The Irish standard., 1886-05-29
MEMOIRS. OF a CHILD.
Thrilling Story of the Experiences
OF One Family During Rich
moud's Fall.
BY MISS T.. MI. PLEAsANrs.

y
sample of those crowded into Richmond.
The 1oomy old house 5i.aJ had not been ac-
counted in happier days too large for my
aunt's family WAS now stretched by power
ty and old Virginia hospitality to accom-
modate my fathers family and one other
the latter reiugeelng, as we always said
OF those who fed from homes made I'M
safe by the occupation Of the enenay's
forces from the far South. Besides these
there was the :tsoldier's room," which
every house, however crowded. gave to
the cause and which was rarely empty.
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,
and the tears we sometimes saw our elders
shed were uncomprehended and speedily
forgot. So now it seems to me the war, or
at least all that it brought of terror and
disnay, began the night before the end
None Of US children dreamed of what
was impending Supper was not dispensed
with (as more than once it had 1oeen) and
We found our nurseries as snug as usual.
The pretty breakfast room had long ago
been converted into my mothers chamber.
which I, as the eldest, shared with hex,
and to this fact l an indebted for the
strange, dream-like Impressions that
crowded that night,
A FATEFUL NIGHT.
suppose it must have been about ten
o'clock when the saddened, quiet voices Of
women aud the deep, grave tones Of
anxious men in the adjoining room reused
me from my sleep. crept softly 10 the
nalf-open door and saw in what seemed
to my sleepy eyes q brilliant light, the
soldierly figures Of my father and uncle.
their swords and hats laid aside.
Supposing this to be Ii joyful occasion,
an unexpected return, sprang with Ii
glad cry upon the startled group. With
hasty kiss my father put me from him.
sSend 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 fearful
victim. A little petting from her helped
matters and reduced me to meekness and
bed, but sleep WAS impossible. With
promise that she wonld leave the door
open il I'd be good she left me-
The people in the adjoining room
moved about. ] heard the tearing Of
papers. Then they unlocked the cellarette
and locked it again; then words of warm
ing would come to 1ne. What did it
mean? Why must they be guarded
with Topl''--good. kind Tom-and why
was Nanny going away? And wantl-
dered Off, sleepy thinking what would we
do if Nanny didn't dress us in the morn
ing. Would we stay in bed all dayf rather
thought that would be fun. There were
nine of us-my little cousin and ourselves
and perhap ps mother would let us play
ell together in the big nursery at the top
Of the house. Here my eyes closed and
there was blank.
THE BATTLES OVER.
ssNever mind the others, Jeanie, il only
Sadie keeps up. They are all SO little, " he
sighed. woke with p start This was q
very strange night. Unjust be iii g. fairy
story, for there, bending over me, were
those two, SO wrapped in each other vkat
they scarcely seemed to see my eyes were
open as they spoke Of me.
sRemember, 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 us
soon as the line can be crossed"
'sBut if you do not come, what does it
matter" and she hung tearlessly, des-
pairingly upon him. "Why, Jeanne, this
isn't battle; they are over" he added,
bitterly. 81 rely on joe" he went on,
hurriedly. "He is faithful, and it this
other negroes go he will look to you,
Now let me kiss the Child. Why, she's
awakel Kiss father, Sadie; take care Of
mother and the others and, with most
satisfactory hug he drew my mother away.
Some hurried movements, the clinking Of
aunt, and the door closed Oh them.
They came back presently, those two
care-worn sisters, letting each other see
quered by the daylight. They put whisky
up some lace, remnants OF former gran
deur sewing it carefully in their cloth
ing. I saw my mother take two rare
pieces OF silver, older than our country,
and wrapping them tHnderly in rags
put them up the freless chimney. Il
watched it all in dumb amazement, my
senses taking in and half appreciating
what would have been Hebrew to me the
day before.
ii NANNY S 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 e'Mammy, thought you'd gone;
papa said So"
tsHe amt never said no such foolish
ness" she fatty contradicted, CHOW dc
name er God Miss Annie gwine to do
'dout me- let alone you contrary chillunS-
"But, Manmy--"
"You git outn dis bed and put dem
stockings on. suppose" /" the willy old dame
went on, seeing some pointing Imminent, |
st you don' want to see no fire. ALI de
odders bin lookin' at it dis long time"
But did not spring cheerfully up to
the distasteful sc1ubbing and hair curling |
with which Nanny regularly afflicted us. |
She handed me IL second pair of stockings |
as I accomplished the last garter. r. "
T.sWhat for, Mamrny?'' ?'' asked.
ssTaip't 10 use your askin' questions, |
chile" she replied. 81 reckon [ knows
Miss Jinnie's orders; you amt obleeged
to know eberytlng," she edded, =" Yer all |
gettin so smart yorl 'bleeged to be so |
knowing you better comb your own
hvar" But she helped me kindly enough.
Nobody minded Manrny's talk and on |
bhis occasion found two of o kind very |
When the last curl was accurately ad- |
justed she led me to the window with a |
-dyar news" How beautiful it seemed to
me. The familiar fiour-mills that used to
I'll ~ %ho CT