Benvenuta; a romance of the Hudson River

Front matter

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I

Chapter I

H EE home was in New York City. Her education had been given her within the walls of one of the most fashionable young ladies^ seminaries, from which she was graduated with the highest honors, hut not before having tasted of many of the experiences had by inmates of such walls. There was a great pretense regarding its faultless stability and its mental training, and much was said about the attention paid to preparing one for the ^‘entree dans le grand monde.’^

Twice a week the young ladies were permitted to receive friends in the evening, and suitable toilets were made for the occasions. Thus, some of the most desirable parties were entertained, and the manners of the young ladies watched over with great care. At stated times they attended the operas and theatres, these being considered means of advancement socially, as a young lady without society culture and refinement could never be launched into the upper circles, or claim the attention so heartily desired by her parents and family.

Upon their various walking expeditions startling and amusing occurrences took place, notwithstanding the vigilance bestowed upon them, some of them figuring in the after lives of these earnestly-soughtafter young ladies.

Annita, the pathetic character of my book, was much beloved and formed many lasting friendships, though she was one of the merriest and most venturesome. With it all there was a certain dignity which commanded respect, and attracted admiration from the young men callers.

One afternoon, in the neighborhood of the park, a dashing young man^s attention was centered upon Annita, to the extent of making the chaperon indignant, and for some days other parts of the city were frequented for their daily exercise. But this greatly impressed individual was not to be so easily evaded, and the progress of their rambles was not infrequently impaired by his appearing upon the scene of action. Intuition taught Annita that she it was who had fascinated him and before long, as he was a stranger of considerable standing, he managed to appear upon the threshold of her life and to instill into her heart sentiments of extravagant admiration, the tales of which were related to her companions of no small degree of envy.

It was the delight of this Adonis — for such he was — to pass her home of the present time, not infrequently, and that in the gloaming. The young ladies were aware of it : One of them with unusually mischievous tendencies persuaded a lad to trip him up by stretching a wire across the sidewalk, thus atfording cause for mirth, while putting a quietus upon his ardor.

There was a dash about him giving the idea that he was of Southern origin, and while that was the case, his present home was in the '‘Land of Sombreros,^’ which he had not abandoned.

Ere long, through letters of introduction, his entree to the best circles was assured him, and soon the young ladies were vying with each other for his favor. Time went on and toward the close of the season some doubts arose about him, and one was forced to say, "Beauty in either man or woman has ever been a dangerous thing since the days of Helen of Troy/^ He was not easily suppressed, and the wonder was how he kept his footing so well. Perhaps it was a case where men think their way through difficuties, where women feel them.

The pathetic character of this little romance is beautiful, intellectual and possessed of such charm and grace of manner as to win from the old, encomiums of praise upon her fascinations — from the young men such admiration as to cause her heart almost to be torn in shreds. For to each she would like to give a token of her most undying but uncertain love ; while those of them whose attentions were a compliment declined sharing honors, and, stepping aside, waited to see the outcome of the game of love.

Fortune enabled her parents to send her far and wide in search of such last touches as many think advisable Avith a conA^ent education — no doubt witli others. In fact, to exchange well-guarded inexperience and timidity for self-reliance, and perhaps self-satisfaction. We are wont to think that the girl of push proves the greatest success, but in her case naturalness and staunch traits of character laid the seed for her future life, which Avas to grow in love for others, Avhile it strengthened in love for herself.

Rather of a brunette type, her fine large brown eyes, so full of expression, first attracted your attention and then you found yourself pleased with her soft, wavy, chestnut hair, and her smooth Titianlike coloring, where sometimes rose hues spread themselves over her well-rounded cheeks; and her lips, always cherry-like, invited a disclosure of the pearly teeth so carefully concealed. The picture was a pleasing one and not soon to be forgotten. Indeed, those who had seen it, would not be apt to do so, and are wont to ask for the outcome of a life starting out under such roseate hues. It makes a pretty little story even begun at the stage when she is developing into young ladydom, where every occurrence is developing into a halo of glory, and the most trifling incident adds to happiness and joyous expectations regarding the next denouement.

Her winter home was in New York and her admirers manifold, and of the most varied types, vying Avith each other for the honor of her preference. One of the just causes of her popularity was the fact that she was beloved by her girl friends as well, who, strange to say, seemed to cede to her the right to be as much loved as her sweet nature entitled her to be. Such characters are oftentimes weak, but in this instance that was not the case, though through the channel of love a golden thread could lead her. And yet the day was to come, not far distant, when she would assert herself, unfortunately to her detriment. Ere we reach this point, much is to be related of her life, with most varied experiences and interesting episodes.

