The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1857-06-24
A Tale Of Virginia Aristocracy.
An incident related BY governor Floyd, of Virgin
at the "White House.''1

Spain, or any of the old countries, to us asso-
clated with SO much romance and gorgeous
grandeur, in which there would be plenteous
sprinkling Of lords and ladies, priests and nuns,
magnificent palaces, haunted castles and gloomy
monasteries, it would be more acceptable to
the general masses than if the scene was laid
here in this land of plodding yankees, railroads,
manufactures and cotton speculations: never
theless, I will endeavor to spin a yarn which,
by the by, is not altogether yarn, but facts
and unvarnished truths.
I had the pleasure Of spending few DAYS
recently, continued Gov. T. with distinguish
ed friend of mine in Richmond, and while the
following conversation between the wife and
daughter of nay host took place:
''La! me, what impertinence,' exclaimed
Lizzie K, as she scanned beautiful colored
note handed by a servant.
"What occasions your surprise, my dear, -
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?"
"Think you it would be proper mother, for
me, the daughter of judge K, one of the most
wealthy and distinguished men in the city, to
associate with low bred mechanics
Indeed, my daughter, if they are mechan-
les, they are people well to doin the world, re-
spectacle, pious, agreeable, and in every way
worthy of your acquaintance.
"Really MOTHER continued the young lady,
as she tossed her pretty head, ''Im disposed
to think differently, and SO far from encoura-
ging, prefer being always removed as far as
possible from the laborng classes. Besides,
how can it be expected that I should enjoy my
self in conversation with such people, whose
only talk would be about the stocks, the mar
ket and their own concerns? Quite an intel
lectual t&te tete would it be mother''
ooh, fe, Lizzie! ButI am to blame for all
this. have shown you too much indulgence
you are spoilt; so [ must even now, set about
repairing my garden, and pluck out tares and
weeds ere it be too late"
"Come sit down by me, Lizzie, and I will
give you your first lesson of worldly expert
ence, by relating to you story, which I trust
will lower your pride and make you better
woman. woman with no pride, my daugh-
ter, is but a droning, easy creature, but one
with too much is naughty, niggardly and self:
ish; both the extremes contemplate and mean
Be then, neither too fashonably dressed MOI
too slovenly too devout nor too worldly. A
mere butterfly in the world of fashion anc
pleasure, making but small pretensions to re
ligion, is character bad enough, but worse tc
my mind is the fiery zealot, on the other hanc
who has so many rigid virtues; who is contin
ually railing against the world, displeased a
anything like social OF rational enjoyment, anC
bod ott tbo ,o1o
ing, or any amusement that the heart in its full
ness and gladness prompts the young and live
ly to indulge. So then. avoid extremes o
every description. But to the story:
"Sixteen years ago, Salem, in Virginia, wa
one of the most lovely villages imaginable; sit
uated in the heart of Virginia, yet commanding
magnificent view of the bold outlines of th
Alleghanies and the Blue Ridge. The vilag
contained no buildings OF note save two-on
of them a magnificent tenement, the residenc
of one of the cold Virginia aristocracy;" th
other, the only inn, small, quaint, yet pleas
ant house, nestled in the centre of the town
The proprietor of the one wealthy planter
and distinguished officer of the State; the 9th
er poor widow, whose only living depended
on the profits of her table, which were bu
scant, as there was but little travelling done A
that day through this retired village. And tn
advent of stranger was always a subject G
curiosity and interest to the good townsfolks
as it railways is in the secluded towns and villa
ges of the out of the way places of America
'sTo this little inn gaily dressed but wear.
worn traveller picked his way one evening, il
the autumn of 18-. The buxom hostess an,
her tidy daughter were all life. and friske
about stirring the savory viands, delicious cake
and eggs, much to the satisfaction of our hun
cry traveller, who appeared to be young ma
of some twenty summers, tall, commanding
of fine appearance and pleasing manners. H
soon, by dint of frankness and suavity of man
ner, insinuated himself into the good graces c
the mother and daughter, with the latter c
whom he appeared TO be much struck, for sh
was as lovely as she was neat and graceful
possessing charms not unlike and almos
equal to one | adore,' exclaimed the youn
traveller admringly, as he placed himself be
fore the sparkling fire after finishing his repas
'sand expect ere long to lead to the altar, an
with whom you are doubtless acquainted, a
she lives only in the mansion above the village
as understand"
"What, Emma Whte?" inquired the hostess
"Even so, my good dame, [ met her at th
springs some months ago, became enamore
with her, woed, won, and am now come
claim my bride.''
"She is beautiful creature, indeed!'' intel
posed Augusta, the hostess daughter, "bu
somewhat proud as is her father
mot SO indeed, gentle Augusta; if she ha
pride it is nothing but nature; maidenly prld
which every lass should have. And you say
Miss Augusta that she is quite WE'LL well,
will let this pleasing intelligence restrain m
tonight, and tomorrow, l will give the fai
enchantress hope an agreeable surprise
Early next morning as etiquette would per
nit, the young man set out with buoyant hear
to the mansion
But we will precede him and look in on hi
| fair betrothed.
In magnificent parlor of the mansion sa
Emma White and her mother, the one thum
ming on piano and the other interrogating
servant:
.s.And you say, sambo, he lodged last nigh
at the imp
"Yess, Missus, de cook say be dare now
"Well, you can retre-and so ma, it's evel
as l expected; I thought it him as erode pas
| last evening""
"Well Emma, how do you intend to b]ut
n I, :,1-;,c # will ha , cb n n, o f,,l o n,