Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1890-11-06
WAITING.

In the summer of lS7- visited a
schoolmate of mine whose husband had
lived some distance from the home OF
her girlhood in one Of the rich parishes
of Louisiana.
They lived out in the country, about
twelve miles from the Mississippi river,
and on the border of the loyeiest sheet
of water ever beheld. 1t was Il lake in
reality, but the native inhabitants call
ed it river. They seemed to attach
very little importance to the beauty OF
ITS scenery indeed, it was ignored, ex'
cept bv strangers who visited the coun-
try. In the midst Of this lake was an
island, at times fairy like in the hazy
atmosphere. From the residence OF my
friend it was nv delight to contemplate
the shifting reflection Of droll houses
and tall trees mlrrorcd OH the water 5
CLASSY surface. On fine evenings
sauntercd on the banks and watched
these changing aspects Of sunset. Some
times We drove around the shore that
we might catch glimpse of the orb
extending itself into a fiery column
across the waves.
During several of these rides my at
tention was attracted by diIapldatel
dwelling which stood at some distance
from the road. 1t was partly concealed
by dense shrubbery. resembling in foil
age the Cherokee rose.
Each time we passed the house ] no
ticed the figure OF woman sitting at
the top Of the front steps. her general
appearance struck me as that of crea
ture in Il torlorn condition. She seemed
emaciated in form, was wretclledly clad
and wore over her head something
which SC, med to be colored handker-
chief. At first my curiosity WAS not
IN the least excited, for often on our
excursions round the lake had met
women in similar attire. But whcl
evening after evening we rode by and
saw the creature IN the same position
her elbow upon her knee and her chin
resting in the palm Of her hand,l began
to wonder whether she ever vacated hel
seat at the head Of those stairs. The
idea even occurred to me that she nigh
be some permanent object which my
Vivid imagination had transformed into
an aged crone.
"Who is she ?" l ventured to ask my
friend "that ancient dame who ha
stationed herself over there -
Ancient dame she exclaimed
"why she Is only a few years older thai
am"
scrutinized the youthful figure an,
we'll preserved features beside me.
"Impossble she seems Old enougl
to be your grandmother
"Indeed she is not. | remember th
time when we went to balls together
She was then an acknowledge belle,an'
so charming in appearance that she ex
cited the envy Of all the girls in tn
country" )"
"And, pray, what manner of evil ha
befallen the woman and reduced her t.
this untimely state Of dccrepitude?'
"Her history you may 1ind sadly In
teresting. Shall tell 1t to you now :?
"By all MEANS" l replied, "an
meanwhile will watch the last rays O
the sun sporting among the peach or
chards and shanties on the island. Th
scenery demands admiration.'
"You would not belisvc,' began Es
telle that the crazy old house we hav
lust passed was once the residence Of
planter who lived in grand style, ac
cordng to the opinion of his contempt
rarles, in ante -bcIlum days. Its appear
ance would justify you in doubling m
statement, for there is no vesti4e left
its departed glory. 1t was, nevertheless
once considered ii comfortable and at
tractiye home, where the young peopI
Of that period often me for social Ell