Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1878-01-11

comfort and gladden. her heart after SO
protracted an absence.
1t was mild afternoon in the month
Of July, few days after the arrival
home Of LIEUT.. Lee, for such was now
his rank, that Mr.. Gusts was leaning
against one of the columns of the portico
deeply absorbed in reading the leading
editorial in the National htelligencer, at
that time edited by Gales and Seaton his
personal friends and political admirers.
He had only few moments before dis
mounted from his horse, and drawing
the bit from his mouth had left him to
Craze upon the lawn. Mrs. Gusts had
taken her seat at the extreme end of
the portico and was engaged in arrang-
ing what appeared to be large mass Of
closely written manuscript, whilst at her
feet was stretched at full length New
foundland dog, which had for the past
three years been the constant attendant
upon their daughter in her morning ram
bles. 1t was calm, sweet scene, the
father and the mother pursuing undis-
turbed the current of their separate
thoughts aud pleasure. Mary Custis,as
was her usual custom during the summer
afternoons, had walked short distance in
the grove and was seated upon green
sward under an aged tree which stood on
the curve of the wide avenue leading to
the mansion. She had brought with her
copy of the Lady of the Lake, favor
lite poem, but upon this occasion it had
failed to be Of interest The morning
post had brought large mail for Ar
lington early that day. and among the
number Of papers was one containing a
glowing account of the distinguished
manner in which Cadet Lee had acquitted
himself upon his final examination. She
had read it over and over again, until
almost every word was indelibly fastened
upon her heart and memory. No wonder
then that the mellowed and splendid i'm
agery of Sir Walter Scott should fail to
make an impression or hold captive for
moment single thought. Carefully
laying aside the work, she was preparing
to give way to one of her reveries, when
the dashing of single horseman up the
avenue attracted her attention. Rising
Immediately from her half-reclining pos
ture, for the purpose of seeking more
secluded spot, she had hardly gathered
up her book and hat when the handsome
young lieutenant suddenly reined up his
steed, and sprnging quickly and grace
fully from the saddle, caught her by tho
hand; and there again under the shades
of Arlington stood the paymates and the
friends shall we say lovers they
4 had never brgathed word Of 6ys, 5u6
the JOY Of that greeting was the music Of
their hearts aud the sunlight Of their en-
tire life.
Upon such occasions minutes seems to
have golden wings, for nearly two hours
had passed ere Lieut.. Lee and Mary
Gusts thought of turning their steps in
the direction of the house, slowly they
walked up the avenue, and when nearly
across the lawn their conversation at
tracted the attention of Mr.. Gusts, who
was still engaged with his paper, turn
ing around, he at once recognized
Master Robert" as be called him.
Eagerly the old gentleman rose from his
seat and grasping him by the hand, ex-
claimed at the time, MY boy have
this day read with feelings of pride and
pleasure how you have acquitted yourself
at West Point. | always felt that you
would never dishonor brave aud illus
trious ancestry" "The old man clo-
quent," as he was then termed, little
imagined that in after years it would be
his proud privilege to grasp the same
hand upon the same spot and offer his con-
EXAMINATIONS 20 the gallant soldier who
planned the campaign which resulted in
the placing in triumph Of the flag Of bis
country upon the site where once stood
the proud halls Of the Monsoz 1nas and
returning home covered with breycts
aud crowned with honors." Mrs. Gusts
who had "A few moments previous been
called away by one ofthe domestics, when
7 appraised of the arrival Of Lieut.. Lee
Immediately hastened out aud added her
congratulations and extended a cordial
welcome. The group then repaired to
the library, where for the present W. will
leave them
ALEXANDRIA, VA. DEC. 30, 1877.
r. be continued nett lccek