The weekly ledger., 1857-06-06

Oioco niiiloaiy CarTldge. Ills lace was oval,
and the features decidedly handsome. The
main expression of his countenance displayed
frankness and sincerity. His age seemed
about thirty. His scarlet coat was faced
with buff, and buff breeches, with white silk
stockings, adorned the lower part of his per-
son. Such was the ball room costume of
that period.
You seem melancholy to night, Major
Andre" said his fair companion. "On such
a night as this you should be otherwise"
And in such company, you should have
added, Miss Beekman. Pardon me for this
apparent quietness: The thought that this
may be the last night that shall ever spend
in New York, is enough to make one feel sad,
is it not fair LADY,
Leave New York, Major Andre?v said
the young lady, with some surprise. care
you going South with Lord Cornwalls?"
A soldier, Miss Beckman, must inform
no one of his destination, and particularly one
like yourself, with touch of the rebel feel
ing towards your countrymen This much
will answer am not going South"
"Some new plan of Sir Henry's, III be
bound" said the laughing girl. al do love
Washington, and that is the truth. My
father, it is certain, remains firm in his allie
glance to King George, but |, 60 with our
Republican George-the soldier from Vir-
ginia."
/ cannot say that think less of you for
such feelings, Miss Beekman," said Andre;
1T is natural that we should love our coun-
try. Washington is a brave soldier, and from
all hear g good man. Be that as it may,
however, he has no right to take up arms
against his lawful king, and when he is taken,
as he must be, he will end his days on glib
bet"
"Tll wager you this rose' said the merry
hearted girl, in laughing tone, taking one
from her hair, "against the first new novel
you receive by the London packet that you
will suffer such punishment first-and that
you know is impossible, Major; for my coun-
trymen treat the kings officers with the high
est respect when prisoners. Spies only are
hung and neither Washington nor yourself
are likely to undertake that profession"
1t seemed as if spasm passed through
the frame Of the officer, for he trembled for
an instant like leaf an incident which was
long after remembered by his fair companion
when mentioning his melancholy fate
You are ill., Major Let us go in.'
"No, no." said he, faintingly; =" it was but
a momentary nervous affection, and has now
passed"
"There are at times, Miss Beckman, pre-
sentiments of evil in the human mind, that
come without real cause, and trouble us we
know not why, | cannot say but that phys-
cal health is as good as it ever was. The
night is beautiful, and the scene within Sir
Henry's mansion enchanting; but still there
is heaviness about my spirits cannot shake
off. see danger before me, yet know not
where to guard against, or how to meet it.
Though shadowy it appears palpable and
distinct. All! that song"
AT this moment the silver tones of the
sentinePs voice rang sweetly upon the ear
with the words Of song we have mentioned
Whilst thus engaged, the Major and his fair
companion suddenly appeared before him.
In an instant his voice was hushed, and his
musket brought suddenly to "present arms"
as he stood motionless in true military style
before his superior
Nay, nay, Whitley, cease not your song"
said the Major; "on such night as this
wonder not that you should like singing.
will stand responsible to the sergeant for such
breach of discipline"
" should like much better to hear it in
full soldier" said the lady
+" only know it, lady," said the sentinel
from hearing Major Andre sing it when I've
been on duty at his quarters. Perhaps he,
madam, will consent to favor you with H."
"Well Miss Beckman, will not deny you,
but cannot equal Whitley in the song, as
you will soon find OUT
He then commenced and sung with great
pathos and beauty. The calm splendor of
the night, his pensive air, and the feeling
which he entered into the words of the song,
gave it great effect AS he concluded, he
was surprised to hear the exclamations,
" Bravo Andre!" from numerous voices. In
fact he was surrounded by goody portion
of the ball room company, who had availed
themselves Of pause in the dance to visit
the garden.
"Well done, Andrep said a stout and
portly gentleman in military costume with a
large star on the breast of his coat, you
shall hereafter bear the title of song master
as well as Ajutant General to his Maesty's
troops in America. But, come, man-your
politeness and gayety seem to be on furlough
tonight The Baroness de Reidase has been
looking all round for her partner. Step in,
my dear fellow, step in. Miss Beckmen, will
you condescend to take my arm"
"I have been neglectful, Sir Henry, aud
will go instantly and repair the wrong;' said
Andre.
He entered the ball room and waltzed
with Lady Reidasel, the wife of the Hessian
general Rnreoyne's second in command at