Literature: The Oblong Box (Edgar Allan Poe) Part 1

The Oblong Box by Edgar Allan Poe

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Some years ago, I engaged passage from Charleston, S. C, to the city of New York, in the fine packet-ship "Independence," Captain Hardy.

Some years ago, I engaged passage from Charleston, S. C, to the city of New York, in the fine packet-ship "Independence," Captain Hardy.

Some years ago, I engaged passage from Charleston, S. C, to the city of New York, in the fine packet-ship "Independence," Captain Hardy.

Some years ago, I engaged passage from Charleston, S. C, to the city of New York, in the fine packet-ship "Independence," Captain Hardy.

We were to sail on the fifteenth of the month (June), weather permitting; and on the fourteenth, I went on board to arrange some matters in my stateroom.

We were to sail on the fifteenth of the month (June), weather permitting; and on the fourteenth, I went on board to arrange some matters in my stateroom.

We were to sail on the fifteenth of the month (June), weather permitting; and on the fourteenth, I went on board to arrange some matters in my stateroom.

I found that we were to have a great many passengers, including a more than usual number of ladies.

On the list were several of my acquaintances, and among other names, I was rejoiced to see that of Mr. Cornelius Wyatt, a young artist, for whom I entertained feelings of warm friendship.

On the list were several of my acquaintances, and among other names, I was rejoiced to see that of Mr. Cornelius Wyatt, a young artist, for whom I entertained feelings of warm friendship.

On the list were several of my acquaintances, and among other names, I was rejoiced to see that of Mr. Cornelius Wyatt, a young artist, for whom I entertained feelings of warm friendship.

On the list were several of my acquaintances, and among other names, I was rejoiced to see that of Mr. Cornelius Wyatt, a young artist, for whom I entertained feelings of warm friendship.

He had the ordinary temperament of genius, and was a compound of misanthropy, sensibility, and enthusiasm.

He had the ordinary temperament of genius, and was a compound of misanthropy, sensibility, and enthusiasm.

He had the ordinary temperament of genius, and was a compound of misanthropy, sensibility, and enthusiasm.

He had the ordinary temperament of genius, and was a compound of misanthropy, sensibility, and enthusiasm.

He had the ordinary temperament of genius, and was a compound of misanthropy, sensibility, and enthusiasm.

He had the ordinary temperament of genius, and was a compound of misanthropy, sensibility, and enthusiasm.

He had the ordinary temperament of genius, and was a compound of misanthropy, sensibility, and enthusiasm.

To these qualities he united the warmest and truest heart which ever beat in a human bosom.

I observed that his name was carded upon THREE state-rooms; and, upon again referring to the list of passengers, I found that he had engaged passage for himself, wife, and two sisters--his own.

The state-rooms were sufficiently roomy, and each had two berths, one above the other.

These berths, to be sure, were so exceedingly narrow as to be insufficient for more than one person; still, I could not comprehend why there were THREE staterooms for these four persons.

These berths, to be sure, were so exceedingly narrow as to be insufficient for more than one person; still, I could not comprehend why there were THREE staterooms for these four persons.

These berths, to be sure, were so exceedingly narrow as to be insufficient for more than one person; still, I could not comprehend why there were THREE staterooms for these four persons.

I was, just at that epoch, in one of those moody frames of mind which make a man abnormally inquisitive about trifles: and I confess, with shame, that I busied myself in a variety of ill- bred and preposterous conjectures about this matter of the supernumerary stateroom.

I was, just at that epoch, in one of those moody frames of mind which make a man abnormally inquisitive about trifles: and I confess, with shame, that I busied myself in a variety of ill- bred and preposterous conjectures about this matter of the supernumerary stateroom.

I was, just at that epoch, in one of those moody frames of mind which make a man abnormally inquisitive about trifles: and I confess, with shame, that I busied myself in a variety of ill- bred and preposterous conjectures about this matter of the supernumerary stateroom.

I was, just at that epoch, in one of those moody frames of mind which make a man abnormally inquisitive about trifles: and I confess, with shame, that I busied myself in a variety of ill- bred and preposterous conjectures about this matter of the supernumerary stateroom.

