Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-07-04

THE "wHlTE HOUSE."
Had | a tale to recount of the olden times
laying the scene thereof in England, France,
Spain, or any of the old countries, to us asso-
ciated with so much romance and gorgeous
grandeur, in which there would be penteous
sprinking of lords and ladies', priests and nuns,
magnificent palaces haunted castles and gloomy
monasteries, it would be far more acceptable to
the great masses than if the scene was laid here
in this land of ploJding Yankees, railroads,
manufactures, and cotton spoculations; never
theless, ] will endeavor to spin yarn which,
by the way, is not altogether yarn, but facts
and unvarnished truths.
had the pleasure of spending a few days
recently, continued Governor F., with distin-
guished friend of mine in Richmond, and while
there heard The following conversation between
the wife and daughter of my host
"La me, what imper,inence !" exclaimed
Lizzie X, as she scanned beautiful colored
note handed by servant.
"What occasions your surprise, my dear 7"
inquired her mother.
Rather say Indignation, mother, at being
asked, and even urged, to take tea this evening
at Mrs. Downer's, the tanners wife"
"And why should You not, my dear 7"
"Think you it would be proper mother, for
me, the daughter OF Judge K, one Of the wealth
lest and most distinguished men of the city, to
associate with such low-bred mechanics ="
Indeed, my daughter, if they are mechanics,
they are people well to do in the world, respec-
table, pious, agreeable, and every way worthy
OF your acquaintance.
"Really, mother" continued the young lady,
as she tossed her pretty head, "lm disposed to
think differently, and so far from encouraging,
prefer always being removed as far as posi-
Bile from the aborng classes. Besides, how is
it expected that should enjoy myself in con-
verse with such people. whose only talk would
be about stocks, the market, and their own pr-
vate concerns Quite an intellectual tete-a.tete
would it be, mother, dear"
"Oh he, Lizzie, he But am to blame
for this I've shown you too much indulgence;
you are spot so | must even now set about
repairing my garden, and pluck out weeds and
tares ere it be too late.
"Come sit down beside me, Lizzie, and |
will give you your first lesson of worldly ex-
perlence by relating 10 you story, which trust
will lower your pride, and make you a better
woman. woman with no pride, my daughter
is but droning, easy creature, but one with
two much is naughty, niggardy, and selfish
but the extremes contemplate and mean. Be
then neither too fashionably dressed nor too
slovenly, too devout nor too worldly A mere
butterfly in the world of fashion and pleasure,
making bu, small pretension to religion, is
character had enough. but worse to my mind is
the fiery zeao, or on the other hand. who has
so many rigid virtues who is continually rail-
ing against the world, dspleased at anything
like social and rational enjoyment, and shocked
at the least merriment, dancing, playing, or any
amusement that the heart, in its iullness and
gladness, prompts the young and sprghtly to
indulge. So, then, avoid extremes of every
description. But 10 the story
"Sixteen years ago, Salem, in Virginia, was
one of the most lovely villages imaginable
situated in the heart of the great valley of Vir-
ginia, yet commanding a magnificent view of
the bold outlines of the Alleehnies and the Blue
Ridge. The village contained no buildings of
note save two-one of them, a magnificent ten
cment, the prlncely residence of one of the 'Old
Nrg inia aristocracy > the other, the only inn,
a small, quaint, yet pleasant house, nestled in
the centre of the town. The proprietor of the
one, a wealthy planter, and distinguished officer
Of The State; the other poor widow, whose
only living depended on the profits other table,
which were but scant, as there was little trav-
elling done, at that day, through this retired
village. And the advent of a stranger was al
ways a subject of curiosity and interest to the
good towniolks, as it is always so in the seclud-
ed villages and inns, in the of-the-way places
of America.
To this little inn gaily dressed, yet weary
worn traveller picked his way one evening in the
autumn of l9-. The buxom hostess and her
tidy daughter we're all life, and frisked about
besirting the savory viands, delicious cakes and
eggs, much 10 the satisfaction of our hungry
traveller who appeared TO be young man of
some twenty summers, tall, commanding, of fine
appearance and pleasing manners. He soon,
by dint of frankness and suavily of manner, in
sinuated himself into the good graces OF the
hostess and daue hier, with the latter Of whom
he appeared to be much struck, for she was as
lovely as she was neat and graceful.
Possessing charms not unlike and almost
equal to one / ADORE" exclaimed the young
traveller admringly, as he placed himself be-
fore the sparkling fire after finishing his repast,
"and expect ere long to lead to the altar, and
with whom you are doubtless acquainted, as she
lives only in the mansion above the village, as
| understood"
"What Emma Whi,ei" inquired the host
ess.
"Even so, my good dame, met her at the
springs some months ago, became enamore1 with
her, wooed, won, and am now come 10 claim
my BRIDE"
"Sho is a beautiful creature, indeed !" in
terposed Augusta, the hostesss daughter, shut
somewhat proud as is her father"
"Not so, indeed gentle Augusta ; ifshe has
pride it is nothing but nature; maidenly pride,
which every lass should have, And you say,
Miss Augusta, she is quite well; well, will
let this pleasing intelligence restrain me to-
night, and morrow, will give the fair en-
chantress, trust, an agreeable surprise"
Early next morning as etiquette would per-
init, the young man set out with buoyant heart
and high hopes to the mansion.
But we will precede him, and look in on his