Retiring from Business CHAPTER 6.
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AN UNWELCOME VISITOR.
With nothing in the world to do, his mind painfully concerned about his two oldest children, and restless and anxious in regard to the two youngest, Mr. Franklin was a most unhappy man. James and Louisa, who had been taken from their old school and entered in the new one with Florence, were removed from the latter establishment at the same time with their sister. The mother wished them to go back to the school from which they had been at first taken. But Mr. Franklin objected to this. Having assumed that it was not a good school, his pride of consistency would not let him recede from this position. They were, in consequence, entered at another academy, or, rather at two different academies, the one especially for young gentlemen, and the other for young ladies. Neither of these schools satisfied Mr. Franklin. They were not good, or he imagined they were not, which was all the same, so far as his peace of mind was involved. Having no business to think about, he had of necessity to concern himself about something; and as his children were now the most prominent objects of interest, they furnished food for as much trouble as was needful to make him about as miserable as he could wish to feel.
Florence, now a young lady in her own eyes, was not, of course, to be caged up at home. She had fashionable acquaintances, and must needs visit them, and receive their visits in return. And as she was the daughter of a retired gentleman of fortune, whose wealth was estimated at something like half a million of dollars, there was no scarcity of attractive young men, ready to dance attendance on her at every turn; while some, bolder than the rest, returned a morning call now and then, or offered a beautiful bouquet of choice flowers.
Much against her mother's views and wishes, Florence insisted upon "coming out" during the following winter. She had entered her eighteenth year, and considered herself old enough to lay off the girl, and play her part in society as a woman. To parties, balls, the opera, and other public entertainments — she must now go, and take her share in the world of fashionable gaieties. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin offered only a feeble resistance to their daughter's wishes. To protect her as far as possible, they always accompanied her to places of public amusement, and never gave their consent for her to attend balls or parties, unless they went also. By this means, they hoped to keep her ever within the circle of their observation, and be prepared to guard her from the approaches of danger.
But over Edwin, it was impossible to extend even this observant care. He was a young man, and there could be less restraint thrown over his actions. For the greater part of his time, he was away from under his parents' eyes, and it was, therefore, impossible for them to know what influences were operating upon him. To some extent, they could see the effects, but that only awoke uneasiness, while it placed in their hands no counteracting forces.
No event of importance transpired during the winter, except the unwelcome appearance of Mr. LeGrand, who, in passing through the city, as he said, coolly enough called upon the family as familiarly as if he were an old acquaintance; and invited Florence to go with him to the opera on the next evening. The young lady readily assented. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin were far from being pleased; but they did not forbid Florence going.
When Mr. LeGrand called for her, he found that he was to make one of a family party. He seemed not in the least disappointed at this, but instead, expressed his pleasure at having the company of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin so warmly, that they began to doubt the correctness of the suspicions they had held in regard to him, and gave him credit for being a most agreeable and highly intelligent young gentleman; and even forgot themselves so far as to express pleasure at his having had the politeness to call upon them while passing a few days in the city. He said that he had come on north to transact some official business of great importance for the Governor of his State, and that he would return through New York in a week or two, when he would do himself the pleasure to call again.
According to promise, at the end of three weeks, another visit was received from Mr. LeGrand. In the interim, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin had thought and talked a good deal about him, and both came to the conclusion, that he had taken an unwarrantable liberty, in forcing himself upon the family, on the mere plea of having been introduced to their daughter at the Springs, and being in their company for a few days as passengers, in the same public conveyances. The reception which the young man met, was not so agreeable as at first, and his second invitation to Florence, to accompany him to a place of public entertainment, though accepted by the young lady, was not approved by her parents.
When he called for Florence, in accordance with the engagement made, he was informed by a servant that she was ill, and could not be seen that night. Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Franklin made their appearance. He understood very well what this meant.
On the next day, a note was received from Mr. LeGrand by Florence, in which he expressed his regret for her illness, spoke of the pleasure he had lost, in not having been favored with her company, hoped her illness was but temporary, mentioned that he would leave for the South that afternoon, and concluded with a request to make his compliments to her parents.
His departure from the city was a relief to the minds of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin. Sincerely did they hope that he would never cross their path again; for, notwithstanding his frequent allusions to his high connections at the South, his intelligence and gentlemanly bearing — they had strong suspicions that he was only a bold adventurer, who possessed neither wealth, social standing, nor principle.
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