This story Mr. Landholm used afterwards often to repeat, with infinite delight and exultation.

Rufus was not at Shagarack at this time.  Instead thereof came a letter.

“Mannahatta, Aug. 26, 1812.

“My dear Governor,

“It has cost me more than I can tell you, that I have not been able to witness your triumph.  Nothing could hinder my sharing it.  I shared it even before I heard a word of it.  I shared it all last week, while the scenes were enacting; but when papa’s letter came, it made an old boy of me —­ I would have thrown 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.