The examiner., 1886-03-20
MEMOIRS OF A CHILD.
Thrilling Story of Ihe Experiences of One Family During Rich
 IAOnd'S Fall.
BY MISS L. MI. pLEAsANTs.


 We were strange household, yet a fair sample of those crowded into Richmond. The roomy old house that had not been &C., counted ill happier days too large for my nunts family was now stretched by pover- " and old Virginia hospitality to accom- motlate my fathers family and one other the latter rcfugeeing, as we always said of those who fled from homes made un- safe by the occupation of the enemy s forces, from the far South. Besides these there was tho 'fsoldier's room," which every house, however crowded, gave to the cause and which was rarely empty. s- The four years of war seemed to me but a pleasant play time. The straits and inventions necessity compelled were greeted as new and enchanting games, 2 and the tears we sometimes saw our elders shed were uncomprehended and speedily forgot. So now it seems to me the war, or at leastsall that it brought of terror and dismay, began the night before the end. None of us children dreamed of what was impending. Supper was not dispensed with Jas more than once it had been) and we found our nurseries as snug as usual. The pretty breakfast room had long ago teen converted into my mothers chamber, which I, as the eldest, shared with her, and to this fact am indebted for the strange, dream-like impressions that crowded that night,
 A HATEFUL NIGHT.
 suppose it must have been about ten o'clock when the saddened, quiet voices of women and the deep, grave tones of anxious men in the adjoining room reused me from my sleep. I crept softly to the half-open door and saw, in what seemed to my sleepy eyes brilliant light, the soldierly figures ot my father and uncle, their swords and hats laid aside
 cir,cr ic ha zfF71 ion an unexpected return, I sprang with a glad cry upon the startled group. With a hasty kiss my father put me from him. tSend the child to bed, Jeanie; there is much to be done.'' This was cruel. Things seemed all wrong to me. But the order was promptly obeyed and my mother led me off, a most unwilling and tearful victim. A little betting from her helped matters and reduced me to meekness and bed, but sleep was impossible. With a promise that she wonld leave the door open if I'd be good she left me.
 The people in the adjoining room moved about. I heard the tearing of papers. Then they unlocked the cellarette and locked it again; then words of warn ing would come to me. What did it mean9 Why must they be guarded with Tom'-good, kind Tom-and why was Mammy going away? And I wand dered of, sleeply thinking what would we do if Nanny didn't dress us in the morn ing. Would we stay in bed all day? rather thought that would be fun. There were nine of us-my little cousin and ourselves and perhaps mother would let us play all together in the big nursery at the top of the house. Here my eyes closed and there was a blank.
 THE BATTLES OVER.
 ssNever mind the others, Jeanie, if only Sadie keeps up. They are all so httle, ,' he sighed. Iwoke with start. This was a very strange night Imust be in fairy story, for there, bending over me, were those two, so wrapped in each other that they scarcely seemed to see my eyes were open as they spoke of me.
 Remember, dear" he went on, ssyou always have your diamonds and the silver that is left, but that must only go for bread. Imay be sooner back than think, and help will come from the other side as soon as the line can be crossed"
 .But if you do not come, what does 1t matter,n and she hung tearlessly, des- pairingly upon him. oWhy, Jeanie, this isn't battle; they are over," he added, bitterly. II rely on Joe," he went on, hurriedly. stHe is faithful, and if the other negroes go he will look to you, Now let me kiss the child. Why, she's awake Kiss father, Sadie; take care of mother and the others;'' and, with a most satisfactory hug he drewmy mother away. Some hurried movements, the clinking of swords quickly buckled on, some sobs from aunt, and the door closed on them.
 They came back presently, those two care-worn sisters, letting each other see the misery and terror that must be con- quered by the daylight. They put whisky and tobacco on the mantel, carefully rolled up some lace, remnants of former gran afr1IIx fIaciTs lot h ing. I saw my mother take two rare pieces of silver, older than our country, and wrapping them tenderly in rags put them up the fre1ess chimney. I watched it all in dumb amazement, my senses taking in and half appreciating what would have been Hebrew to me the day before.
 MAINLY PHILOSOPHY!
 The next morning the first thought that came to me was of relief that Nanny was there, and as sat up and rubbed my eyes I said Nanny, I thought you'd gone papa said so''
 aHe ain't never said no such foolish ness." she fiatly contradicted, "How de name CT God Miss Annie gwine to do 'dout me, let alone you contrary chillun''-
 sBut, Mammy,'
 tYou git out'n dis bed and put dem stockings on. Isuppose," the willy old dame went on, seeing some pouting imminent, "you don' want to see no fire. All de odders bin 1ooRin' at it dis long time.''
 But did not spring cheerfully up to the distasteful scrubbing and hair curling with which Nanny regularly afflicted us. She handed me second pair of stockings as accomplished the last garter.
 .'What for, Nanny Hh I asked.
 "Tain't no use your askin' questions, chile" she replied. s1 reckon I knows Miss Jinnie's orders; you ain't obleeged to know eberyting," she added, !" Yer all gettin so smart you 'bleeged to be so knowing you better comb your own hvar, But she helped me kindly enough. Nobody minded Mammy's talk and on this occasion found two of a kind very interesting.
 When the last curl was accurately ad- justed she led me to the window with 8 sdyar now?" How beautiful it seemed to me- The familiar fiour-mills that used to loom up black and ugly in the distance how III bright flames, with every window jewel
 LATE, NOT EARLY
 E How red the sky was 1 And yet it struck me there was no sun. s' Is it very early ?'a asked. ssAn your mar done let you sleep all dis tinei Am all de ehi1lun done dressed and gone. No, chile, 'tis late, an eff you don' hurry d'aint no brek- fus for you dis mornin'." But there was, as usual, my own special meal waiting ! e,,. ,,,a erv.ooad xxit1 n tho solitary niece of