Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1875-05-08
A TALE OF THE CATSKILLS.

A TALE UF IHE CAISklLLS.
AS the stage that daily makes it's trips
from the village of Catskill to the
Mountain House drew up to the door of
the hotel on pleasant summer fore
noon. conveying the passengers who had
arrived at the village in the night boat
from New York, beautiful lady, hand,
somely and elegantly dressed, and dis
playing that tasteful arrangement of
attire that at once strikes the observer
with satisfaction, was seen upon the
balcony eagerly cycling and scanning
each gentleman passenger as he alighted
from the vehicle.
On that morning there were six pas
sengers inside of the coach, and two oc-
cupied the seat outside with the driver.
One of these passengers was the writer
of this narrative.
AS the last gentleman emerged from
the coach, the lady drew ieweled hand
across her face, and struck her forehead
as if in wild despair; then drawing a
comb from her head that confined her
hair, she allowed her rich tresses to fall
negligently upon her shoulders; and
then turning about, she paced the bal
cony from end to end. At last, appa-
rently fatigued with her walk, she ap-
preached the landlord, who stood in the
doorway, and in low and plaintive
voice, accompanying it with the faintest
shadow of smile, she said: "Not
come yet?"
"Not to-day, but tomorrow /" re-
turned the host.
ooh, yes, he'll come tomorrow" the
lady replied, then quietly withdrew to
her apartment.
"A sad case, SIR" said the landlord,
addressing the writer, who loitered near,
"but I trust I may be forgiven for
practicing what hope may be deemed
an innocent deception, for really am
doubtful as to the proper course to pur-
sue." ..
Asking for particulars, he replied that
the lady had with her very intelligent
travelling companion, a relative, to whom
later in the day he introduced me, and
from whom learned many interesting,
though saddening, items of her history
and that of her charge.
Lucille Hardwood was the daughter of
South Carolina planter of large wealth,
who had given her liberal education,
and brought her up in luxury and
abundance, sparing no pains to surround
her with every comfort that his ample
means would allow.
At the age of nineteen Lucille became
engaged to be married to gentleman
whom she had long known, and, indeed,
had been intimate with from her child
hood. Her father favored the match,
knowing Edward Mansfield to be O gen.
tleman of integrity, of good bearing, and
possessing many excellent qualities, be.
sides having some means, and about to
inherit more. 1t was certainly what is
commonly called love-match, for there
seemedto be deal of hearty and heart
> felt devotion on both sides. MIR. Mans
field was courteous and attentive to Miss
Hardwood, and she manifested great
pleasure and delight in his society and
companionship. ....-
When lucille was twenty, and Edward
Mansfield about twenty-five years of age
they married, and, with my narrator
left South Carolina for New York anC
vicinity on wedding tour, intending tt
visit, during their absence, the many
varied scenes so popular among tourist:
in which the North abounds.
They intended to see Niagara, to sal
upon Lake George and Lake Champlain
and then extend their journey to visi
the White mountains, and, returning by
way Of New York, remain few weeks il
the great metropolis before they agar
sought their Southern homo.
In pursuance of this plan, and full O
hope and buoyancy of heart, they lef
their home and kindred, and reached
New York with no special occurrence on
of the usual order of events.
Wishing to transact little business il
the city before sailing up the Hudson
Mr.. Mansfield saw his wife and relativ,
comfortably seated upon one of the rive
boats en- route for Catskill, at whicl
place he intended to join them in tw,
days. a5cG CoCCC|sayC,
They parted as the gangplank was be
ing hauled in, and, amidst the waving o
handkerchiefs, those silent and tendeI