Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/53

Rh very punctual and exact in my dealings with them, so six o’clock found me walking up and down before the door, and just as the clock struck the hour my hand was on the door bell. The good Doctor had a few friends at table beside his own family, and he introduced me very affectionately, saying, ‘This is friend Robert Carter from Edinburgh. He brings letters from Professor Pillans. We gladly welcome him.’ Never can I forget the kindness shown me then and always by this noble and generous man.

“I had been taught in Scotland that it was good table manners to refuse the delicacies offered, and wait to be pressed before accepting; but I found that this system did not obtain here, and that a dainty once refused was not offered again, so that, if I wanted my supper, I must eat what was set before me. This struck me as being much more sensible than our Scottish plan. The conversation at table was of a high order, simple, cultured, Christian. I could not have had a finer specimen of an American home than this first one I entered. The conversation turned upon the literary institutions of Scotland, her eminent men, and the general diffusion of education among the masses of the people. On these subjects I was quite at home, and the circle around us was evidently interested in it. I have often since reflected, how kind and considerate he was to turn our attention to subjects with which he knew me to be familiar. After a delightful evening, I returned to my lodgings, and poured out my heart in gratitude to the Father of mercies, who had disposed strangers to take me so kindly by the hand.

“A day or two later Dr. Griscom introduced me to the Hon. Gulian C. Verplanck, and other influential friends. Mr. Verplanck examined me in Greek and