Rumour,
however, strongly whispers that Colonel M'Carstrow is fast gambling
away his property, keeping the worst of company, and leading the
life of a debauchee,--which sorely grieves his noble-hearted wife. In
fact, Mrs. Templeton, who is chief gossip-monger of the city,
declares that he is more than ruined, and that his once beautiful
wife must seek support at something.
An honest jury of twelve free and enlightened citizens, before the
honourable court of Sessions, have declared Romescos honourably
acquitted of the charge of murder, the fatal blow being given in
commendable self-defence.
The reader will remember that in a former chapter we left the stolen
clergyman (no thanks to his white face and whiter necked brethren of
the profession), on the banks of the Mississippi, where, having
purchased his time of his owner, he is not only a very profitable
investment to that gentleman, but of great service on the
neighbouring plantations. Earnest in doing good for his fellow
bondmen, his efforts have enlisted for him the sympathy of a
generous-hearted young lady, the daughter of a neighbouring planter.
Many times had he recounted Mrs. Rosebrook's friendship for him to
her, and by its influence succeeded in opening the desired
communication. Mrs. Rosebrook had received and promptly answered all
his fair friend's letters: the answers contained good news for
Harry; she knew him well, and would at once set about inducing her
husband to purchase him.
Pages:
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590