The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1869-02-04
STANTON, VIRGINIA. THURSDAY. FEBRUARY l. 1859

adieu, and started for the next settlement,
some twenty miles distant. frf
The journey should have been made in
half day, but owning to the terrible state
of the roads, and my only partial acquain-
tanss with then, at nightfall found myself
lost in the wilderness A pretty state Of af-
fairs, thought I, for New Years Eve! After
cropping about in the woods two hours, with
out succeeding in even finding the sign Of a
habitation, threw the bride on my horses
neck, and determined to trust to luck and
brute instinct for : lodging place that night,
and soon my patience was rewarded, for
saw eight ahead"
Down in a valley, almost completely hid
den by hills, was large mansion. I could
see the size Of the house, for every window
was Illuminated and laughter and music
greeted me as reached the gate, which was
quickly opened by negro. who at once as
sisted me to alight, evidently thinking me
one of the invited guests to the party in pro-
gress in the house, called for the master, ex-
told him who and what [ was. To my graft
fication be was we'll acquainted with my
house in New York, and at once ordered my
saddlebags to be taken to room, telling a
boy to provide me with refreshments and
everything needful, and, politely requesting
me to come down to the parlor after resting
he left me- q e Asz4 t9
Feeling very much fatigucd, I hastily
drank cup Of hot coffee and barely tasted
of the delicacies brought me- I then threw
myself upon the bed, intending to sleep a
few moments before joining the happy crowd
below
fell asleep and dreamed.
/ seemed to be in the same house for I
recognized the elegant surroundings of my
room; nd2distinct)y heard the music, which
gradually changed from the joyous dancing
glee into sad, sweet strain
:, My door Enclosed softly, and most beau
tiful vision entered the reon, which came d.
rectly toward my bed, and stood by my side
until the form and features fully impressed
themselves upon my mind.
The figure was that of young girl exou::-
sitely lovely, but clothed in thea habilirnsnts
Of the grave. Upon her head was wreath
of. orange flowers, and in her band she hold
an Episcopalian prayer book, opened at the
bridal service She look ed ct it moment
with smile, sadly shook her head, and then
turned to the beautiful sar7ica Of the dead
I raised my hand to my face, and when re-
moved 1.-THE vision had vanished, and very
soon I awoke
Looking at my watch, I found it was eleven
O'Clock the music seemed to invite nae to
join the dancers, and obeyed the call. Ny
new friend met me st the door, and at once
introduced me to his. wife a very handsome
stylish lady AS we stood conversing and
watching the joyous throng, my eyes rested
upon tie face of one fclt to be the lady Of
my dream is
| For Gods sake,' I said, graspiny Che
arm Of my hostess, "tcll me who that girl is"
She was much surprised at my rehemencc,
but she politely asked Which Que, as theirs
wcro many girls in the direction I appeared
| to be looking. +
j 'iCan you ask which one7 mean tina fair
faced angel il the dress Of ethereal blue.
"Oh" said the lady, smiling, that is my
eldest daughter But why did you ask 50
earnestlyYP '.@3a
| because because" I stammered, "she
is very lovely"
"Yes," said the pleased mother, "she is
considered very pretty girl. Let nae intro
duoe her to you" hs.S 'ig.
| [ know I seemed awkward, but how could
I help it, when in the dance, at the supper
! table, among the flowers, and everywhere, the
dream vision seemed fitting between the
blue -robed girl and myself
Her sister, bright eyed lass, scarcely IN
her teens came in for share Of attention,
and in her kindness of heart she stro7e to
/ amuse me by showing the rare pieces OF silver
in the possession Of her parents. One, Of
exquisite workmanship, particularly attracted
my attention 1t was massive silver pedes-
tai, upon which was mounted race horse,
over whose head was a kind Of canopy, upon
the cave of which hung delicate horse shoes
Of frosted silver; present, she said, from
the members Of a Jockey club, which was
organised by her father.
I was almost glad Hhen bed time came, for
could not forget my dream. It was nearly
daylight when went to sleep, and-eould
the room be haunted for amost fearful noise
awoke me- Had bloody conflict been raging
it could not have been more horrible; the
booming of cannon and gums almost deafened
me; groans of the dying, and even the aow
ing Of blood heard distinctly, and then all
was still. ar s 5i s55se5
Hearing movement at my window, I look
ed up and saw it gently raised and black
head pokod in 1t was the head Of the Negro
I who had brought up my supper ] instantly
thought it was his intention to rob me, and !
attempted to move. To my intense horror
could not The negro, George, after speak.
ing to some one below, came into the room
and instead Of touching my cloths, he com
pletely ignored my presence, and going to
closet. which he knocked open, he proceeded
| to take therefrom sundry articles Of clothing
He then relieved bureau Of its contents ant
threw all from the window to his confederate
below. -,.. a BIB
Then he passed into another room, ant
when he again entered, he had in his ham
the silver ornament which SO much admire'
during the evening. He placed it on tn
table near my bed, and, now, thought |, m
time las come-no, he only went to the win
dow.
II say, George" I distinctly heard, "you'v
got cherry ting, what you going to do now
) ''Set de house on fire, OBJ course" was tn
reply, "to keep de bucras from finding out W
stealed from DEM I saw the negro place
light to the curtain, and as it blazed to tn
wall, he jumped from the window, forgettln
in his fear of danger the silver horse on tn
table r Era s hsz3 II 8aea
/ Uttarly powerless Law on my bed and sa,