The Fortune Hunter, Or, the Adventures of a Man about Town; a Novel of New York Society

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1844 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II. Oh! blest with temper, whose unclouded ray Can make to-morrow cheerful as to-day.--Pope. Light From her makes many faces bright.--Taylor. A Few days after the evening spent at Niblo's, Miss Rachel Clinton alighted from her carriage at the door of Mr. Lemming. She entered, without ringing, and was ascending the stairs, when the parlor door opened and a sharp-visaged face peered forth. "Who's there? Oh! is it you, Miss Clinton?" Rachel's ears were familiar with that harsh, shrill voice, yet it sounded so unexpected from behind her, she could not help starting. "It is I, Mrs. Lemming; is Miss Walton at home 1" "Yes; she is in her chamber. Will you not walk into the parlor?" she added, in a more courteous tone; at the same time opening the door sufficiently for the whole of her tall, gaunt and shrivelled person to become visible. "Thank you, I will go to Arria's chamber." "It's always to Arria's chamber !" muttered Mrs. Lemming, as she shut the door somewhat ungently. "One would suppose there was nobody living in the house but Miss Arria! They will find, some day, who is mistress here, and will have to look for their pretty favorite somewhere else, that I can tell them '" Rachel, with a quickened step, ascended to the third story, and, without knocking, entered the apartment of her friend. Her step was so light that she was unnoticed by Arria, and she could not help pausing on the threshold to contemplate the chastely beautiful tableau before her. The room was small; but what perfect neatness reigned throughout, and how much of the character of its occupant could be read in all its little arrangements! The floor boasted no better covering than a rag carpet, and there were but two rickety chairs against the wall. The narrow...