Tales of an American Landlord (Volume 2); Containing Sketches of Life South of the Potomac

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1824. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. 1 Can such things be, And overcome us like a summer cloud, Without our special wonder? Macbeth On the same evening on which the events recorded in the last chapter occurred, a well-dressed man, after bowing with obsequious pomp to a departing guest, walked with stately step into his stable-yard; and was issuing his orders with a certain sharp brevity, which indicated the minute attention which was paid to his commands by those over whom he bore sway, when two men, on horses which appeared to have travelled a long distance, entered the yard. The foremost rider was our young stranger of the inn. The landlord bowed low to the gentleman; stepped up to hold his stirrup, as he perceived the singular beauty of the horse on which he was mounted; but his attention amounted to servility, when the stranger threw the bridle from his hand into that of the person by whom he was accompanied. You have rode a great distance to-day, sir, I presume? So far, landlord, that my horses are fatigued; and as I must proceed immediately, you will do me the fitvour to let me have a fresh horse on the instant. My servant can remain until the morning. The landlord looked at him with some surprise, and perhaps some suspicion; for his air was divested of all its late graciousness as he answered this demand by requesting to know how far the gentleman was going. This was a question, natural as it was, the gentleman seemed unprepared for; at least, indisposed to answer; and while he yet appeared to muse, as undecided what reply to make, the rumbling of a coach was heard, and our ladies, who, together with the gentlemen and attendants, comprising the van of the party on their march to Rosemount, approached the door of the inn; and the landlord, leaving the stranger withou...