The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1859-12-22
lkTERE ESTING TALE.
ONLY A PRINTER
Or, q Tale of the Il. H. V,s.
AN INCIDENT RELATED BY GOV. FLOYD AT
THE ''WHITE HOUSE"

Had L a tale TO recount of the olden
time, laying the scene thereof in England
France, Spain, or any of the old countries,
to us associated 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 mon
asteries, it would be far more acceptable
to the great masses than if the scene was
laid here in this land Of plodding Yam
KEGS, railroads, manufactures, and cot
ton speculations never theless, will en-
deavor to spin a yarn, which, by the way,
is not altogether a yarn, but facts and
unvarnished truths.
| had the pleasure of spending a few
days recently, continued Gov. +. with Il
distinguished friend of mine in Rich
mond, and while there heard the follow
ing conversation between the wife and
daughter of my host
'I4a me, whatimpertinence. exclaim-
ed Lizzie X. as she scanned beautiful
colored note handed her by servant.
"What occasions your surprise, my
dear?" enquired her mother
"Rather say Indignation, mother, at
being asked, and even urged to take tea
this evening at Mrs. Downer's, the tan
ner's wife"
''And why should you not, my dear 20
''Think you it would be proper, mother,
for me, the daughter of Judge K one of the
wealthiest and most distinguished men of
the city, to associate with such low-bred
mechanics?"
"Indeed, my daughter, if they are me-
chanics, they are a people well to do in
the world, respectable, pious, agreeable,
and every way worthy of your acquaint-
ance."
"Really, mother" continued the young
lady, as she tossed her pretty head, '1'm
disposed to think differently, and SO far
from encouraging, L prefer always being
removed as far as possible from the Ia
boring classes. Besides, how is it expect
ed that I should enjoy myself in converse
| with such people, whose only talk would
| be about the stocks, the market, and their
own private concerns. Quite an intellec-
tual tete-a-tete would it be, mother, dear!'
"Oh. fe, Lizzie, fie! But L am to
blame for this. I've shown you too much
indulgence; you are spoilt; so must even
now set about repairing my garden, and
pluck out the weeds and tares ere it be too
| late.
"Come sit down beside me, Lizzie, and
I will give you your first lesson of worldly
experience, by relating to you story,
which L trust will lower your pride, and
make you better woman. A woman
with no pride my daughter, is but dron-
ing, easy creature, but one with too much,
is naughty, niggard and selfish; both the
extremes contemplate and mean. BE
then neither too fashionably dressed nor
too slovenly, too devout nor too worldly
\ mere butterfly in the world of fashion
and pleasure, making but small preten-
sions to religion, is character bad enough.
but worse to my thinking is the fiery
zealot, on the other hand, who has toe
many rigid virtues; who is continually
railing against the world, displeased at
anything like social and rational enjoy
ment, and shocked at the least merrlment
dancing, playing or any amusement that
the heart, in its fullness and gladness,
prompts the young and sprightly to in
dulge SO, then, avoid extremes OF every
description" But to the story:
Sixteen years ago, Salem, in Virginia
was one of the most lovely villages lmagl
nable situated in the heart of the great
valley of Virginia, yet commanding q
magnificent view of the bold outlines OF
the Alleghenies and the Blue Ridge
The village contained no buildings OF note