My Three Neighbors in the Queen City (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1858. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XII. Charles and his chum finding Baden-Baden getting too cold to be pleasant, took their departure for the South. They take the cars and travel along the Rhine to Basle, where they take a diligence and journey across the uncultivated soil of Switzerland to Lucerne; thence making a journey over the snowclad Lepontine Alps to Coino, they take the cars en route across the Appennines, to the noted Genoa, having passed through beautiful Milan. They remain a few days at Genoa, after which they take a boat across the gulf to Leghorn; taking a bird'seye view of the latter, they push for Florence, the place of their destination, and their headquarters for the winter; as they had decided to make this place the center of a circle, from which they would radiate, to enjoy Italian scenery. Charles was responsible for the flying trip they had just accomplished, in reaching Florence; but no one could blame him; for, according to expectations, there was a letter here for him from the Queen City and from his Julia. He has obtained it--he reads: Cincinnati, September 1, 18--. Mr Dearest Friend--It is a painful duty to relate sad news, but you must know the worst: your affectionate mother is no more. The cholera has raged in this city since you left, and your mother was one of the first victims. Could I console you, I would do it; but one consolation you have is, that she was a Christian, and is now enjoying perfect happiness. Your folks, by this time, have become somewhat reconciled to their loss. However, with your father, it is a loss that can never be repaired: he will never banish her image from his heart sufficient to have another in her place. Your sisters seem to enjoy health and good spirits; not having the household cares upon their mind, as your father ha...