Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-02-19
A VIRGINIA ROMANCE.
lFrom the Ocala [Florida) Banner. |


Some years ago there lived 10 Virginia
bs,utitul and accomplished young lady-a
member of one OF the oldest and best families
in that State She was the reigulnng belle 10
the society 10 which she moved. ln the
course OF time she married young lawyer
Of the highest respectability both as regards
talents and family connections. In due time
thew had SOP born to them. They we're very
happy.
atiops became 10 some way or another entang-
ed in Quarrel with brother lawyer. duel
was the result lu the contest the husband was
killed. The wife became lnconsolate. severe
Ar of Sickness followed. When she recovered,
the only thing to lavish the whole affection OF
her heart upon was her son. her entire atten-
tlon was given to bin.
After year or two she was surrounded by an
immense number of admirers, aud several made
proposals of marriage. She declined them all.
Her heart was true to her first and only love.
All last, many Of her admirers importuned her
to marry them offering her fortune, station,
everything that would be likely to win a wo-
mans heart-but all of DO avail. She replied to
them that she could not give them her hand
without her affectlons-her heart was with the
buried dead.
The widow found these approaches were
made to her so often and so earnestly that she
withdrew herselffr from society as the only means
Of obtaining anything like quletness; but even
then letters would annoy her. So she deter
mined to get out of the way OF society entirely
and seclude herself in some retired spot. She
did not care where she went if she could only
obtain quietuess and enjoy the pleasure OF
training and cultivating her boys mind and
have his exclusive society. He was noble lit
tie fellow.
Well, after looking about for place where
absolute seclusion could be obtained aud be
unknown, aud the climate would be cougeuial,
she determined upon Florida. So she re-
moved to retired spot about mile or two
from Ocala, where she found small hut al
ready built and suited to her requirements.
She purchased it. and there lived for some
time, where, unhappiIy, her boy was taken
sick and died, and was buried rear her house.
She planted an acorn near by that was found
after his death in his pocket. 1t has now
grown to be large tree.
Alone in the world, without single soul to
converse with, she tretted aud pined her life
away her only consolation being In her com.
muniugs with her Maker. She prayed for
peace aud obtained it. She had DO domestic
servant to wait upon her, but cooked her own
meals, &c.
Occasionally she would see persons ap-
proach her little home, aud, not wishing to be
seen, she would retire to small cave near by,
where she could watch the movements of
strangers until they were gone, when she
would come out and take possession of her
shanty.
Oae day she walked into Ocala for the
purpose of obtaining some medicine at the
drugstore. She was closely hooded and
disguised There was a gentleman in the
store, however, whom she recognized as an
old suitor. She Immediately left, and was
lost to sight quickly. The gentleman saw
the eyes; he thought be knew them-their
influence in the past had kept him awake
macy night. He was at first staggered with
the thought that it might be her-lndeed, be
was almost paralyzed, for he was still single,
and remained 20 for her sake. When he re-
covered his senses sufficiently to know what he
vas about be turned into the street to look for
her; but she was gone. and no one could tell
hlm anything about her or in what direction
she had gone. He searched the country all
around, but his efforts were fruitless. At last
be had to give up the pursuit He was very
unhappy.
Well, the lady lived for many years after
wards, still staying at the same place. At last
she found that her health was giving way; that
the hardships she had to undergo-living in so
Wild and rude a condition -necessitated her
making coufdant of somebody, SO as to OBJ
tain help. She called in the assistance of an
honest, quiet colored woman-Aunt Polly
tudge-who helped her to some little comforts
aud did odd chores for her. At last she be-
came sick and confined to her bed. Polly
faithfully nursed her, and at length the lady
died.
She told Polly ber history, suppressiug her
real name, and told her to get her buried in
the grave beside her darling boy, under the
oak tree that she had planted near the cave,
and that she was to be buried in her we'd
dug dress-a beautiful white satin one-and
or her head the wreath that she wore on the
occasion of her marriage. Faithful Polly at
tended to matters as she was told, and Mrs.
Aeve--for that was the name the LADY call
ed herselt-Qave to Polly all her money,
which was $4,000, and her old clothes.
So rests within mile or two of Ocaia-in
One of the hammocks-the last mortal remains
Of the poor broken hearted widow The rela
tl0es aud friends will never know her end or
her burial place.
So we point moral and adorn tale"
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