misery of going down themiddle with Major Steifenbiegen. He no longer touched merely the ends ofher fingers, but he grasped both her hands hard, as if to secure herprotection, and holding them high above her head, he blundered down thedance, running against one person, stumbling over another, and lookinglike a frightened fool, while his uniform made him doubly conspicuous.The smiles of the company were irrepressible, and those at a distancelaughed outright.
When they came to the bottom, Harriet, who was completely out ofpatience, declared herself fatigued, and insisted on sitting down; andthe major, saying that it was his duty to comply with every request ofso fine a young lady, led her to Miss Clements, who, though pained ather niece's evident mortification, had been an amused spectator of thedance. The major then took his station beside Harriet, fanning herawkwardly, and desiring permission to entertain her till the next set.She hinted that it would probably be more agreeable to him to join someof his friends on the other side of the room; but he told her that hecould not be so ungrateful for the numerous honours she had done him, asto prefer any society to hers.
In the mean time, Caroline Darnel had fared but little better withLieutenant Tinsley; and she was glad to recollect, for the honour of thearmy, that he was only an officer of yesterday, and also to hope (as wasthe truth) that he was by no means a fair sample of the sons ofVirginia. He danced badly and ridiculously, though certainly not fromembarrassment, romped and scampered, and was entirely regardless of _lesbienseances_.
When they had got to the bottom of the set, and had paused to takebreath, the lieutenant began to describe to Caroline an opossumhunt--then told her how inferior was the rabbit of Pennsylvania to the"old yar"[74] of Virginia; and descant
ed on the excellence of theircorn-bread, bacon, and barbecued chickens. He acknowledged, however,that "where he was raised, the whole neighbourhood counted on having theague every spring and fall."
[Footnote 74: Hare.]
"Then why do they stay there?" inquired Caroline. "I wonder that anypeople, who are able to leave it, should persist in living in such aplace."
"Oh! you don't know us at all," replied Tinsley. "We are so used to theague, that when it quits us, we feel as if we were parting with an oldfriend. As for me, I fit against it for a while, and then gave up;finding that all the remedies, except mint-juleps, were worse than thedisease. I used to sit upon the _stars_ and shake, wrapped in my bigovercoat, with my hat on, and the capes drawn over my head--I'm oldVirginia."
Like her sister, Caroline now expressed a desire to quit the dance andsit down, to which her partner assented; and, after conveying her to herparty, and telling her: "There, now, you can say you have danced with anofficer," he wheeled off, adding: "I'll go and get a _cigyar_, and takea stroll round the _squarr_ with it. There's so much noise here that Ican't do my think."
The major looked astonished at Tinsley's immediate abandonment of a ladyso young and so pretty, and, by way of contrast, was more obsequiousthan ever to Harriet, reiterating the request which he had made her asthey quitted the dance, to honour him with her hand for the next set;telling her that now, having had some practice, he hoped, with herinstructions, to acquit himself better than in the last. Harriet parriedhis importunities as adroitly as she could; determined to avoid anyfarther exhibition with him, and yet unwilling to sit still, accordingto the usual ball-room penalty for refusing the invitation of aproffered partner.
Both the girls had been thoroughly ashamed of their epauletted beaux,and had often, during the dance, looked with wistful eyes towardsMessrs. Wilson and Thomson, who were very genteel young men, and verygood dancers, and whose partners--two beautiful girls--seemed very happywith them.
The major, seeing that other gentlemen were doing so, now departed inquest of lemonade for the ladies; and, taking advantage of his absence,Harriet exclaimed: "Oh, Aunt Sophy, Aunt Sophy! tell me what to do--Icannot dance again with that intolerable man, neither do I wish to becompelled to sit still in consequence of refusing him. I have paiddearly for his two epaulets."
"My fool had but one," said Caroline, "and a citizen's coat beside,therefore my bargain was far worse than yours. I have some hope,however, that he has no notion of asking me again, and if he has, thathe will not get back from his tour round the _squarr_ before the nextset begins. I wish his cigar was the size of one of those candles, thathe might be the longer getting through with it! Oh! that some one wouldask me immediately!"