I was, just at that epoch, in one of those moody frames of mind which make a man abnormally inquisitive about trifles: and I confess, with shame, that I busied myself in a variety of ill- bred and preposterous conjectures about this matter of the supernumerary stateroom.

I was, just at that epoch, in one of those moody frames of mind which make a man abnormally inquisitive about trifles: and I confess, with shame, that I busied myself in a variety of ill- bred and preposterous conjectures about this matter of the supernumerary stateroom.

I was, just at that epoch, in one of those moody frames of mind which make a man abnormally inquisitive about trifles: and I confess, with shame, that I busied myself in a variety of ill- bred and preposterous conjectures about this matter of the supernumerary stateroom.

I was, just at that epoch, in one of those moody frames of mind which make a man abnormally inquisitive about trifles: and I confess, with shame, that I busied myself in a variety of ill- bred and preposterous conjectures about this matter of the supernumerary stateroom.

It was no business of mine, to be sure, but with none the less pertinacity did I occupy myself in attempts to resolve the enigma.

It was no business of mine, to be sure, but with none the less pertinacity did I occupy myself in attempts to resolve the enigma.

It was no business of mine, to be sure, but with none the less pertinacity did I occupy myself in attempts to resolve the enigma.

It was no business of mine, to be sure, but with none the less pertinacity did I occupy myself in attempts to resolve the enigma.

At last I reached a conclusion which wrought in me great wonder why I had not arrived at it before.

At last I reached a conclusion which wrought in me great wonder why I had not arrived at it before.

At last I reached a conclusion which wrought in me great wonder why I had not arrived at it before.

"It is a servant of course," I said; "what a fool I am, not sooner to have thought of so obvious a solution!"

"It is a servant of course," I said; "what a fool I am, not sooner to have thought of so obvious a solution!"

"It is a servant of course," I said; "what a fool I am, not sooner to have thought of so obvious a solution!"

And then I again repaired to the list--but here I saw distinctly that NO servant was to come with the party, although, in fact, it had been the original design to bring one--for the words "and servant" had been first written and then over-scored.

And then I again repaired to the list--but here I saw distinctly that NO servant was to come with the party, although, in fact, it had been the original design to bring one--for the words "and servant" had been first written and then over-scored.

And then I again repaired to the list--but here I saw distinctly that NO servant was to come with the party, although, in fact, it had been the original design to bring one--for the words "and servant" had been first written and then over-scored.

"Oh, extra baggage, to be sure," I now said to myself--"something he wishes not to be put in the hold-- something to be kept under his own eye--ah, I have it--a painting or so--and this is what he has been bargaining about with Nicolino, the Italian Jew."

This idea satisfied me, and I dismissed my curiosity for the nonce.

This idea satisfied me, and I dismissed my curiosity for the nonce.

This idea satisfied me, and I dismissed my curiosity for the nonce.

Wyatt's two sisters I knew very well, and most amiable and clever girls they were.

Wyatt's two sisters I knew very well, and most amiable and clever girls they were.

He had often talked about her in my presence, however, and in his usual style of enthusiasm.

He had often talked about her in my presence, however, and in his usual style of enthusiasm.

He described her as of surpassing beauty, wit, and accomplishment.

He described her as of surpassing beauty, wit, and accomplishment.

He described her as of surpassing beauty, wit, and accomplishment.

He described her as of surpassing beauty, wit, and accomplishment.

I was, therefore, quite anxious to make her acquaintance.

On the day in which I visited the ship (the fourteenth), Wyatt and party were also to visit it--so the captain informed me--and I waited on board an hour longer than I had designed, in hope of being presented to the bride, but then an apology came.

On the day in which I visited the ship (the fourteenth), Wyatt and party were also to visit it--so the captain informed me--and I waited on board an hour longer than I had designed, in hope of being presented to the bride, but then an apology came.

"Mrs. W. was a little indisposed, and would decline coming on board until to-morrow, at the hour of sailing."

The morrow having arrived, I was going from my hotel to the wharf, when Captain Hardy met me and said that, "owing to circumstances" (a stupid but convenient phrase), "he rather thought the 'Independence' would not sail for a day or two, and that when all was ready, he would send up and let me know."

