The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-02-09
For The HykaRsGse Traveker.l THE FIRST VISITOR.
BY MRS. JULIE N. THOMPSON.

h D parting with articles of no intrinsic value, yet dear 10 her from association, tearing loose the hearts,rings tha, have for years been twining themselves around every thing about the old place." and remov- ing to a distan, country, there to begin life over again. We were passing through the ordeal of this trying expe- rience. After morning of arduous labor, unpacking the pictures and books, which had been Jeff for the very last, hanging the former, arranging the latter upon their shelves, we sat down to din- ner congratulating ourselves that the house had assumed something of Ia home like appearance.
 "Now, you must rest from your labors," said my husband, arising from the table. There are those books ws bought in Little Rock, you will have a quiet afternoon for reading as l must go to D." which was the town nearest to our new home.
 Seated in my low rocking chair, near glowing fire, for it was damp, dark De cember day, enjoying the rest, comfort. and Marion Harland's ," Empty Heart" when a scraping of feet on the front porch arrested my attention. Glaneing through the window l saw saddled horse hitehed neai the gate. Iarose and opened my room door to confront in the hall woman below the medium height. noticed that her royal purple" dress did not make connection with the high tops of her heavy shoes as she came to- wards me with extended hand, saying, am widow Williamson"
 Il L | her to walk in and be seated. In minu,e-as soon as git of my things" she replied, stopping midway the room and untying the strings of calico sum bonnet, which she threw upon the sofa, she proceeded to dives, herself of large shawl, whose strips represented the oolors of the rainbow, in variety, at least.
 "l thought, perhaps, you would like to warm before removing your wraps, stammered, arresting the shawl in its flight across the room.
 There just you let 'em be. Don't trouble to lay 'em away" she protested. 1 assured her it vas no trouble, and as she accepted the proffered chair, saw her face clearly. She had small, bright black eyes, and heavy suit of jet black hair. thinly sprinkled with gray, was combed away from her swarthy face and wound into long, pointed coil, high upon the back of her head.
 As soon as heerd that some new corners had bought old man Sullivan's place, l said to my Sarah Sigourney Sun. flower Siddons. I'm gwine rite over ther- to see 'emn l know what lis to leave the old homestead, and come to this God-forsaken Arkansaw. stranger. and go days upon days without seeing a now to what il was thirty years ago. when we fust come here Old Brother Sullivan's folks and our'n come together i from Georgia. and him and my old man homsteaded ming firms. They helped one another cut down trees and build log cabins rite in the woods, and 'cep,ing us two ther wasn't another family in ten miles, and what 'pon yearth Brother Sul- livan turned fool and left here for, after he'd put up this here fine house. and go, good ou,-houses built. and everything fixed to live cosfortable-l don't know" While she talked her little black eyes were taking an inventory of everything in the room.
 He's following up his sons what's gone to Texas she continued. and he'll never be no more count in this world - mark my word. Its just like digging up an old apple tree and planting i, in a new orchard by side CT these here long. timber switches the agents bring round i They'll grow. but the o tree won'. Its done with sweet, white blossoms and red. ripe fruit. IL pines and withers aud dies. As told my Daniel Doolttle Douglas l Donnalson the last time he was ter my house, he and all the res, can go where they please, but I'm not going noseying ] round after 'em-that's certain. In this strain the old lady continued | for two mortal hours, vile sat. wide eyed with wonder intensely amused. u,- tering an exclamation during her pauses for breath, and "Ah ?" or Indeed" was as much as could say before the talk ing machine" was wound up and in op- eration again. Every few moments she referred to one of her children. always prehxing My" to the medley of names gathered from poets. statesmen. divines. and-various other sources
 When finally she arose. declaring she mus, git home. my curiosity burs, the bounds of control.
 How many children have you. Mrs. Williamson asked
 Sixteen
 'l am very torcibly struck with the names of those you have mentioned. wen, on hurriedly "Did you provide them al, -notwi,hs,andng my haste my sentence was cut short.
 That did, child, and you are not the fns, one that's been struck with ny child ren's names. I've had folks 10 even write i 'em down. and if you've paper and pen cil handy you can do the same if ,you re amind to. as tell 'em over," and she laughed heartily at my eager acceptance i of her proposal.
 The fust two was born in Georgia. They all pair of as nice as ever you saviour boys, then four gals, then four gals. then four more boys. and four more gals"
 You do no, intend to say that cried in utter astonishment.