Shortly after leaving school she took a trip abroad with a doting mother, whose every thought was centered in her, and the grand success she was promising herself life would be for her treasure.

They sailed away on one of the ocean ^s finest steamers having been showered with all manner of attention, — bouquets galore ; bon bons from Huyler ’s choicest grade and most tasty arrangement; books with many touching sentiments marked in them, etc..

and it was not long ere this charming and attractive young lady had inspired the passengers with great interest in her. Before the vessel set sail, friends flocked to it to bid them Godspeed and waved touching farewells. Amongst them was one wlio came near being carried away. Indeed, the gang-plank was in motion when he boarded it.

Long after land had been left behind, she sat motionless in a quiet spot, gazing far away, in a mist of tears, upon imagined spots of scenery, studded with the recollections of her dear ones. Mother was below aiding their maid in caring for future comforts. Chance arranged it that from amongst the floral offerings sent, she selected the one most pleasing to the eye, and it was destined to be long remembered, for imbedded in the La France roses — her favorite flower — was a note the perusing of which caused a glow of delight to overspread her countenance, adding perceptibly to the charm and the interest of the observing passengers. It was late before she left the spot, and aroused herself from her dream long to be remembered.

Going to her cabin, which had been selected by the tenderest of fathers, with only the thought of their comfort at heart, she listlessly prepared for the first meal taken aboard, and when shown to their table, seats were found to the right of the captain. The ceremony of presenting them had been gone through with when they boarded the vessel, but naturally, in the usual atmosphere of flurry, while youth ^s thoughts were othervdse engaged. Annita was soon made to realize that she must arouse herself in earnest from her dreams, which she strove to do, but unable to divest herself of regret and longings for those left behind, there was a tinge of dejection which made her even more interesting, and when they left the table, her mother’s pride was stimulated by the thought that her daughter had impressed all most agreeably.

Annita enveloped herself in suitable wraps and found a seat on the deck where she could watch the seagulls, and, as it were, whisper unto them sweet messages, to be borne to her dear ones ashore, for she knew that they would soon turn their backs upon the vessel and return to New York.

The moon shone brightly that night, and the canopy overhanging them was richly studded with twinkling stars; the splashing of the waves, the periodic calls of various kinds from the sailors, and the soft strains of music from the cabin below all tended to make Annita peacefully thoughtful, and to fill her heart mth the fire of love.

It was then she conceived the idea of writing a note and getting one of the sailors to attach it to the neck of one of the gulls, and then see if anything came of it. The note was short but sweet. On its outer covering ‘‘Take to such an address and get your reward.” The sailor, for a handsome compensation, did it up in such style that it did reach its destination, and from that episode sprang one of the sweetest romances of her life.

The voyage was, on the whole, a fine one. Passengers were many of them most agreeable, and though Annita had been warned by her father to be reserved, so pleasing were the attentions of some of the gentlemen that she found herself being greatly sought after and much entertained — by one of them in particular, who upon close inquiry was found to be a Scotch-Irish gentleman of good social standing — Bradley McLaud.

Their time was passed in walking the deck; listening to lovely music; enjoying five meals a day, one might say, for it was breakfast, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner and supper, all of which were well prepared and delightfully served. The captain enjoyed her charm and grace of manner, her beauty, lovely costumes and natural vivacity so much that the greater part of his attention was bestowed upon the girl whom he flattered by saying she reminded him of one of his own. What greater compliment could be paid, for ‘ ^ every crow thinks his own the blackest. ’ ’

There seemed to be a species of rivalry between two of the gentlemen: On the part of one it was most amusing, for he was a Frenchman, of entirely a different type from the Scotchman, and possessed of the impulsive nature which contrasted so forcibly with the Scotch deliberate characteristics, and it was not infrequently when they promenaded together that he would shower them with threatening glances, almost inciting a quarrel then and there.

Annita^s mother became anxious, but they were assured by the other passengers there was no cause for alarm, so that the elegant handsome opponent of his, continued master of the situation; and the couple made a picture that gladdened the eyes of all, and, it would seem warmed their hearts.

So absorbed were they in each other that tliey were oblivious of what transpired about them. His only thought, barring Annita, was of her mother, to whom he was far more than courteous, and some times when she was snugly tucked away in her steamer chair, they would sit near her and seem to form a happy trio. But for the most part, she was well pro\dded with books, and aided in descending to her meals, when conversation was most general and jolly.

