Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-03-05
From the Saturday Courier.
THE STRANGER GUEST.
A Tale of our Country,


IN the early part OF September, at that period
of our national history, which has been so
aptly termed "the times that tried mems
SOULS" that a traveller, worn with fatigue
and covered with dust, drew up his weary
steed before small cottage in the south
western part of Virginia, and throwing the
rcins upon the animals neck, dismountcd,
and demanded of an old, gray-hcaded negro,
who came forward, il his master or mistress
were in. He was about to answer, when the
door opened and middle-aged lady APP
pearcd.
GOOD evening, madam" said the stran-
ger, bowling politely as he approached her;
twill you allow stranger to claim share
of hospitality at your hands have ridden
far to-day throug the heat and dust, and
feel somewhat sick and faint. If you will
accommodate me. l shall feel greatly
obliged"
"Cer,ainly," was the ready response.
"You are quite welcome to what little hosp-
tally our house can afford in these times.
Walk in"
He thanked her kindly: and giving his
horse in charge of the servant, with injunc-
tons TO take good care of the faithful animal,
he followed his hostess into the house. He
was ushcred intoa plain but neatly furnished
parlor, where sat young lady engaged with
her needle. She wasapparcnty about sew
entecn years of age, and, and as she rose
from her seat as he entered, displayed form
Of exceeding graccfulness and beauty. Her
eyes were dark and lustrous, and hair of a
ietty, shining black, contrasting finely with
her high and open brow, white as the driven
snow. Her cheeks were rife with the rich
bloom of health, which mantlcd over them
like the soft ,nts of the blushing rose; whilst
her lips Of ruby red, and teeth of pcarly white
added to the lovely and bewitching express
sion of her countenance.
"Lucy," said the elder lady, "see to pre-
pairing some supper for this gentleman"
The young woman left the room to obey,
whilst Mrs. Fortcscuc-for such was the
lady's name-sat down with her guest. lie
remained for some moments in silence, and
as lights had by this time been brought in,
she had an opportunity Of examining his
looks.
lie was Of a tall and majestic figure, and
from the appearance Of his head, which was
somewhat slvcrcd, was between forty and
fifty years of age. His brow was open and
serene; his forehead high and expansive
and his eyes, which were of a clear gray,
bcamcd with an expression of bencvolcnce &
mildncss, which dilluscd itself over his whole
countcnance. His lips were firm and COM
pressed, dencting energy and detcrmina-
ton of character; and his embrowncd, sun
burnt visage bespoke him no stranger to
"wind and weather." He was dressed after
the fashion of the times, though in manner
that betokeued him to belong to the higher
class of society. His coat of fine broadcloth
was trimmed with gold-lace; and his bree-
ches, which we're Of dark velvet, were fast
cned at his knees by buckles of the same
metal, finely wrought. His hair was worn
in qnen, and powdered, as was the custom
and the only thing in which he differed from
the gentleman of that period was, tina, in
stead of the usually worn skcn hose and
shoes, his legs were encascd in pair of mi
litary top-boots. Yet, though his liabilimen,s
were of the finest materials, there was no
appearance OF ioppcry or pride; indeed, the
nob!cness of his person, and surprising Dig
nifty of his countenance, precluded any ne
cessty for vain decorations.
"Madam," he observed for the first time
5 breaking silence, III saw in MY ride to-day,
that the ruthless hand ufwar has left no light
; impress upon your portion Of the country"
"No, sir, the reckless and daring soldery
! # Brtain.-the minons Of tyrant-have
i destroyed and laid every thing waste before
them. |, myself have been loser. Out
of severallarge plantations. this small cottage
and strip Of land is all that remain"
"You have indeed been a loser"
"4es, sir; Yet still if God, at the end OF
this horrible war, but gives back to me safe
my son, shall feel myself unable to express
sufficiently my gratitude for his goodness and
: mercy" & the good matron wiped the tears
: from her eyes as she spoke.
ale is in the army then supposed" he
b inquired.
ayes, sir, he is engaged in the sacred cause
c OF freedom he is fighting for the liberty OF
) his country, Il to avenge the deaths of our
Lucy's parents, who were cruely murdered
III cold-blood soon after the war commenced
lie has sworn to do il, and know he will.
for he has the spirit of his father, who, had
: he lived to witness these scenes Of oppres-
sion would gladly have sold his life in de-
fence of the nations rights"
She paused for moment, and then re.
Z sumed--
but perhaps, sir, have been impruden,
c IN thus, under the excitement Of. my feelings
9 speaking openly my mind to yon, stranger
e yet i will trust to your honor as gentleman
h evenihongh you may be Of the opposite party
for there are few gentlemen even amongst
them,) to not harm widow"
"Rcst assured, madam" returned the
: stranger, "tlat you speak in the presence OF
a friend--one whose sentiments are in unison
with your own, and who ever has been, and
ever will be, the ftn opposer of wrong and
E injustice"
supper was no announced, and Mrs. For
. tescue with Lucy Grattan sat down to do the
b honors of the table to their stranger guest.
4 "Madam," said he again, BEGINNING the
t conversation, and addressing the widow
though he kept his eyes bent upon the lovely
being opposite to him, "you have not told
me, as yet, your sons name.--It NAV be
, that know him, and can give you some in
: formation respecting him. belong to the
+ army myself, and left il on my way to viii.