"I am sure I wish the same," said Harriet.
At that moment, they were gladdened by the approach of Mr. Harford, avery ugly little man, whose dancing and deportment were sufficiently_comme il faut_, and no more. And when he requested Caroline's hand forthe next set, both the girls, in their eagerness, started forward, andreplied: "With pleasure."
Mr. Harford, not appearing to perceive that her sister had also acceptedthe invitation, bowed his thanks to Caroline, who introduced him to MissClements. Harriet, recollecting herself, blushed and drew back; whileSophia, to cover her niece's confusion, entered into conversation withthe gentleman.
Presently, Major Steifenbiegen came up with three or four glasses oflemonade on a waiter, and a plate piled high with cakes; all of which hepressed on the ladies with most urgent perseverance, evidently desirousthat they should drain the last drop of the lemonade, and finish thelast morsel of the cakes.
As soon as they had partaken of these refreshments, Mr. Harford ledCaroline to a cotillion that was arranging. While talking to him shefelt some one twitch her sleeve, and turning round she beheld LieutenantTinsley.
"So, miss," said he, "you have given me the slip. Well, I have not beengone long. My cigyar was not good, so I chuck'd it away in short order;and I came back, and have been looking all about; but seeing nobodyprettier, I concluded I might as well take you out for this dance also.However, there's not much harm done, as I suppose you'll have noobjection to dance with me next time; and I'll try to get up a Virginiareel."
Caroline, much vexed, replied, "I believe I shall dance no more afterthis set."
"What! tired already!" exclaimed Tinsley; "it's easy to see you are notold Virginia."
"I hope so," said Caroline, petulantly.
"Why, that's rather a quare answer," resumed Tinsley, after pondering amoment till he had comprehended the innuendo; "but I suppose ladies mustbe allowed to say what they please. Good evening, miss."
And he doggedly walked off, murmuring, "After all, these Philadelphiagirls are not worth a copper."
When Caroline turned round again, she was delighted to perceive theglitter of his epaulet amidst a group of young men that were leaving theroom; and the music now striking up, she cheerfully led off with good,ugly Mr. Harford, who had risen highly in her estimation as contrastedwith Lieutenant Tinsley.
Meanwhile, Harriet remained in her seat beside her aunt; the majorstanding before them, prosing and complimenting, and setting forth hishumble opinion of himself; in which opinion the two ladies, in theirhearts, most cordially joined him. Miss Clements, who had much tact,drew him off from her niece, by engaging him in a dialogue exactlysuited to his character and capacity; while, unperceived by the major,Mr. Thomson stepped up, and, after the interchange of a few words, ledoff Harriet to a cotillion, saying, "Depend upon it, he is notsufficiently _au fait_ of the etiquette of a ball room to take offenceat your dancing with me, after having been asked by him."
"But, if he _should_ resent it----"
"Then I shall know how to answer him. But rely upon it, there is nothingto fear."
It was not till the Chace was danced, and the major, happening to turnhis head in following the eyes of Miss Clements, saw Harriet gaylyflying round the cotillion with Mr. Thomson, that he missed her for thefirst time,--having taken it for granted that she would dance with him.He started, and exclaimed--"Well, I certainly am the most faulty ofmen--the most condemnable--the most unpardonable officer in the army--tobe guilty of such neglect--such rudeness--and to so fine a young lady. Iought never to presume to show myself in the best classes of society.Madam, may I hope that you will stand my friend--that you will help meto gain my pardon?"
"For what?" asked Miss Clements.
"For inviting that handsome young lady to favour me again with her hand,and then to neglect observing when the dance was about to begin, so thatshe was obliged to accept the offer of another gentleman. He, no doubt,stepped up just in time to save her from sitting still, which, I amtold, is remarkably disagreeable to young ladies. Madam, I mean noreflection on you--I am incapable of any reflection on you--but (if Imay be so bold as to say so) it was _your_ fine, sensible conversationthat drew me from my duty."
The set being now over, Major Steifenbiegen advanced to meet Mr. Thomsonand Miss Darnel, and he accosted the former with--"Sir, give me yourhand. Sir, you are a gentleman, and I am much obligated to you forsparing this young lady the mortification of not dancing with me."
