Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1890-09-26
w AITI.NG.

In the summer of 1877 | 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 loveliest sheet
of water ever beheld. 1t was 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 by strangers who visited the coun-
try In the midst Of this lake was an isl
and, at times fairy like in the hazy at
lnosphere From the residence of my
friend it was my delight to contemplate
the shifting Election of droll houses and
tall trees mirrored on the waters CLASSY
surface On fine evenings | sauntered
ON the banks and watched these chang
ing aspects of sunset Sometimes we
drove around the shore that we might
catch glimpse of the orb extending it
self into fiery column across the waves.
During several of these rides my at
tention was attracted by a dilapidated
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 noticed
the figure Of Il woman sitting at the top
of the front steps. Her general appear
ance struck NE as that of a creature in a
forlorn condition. She seemed emaciated
haf 1xy oil
over her head something which seemed
to be colored handkerchief. 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 when 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,
/ began to wonder whether she ever va
Gated her seat at the head of those stairs.
The idea even occurred to me that she
might be some permanent object which
my vivid imagination had transformed
into an aged crone.
Who is she?' | ventured to ask my
friend; that ancient dame who has sta
toned herself over there?"
Ancient dalner' she exclaimed, why
she is only few years older than | am. "
scrutinized the youthful figure and
we'll preserved features beside me.
Impossible! she seems old enough to
be your grandmother.
Indeed she is not | remember the
time when we went to balls together
She was then an acknowledged belle, and
so charming in appearance that she ex
cited the envy of all the girls in the
country"
And. pray, what manner OF evil has
befallen the woman and reduced her tC
this untimely state of decrepitude:'
Her history you may find sadly in
teresting. Shall tell it to you now"
by all means" replied and mean
while | will watch the last rays of tn,
sun sporting among the peach orchards
and shanties on the island. The scenery
demands admiration.
You would not believe" began Els
telle. that the crazy old house we hav,
Just passed was once the residence of /
planter who lived in grand style, ac
cOrding to the opinion Of his contempt
raries. in antebellum days. Its appear
ance would Justify you in doubling IN,
statement. for there is no vestige left O
ITS departed glory. 1t was, nevertheless
once considered comfortable and at
tractive home, where the young peopl
of that period often met for social Ell
.loyments. | perceive from your face tina
it is difficult for you to associate thos
crumbling walls with home once com
Ia. nd nj Rt,t
bear in mind that this portion of tn
parish was settled by class of peopl
very simple and primitive in their mod
of living
They were under the impression tina
they had been blessed with the goo
things Of life. and they accepted thei
lot with contentment Old Mr.. Jacol
the owner of the place, was man {
that sort. Although uneducated an
somewhat uncouth in his manners,
was kind hearted and sociable, and a
ways anxious TO have his friends abor
him. He took particular pride in fiowt
garden, where Jasmines and olives Ell
balmed the air, and where choice rost
and variety of shrubbery fiourished
reckless profusion! You now find L
trace of this old fashioned garden; shrul
and plants have all been swept from e,
istence."
"All but the Cherokee rose" teasing
~ suggested Was that classed anon
the rare plants?'
That thick growth which you hay
taken for the Cherokee" continue
Estclle, lis a species of climbing ros
No. like the cloth of gold 1t on,
traied over a summer house, and
perhaps, the only relic left Of the plea