The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1854-12-27

well, though she did not go into society herself,
yet held that position which would secure an
entree to any young female under her protection
| On being questioned on the subject of Miss
Smith, Mrs. Boutwell, would reply, that she
could vouch for the young lady's responsibility
but, beyond that, she knew nothing in regard to
her parentage Or history. Of course this hall
way intelligence contributed still father to pique
public curiosity, and to render the unknown
belle still more an object of marvel and of in
terest The facttkat no one among the throngs
who daily visited Washington. from all parts
of the Union and of the world, had ever seen
her or heard of her before, also added to the
general perplexity. Several young men at
tempted to lay direct siege to her heart and
innumerable were the japonicas and the sere-
nades with which they endeavored to facilitate
their approaches, but they elected from her
no manner of encouragement She received
their attentions with ''sad civlity," and, as soon
as possible, got rid of them, and exerted her
powers of fascination upon some influential
member Of congress.
One morning | called upon her at Mrs Both
Wells. AS assembled the stairs, in advance of
the servant, I accidentally glanced at a mirror
through the open door of an apartment. A re-
Election Of two figures arrested my attention.
One was the lady had come to visit, the other
Was young man, with features wan but highly
intellectual, and somewhat attenuated frame.
The lady's hand was run through the thick hair
that clustered about his pale forehead, and she
was gazing in his face with an expression of
deep and tender solcitude. A sound very like
a kiss succeeded this momentary attitude. Re-
luctant to disturb such an interview, turned to
retreat, but accidentally came in contact. with
the servant, who, tumblng halfway down
stairs effectually interrupted the afectionate
scene in the parlour. Without more ado after a
preliminary shuffling CT my feet to apprise the
parties that some one was coming, | entered the
room.
An opposite door closed as Miss Smith ad-
vanced to receive me, and I heard dry, omi-
nous cough proceed from the departing yisiter
It seemed to fall heavily upon the lady's heart,
for she stopped short, pressed her hand to her
eyes, and heaved a sigh. Quickly ral!ying,
lips, and received me with kindness. We con-
versed few minutes upon Indifferent subjects,
and I took an earl y leave.
AS drove home to Gadsby's, my mind was
more lost than ever in conjecture as to this ex-
ceedingly beautiful but mysterious young lady.
Who could the gentleman be on whom she had
lavished such tokens of endearment? Was he a
lover or husband? If either, why did he not
accompany her into society? Or, if his health
did not permit such indulgence, how could she
quit him to become the cynosure of ballroom?
Perhaps he was brother. No, sister could
never have bestowed such look and such an
embrace. What could it all mean?
A week after this interview I called at the
white house with a friend from England, who
was desrous Of an introduction to the remarka-
bic man who then occupied the presidential
chair. We were received by Jenny Grant, the
Irish door-keeper, who, with an absence of
ceremony which astonished my translantc COM
panion, took Us up stairs, and pointing to the
cabinet chamber said, "You will find the old
potic character, entered without farther ques-
tion. The first object I saw was Miss Smith,
lifting the presidents hand to herlps, while an
expression of earnest gratitude irradiated her
face. She held document with seal, which
looked like some official commission. Two or
three members of congress, who had apparent
ly accompanied her, were present On behold
ing the group, drew back, but wastoo late
to escape unobserved. The president called
upon me by name to enter, and Miss Smith,
turning at the same moment, greeted me with
nimitable grace.
"a call of the housc!'' exclaimed Jenny Grant
in his gruff voice, tbrusting his head abruptly
into the room, and as quickly withdrawing it.
''The sergeant alarms will be after u.s." OK
claimed one of the representatives.
1--WE are wanted at the CAPITOL said another
"Wi]l you not accompany us, Miss Smith, since
we cannot return to your home with you?"
Here is one to whose care you may confde
me. May they not?' said Miss Smith, turning
to me.
Of course I acquiesced, with many blessings
upon Jenny Grant for scattering the congress
men.
Introducing my friend to the chiefmagistrate,
[ gave my arm to the Lady, and we took our
leave. O.
When we were seated in the carriage, she
exclaimed pressing the parchment she held to
her heart: "At length have succeeded! Thank
heaven, have succeeded! An explanation. is
due to you, for you were one of the few who
have respected my secret, and evinced no idle
curiosity. Do not look as if I were on the eve
of revealing some mystery, for my story is a
very simple one, and can be told in a very few
words. | am from small and obscure village
in the upper part Of the state of New York,
where lived with my husband, a young lawyer
until he was visited by a pulmonary affection,
which excited my constant anxiety. The ply
sicians said there was safety in flight to tropi-
cal cline. Our means were too limited to al
low of such removal. At my suggestion my
husband visited Washington, and made strenu
Gus exertions to procure small post .-nder gov
eminent in the West Indies, He failed, for he
had never been a politician, and of course no
political capital would accrue to the admins
tration by his appointment. l had read in uni
yersal history, as well as in that of the present
dynasty, of the influence of woman in affairs of
state. persuaded my husband to dispose of
our little farm and accompany me to Washing
ton. We came. From the circumstances ofI
his illness, could not well appear in society
than did-as a single young lady.
[ acquainted myself with the most prominent
members of congress-made them sharers of
my onfdence-interested them in my behalf,
leJ -