Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1859-04-29
CHAPTER II.


Twilight stole silently upon Laurelwood; ;
it curlcd in upon the mansion aud surround
ing trees like pale, soft mist. 1t was a
very quiet hour, but to Jessie Burnside there
was something inexpressibly oppressive in
the air Her fair companions, Ruth Havi-
land and Judith Burnside, her sister, SYM
pathized with these feelings of uneasiness.
With the exception of Blinko, a black serv-
ant, and Jupe a mulatto girl, those ladies
were at this time, the sole occupants of the
house. Mrs. Burnside being absent in at
tendance upon sick relative, while Mr..
Burnside was serving in Marion's brigade
TWAS at that period when the struggle for
liberty seemed dark and hopeless. South
Carolina was overrun with pittiless enemies,
and devastated with fire and sword. Tory
ism was rife, and stalked abroad like a de-
stroying angel, smiting old and young. No
one knew where to find faith and good fel-
lowship till danger and death had come to
apply the test to friend and brother
BurNside's mansion-which had received
the name of Laurelwood on account of its
proximity to Laurel Swamp--was So far dis
tant from towns and cities that he flattered
himself its quietude would not be intruded
upon by marching armies or wandering
bands of loyallsts. 1t is true that be left
his beloved ones with reluctance, and was
often harassed with fears for their safety
but duty-yca, necessity called him to the
field, and he went, hoping that Providence
would protect those he left at home. So
far Laurelwood had not been molested.-
The terrible tales of the atrocities commit,
ted in neighboring towns and hamlets wore
daily reaching him. The young ladies had
recently, too, had their fears excited by the
prosecutions of certain persons, whose char,
acters and principles wsro alike obnoxious
With these parties We shall soon become
better acquainted,
Wishing to conceal her detection Of mind
and see if tho open air wero not more ex,
hlarating, Jessie Burnside opened the door
and stepped out, as she believed, unob,
served by Ruth and Judith. There was
a small summer house overgrown with vines
a few yards distant; she entered it and sat
down. She had scarcely done SO, when she
heard voice pronounce her name. She
sprang up with cry of terror. A large
rough hand was laid rudely over her mouth
it was the hand of Martin Vsntassle.
Come Miss, don't be frightened for an
neither wolf nor a panther, but plain Mar
tin Vantassle--as good man as you car
find atween here and the mouth of the San
tee. What's BETTER I'm kings man, auC
the kings men have it all thor own way
now.
You are rude and unmannerly, sir p ericC
Jessie, pushing him from her Indignantly
If you have business with me, speak it anC
begone ?
'Woll, mistress, havo matter of bus,
mess with ye, l reckon, which shall last fo
life if You like it. ant person that car
talk much, and haven't great deal of tim,
to spend in that soft palaver they call love
making; but | want wife right hard, anC
you're the gal I've kinder fixed my minC
on
'Oh, this is your wooing said Jessie con
temptuously. Let me tell you Martil
Vantassle, that your wooing is odious. Yol
are bear
u That's right, Miss; call me pet namos.-
You can make me the best natured bear il
the world, if you will
Vantassle attempted to tap her playful,
under the chin with his clumsy hand.
Don't touch me there is contamination
in the touch of ono who turns traitor, an,
betrays his own countrymen to foreign in
vaders. l have no patience with you, no
/ those of your character or habits of think
ing, who arc associated with you in YOU