("You may leave out the 'not,'" murmured Harriet to herself.)
"Of not enjoying the dance to which I had invited her, and of saving herfrom sitting still for want of a partner--all owing to my unofficer-likeconduct in neglecting to claim her hand. I begin to perceive that I wantsome more practice in ball behaviour. I thank you again for your humanekindness to the young lady, which, I hope, will turn aside her angerfrom me."
"Oh, yes!" said Harriet, almost afraid to speak lest she should laugh.
"Will you favour me with your name, sir?" pursued the major.
Mr. Thomson gave it, much amused at the turn that things had taken. Themajor, after admiring the name, said he should always remember it withesteem, and regretted that his having to set out for Plattsburgh earlyon the following morning would, for the present, prevent their fartheracquainta
nce. He then made sundry other acknowledgments to Harriet forall the honours she had done him that evening, including her forgivenessof his "letting her dance without him,"--bowed to Caroline, who had justapproached with Mr. Harford; and, going up to Miss Clements, he thankedher for her conversation, and finally took his departure. The girls didnot laugh till he was entirely out of the room, though Harriet remarkedthat he walked edgeways, which she had not observed when he was firstbrought up to her; her fancy being then excited, and her perceptionblinded by the glitter of his two epaulets.
"Well, Miss Darnel," said Mr. Wilson, who had just joined them, "how doyou like your field-officer?"
"Need you ask me?" replied Harriet. "In future I shall hate the sight oftwo silver epaulets."
"And I of one gold one," added Caroline.
"I will not trust you," said Mr. Thomson, with a smile.
"We shall see," said Mr. Wilson.
"Well, young ladies," observed Miss Clements, "you may at least deduceone moral from the events of the evening. You find that it _is_ possiblefor officers to be extremely annoying, and to deport themselves in amanner that you would consider intolerable in citizens."
"It is intolerable in _them_, aunt," replied Harriet, "particularly whenthey are stiff and ungainly in all their movements, and danceshockingly."
"And if they are conceited, and prating, and ungenteel," added Caroline.
"Awkward in their expressions, and dull in their ideas," pursuedHarriet.
"Talking ridiculously and behaving worse," continued Caroline.
"Come, come," said Sophia Clements, "candour must compel us toacknowledge that these two gentlemen are anything but fair specimens oftheir profession, which I am very sure can boast a large majority ofintelligent, polished, and accomplished men."
"Be that as it may," replied Harriet, "I confess that my delight in theshow and parade of war, and my admiration of officers, has received asevere shock to-night. 'My thoughts, I must confess, are turned onpeace.'"
"I fear these pacific feelings are too sudden to be lasting," remarkedMiss Clements, "and in a day or two we shall find that 'your voice isstill for war.'"
* * * * *
The following morning the young ladies did more sewing than on any dayfor the last two years, sitting all the time in the back parlour. In theafternoon, Harriet read Coelebs aloud to her mother and aunt, andCaroline went out to do some shopping. When she came home, she told ofher having stopped in at Mrs. Raymond's, and of her finding the familyjust going to tea with an officer as their guest. "They pressed meurgently," said she, "to sit down and take tea with them, and to remainand spend the evening; but I steadily excused myself, notwithstandingthe officer."
"Good girl!" said Sophia.
"To be sure," added Caroline, "he was only in a citizen's dress."
"Ah!" said Mrs. Darnel, "that materially alters the case. Had he been inuniform, I am sure your steadiness would have given way."
In less than two days all their anti-military resolutions were overset,and the young ladies were again on the _qui vive_, in consequence of thepromulgation of an order for the return of the volunteers from CampDupont, as, the winter having set in, the enemy had retired from thevicinity of the Delaware and Chesapeake. The breaking up of thisencampment was an event of much interest to the inhabitants ofPhiladelphia, as there were few of them that had not a near relative, oran intimate friend among those citizen-soldiers.
On the morning that they marched home all business was suspended; thepavements and door-steps were crowded with spectators, and the windowsfilled with ladies, eager to recognise among the returning volunteerstheir brothers, sons, husbands, or lovers,--who, on their side, castmany upward glances towards the fair groups that were gazing on them.