The morrow having arrived, I was going from my hotel to the wharf, when Captain Hardy met me and said that, "owing to circumstances" (a stupid but convenient phrase), "he rather thought the 'Independence' would not sail for a day or two, and that when all was ready, he would send up and let me know."

The morrow having arrived, I was going from my hotel to the wharf, when Captain Hardy met me and said that, "owing to circumstances" (a stupid but convenient phrase), "he rather thought the 'Independence' would not sail for a day or two, and that when all was ready, he would send up and let me know."

The morrow having arrived, I was going from my hotel to the wharf, when Captain Hardy met me and said that, "owing to circumstances" (a stupid but convenient phrase), "he rather thought the 'Independence' would not sail for a day or two, and that when all was ready, he would send up and let me know."

This I thought strange, for there was a stiff southerly breeze; but as "the circumstances" were not forthcoming, although I pumped for them with much perseverance, I had nothing to do but to return home and digest my impatience at leisure.

This I thought strange, for there was a stiff southerly breeze; but as "the circumstances" were not forthcoming, although I pumped for them with much perseverance, I had nothing to do but to return home and digest my impatience at leisure.

This I thought strange, for there was a stiff southerly breeze; but as "the circumstances" were not forthcoming, although I pumped for them with much perseverance, I had nothing to do but to return home and digest my impatience at leisure.

This I thought strange, for there was a stiff southerly breeze; but as "the circumstances" were not forthcoming, although I pumped for them with much perseverance, I had nothing to do but to return home and digest my impatience at leisure.

I did not receive the expected message from the captain for nearly a week.

I did not receive the expected message from the captain for nearly a week.

It came at length, however, and I immediately went on board.

It came at length, however, and I immediately went on board.

The ship was crowded with passengers, and every thing was in the bustle attendant upon making sail.

The ship was crowded with passengers, and every thing was in the bustle attendant upon making sail.

There were the two sisters, the bride, and the artist--the latter in one of his customary fits of moody misanthropy.

There were the two sisters, the bride, and the artist--the latter in one of his customary fits of moody misanthropy.

I was too well used to these, however, to pay them any special attention.

He did not even introduce me to his wife;--this courtesy devolving, per force, upon his sister Marian-- a very sweet and intelligent girl, who, in a few hurried words, made us acquainted.

He did not even introduce me to his wife;--this courtesy devolving, per force, upon his sister Marian-- a very sweet and intelligent girl, who, in a few hurried words, made us acquainted.

He did not even introduce me to his wife;--this courtesy devolving, per force, upon his sister Marian-- a very sweet and intelligent girl, who, in a few hurried words, made us acquainted.

He did not even introduce me to his wife;--this courtesy devolving, per force, upon his sister Marian-- a very sweet and intelligent girl, who, in a few hurried words, made us acquainted.

He did not even introduce me to his wife;--this courtesy devolving, per force, upon his sister Marian-- a very sweet and intelligent girl, who, in a few hurried words, made us acquainted.

Mrs. Wyatt had been closely veiled; and when she raised her veil, in acknowledging my bow, I confess that I was very profoundly astonished.

Mrs. Wyatt had been closely veiled; and when she raised her veil, in acknowledging my bow, I confess that I was very profoundly astonished.

Mrs. Wyatt had been closely veiled; and when she raised her veil, in acknowledging my bow, I confess that I was very profoundly astonished.

Mrs. Wyatt had been closely veiled; and when she raised her veil, in acknowledging my bow, I confess that I was very profoundly astonished.

I should have been much more so, however, had not long experience advised me not to trust, with too implicit a reliance, the enthusiastic descriptions of my friend, the artist, when indulging in comments upon the loveliness of woman.

I should have been much more so, however, had not long experience advised me not to trust, with too implicit a reliance, the enthusiastic descriptions of my friend, the artist, when indulging in comments upon the loveliness of woman.

I should have been much more so, however, had not long experience advised me not to trust, with too implicit a reliance, the enthusiastic descriptions of my friend, the artist, when indulging in comments upon the loveliness of woman.

