Page:The American fugitive in Europe.djvu/108

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100
PLACES AND PEOPLE ABROAD.

must confess that I was not a little prejudiced against them. On a bright sunshiny day, between the hours of twelve and two. I found myself seated in a carriage, my back turned upon Aylesbury, the vehicle whirling rapidly over the smooth macadamised road, and I on my first visit to an English gentleman. Twenty minutes' ride, and a turn to the right, and we were amid the fine old trees of Hartwell Park; one having suspended from its branches the national banners of several different countries, among them the "Stars and Stripes." I felt glad that my own country's flag had a place there, although Campbell's lines—

"United States, your banner wears
Two emblems,—one of fame;
Alas! the other that it bears
Reminds us of your shame!
The "white man's liberty in types
Stands blazoned by your stars;
But what 's the meaning of your stripes?—
They mean your Negro-scars"—

were at the time continually running through my mind. Arrived at the door, and we received what every one does who visits Dr. Lee—a hearty welcome. I was immediately shown into a room with a lofty ceiling, hung round with fine specimens of the Italian masters, and told that this was my apartment, Hartwell House stands in an extensive park, shaded with trees that made me think of the oaks and elms in an American forest, and many of whose limbs had been trimmed and nursed with the best of care. This was for several years the residence of