The British General Riall, who had been taken prisoner at the battle ofNiagara, chanced to be at a house on the road-side when this gallantband went by, on their way to Philadelphia. It is said that he remarkedto an American gentleman near him, "You should never go to war withus--the terms are too unequal. Men like these are too valuable to bethrown away in battle with such as compose _our_ armies, which areformed from the overflowings of a superabundant population; while here Isee not a man that you can spare."
And he was essentially right.
The volunteers entered the city by the central bridge, and came downMarket street. All were in high spirits, and glad to return once more totheir homes and families. But unfortunate were those who on that dayformed the rear-guard, it being their inglorious lot to come in late inthe afternoon, after the spectators had withdrawn, convoying, with"toilsome march, the long array" of baggage-wagons, which they had beenall day forcing through the heavy roads of an early winter, cold, weary,and dispirited, with no music to cheer them, no acclamations to greetthem. No doubt, however, their chagrin was soon dispelled, and theirenjoyment proportionately great, when at last they reached their owndomestic hearths, and met the joyous faces and happy hearts assembledround them.
A few days after the return of the volunteers, Mrs. Darnel received aletter from an old friend of hers, Mrs. Forrester, a lady of largefortune, residing in Boston, containing the information that her son,Colonel Forrester, would shortly proceed to Philadelphia from the Canadafrontier, and that she would accompany him, taking the opportunity ofmaking her a long-promised visit. Mrs. Darnel replied immediately,expressive of the pleasure it would afford her to meet again one of themost intimate companions of her youth, and to have both Mrs. Forresterand the colonel staying at her house.
The same post brought a letter to Sophia from Mr. Clements, her brother,in New York, who, after telling her of his having heard that ColonelForrester would shortly be in Philadelphia, jestingly proposed herattempting the conquest of his heart, as he was not only a gallantofficer, but a man of high character and noble appearance. Sophia showedthis letter to no one, but she read it twice over,--the first time witha smile, the second time with a blush. She had heard much of ColonelForrester, of whom "report spoke goldenly;" and several times in NewYork she had seen him in public, but had never chanced to meet him,except once at a very large party, when accident had prevented hisintroduction to her.
Harriet and Caroline were almost wild with delight at the prospect of anintimate acquaintance with this accomplished warrior; but their joy wassomewhat damped by the arrival of a second letter from Mrs. Forrester,in which she designated the exact time when she might be expected at thehouse of her friend, but said that her son, having some business thatwould detain him several weeks in Philadelphia, would not trespass onthe hospitality of Mrs. Darnel, but had made arrangements for staying ata hotel.
"He is perfectly right," said Sophia. "I concluded, of course, that hewould do so. Few gentlemen, when in a city, like to stay at privatehouses, if they can be accommodated elsewhere."
"At all events," said Harriet, "his mother will be with us, and he_must_ come every day to pay his duty to her."
"That's some comfort," pursued Caroline; "and, no doubt, we shall see agreat deal of him, one way or another."
Sophia Clements, though scarcely conscious of it herself, felt a secretdesire of appearing to advantage in the eyes of Colonel Forrester. Hertwo nieces felt the same desire, except that they made it no secret.They had worked up their imaginations to the persuasion that ColonelForrester was the finest man in the army, and therefore the finest inthe world, and they anticipated the delight of his being their frequentguest during the stay of his mother; of his morning visits, and hisevening visits; of having him at dinner and at tea; of planningexcursions with him to show Mrs. Forrester the lions of the city and itsvicinity, when, of course, he would be their escort. They imagined himwalking in Chestnut street with them, and sitting in the same box at thetheatre. Be it remembered, that during the war, officers in the regularservice were seldom seen out of uniform, and even when habited ascitizens they were always distinguished by that "gallant badge, the dearcockade." Perhaps, also, Colonel Forrester and his mother mightacco
mpany them to a ball, and they would then have the glory of dancingwith an officer so elegant as entirely to efface their mortification attheir former military partners. We need not say that Messrs. Wilson andThomson were again at a discount.