I should have been much more so, however, had not long experience advised me not to trust, with too implicit a reliance, the enthusiastic descriptions of my friend, the artist, when indulging in comments upon the loveliness of woman.

I should have been much more so, however, had not long experience advised me not to trust, with too implicit a reliance, the enthusiastic descriptions of my friend, the artist, when indulging in comments upon the loveliness of woman.

I should have been much more so, however, had not long experience advised me not to trust, with too implicit a reliance, the enthusiastic descriptions of my friend, the artist, when indulging in comments upon the loveliness of woman.

I should have been much more so, however, had not long experience advised me not to trust, with too implicit a reliance, the enthusiastic descriptions of my friend, the artist, when indulging in comments upon the loveliness of woman.

I should have been much more so, however, had not long experience advised me not to trust, with too implicit a reliance, the enthusiastic descriptions of my friend, the artist, when indulging in comments upon the loveliness of woman.

I should have been much more so, however, had not long experience advised me not to trust, with too implicit a reliance, the enthusiastic descriptions of my friend, the artist, when indulging in comments upon the loveliness of woman.

When beauty was the theme, I well knew with what facility he soared into the regions of the purely ideal.

When beauty was the theme, I well knew with what facility he soared into the regions of the purely ideal.

When beauty was the theme, I well knew with what facility he soared into the regions of the purely ideal.

When beauty was the theme, I well knew with what facility he soared into the regions of the purely ideal.

When beauty was the theme, I well knew with what facility he soared into the regions of the purely ideal.

She was dressed, however, in exquisite taste-- and then I had no doubt that she had captivated my friend's heart by the more enduring graces of the intellect and soul.

She was dressed, however, in exquisite taste-- and then I had no doubt that she had captivated my friend's heart by the more enduring graces of the intellect and soul.

She was dressed, however, in exquisite taste-- and then I had no doubt that she had captivated my friend's heart by the more enduring graces of the intellect and soul.

She was dressed, however, in exquisite taste-- and then I had no doubt that she had captivated my friend's heart by the more enduring graces of the intellect and soul.

She was dressed, however, in exquisite taste-- and then I had no doubt that she had captivated my friend's heart by the more enduring graces of the intellect and soul.

She was dressed, however, in exquisite taste-- and then I had no doubt that she had captivated my friend's heart by the more enduring graces of the intellect and soul.

There was NO servant--THAT was a settled point.

Immediately upon its arrival we made sail, and in a short time were safely over the bar and standing out to sea.

It was about six feet in length by two and a half in breadth; I observed it attentively, and like to be precise.

It was about six feet in length by two and a half in breadth; I observed it attentively, and like to be precise.

Now this shape was PECULIAR; and no sooner had I seen it, than I took credit to myself for the accuracy of my guessing.

Now this shape was PECULIAR; and no sooner had I seen it, than I took credit to myself for the accuracy of my guessing.

Now this shape was PECULIAR; and no sooner had I seen it, than I took credit to myself for the accuracy of my guessing.

I had reached the conclusion, it will be remembered, that the extra baggage of my friend, the artist, would prove to be pictures, or at least a picture; for I knew he had been for several weeks in conference with Nicolino:--and now here was a box, which, from its shape, COULD possibly contain nothing in the world but a copy of Leonardo's "Last Supper;" and a copy of this very "Last Supper," done by Rubini the younger, at Florence, I had known, for some time, to be in the possession of Nicolino.

I had reached the conclusion, it will be remembered, that the extra baggage of my friend, the artist, would prove to be pictures, or at least a picture; for I knew he had been for several weeks in conference with Nicolino:--and now here was a box, which, from its shape, COULD possibly contain nothing in the world but a copy of Leonardo's "Last Supper;" and a copy of this very "Last Supper," done by Rubini the younger, at Florence, I had known, for some time, to be in the possession of Nicolino.

I had reached the conclusion, it will be remembered, that the extra baggage of my friend, the artist, would prove to be pictures, or at least a picture; for I knew he had been for several weeks in conference with Nicolino:--and now here was a box, which, from its shape, COULD possibly contain nothing in the world but a copy of Leonardo's "Last Supper;" and a copy of this very "Last Supper," done by Rubini the younger, at Florence, I had known, for some time, to be in the possession of Nicolino.

