n
off my hat and hurrahed, if I had not been afraid to trust
four walls with my feelings; and I finally took up with the
safer indulgence of some very sweet tears. I told you it cost
me a great deal to stay away from Shagarack. My sole reason
for staying was, that it would have cost me more to go. The
fact is, I had not the wherewithal -- a most stupid reason, but
for that very cause, a reason that you cannot argue with. I am
just clearing for the North -- but not, alas! your way -- and I
_could_ not take out of my little funds what would carry me to
Shagarack and back; and back I should have had to come. So I
have lost what would have been one of the rare joys of my
life. But I shall have another chance. -- This is but your
_first_ degree, Governor; -- your initial step towards great
things; and you are not one to lag by the way.

"As for me, I am off to the regions of wildness, to see what I
can do with the rocks and the hills of rude Nature -- or what
they will do with me, which is perhaps nearer the truth. Not
very inviting, after this gay and brilliant city, where
certainly the society is very bewitching. I have happened to
see a good deal, and some of the best of it. Mr. Haye has been
very attentive to me, and I believe would really like to renew
his old offer. He lives here _en prince_; with every thing to
make his house attractive _besides_ the two little princesses
who tenant it; and who make it I think the pleasantest house
in Mannahatta. _Your_ friend is amazingly improved, though she
is rather more of a Queen than a princess; but the other is
the most splendid little creature I ever saw. They were very
gracious to your humble servant. I have seen a good deal of
them and like them better and better. Herder is charming. He
has introduced me to a capital set -- men really worth knowing
-- they have also been very kind to me, and I have enjoyed them
greatly; -- but from all this I am obliged to break away, -- and
from you; for I have no more room. I will write you when I get
to the N. W. L.

"P. S. When you come hither, take up your quarters with my
landlord, George Inchbald -- cor. Beaver and Little South Sts.
He loves me and will welcome you. Inchbald is an Englishman,
with a heart larger than his means, and a very kind widowed
sister."

Winthrop read this letter gravely through, folded it up, and
took hold of the next business in hand.

He could not go yet to the great city. The future rising ste