The girls were taken with an immediate want of various new articles ofdress, and had their attention been less engaged by the activity oftheir preparations for "looking their very best," the time thatintervened between the receipt of Mrs. Forrester's last letter and thatappointed for their arrival, would have seemed of length immeasurable.
At last came the eve of the day on which these all-important strangerswere expected. As they quitted the tea-table, one of the young ladiesremarked:--
"By this time to-morrow, we shall have seen Col. Forrester and hismother."
"As to the mother," observed Mrs. Darnel, "I am very sure that were itnot for the son, the expectation of _her_ visit would excite but littleinterest in either of you--though, as you have often heard me say, sheis a very agreeable and highly intelligent woman."
"We can easily perceive it from her letters," said Sophia.
Mrs. Darnel, complaining of the headache, retired for the night veryearly in the evening, desiring that she might not be disturbed. Sophiatook some needle-work, and each of the girls tried a book, but were toorestless and unsettled to read, and they alternately walked about theroom or extended themselves on the sofas. It was a dark, stormynight--the windows rattled, and the pattering of the rain against theglass was plainly heard through the inside shutters.
"I wish to-morrow evening were come," said Harriet, "and that theintroduction was over, and we were all seated round the tea-table."
"For my part," said Caroline, "I have a presentiment that everythingwill go on well. We will all do _notre possible_ to look our very best;mamma will take care that the rooms and the table shall be arranged inadmirable style--and if you and I can only manage to talk and behavejust as we ought, there is nothing to fear."
"I hope, indeed, that Colonel Forrester will like us," rejoined Harriet,"and be induced to continue his visits when he again comes toPhiladelphia."
"Much depends on the first impression," remarked Miss Clements.
"Now let us just imagine over the arrival of Colonel and Mrs.Forrester," said Harriet.--"The lamps lighted, and the fires burningbrightly in both rooms. In the back parlour, the tea-table set out withthe French china and the chased plate;--mamma sitting in an arm-chairwith her feet on one of the embroidered footstools, dressed in herqueen's-gray lutestring, and one of her Brussels lace caps--I supposethe one trimmed with white riband. Aunt Sophia in her myrtle-greenlevantine, seated at the marble table in the front parlour, holding inher hand an elegant book--for instance, her beautiful copy of thePleasures of Hope. Caroline and I will wear our new scarlet Cantoncrapes with the satin trimming, and our coral ornaments."
"No, no," rejoined Caroline; "we resemble each other so much that, if weare dressed alike, Colonel Forrester will find too great a sameness inus. Do you wear your scarlet crape, and I will put on my white muslinwith the six narrow flounces headed with insertion.[75] I have reservedit clean on purpose; and I think Aunt Sophia had best wear her last newcoat dress, with the lace trimming. It is so becoming to her with a pinksilk handkerchief tied under the collar."
[Footnote 75: In those days, white muslin dresses were worn both inwinter and summer.]
"Well," said Harriet, "I will be seated at the table also, not reading,but working a pair of cambric cuffs; my mother-of-pearl work-box beforeme."
"And I," resumed Caroline, "will be found at the piano, turning over theleaves of a new music-book. Every one looks their best on a music-stool;it shows the figure to advantage, and the dress falls in such gracefulfolds."
"My hair shall be _a la Grecque_," said Harriet.
"And mine in the Vandyke style," said Caroline.
"But," asked Sophia, "are the strangers on entering the room to find usall sitting up in form, and arranged for effect, like actresses waitingfor the bell to ring and the curtain to rise? How can you pretend thatyou were not the least aware of their approach till they were actuallyin the room, when you know very well that you will be impatientlylistening to the sound of every carriage till you hear theirs stop atthe door. Never, certainly, will a visiter come _less_ unexpectedly thanColonel Forrester."
"But you know, aunt," replied Caroline, "how much depends on a firstimpression."
"Well," resumed Harriet, "I have thought of another way. As soon as theyenter the front parlour let us all advance through the folding doors tomeet them,--mamma leading the van with Aunt Sophy, Caroline and I arm inarm behind."
