Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1870-08-12

been dealing was a man Of principle.
Had it been anything but respectability
that was a question felt sure that generosity
would have conquered prejudice. As it was,
there was another party in the case who had
great influence. Mrs. Brown declared that her
self and family had been made the victims Of an
imposition little short of outrage. Anticipating
the possibility of an alliance at some future day,
her curiosity had prompted her TO make full in
quiries in regard to the connections Of the inter
esting young student who she hoped would
eventually become her son-in-law. What means
she had used to make herself acquainted with
the particulars of Georges past life. and of his
ancestry, DO not know; but it was not long be-
fore gossip brought to my ears recital of the
main events in his history, more full and accu-
rate in all that could tend to iDjure him than
had supposed could possibly be obtained, even
by one desiring to do him harm.
1t IS hardly necessary 10 say that George
Madison was tabooed from that day. All doors
were closed against him who had SO recently
been fAvorite. The charge preferred against
him was that he was not a reliable man. 1t was
dangerous, society said, TO have anything to DO
with adventurers.
| argued against this view Of the case. Some
Of my friends admitted that the thing was not
very clear. Said one more frank than therest,
d" Madison is a darkey and in society that in
cludes all other crimes"
l feared the effect which this change in his
prospects would have upon ny friend, and as the
event proved, not without reason. lie did rot,
however, seem so much surprised IS I had an
,icipated.
- It is Just what | nigh. have expected, -
said he calmly. " This is not my first trouble Of
this nature duri3g the frs, wear Of my wander
ing about the States had several sore defeats in
attempting 10 associate with those who were my
equals in sll except cllur Tbs, then IS rot my
irst defeat - but, he added bitterly, % in
tend that it shall be my last of this description
From tha. time he Withdrew himself -csolutely
from al places where he would cone in con
tact with that society which he wss
fitted 20 sdorn. Ne nc longer sought
90 frd employment or to te recognized
among those with whom he had teen educated
1t was in vain that ] urged him 70 remember Lis
friends, if not himself, IN the choice of m occu-
patton.
he replied to aIl my suggestions and arEu-
ments that the world VAS against him, and thu;
any effort he might make to take such position
as 1 advised would only subject HIM to disap-
poiutmeut and rii!cule
George was not one, however, 20 yic,d to ire
solution or despair. lie had his own plans and
proceeded to carry them out regardless Of the
opinions OF others.
lie left Iae, and soon after received letter
from him dated AZ Richmond. Virginia. saying
that he had JUS completed bis arrangements and
was about entering into n somewhat lucrative,
though not perhaps otherwise desirable occupa-
ton lie hs1 undertaken he management Of 4
hair dressing and hair cutting establishment, in
fact barters shop. Il have no doubt" be
wrote me, ' thar you viii think it an uuWi-e