Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1885-01-09
How The Major Won His Bride.
CHAPTER I.

Arkansas Historical Society, was re-
ouested 10 read paper relative to the
davs of the code within the memory OF
men now living. The Major cheerlully
responded in the following:
Arkansas had been State some ten
years when became one of her citizens
| was very ambitious young man. De-
voted study had failed to win for me
name of any distinction in the East, so,
in this wild country, l was determined
to make living if nothing else. Know
! ing nothing Of the State, | had no par
ticular point in view, but mounted on
good horse, struck out for some place
to suit my fancy. One evening when
the winters sun, losing his glare just
above the tree tops, sank down like
ball of dull fire, stopped at large
double log house. The surroundings
| spoke of refinement.
The yard was a perfect wilderness OF
flowers and shrubs, and the fields lying
adjacent bore evidences of fine state of
cultivation.
Get down, sir; get down." said a
polite old gentleman, coming out to the
! fence. "Here, Abram, take the gentle
mans horse. Come in and have seat. ="
The room into which he ushered me
was large and comfortable. The furnt-
ture was old fashioned, and as | held
out nv hands to the blaze, | wondered
how the great old brass andirUns had
| ESCAPED the cannon mOulders IN the
early days of the American revolution.
! NV host, | soon learned, was Judge
! Blake, an eminent iurist of that day.
When | told him that | had come to
practice law, his face beamed with
pleasure.
"Young and ambitious, of course,
said he. "Well, shall not discourage
you. We have need of youth and am
bition in country like this. The abil-
ity that would often 90 unrecognized in
older States, many tines meet with
brilliant success in a country where
oratory has a peculiar charm and where
logic, although an audience may be un-
educated, finds an appreciative convic-
ton. Let me introduce my wife and
daughter"
| arose and bowed to pleasant mid
dle-aged lady and girl of surprising
! loveliness.
"Mr. Brindon will remain over night
with u.s." said the Judge. "Houses are
scarce in this section, my dear sir, i"
turning to me. "My wife brings the
welcome news that supper is ready
welcome news indeed to me, for have,
as no doubt has been the case with you,
ridden several miles to-day. Come"
At the table the young lady whom
they called Jassamine sat opposite me.
had ample opportunity for studying
her face, at first pleasure and then a
fascination. She would occasionally
steal glance ut me, and my eyes, fall
ing. would rest OH the cold roast Of bear
into which my appetite, despite my adj
mration, was making something OF an
ineision. After supper we sat around
the log fire. found Jassamine to be
proud and well educated, though she
did not affect that superintendent
which prompts so many young people
to despise their surroundings.
"If you are going to practice law, !"
said the Judge, 81 don't know OF bet
ter place than this. Our county seat is
about four miles from here. 1t is not
much Of village, but its legal business
is large. The letters of recommends
ton which you have shown"-which L
had shown too, rather proudly-"will
admit you into the best society. The
one from Judge King should be treas
ured AS a precious document. ] am GO
ing TO town tomorrow, and if you de-
sire it, will assist you in locating"
| thanked him warmly. | fancied Jas
samines eyes rested on me in approval.