"No," said Caroline, "let us not be close together, so that the sameglance can take in both."
"Then," rejoined Harriet, "I will be a few steps in advance of you. You,as the youngest, should be timid, and should hold back a little; whileI, as the eldest, should have more self-possession. Variety isadvisable."
"But I cannot be timid all the time," said Caroline; "that will requiretoo great an effort."
"We must not laugh and talk too much at first," observed Harriet; "butall we say must be both sprightly and sensible. However, we shall havethe whole day to-morrow to make our final arrangements; and I think I amstill in favour of the sitting reception."
"Whether he has a sitting or a standing reception," said Caroline, "letthe colonel have as striking a _coup d'oeil_ as possible."
Their brother Robert had gone to the theatre by invitation of a familywith whose sons he was intimate; and Sophia Clements, who was desirousof finishing a highly interesting book, and who was not in the leastaddicted to sleepiness, volunteered to sit up for him.
"I think," said she, "as the hour is too late, and the night too stormyto expect any visiters, I will go and exchange my dress for a wrapper; Ican then be perfectly at my ease while sitting up for Robert. I willfirst ring for Peter to move one of the sofas to the side of the fire,and to place the reading-lamp upon the table before it."
She did so; and in a short time she came down in a loose double wrapper,and with her curls pinned up.
"Really, Aunt Sophy," said Harriet, "that is an excellent idea.Caroline, let us pin our hair here in the parlour before themantel-glass; that will be better still--our own toilet table is farfrom the fire."
"True," replied Caroline, "and you are always so long at thedressing-glass that it is an age before I can get to it,--but here, ifthere were even four of us, we could all stand in a row and arrange ourhair together before this long mirror."
They sent up for their combs and brushes, their boxes of hair pins, andtheir flannel dressing-gowns, and placed candles on the mantel-piece,preparing for what they called "clear comfort;" while Sophia reclined onthe sofa by the fire, deeply engaged with Miss Owenson's new novel. Thegirls, having poured some cologne-water into a glass, wetted out alltheir ringlets with it, preparatory to the grand curling that was to beundertaken for the morrow, and which was not to be opened out during theday.
Harriet had just taken out her comb and untied her long hair behind, torehearse its arrangement for the ensuing evening, when a ring was heardat the street-door.
"That's Bob," said Caroline. "He is very early from the theatre; Iwonder he should come home without staying for the farce."
Presently their black man, with a grin of high delight, threw open theparlour-door, and ushered in an elegant-looking officer, who, havingleft his cloak in the hall, appeared before them in full uniform,--andthey saw at a glance that it could be no one but Colonel Forrester.
Words cannot describe the consternation and surprise of the youngladies. Sophia dropped her book, and started on her feet; Harrietthrowing down her comb so that it broke in pieces on the hearth,retreated to a chair that stood behind the sofa with such precipitationas nearly to overset the table and the reading-lamp; and Caroline,scattering her hair-pins over the carpet, knew not where she was, tillshe found herself on a footstool in one of the recesses. Alas! for the_coup d'oeil_ and the first impress
ion! Instead of heads _a laGrecque_, or in the Vandyke fashion, their whole _chevelure_ wasdisordered, and their side-locks straightened into long strings, andclinging, wet and ungraceful, to their cheeks. Instead of scarlet crapefrocks trimmed with satin, or white muslin with six flounces, theirfigures were enveloped in flannel dressing-gowns. All question of thesitting reception, or the standing reception was now at an end; forHarriet was hiding unsuccessfully behind the sofa, and Carolinecrouching on a footstool in the corner, trying to conceal a large rentwhich in her hurry she had given to her flannel gown. Resolutions neveragain to make their toilet in the parlour, regret that they had notthought of flying into the adjoining room and shutting the folding-doorsafter them, and wonder at the colonel's premature appearance, all passedthrough their minds with the rapidity of lightning.
