F. Colburn (Francis Colburn) Adams
Chapter 68
principal members, postponed its assembly last night. The theatre,
in consequence of a misunderstanding between the manager and his
people, was also closed. The lecture on comparative anatomy, by
Professor Bones, which was to have been delivered at Hibernian Hall,
is, in consequence of the indisposition of the learned Professor,
put off to Tuesday evening next, when he will have, as he deserves,
an overflowing house. Tickets, as before, may be had at all the
music and bookstores." The said facetious journal was silent on the
superior attractions at the house of the old hostess; nor did it
deem it prudent to let drop a word on the misunderstanding between
the patrons of the drama and the said theatrical manager, inasmuch
as it was one of those that are sure to give rise to a very serious
misunderstanding between that functionary and his poor people.
In another column the short but potent line met his eye: "An
overflowing and exceedingly fashionable house greeted the Negro
Minstrels last night. First-rate talent never goes begging in our
city." George sips his coffee and smiles. Wonderfully clever these
editors are, he thinks. They have nice apologies for public taste
always on hand; set the country by the ears now and then; and amuse
themselves with carrying on the most prudent description of wars.
His own isolated condition, however, is uppermost in his mind.
Poverty and wretchedness stare him in the face on one side;
chivalry, on the other, has no bows for him while daylight lasts.
Instinct whispers in his ear-where one exists the other is sure to
be.
To the end that this young man will perform a somewhat important
part in the by-ways of this history, some further description of him
may be necessary. George Mullholland stands some five feet nine, is
wiry-limbed, and slender and erect of person. Of light complexion,
his features are sharp and irregular, his face narrow and freckled,
his forehead small and retreating, his hair sandy and short-cropped.
Add to these two small, dull, gray eyes, and you have features not