I had reached the conclusion, it will be remembered, that the extra baggage of my friend, the artist, would prove to be pictures, or at least a picture; for I knew he had been for several weeks in conference with Nicolino:--and now here was a box, which, from its shape, COULD possibly contain nothing in the world but a copy of Leonardo's "Last Supper;" and a copy of this very "Last Supper," done by Rubini the younger, at Florence, I had known, for some time, to be in the possession of Nicolino.

This point, therefore, I considered as sufficiently settled.

I chuckled excessively when I thought of my acumen.

I chuckled excessively when I thought of my acumen.

It was the first time I had ever known Wyatt to keep from me any of his artistical secrets; but here he evidently intended to steal a march upon me, and smuggle a fine picture to New York, under my very nose; expecting me to know nothing of the matter.

It was the first time I had ever known Wyatt to keep from me any of his artistical secrets; but here he evidently intended to steal a march upon me, and smuggle a fine picture to New York, under my very nose; expecting me to know nothing of the matter.

I resolved to quiz him WELL, now and hereafter.

One thing, however, annoyed me not a little.

It was deposited in Wyatt's own; and there, too, it remained, occupying very nearly the whole of the floor--no doubt to the exceeding discomfort of the artist and his wife;--this the more especially as the tar or paint with which it was lettered in sprawling capitals, emitted a strong, disagreeable, and, to my fancy, a peculiarly disgusting odor.

It was deposited in Wyatt's own; and there, too, it remained, occupying very nearly the whole of the floor--no doubt to the exceeding discomfort of the artist and his wife;--this the more especially as the tar or paint with which it was lettered in sprawling capitals, emitted a strong, disagreeable, and, to my fancy, a peculiarly disgusting odor.

It was deposited in Wyatt's own; and there, too, it remained, occupying very nearly the whole of the floor--no doubt to the exceeding discomfort of the artist and his wife;--this the more especially as the tar or paint with which it was lettered in sprawling capitals, emitted a strong, disagreeable, and, to my fancy, a peculiarly disgusting odor.

It was deposited in Wyatt's own; and there, too, it remained, occupying very nearly the whole of the floor--no doubt to the exceeding discomfort of the artist and his wife;--this the more especially as the tar or paint with which it was lettered in sprawling capitals, emitted a strong, disagreeable, and, to my fancy, a peculiarly disgusting odor.

To be handled with care."

Now, I was aware that Mrs. Adelaide Curtis, of Albany, was the artist's wife's mother,--but then I looked upon the whole address as a mystification, intended especially for myself.

Now, I was aware that Mrs. Adelaide Curtis, of Albany, was the artist's wife's mother,--but then I looked upon the whole address as a mystification, intended especially for myself.

I made up my mind, of course, that the box and contents would never get farther north than the studio of my misanthropic friend, in Chambers Street, New York.

I made up my mind, of course, that the box and contents would never get farther north than the studio of my misanthropic friend, in Chambers Street, New York.

For the first three or four days we had fine weather, although the wind was dead ahead; having chopped round to the northward, immediately upon our losing sight of the coast.

The passengers were, consequently, in high spirits and disposed to be social.

The passengers were, consequently, in high spirits and disposed to be social.

The passengers were, consequently, in high spirits and disposed to be social.

I MUST except, however, Wyatt and his sisters, who behaved stiffly, and, I could not help thinking, uncourteously to the rest of the party.

Wyatt's conduct I did not so much regard.

He was gloomy, even beyond his usual habit--in fact he was MOROSE--but in him I was prepared for eccentricity.

He was gloomy, even beyond his usual habit--in fact he was MOROSE--but in him I was prepared for eccentricity.

He was gloomy, even beyond his usual habit--in fact he was MOROSE--but in him I was prepared for eccentricity.

He was gloomy, even beyond his usual habit--in fact he was MOROSE--but in him I was prepared for eccentricity.