Sophia, after a moment's hesitation, rallied from her confusion; and hernatural good sense and ease of manner came to her aid, as she curtsiedto the stranger and pointed to a seat. Colonel Forrester, who saw atonce that he had come at an unlucky season, after introducing himself,and saying he presumed he was addressing Miss Clements, proceededimmediately to explain the reason of his being a day in advance of theappointed time. He stated that his mother, on account of the dangerousillness of an intimate and valued friend, had been obliged to postponeher visit to Philadelphia; and that in consequence of an order from thewar-office, which required his immediate presence at Washington, he hadbeen obliged to leave Boston a day sooner than he intended, and totravel with all the rapidity that the public conveyances would admit. Hehad arrived about eight o'clock at the Mansion House Hotel, where adinner was given that evening to a distinguished naval commander.Colonel Forrester had immediately been waited upon by a deputation fromthe dinner-table, with a pressing invitation to join the company; andthis (though he did not then allude to it) was the reason of his beingin full uniform. Compelled to pursue his journey very early in themorning, he had taken the opportunity, as soon as he could get away fromthe table, of paying his compliments to the ladies, and bringing withhim a letter to Miss Clements from her brother, whom he had seen inpassing through New York, and one from his mother for Mrs. Darnel.
Grievously chagrined and mortified as the girls were, they listenedadmiringly to the clear and handsome manner in which the colonel madehis explanation, and they more than ever regretted that all theircastles in the air were demolished, and that after this unlucky visit hewould probably have no desire to see them again, when he came toPhiladelphia on his return from Washington.
Sophia, who saw at once that she had to deal with a man of tact andconsideration, felt that an apology for the disorder in which he hadfound them was to him totally unnecessary, being persuaded that healready comprehended all she could have said in the way of excuse; and,with true civility, she forbore to make any allusion which might remindhim that his unexpected visit had caused them discomfiture or annoyance.Kindred spirits soon understand each other.
The girls were amazed to see their aunt so cool and so much at her ease,when her beautiful hair was pinned up, and her beautiful form disfiguredby a large wrapper. But the colonel had penetration enough to perceivethat under all these disadvantages she was an elegant woman.
Harriet and Caroline, though longing to join in the conversation, madesigns to Sophia not to introduce them to the colonel, as they could notendure the idea of his attention being distinctly attracted towardsthem; and they perceived that in the fear of adding to theirembarrassment he seemed to avoid noticing their presence. But theycontrived to exchange signals of approbation at his wearing the staffuniform, with its golden-looking bullet buttons, and its shining star oneach extremity of the coat skirts.
Colonel Forrester now began to admire a picture that hung over thepiano, and Sophia took a candle and conducted him to it, that while hisback was towards them, the girls might have an opportunity of rising andslipping out of the room. Of this lucky chance they instantly and withmuch adroitness availed themselves, ran up stairs, and in a shorter timethan they had ever before changed their dresses, they came back withfrocks on,--not, however, the scarlet crape, and the six-flouncedmuslin,--and with their hair nicely but simply arranged, by parting iton their foreheads in front, and turning it in a band round their combsbehind. Sophia introduced them to the colonel, and they were now able tospeak; but were still too much discomposed by their recent fright to bevery fluent, or much at their ease.
In the mean time, their brother Robert had come home from the theatre;and the boy's eyes sparkled, when, on Miss Clements presenting hernephew, the colonel shook hands with him.
Colonel Forrester began to find it difficult to depart, and he waseasily induced to stay and partake of the little collation that was onthe table waiting the return of Robert; and the ease and grace withwhich Sophia did the honours of their _petit souper_ completely charmedhim.
In conversation, Colonel Forrester was certainly "both sprightly andsensible." He had read much, seen much, and was peculiarly happy in hismode of expressing himself. Time flew as if
"----birds of paradise had lent Their plumage to his wings,"
and when the colonel took out his watch and discovered the lateness ofthe hour, the ladies _looked_ their surprise, and his was denoted by avery handsome compliment to them. He then concluded his visit byrequesting permission to resume their acquaintance on his return fromWashington.
As soon as he had finally departed, and Robert had locked the door afterhim, the girls broke out into a rhapsody of admiration, mingled withregret at the state in which he had surprised them, and the entirefailure of their first impression, which they feared had not beenretrieved by their second appearance in an improved style.
