Description - Notes of a Pianist; During His Professional Tours in the United States, Canada, the Antilles, and South America Preceded by a Short Biographical Sketc by Louis Moreau Gottschalk
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. 1881 Excerpt: ...Unfortunately, counting on leaving, I paid my bill after dinner, and consequently have renounced all my rights upon the room which I have occupied part of the day--it has been immediately taken. The hotel being insufficient to hold all the passengers of the train, a place was first provided for the women and children. Not being able to get in under either of these categories, I have the sad perspective of passing the night on the floor, at a temperature of twenty-six degrees below zero. There are fifty or sixty of us in the same place. The society is not, as you will understand, very select. It is composed of sick and disbanded soldiers, of pioneers from the Indian frontiers, peddlers, of horse-sellers, and ragged emigrants. I fastened my money in my fob, and also my watch-chain. Two or three persons who from their dress appeared to belong to the well-to-do class, approached me and acquaintances were instinctively made. In a moment this colony was divided into distinct groups, into little clans, which, without being hostile to each other, betoken nevertheless that if occasion require they would know how to defend themselves against the aggression of their neighbours. I begin to think of my corner for the night. The tempest roars outside. If you never experienced a storm at sea you cannot form any idea of this upturning of nature. My thoughts turn to the poor travellers who shall have been surprised on the prairies. They will find a certain death there. The house creaks on its foundations. The wind whistles lamentably. Do you know anything more mournful than those ascending and descending chromatic scales which you hear when the wind whistles through the cordage of a vessel? It seems to me I am on board. Two firemen have just entered with their hands frozen;...
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