He was gloomy, even beyond his usual habit--in fact he was MOROSE--but in him I was prepared for eccentricity.

For the sisters, however, I could make no excuse.

They secluded themselves in their staterooms during the greater part of the passage, and absolutely refused, although I repeatedly urged them, to hold communication with any person on board.

They secluded themselves in their staterooms during the greater part of the passage, and absolutely refused, although I repeatedly urged them, to hold communication with any person on board.

They secluded themselves in their staterooms during the greater part of the passage, and absolutely refused, although I repeatedly urged them, to hold communication with any person on board.

They secluded themselves in their staterooms during the greater part of the passage, and absolutely refused, although I repeatedly urged them, to hold communication with any person on board.

They secluded themselves in their staterooms during the greater part of the passage, and absolutely refused, although I repeatedly urged them, to hold communication with any person on board.

That is to say, she was CHATTY; and to be chatty is no slight recommendation at sea.

That is to say, she was CHATTY; and to be chatty is no slight recommendation at sea.

She became EXCESSIVELY intimate with most of the ladies; and, to my profound astonishment, evinced no equivocal disposition to coquet with the men.

She became EXCESSIVELY intimate with most of the ladies; and, to my profound astonishment, evinced no equivocal disposition to coquet with the men.

She became EXCESSIVELY intimate with most of the ladies; and, to my profound astonishment, evinced no equivocal disposition to coquet with the men.

She became EXCESSIVELY intimate with most of the ladies; and, to my profound astonishment, evinced no equivocal disposition to coquet with the men.

She became EXCESSIVELY intimate with most of the ladies; and, to my profound astonishment, evinced no equivocal disposition to coquet with the men.

She amused us all very much.

I say "amused"--and scarcely know how to explain myself.

I say "amused"--and scarcely know how to explain myself.

The gentlemen said little about her; but the ladies, in a little while, pronounced her "a good-hearted thing, rather indifferent looking, totally uneducated, and decidedly vulgar."

The gentlemen said little about her; but the ladies, in a little while, pronounced her "a good-hearted thing, rather indifferent looking, totally uneducated, and decidedly vulgar."

Wealth was the general solution--but this I knew to be no solution at all; for Wyatt had told me that she neither brought him a dollar nor had any expectations from any source whatever.

Wealth was the general solution--but this I knew to be no solution at all; for Wyatt had told me that she neither brought him a dollar nor had any expectations from any source whatever.

Could it be possible that he was taking leave of his senses?

HE, so refined, so intellectual, so fastidious, with so exquisite a perception of the faulty, and so keen an appreciation of the beautiful!

HE, so refined, so intellectual, so fastidious, with so exquisite a perception of the faulty, and so keen an appreciation of the beautiful!

HE, so refined, so intellectual, so fastidious, with so exquisite a perception of the faulty, and so keen an appreciation of the beautiful!

HE, so refined, so intellectual, so fastidious, with so exquisite a perception of the faulty, and so keen an appreciation of the beautiful!

HE, so refined, so intellectual, so fastidious, with so exquisite a perception of the faulty, and so keen an appreciation of the beautiful!

HE, so refined, so intellectual, so fastidious, with so exquisite a perception of the faulty, and so keen an appreciation of the beautiful!

To be sure, the lady seemed especially fond of HIM--particularly so in his absence--when she made herself ridiculous by frequent quotations of what had been said by her "beloved husband, Mr. Wyatt."

To be sure, the lady seemed especially fond of HIM--particularly so in his absence--when she made herself ridiculous by frequent quotations of what had been said by her "beloved husband, Mr. Wyatt."

To be sure, the lady seemed especially fond of HIM--particularly so in his absence--when she made herself ridiculous by frequent quotations of what had been said by her "beloved husband, Mr. Wyatt."

To be sure, the lady seemed especially fond of HIM--particularly so in his absence--when she made herself ridiculous by frequent quotations of what had been said by her "beloved husband, Mr. Wyatt."

To be sure, the lady seemed especially fond of HIM--particularly so in his absence--when she made herself ridiculous by frequent quotations of what had been said by her "beloved husband, Mr. Wyatt."