The passage lasted seven days and it was evident that this party did not like to see it approaching the end. As long as the moon shone poetry was ripe in their minds, and when it was about to hide its face back of the mottled sky the realistic side of life presented itself, and, no doubt, brought forth such a sigh as uncertainty alone can produce.

It was only through persuasion that Annita’s maid carried the day and was permitted to store away in her cabin trunk some of her pretty gowns. The feeling was ‘ ‘ Oh, I shall not need such things ; ^ ’ but Elise, not long from Paris, and with experience ^^dans le grand monde,^’ knew far better the requirements of such occasions, and it must be admitted, her young mistress more than once expressed delight when she was donning the gown she thought the most becoming, and best calculated to please the eye of her Scotch admirer.

Elise regretted that Mademoiselle did not favor Monsieur, but frankly admitted the Scotchman to be ‘‘un homme magnifique.’^ Mother felt, as all mothers do under such circumstances, that no man would just then fill the cup of her requirements, and that the case was not one which should arouse her anxiety, since similar ones had been left behind, and already were presumably forgotten.

The vessel was about to land, the custom officers so dreaded upon returning trips were not visible, hence one annoyance was spared them.

The couple had found a cozy corner where their last few moments might be spent in renewing promises and repeating the ofttold tale, when lo : Monsieur approaches and thrusts his card into the hand of the Scotchman, who looked disdainfully down upon him and cast it overboard. A challenge, with all of its alarming features, stared Annita in the face, and mth greatest sweetness she quelled the storm upon the waves by advancing and entering into a conversation with this bundle of jealousy, whose bombastic manner and conceit had caused great amusement during the entire crossing. As the boat was about to land, significant and approving glances were exchanged between Scotland and America, and peace seemed to be restored with France.

The farewells were as such things ever are. Then why did Shakespeare say ‘‘Parting is such sweet sorrow F’ The Captain was almost fatherly, and hoped they would return by his boat. Indeed some tender words passed his lips as he shook her hand and waved them farewell.

No one was surprised to see them escorted to the carriage by the two gentlemen. Monsieur giving his rival no chance to say a word apart, and the last glimpse the ladies had of them was their selecting their hand pieces, most likely to take entirely different courses.

The tale goes that an etfort was made to ascertain the plans of the ladies, hut with such unsatisfactory results that an exchange of heated words 17 almost called a policeman to the scene of action, which ended in the gentlemen each going his own way. Before many hours had passed the victor arrived at the hotel where his friends were stopping, possessed of such personal charms — for good clothes well disposed of certainly enhance the appearance of all of us — and they all remained there a few days and then crossed the channel together. It would seem that they were being pursued, but not so, as his business took him to France, where their preparations for the different watering places, perchance, or what traveling they should determine upon, required the necessary outfitting.

During the fortnight spent in Paris they were naturally thrown in each other’s constant society and learned to feel that they could not exist apart. But the mails from home brought about a questioning feeling within Annita’s heart, for the tenderest letters arrived with each of them, and fewer walks, drives and visits to the places of interest were taken. This almost crushed the valiant Scotchman, who began to realize that he had allowed his cup of hope to fill too rapidly.

Annita was a girl who, though reared in the lap of luxury, calculated to stimulate a vein of selfishness, had inherited a kindly nature, and regrets over her innocent, rather thoughtless encouragement began to beset her ; and how to free herself from this entangled network of follies was her all-absorbing thought — I may say distressing one. Confidence in her mother, whom she had seen fit to mislead, was now out of the question. Then from whom was she to get the advice so needed at this stage of the game ?

This question she asked herself more than once, and finally determined to probe deeper into the heart of the man, whom inexperienced but wise judgment had taught her would prove himself, even under these trying circumstances, the soul of nobility. Her effort was not a fruitless one, indeed was crowned with the glory which later on in life met its merited reward.

Very soon thereafter she laid bare before him the situation of things, acknowledging that her mind was so full of doubts ; her years so unripe ; she so incapable of framing the outlines of a life still in the kernel; and as woman is wont to do, aroused his sympathy by shedding tears, and received in reply the avowal that for him she was the only woman and would not be tossed aside for another. But on no account would he jeopardize her happiness and while she was toying with her own fate, he would be biding his time in hopes that bravery would meet its just reward, which proved to be the case.

CHAPTER II HE little note tucked away in the bouquet of

La France roses came from a no less ardent wooer, who promised to join her shortly if she would only say where. He was handsome, refined and wealthy, from the American standpoint, which means much, of course, and was mother ^s preference, as an upheavaling of family ties would not he required.

