The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1886-12-15
INTERESTING STORY.
Rev. Mr.. CUNNINGHAM'S DREAM.

Seward could gather such society as she
chose under her fathers roof. She was
literary herself, and people liked her. Sir
Walter Scott Lad no admiration for her
verses; but he thought her very charm.
ing woman, as she really was.
There were tea-drinkings, if you will. 1t
was worth while to go to them. Every
body had something to say. Richard
Lowell Edgeworth used to drop in, and
William Hayley and Sir Brooke Boothy and
Thomas Day. Then that frequent guest,
the Rev. Mr.. Cunningham, was literary,
too, and very good fellow. A great many
of the gentlemen admired Anna, but with
some her friend, Miss Honora Sneyd, was
the fayorite. Captain Andre liked her best.
She was gentle-locking creature, who
made the most of her sweet, soft looks.
Canon Seward had adopted her, for she
was an orphan. Anna was fond of her, and
her heart was set on seeing the girl make
good match.
Captain Andre was very handsome
young fellow, but not rich, and Mr.. Edge
worth had had three wives already and SOW
eral children, one talented little girl man,
ed Maria, of whom Anna Seward prophesied
great things. She desired that Honora
should marry man of title, if possible,
and wealthy man. Still, matchmaking
can only prosper with the consent OF the
parties whom the matchmaker desires to
match. And, after while, Anna yielded
to fate, and declared the John Andre and
Eonora Sneyd were made for each other.
She threw them together as much as posi-
bic, and soon they became engaged.
Andre drew beautifully, and used TO
paint Tiniatnras of Hnra,-a ...si,ieI, he ;s-~--
ed and glazed, and wore next his heart.
Anna begged one of them, and it lasted
longer than anything else connected with
the affair, for some of her descendants have
it yet. 1t represents girl in pretty Kate
Greenaway sort of cap, with long curling
hair hanging down her back, reading a
book. 1t might be meant for Sibyl in the
costume of seyenteen-seventy--
However, when it was painted Honora was
engaged to Andre, and both were happy.
81 want you to know Captain Andre"
Miss Seward had said to Mr.. Cunningham.
" Meet him at breakfast tomorrow"
The Rev. Mr.. Cunningham was delighted
70 treakssst with Kiss Coward. lie came
early next morning, and sat in great chair
near the window, and, after the usual inter.
change of compliments, renarksdi
:" / am stupid this morning. have not
slept well. I had dream. The strangest
dream, in two parts. could not close my
eyes.
81 thought was liz great forest, moth
ing TO be seen but immense old trees and
tangled under-brush. A path ran before
me. 1t was narrow, and made by the feet
of horses and men. There was no sound at
first but soon heard the Gathering Of
horses behind me. 1 drew back amongst
the bushes for safety, and saw a horseman
dash by. Never shall forget his beautiful
pale face. He was mere boy. He SEEM
ed to be flying from some one. AS look
ed, three men sprang out Of the bushes and
seized him. Then awoke.
"Afterward slept again. This time l
dreamt that saw gibbet and crowd
about it, and my heart was sick, and
prayed them to be merciful; did not
know to whom until saw them bring forth
the young man had seen riding in the
forest This time he wore q uniform. l
saw them hang him. If it had been real
gibbet and o real man could not have suf-
fered more. I cannot forget his face"
Just then Captain Andre was announced,
and Mr.. Cunningham turned pale. He
stared at the young man in way that he
must have noticed but that his eyes were
fixed 80 intently on Honora's fair face.
"You admire our friend, see," Miss
Seward whispered:
He answered, very gravely:
Yes. But, my dear lady, that is the
man saw hanged last night"
Miss Seward laughed.
"Poor John Andre may be shot, but he
will never be hung" she said.
Mr.. Edgeworth came to breakfast also,
and brought his little Maria, who was al
ways happy to be near her father. Shortly
after the meal was over Honora and Andre
slipped away. There had been little cool
ness between them. Honora had not wish
ed her lover to enter the army. She desired
him to be merchant, and make money,
and be comfortable in his own home, in
stead of going away to fight and risk his
life. II was in moment Of pique that he
had left his business and obtained conn.,
mission. Now he could mot draw back /;
his regiment was ordered TO America. She
could not quite forgive him, but who could
be cruel to soldier when he said good
bye? Good authority declares that she
permitted him to take kiss, and promised
TO answer his letters II he wrote. Perhaps
abe felt that she would not object to being
o great military hero's wife
"What makes yen SO serious, papa y
little Maria said to her father. . Are you
vexed 2"
"My DEAR" her father replied, looking
away from the spot where be had caught q
glimpse of Captain Andre and Miss Sneyd'
" there are things little girls cannot under.
stand, even whea they are clever"
Maria remembered this speech long after
ward. Meanwhile Mr.. Cunningham had
| gone to sleep upon q sofa; his friends
| laughed at him, undisturbed. Captain
Andre came in from the garden with HOnors
| upon his arm.