"Well," said Bob, "yours may have been a failure, but I am sure that wasnot the case with Aunt Sophia. It is plain enough that the colonel'simpression of _her_ turned out very well indeed, notwithstanding thatshe kept on her wrapper, and had her hair pinned up all the time. AuntSophy is a person that a man may fall in love with in any dress; thatis, a man who has as much sense as herself."
"As I am going to be a midshipman," continued Robert, "there is onething I particularly like in Colonel Forrester, which is, that he is notin the least jealous of the navy. How handsomely he spoke of thesea-officers!"
"A man of sense and feeling," observed Sophia, "is rarely susceptible ofso mean a vice as jealousy."
"How animated he looked," pursued the boy, "when he spoke of MidshipmanHamilton arriving at Washington with the news of the capture of theMacedonian, and going in his travelling dress to Mrs. Madison's ball, insearch of his father the secretary of the navy, to show his despatchesto him, and the flag of the British frigate to the President, carryingit with him for the purpose. No wonder the dancing ceased, and theladies cried."
"Did you observe him," said Harriet, "when he talked of CaptainCrowninshield going to Halifax to bring home the body of poor Lawrence,in a vessel of his own, manned entirely by twelve sea-captains, whovolunteered for the purpose?"
"And did not you like him," said Caroline, "when he was speaking ofPerry removing in his boat from the Lawrence to the Niagara, in thethickest of the battle, and carrying his flag on his arm? And when hepraised the gallant seamanship of Captain Morris, when he took advantageof a tremendous tempest to sail out of the Chesapeake, where he had beenso long blockaded by the enemy, passing fearlessly through the midst ofthe British squadron, not one of them daring, on account of the storm,to follow him to sea and fight him."
"The eloquence of the colonel seems to have inspired you all," saidSophia.
"Aunt Sophy," remarked Caroline, "at supper to-night, did you feel asfirm in your resolution of never marrying an officer, as you were at thetea-table?"
"Colonel Forrester is not the only agreeable man I have met with,"replied Miss Clements, evading the question. "It has been my goodfortune to know many gentlemen that were handsome and intelligent."
"Well," said Robert, "one thing is plain enough to me, that ColonelForrester is exactl
y suited to Aunt Sophy, and he knows it himself."
"And now, Bob," said Sophia, blushing, "light your candle, and go tobed."
"Bob is right," observed Harriet, after he had gone; "I saw in a momentthat such a man as Colonel Forrester would never fancy _me_."
"Nor me," said Caroline.
Sophia kissed her nieces with more kindness than usual as they bade hergood-night. And, they, retired to bed impatient for the arrival ofmorning, that they might give their mother all the particulars ofColonel Forrester's visit.
In a fortnight, he returned from Washington, and this time he made hisfirst visit in the morning, and saw all the ladies to the bestadvantage. His admiration of Sophia admitted not of a doubt. Beingemployed for the remainder of the winter on some military duty inPhiladelphia, he went for a few days to Boston and brought his mother(whose friend had recovered from her illness), to fulfil her expectedvisit. The girls found Mrs. Forrester a charming woman, and, fortunatelyfor them, very indulgent to the follies of young people. The colonelintroduced to them various officers that were passing through the city,so that they really _did_ walk in Chestnut street with gentlemen inuniform, and sat in boxes with them at the theatre.
Before the winter was over, Sophia Clements had promised to become Mrs.Forrester as soon as the war was at an end. This fortunate event tookplace sooner than was expected, the treaty having been made, though itdid not arrive, previous to the victory of New Orleans. The colonelimmediately claimed the hand of the lady, and the wedding and itspreparations, by engaging the attention of Harriet and Caroline, enabledthem to conform to the return of peace with more philosophy than wasexpected. The streets no longer resounded with drums and fifes. Most ofthe volunteer corps disbanded themselves--the army was reduced, and theofficers left off wearing their uniforms, except when at their posts.The military ardour of the young ladies rapidly subsided--citizens wereagain at par--and Harriet and Caroline began to look with complacence ontheir old admirers. Messrs. Wilson and Thomson were once more infavour--and, seeing the coast clear, they, in process of time, venturedto propose, and were thankfully accepted.