Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/40

Rh New Orleans, to go on board the “Pacific” at nine! Such had been our plan. But now we must remain where we were, until one o'clock the next day, when high water would carry us off. We had run a-ground on a sand-bank.

The next day was as beautiful as its predecessor; and when certain dark presentiments of our not being able to have any dinner were dissipated, by the endeavours of some of the gentlemen who had themselves rowed to land and there purchased provisions, and a most delicate and abundant dinner was the result, there was nothing disagreeable in our little misadventure, except that the journey to Cuba was delayed to an indefinite time, and that I probably should have to make the journey by myself, as Octavia could not remain so long from home.

It was not until ten o'clock at night that we reached land, and no railroad train was then running which would convey us to New Orleans. Betsy, who was never without resources, looked after our effects, and took charge of everything; and two polite gentlemen, who in genuine Anglo-American fashion, constituted themselves our cavaliers, conducted us to a country-house near the railway, where though the family was absent, a fire was soon lighted for us in a large drawing-room.

It was the most beautiful night. There was a large garden around, which was full of half-tropical plants, of a palm-like growth, such as I had never seen before. I spent a part of the night in wandering about among the beautiful, rare plants, all the more rare and beautiful, from the moonlight which threw over them its mystical romantic light.

Our polite gentlemen, who had ordered a carriage, finally conveyed us safe and sound to New Orleans. At half-past twelve we were at St. Charles's Hotel. It was quite full, and it was with difficulty that we obtained rooms up