The Scotchman soon hade them a manly farewell. “Really,^’ he said, trying to he pleasant, ‘‘Only an Auf Wieder sehn, ^ ’ and when he had departed, questions of herself began to harass her mind. But as is always the case when we are not altogether satisfied with ourselves, she sought refuge in the thought that her American friend would soon arrive, which he did, and proved to be the most devoted lover, relating to her all about the receiving of the note from the gulPs neck, which was delivered into his hands by one whom the reward greatly blessed, and had been the happiest moment of his life, encouraging him to hope and beg for the privilege of joining them.

All went well for a while, his bliss was unalloyed, but she often found herself contrasting the two men and rather leaning to the one of the greatest strength. It is oftentimes the case in life that what we have within our grasp is less prized than what is veiled in uncertainty. All the sights of Paris were enjoyed by them, always accompanied by her mother, as French custom requires, and though his attentions were of the most delicate and pleasing nature, she found herself constantly straying in mind to the “Land of Laddies.’^

At last the time came for them to visit elsewhere, and tear themselves from beautiful Paris, so they determined upon Eau Bonne, and Eau Chaud, in the Pyrrenean Mountains, places which in Eugenie ^s palmy days were the most fashionable resorts. The French nobility were wont to gather there, and they hoped that some of the beauty and picturesqueness of those times still remained, where peasant costumes representing the different cantons would he seen, and where lovely scenery which begins at Pan, their first important stopping place, enjoyed by them all, as her mother had once taken delight in it.

Beaching their destination they soon put up at the most important hotel, a stone’s throw from the bath houses, and the waters to he drunk daily, all promising well, and the guests they saw about seemed of the most elegant class.

So that they retired after Annita and Charles had sauntered into the gardens far as the playing fountains, where swans swam gracefully about, and music filled the air, causing a light of satisfaction to shine from the eyes of the lovers, comparable to that alone of the stars above them. Bidding each other good night, they parted, he to seat himself on the veranda and enjoy a cigarette, with Oh, such glowing thoughts ; she to retire to her room, disrobe, and then seated at the French folding windows, gaze long without.

Soon Elise said, if she had no further use for her it would be good night, and as the door closed a sigh of relief came from Annita, for she was at last alone — she above, he below, to indulge in fancy’s wild dreams. Weariness soon led each to their comfortable beds and the sleep of innocence followed.

The early morn shone in upon them with pleasing prospects, as the sonnd of lovely mnsic reminded them that they were to meet in the palm room before going to the spring, where following in the natural course they would hand their glasses to be filled, and then going forth, sip of them while enjoying the study of human nature in that gathering of people from all parts of the world.

In due course of time they returned to the hotel, partook of a delicious breakfast, and mapped out the proceedings of the day. Eau Bonne and Eau Chaud are not far distant from each other, and they were then at the former, but intended to decide if in time they should go to the latter. With this end in view they drove off early in the day and en route were pleased with the country so different from their own, and descending from their funny little carriole would cull flowers and participate, when they could, in the peasants^ language. She asked if he knew why the daisy was her favorite flower, and he replied, ‘‘No.’^ Whereupon she said, because Keats had said when he was dying, ‘‘I feel the daisies growing upon me,’’ and that because they were his sweetheart’s favorite flower.

All along the road they saw quaint looking houses and still quainter looking people in the peasant costumes, and speaking the patois of the country, as well as playing on singular instruments rather of the zither type, sometimes accompanied by voices. They lunched there and about determined to make that a place to drive to, but Eau Bonne to stop at.

Along the road the usual beggar, with his beseeching eyes, often attracted their attention and generosity. Returning to the hotel they resolved to see something of the real life of this place, by entering into the spirit of it, and they started out in earnest the following day.

The second day after their arrival Annita^s beauty and grace was seen attracting much attention, and ere long Monsieur, Le Counte, et Monsieur Le Baron, as well as My Lord, were essaying to pay homage at her shrine. Their attentions were gratifying to her vanity, but irritating to his jealousy. Soon small squabbles began which distressed him, but angered her, and finally there was a grand flare-up and Charles took his departure.

The mother and daughter tarried some time and then departed for Pan, where one of the English friends, met through some aristocratic acquaintances, induced them to stop over and have her take some lessons in the English style of riding — American she was familiar mth — and he would see that she was given a chance to ride behind the hounds.

All this time John BulPs ardor was increasing with miraculous rapidity, and his people were showing much attention to Annita. True to his words, she did ride behind the hounds and saw the first fox, coming very near to it, which entitled her to the reward, namely, the tail of the animal, made into an appearing parasol, with an elegant gold-mounted handle placed therein. This she carried off, much to the disgust of the English women, rather inclined to be amused over the thought of an American woman being able to keep up with them.

