In the American Club at London, Jaspar Durbin, a young American, wagers with his friend Richard Schuyler that he can, within three weeks, cross the Atlantic to America without paying his passage. This is how Durbin does it. The Honorable ...See moreIn the American Club at London, Jaspar Durbin, a young American, wagers with his friend Richard Schuyler that he can, within three weeks, cross the Atlantic to America without paying his passage. This is how Durbin does it. The Honorable Sir Arthur Courcy, an English Peer, just preparatory to making a trip to America, discharges his valet and advertises for another. Durbin answers the "Ad" and secures the position. Lord Courcy arranges with him to impersonate him on the voyage and he will take his place as the valet, to escape the attention of the title-hunting mammas. On board the steamer, Jaspar Durbin, as Lord Courcy, is the center of attraction and Mrs. Knowlton. a wealthy American, takes special pains to make his acquaintance and introduces her daughter, a very attractive young lady, whose company Durbin very much enjoys. Lord Courcy, as the valet, finds his position very embarrassing when Durbin orders him about and makes him wait on him in the presence of the ladies. Incidentally, he objects, and when Durbln reprimands him for insubordination, he becomes somewhat assertive, which greatly astonishes the ladies, who think him a very strange sort of man-servant. The Lord is unable to stand it longer, and toward the end of the voyage, tells Durbin he must assert himself and declare his identity. A reception is to be held that evening and Durbln is to accompany Harriet Knowlton and her mother. This is thought by Sir Courcy to be a favorable time in which to declare himself to the ladies and also let them know that Jaspar Durbin is only his valet. This affords Durbin an opportunity to declare himself and he makes himself known to Lord Courcy and shows him the written wager with Schuyler. After Sir Courcy's astonishment has subsided, they have a good laugh over the matter, and then agree to appear at the evening reception together, and introduce each other. Arrayed in evening dress, they attend the reception, much to the surprise of Harriet and her mother, whose surprise is greatly increased when the two men tell exactly who they are. The revelation creates a delightful pleasantness between them all. Harriet readily accepts Durbin's proffered arm, while Mrs. Knowlton is escorted to another part of the room, leaving Harriet and Jaspar to blissful enjoyment of each other's company. Written by
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