Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 December 1884 — Churlish. [ARTICLE]

Churlish.

Our grandmothers used to cry over “Thaddeus of Warsaw” and the “Scottish Chiefs.” When “Thaddeus” was first published in London, in 1803 it made a sensation and Jane Porter, its author, suddenly found herself famous. Lord Abercom, an eccentric nobleman, had a passion for inviting to his great house those who had become famous or were noted for beauty. His guests had the freedom of the house. They could shoot, hunt, ride, drive, do what they liked, provided they never spoke to Lord Abercom at table. As soon as “Thaddeus of Warsaw” began to make A sensation, his lordship said to his wife, “Hah! we must have these Porters. Write, my dear I” She wrote, inviting Jane Porter and her sister, Anna, also a novelist, to pay them a visit. An answer came from Jane, that they could not afford the expense of traveling. A check was sent. When they arrived Lord Abercom peeped at them from behind a door as they came through the hall. They were plain-looking, and he delighted in handsome women. Running by the private staircase to. Lady Abercom’s room, he exclaimed “Witches! my lady. I must he off!” He took his carriage, and remained away till the guests had departed, thus showing himself a churlish host wanting the grace of hospitality.— Youth’s Companion.