The letter was read many times, and with an increasing pleasure at
each re-perusal; and the bearer was received with such an abundance of
welcomes as must have convinced him his servitude would be very light.
But while his future master kept scanning his dusky physiognomy, as if
comparing his features with the brilliant beauty of her who had so long
been the glory of his existence, the page retained the same unmoved
demeanour which he had from the first evinced.
During these proceedings the anchor had been weighed, the sails trimmed,
and, amid the firing of cannon from the houses on each bank, and the
deafening shouts of the spectators, the Albatross majestically sailed
down the river, and having reached the ocean, soon lost sight of the
city of Columbus, its noble quays, its stately palaces, its generous
merchant, and its grateful citizens.