The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-08-07


that can hallow intimate union Not even
nv reverence for the best Of fathers could induce
me to enter into it from mercenary motives
Mercenary, sir! JMetcendry! Who ever be-
fore dared to couple that word with my name?'
exclaimed the Councillor, raising himself to his
full height, and fixing k'ndlng eye upon ms
son; then, pacing the apartment few times, he
stepped opposite to him and added, You speak
of the affection that should precede marriage.
Have the goodness to understand, that the mis-.
placing of yours may materially effect your pat
rimonial Inheritance He seemed to wait for a
reply, but in vain. May enquire, if you have
thought fit thus early, to decide seriously OH the
preference of any young lady as companion for
iife?'
Il have, SIR
May l be favored with a knowledge of her
name?'
Miss Martha Dandrige.'
The high spirited gentlemen parted in mutual
resentment, but the reflection of night restored
them to better feelings. The father began to ex-
cuse the son by recalling the warmth of his own
early attachment; while the son referred the tes-
tiness of the father to the narrowing disappoint-
ment of the long cherished plan, and to the que
rillousness of feeble health. Still, as it usually
happens with proud men, neither opened his
heart TO the other;-and slight, though almost
imperceptble shade of GOODNESS gathered over
their intercourse this interview served as
u stimuent to the progress to matrlmony. The
fathers temporary reserve, throwing something
like gloom over the paternal mansion, heightened
the frequency and fervor Of the visits of the low
er. The gentle object OF mis- preference magn-
ed no barrier to an alliance, where there existed
no obvious inequality; and he forebore to COM
municate what would only occasion perpleXity,
and what he trusted would soon vanish like the
baseless fabric of q vision. According TO his
happy prescience, the lofty Councillor gave his
consent to the nuptials, and the flower of the
court of Williamsburgh, became bride in the
blush of her seventeenth summer.
Their residence retired and romantic
mansion on the banks of the Pamunkey. 1t
reared its snowy walls amid profusion of vines
and Towering trees, broad plantations, and the
wealth of Virginia forests varegated the grounds.
Rural occupations, and the delight of each 9th
ers society, prepared for them what they deemed
paradise. In visits to their favored dwelling
the councillor learned TO appreciate the treasure
of his new daughter Her excellence in the re-
sponsible sphere TO which she was introduced,
won his regard; and with the ingenuousness
of an honorable mind, when convinced of error,
he sought every opportunity of distinguishing
that merit he had once been reluctant to admit.
When he saw the graces and courteousness with
which she maintained generous hospitality; the
judgment far beyond her years displayed in the
management of her servants; the energy, the ear
ly rising, the cheerful alacrity with which she
regulated and beautified the internal mechanism
of her family; the dislnterestedness with which
she forgot herself and sought the good of others;
but above all, her untiring devotion to her bus
band, and to the little ones that sprung up around
hers he gloried in the sentiment of his son, which
indeed, he had always believed, though he was
once in danger of swerving from it, that strong
personal affection is necessary to the basis OF mat
rmonial happiness.
But this scene of exquisite felicity was not
long to last. The death of her eldest chill
dren prepared the way for the loss of her beloved
and estinable husband In the trying situation
of young, beautiful and wealthy widow and
mother. she was still enabled TO conduct herself
with unvarying discretion, and faithfully to dis
charge every important duty.
1t was in the summer of 175S, that two gentle
men, attended by servant, were seen riding
through the luxuriant scenery with which the
county ofKent, in Virginia, abounds. The most
striking figure of the group was tall-graceful
and commanding, in rich military undress and
apparently twenty FIVE or twenty six years OF age.
He would have been held model for the stat
uary when Rome in her best days. His
companion was an elderly man in plain garb,
who by the familiarity with which he pointed
out surrounding objects would seem to be taking
daily round upon his own estate. AS they APP
preached an avenue to an antique mansion, he
placed his hand upon the reign Of his compan-
ion:
NAY, Colonel Washington, let it never be said
that you passed the house OF your fathers friend,
without dismounting. must insist on the hon
or of OBTAINING you as my guest
Thanks to you, my dear sir, but ride in haste,
the bearer of dispatches to our governor in Will
amsburgh, which may not brook delay
Is this the noble steed which was given you
by the dying Braddock, on the fatal field of Mo-
nongahela? and this the servant he bequeathed
you at the same time"
Washington answered in the affirmative.
Then, my dear Colonel, thus mounted and
attended, you may well dine with me, and by
borrowing somewhat of,his fine moonlight, reach
Williamsburgh ere his excellency shall have
shaken off his morning slunbers.'
DO understand, that may be excused i'm
medately after dinner?'
Immediately, with all the promptness of mil
itary discipline
Then, sir, l accept your hospitalIty;. and
gracefully throwing himself from his spirited
charger, he resigned the reigns to his English
servant, giving at the same time strict orders as
to the hour when ne must lie ready with the
horses to pursue their journey.
Al