Both mother and daughter were elated over this triumph, and remained long in Pan, to be greatly feted, adding greatly to the string of Annita^s admirers. At short intervals news of some character concerning the Scotchman would reach them and it was learned that his strides towards prosperity were marvelous. On the quiet, Annita enjoyed this news, but flirt-like continued to toy with other hearts, until the day came that she was called to a halt and asked for a decisive answer concerning the ardent pursuer and contributor of her pleasures, which she declined to give until father should be consulted, affording herself a means of escape, as love for him was far from her thoughts. But the Englishman was not so easily quieted and soon letters were crossing the ocean to father asking for the hand of his daughter, etc., which brought matters to a culminating pitch, and made father demand their speedy return home.

Arriving in Paris for final arrangements their friend from the Land of Bagpipers accidently was there, and without pushing his suit, made himself visible as well as useful, thus strengthening his own cause, but never again approaching the abandoned topic. That was too much for her, and before they parted she reproached him about not having asked about her particular enjoyments, etc., to which he replied, ‘‘No, my dear young lady, I have no right to do that, and am more than glad that you have had your dreams fulfilled.’^ This aggravated her so much that she was almost overcome by grief, and pride alone bridled her tongue.

But he was wise and had mapped out his own plan of action. Of course, her inexperience caused her to show her hand, over which he was rejoiced, seeing that things were coming his way, bnt having no idea of indulging impetuosity.

Telegrams were arriving from father, modistes were coming in fast, and soon they should set sail for home. Still only the most friendly interviews had taken place between them. He spoke modestly of his achievements, of the affairs of his family, and not for one moment did he contemplate loosening the strings about his heart.

The day came for them to leave Paris, and at the garre she expressed regret that he would not see them off on the vessel, whereupon he replied, ‘‘Do you know the force of your language P’ which called forth a sweet and sad look from her eyes not to be doubted. Adieus were made and as she gave him her hand he saw moisture in her eyes not to be resisted, so he boarded the train bearing them off to Calais, and to the vessel homeward-bound.

Their parting was almost touching for Annita had not taught herself control and now she abandoned all effort to disguise and made him promise to come to New York before very long. Now, even his manly feelings were undergoing a very hard test, but he did find relief in the words, “I will be there in the near future if such a step is not distasteful to your mother. Her mother’s ladylike instinct prompted her to say, “We will be glad to see you, but, of course, our daughter’s happiness is our absorbing thought.”

Now the cry came All Aboard! and soon the gang-plank was to be drawn in so that the final adieus were made and Annita ’s tear-bedecked eyes followed him long after — one might say, followed him by day and by night.

From what has been written, were a judgment passed upon the mother, it would be rather in favor of weakness of character, than strength, but in this an error would exist, for she was a woman of great force, but in her own plans of life she had been thwarted and for many years was most miserable, so that she determined to let Annita run the gauntlet, I may say, entirely unmolested, thereby most likely reaching its end before the glamour of life had faded away.

Chapter III

L uck wouM have it that they crossed on the same vessel that took them over and soon Annita beheld the kindly old Captain’s eyes smiling down upon her with most sweet expression, and she almost feared a tell-tale face, on her part. But soon he had reached the goal of his researches, and, she, like a confiding child, had sought comfort from the fatherly man, because she feared disapproval from her own father.

The passage was not a smooth one and that brought the travelers more closely together and dispelled much of the usual reserve. The first day out their attention was attracted by a very elegant though frail young man, though possessed of the remnants of marked good looks, attended by an old gentleman whom he called Uncle, and a younger one whom he called Doctor. On deck he was cared for by a most attentive — one might say tender — valet. The third day out was too rough to admit of his appearing, but the coming and going from his cabin by all three of them showed that nothing was left undone for his comfort.

After several days of stormy weather, the ocean began to calm itself, the skies to become clear and inviting, when the passengers crept out of their retreat something on the order of jug-rats, and shaking themselves in the sunlight, invoked a prayer of thanks that they lived to tell the tale. How little they knew of what had taken place and of the sad hearts below, for the only child and adored son of a widowed mother had passed away during the tumultuous storm of the night before, as peacefully as the going ont of the life of a dear infant, in its sweet mother ’s arms ; and the old nncle looked down upon him through the eyes of a father he had gone to join, and the tears of an all-expectant mother, soon to have to realize that her crowning sorrow had come now.