In every thing
appertaining to the mansion were the indications of almost unlimited
wealth, directed by the severest and most elegant taste. The broken
furniture was heavy and elaborately carved; the remnants of carpet of
sumptuous velvet; the walls, ceiling, doorways, and deep windows were
one mass of the richest chiselling and most elaborate fresco-painting.
On the walls still hung some faded portraits in the most costly frames.
On the mantel-pieces of variegated marble, supported by fluted pillars,
with exquisitely carved capitals, rested a full length picture of a
gentleman, the heavy gilt frame tarnished and crumbling.
The house was desolate, deserted, inexpressibly saddening from the
evident contrast between its present and its past. But about the grand
mansion hung an august air of departed splendor which to me, was more
striking than if I had visited it in the days of its glory.
"Let me introduce 'Fonthill' to you, or rather the remains of it,
Surry," Mohun said, with a sad smile. "It is not pleasant to bring a
friend to so deserted a place; but I have long been absent; the house
is gone to decay like other things in old Virginia. Still we can
probably find two chairs. I will kindle a blaze, and we can light a
cigar and talk without interruption."
With these words, Mohun proceeded to the adjoining apartment, from
which he returned a moment afterward, dragging two chairs with
elaborately carved backs.
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