Beulah - Page 177/348

"Yes, if I may remain with you altogether."

"Thank you. Come, get ready, quick! Give me a fan." Sinking into a

chair, she wiped away the cold drops which had collected about her

brow.

"Cornelia, I have only one day's leisure. School begins again day

after to-morrow."

"Well, well; one day, then. Be quick!"

In a few moments Beulah was ready; and, after informing Clara and

Mrs. Hoyt of her intended absence, the two entered Mr. Graham's

elegant carriage. The gas was now lighted, and the spirited horses

dashed along through streets brilliantly illuminated and thronged

with happy people.

"What a Babel! About equal to Constantinople, and its dog-

orchestra," muttered Cornelia, as the driver paused to allow one of

the military companies to pass. The martial music, together with the

hubbub which otherwise prevailed, alarmed the horses, and they

plunged violently. The driver endeavored to back out into an alley;

but, in the attempt, the carriage was whirled round, the coachman

jerked over the dashboard into the gutter, and the frightened

animals dashed at furious speed down the main street. Luckily the

top was thrown back, making the carriage open, and, springing

forward to the post so unceremoniously vacated by the driver, Beulah

snatched the reins, which were just within her reach. Curb the

rushing horses she did not hope to do; but, by cautious energy,

succeeded in turning them sufficiently aside to avoid coming in

collision with several other carriages. The street was full of

vehicles, and though, as may well be imagined, there was every

effort made to give the track, the carriage rushed against the

bright yellow wheels of a light buggy in which two young men were

trying to manage a fast trotter. There was a terrible smash of

wheels, the young gentlemen were suddenly landed in the mud, and

their emancipated steed galloped on, with the wreck of the buggy at

his heels. Men, women, and children gathered on the corners to

witness the denouement. Drays, carts, and wagons were seized with a

simultaneous stampede, which soon cleared the middle of the street,

and, uninjured by the collision, our carriage flew on. Cornelia sat

on the back seat, ghastly pale and motionless, expecting every

minute to be hurled out, while Beulah stood up in front, reins in

hand, trying to guide the maddened horses. Her bonnet fell off; the

motion loosened her comb, and down came her long, heavy hair in

black, blinding folds. She shook it all back from her face, and soon

saw that this reckless game of dodging vehicles could not last much

longer. Straight ahead, at the end of the street, was the wharf,

crowded with cotton bales, barrels, and a variety of freight; just

beyond was the river. A number of gentlemen stood on a neighboring

corner, and with one impulse they rushed forward with extended arms.

On sprang the horses almost upon them; eager hands grasped at the

bits.