To be sure, the lady seemed especially fond of HIM--particularly so in his absence--when she made herself ridiculous by frequent quotations of what had been said by her "beloved husband, Mr. Wyatt."

To be sure, the lady seemed especially fond of HIM--particularly so in his absence--when she made herself ridiculous by frequent quotations of what had been said by her "beloved husband, Mr. Wyatt."

The word "husband" seemed forever--to use one of her own delicate expressions--forever "on the tip of her tongue."

In the meantime, it was observed by all on board, that he avoided HER in the most pointed manner, and, for the most part, shut himself up alone in his state-room, where, in fact, he might have been said to live altogether, leaving his wife at full liberty to amuse herself as she thought best, in the public society of the main cabin.

In the meantime, it was observed by all on board, that he avoided HER in the most pointed manner, and, for the most part, shut himself up alone in his state-room, where, in fact, he might have been said to live altogether, leaving his wife at full liberty to amuse herself as she thought best, in the public society of the main cabin.

In the meantime, it was observed by all on board, that he avoided HER in the most pointed manner, and, for the most part, shut himself up alone in his state-room, where, in fact, he might have been said to live altogether, leaving his wife at full liberty to amuse herself as she thought best, in the public society of the main cabin.

My conclusion, from what I saw and heard, was, that, the artist, by some unaccountable freak of fate, or perhaps in some fit of enthusiastic and fanciful passion, had been induced to unite himself with a person altogether beneath him, and that the natural result, entire and speedy disgust, had ensued.

My conclusion, from what I saw and heard, was, that, the artist, by some unaccountable freak of fate, or perhaps in some fit of enthusiastic and fanciful passion, had been induced to unite himself with a person altogether beneath him, and that the natural result, entire and speedy disgust, had ensued.

My conclusion, from what I saw and heard, was, that, the artist, by some unaccountable freak of fate, or perhaps in some fit of enthusiastic and fanciful passion, had been induced to unite himself with a person altogether beneath him, and that the natural result, entire and speedy disgust, had ensued.

My conclusion, from what I saw and heard, was, that, the artist, by some unaccountable freak of fate, or perhaps in some fit of enthusiastic and fanciful passion, had been induced to unite himself with a person altogether beneath him, and that the natural result, entire and speedy disgust, had ensued.

My conclusion, from what I saw and heard, was, that, the artist, by some unaccountable freak of fate, or perhaps in some fit of enthusiastic and fanciful passion, had been induced to unite himself with a person altogether beneath him, and that the natural result, entire and speedy disgust, had ensued.

My conclusion, from what I saw and heard, was, that, the artist, by some unaccountable freak of fate, or perhaps in some fit of enthusiastic and fanciful passion, had been induced to unite himself with a person altogether beneath him, and that the natural result, entire and speedy disgust, had ensued.

My conclusion, from what I saw and heard, was, that, the artist, by some unaccountable freak of fate, or perhaps in some fit of enthusiastic and fanciful passion, had been induced to unite himself with a person altogether beneath him, and that the natural result, entire and speedy disgust, had ensued.

My conclusion, from what I saw and heard, was, that, the artist, by some unaccountable freak of fate, or perhaps in some fit of enthusiastic and fanciful passion, had been induced to unite himself with a person altogether beneath him, and that the natural result, entire and speedy disgust, had ensued.

I pitied him from the bottom of my heart--but could not, for that reason, quite forgive his incommunicativeness in the matter of the "Last Supper."

For this I resolved to have my revenge.

One day he came upon deck, and, taking his arm as had been my wont, I sauntered with him backward and forward.

One day he came upon deck, and, taking his arm as had been my wont, I sauntered with him backward and forward.

He said little, and that moodily, and with evident effort.

He said little, and that moodily, and with evident effort.

I ventured a jest or two, and he made a sickening attempt at a smile.

I ventured a jest or two, and he made a sickening attempt at a smile.

Poor fellow!--as I thought of HIS WIFE, I wondered that he could have heart to put on even the semblance of mirth.

Poor fellow!--as I thought of HIS WIFE, I wondered that he could have heart to put on even the semblance of mirth.

At last I ventured a home thrust.