The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-09

Sdlh dIounu ina 1eStai DOaru, anu IN
spring the wit and cultured conversation
OF the host, enlivened with "reminiscences
OF ancestral homes in merrie old Eng
land.
our young officer also entered upon
the spirit OF the occasion, contributing
his share with his anecdotes Of Virginia.
his stories Of the warfare OF the borders,
OF Fort Necessity and Fort Duquesne.
Only the gentle hostess remained silent,
almost pensive. Did her woman's intui-
tion perceive the gathering Of a cloud?
Upon their return 10 the library. by
hat mysterious influence and connection
Of spirits almost magical, her penslveness
and Deserve appeared 10 be communicated
TO her companions. and especially upon
Colonel Washington did the spell fall.
He became absorbed. distract, and ceased
10 respond to the lively banter of his
young companion. He declined the even
ing glass of wine which his host. accord
ing TO the usual custom, pressed upon
him, and as the hours advanced became
so evidently embarrassed that Colonel
Robinson. with a roguish twinkle in his
eyes. Informed his wife in an aside that
they were de trop. and proposed that
they should retire for the night.
Caesar was summoned. and entered with
a generous supply Of logs on his back,
while his face wore a grin extending from
ear to ear. displaying his white teeth,
as at a glance he comprehended the
situation: and his GOOD night. Massa
Colonel-good night, Missus Mary were
richly spiced with his interest in the
Colonel's success as a woOer.
And now 10 our young officer has come
the opportunity so intensely and so long
desired since his first meeting with Mary
Phillirse.
For some time after the young people
were left alone the conversation was
bright and animated. Then the tones
grew earnest and low. The strokes Of the
clock in the hall increased in number UNI
Ill the hOu Of midnight was reached. and
still Washington and his companion occu-
pied their seats by the dying embers,
now turned to ashes. signifying desola-
ton. At last, while he still pleaded in
vain, Miss Phillipse. arising from her
lowly seat with decision. then and there
refused the heart and and of the one
destined by Providence 10 be the man OF
the age. and decided in favor Of his rival,
Major Roger Morris.
After she had left the room. Washing
ton remained motionless, speechless, as
though stunned. until the day began
TO brighten, and Chloe, by a benevolent
rafting Of the door knob, signihed her
wish to enter and arrange the room for
the reception of the family. Then he re-
turned 20 his own undisturbed room. and
finging himself upon the lounge aban-
doned himself TO the anguish and despair
that oppressed him.
A quarter OF a century has elapsed
since Washington had loved and lost.
and in that time the country has become
involved IN its great struggle for a
national existence and independence.
But let us once more revisit the manor
house. now that the glorious highlands
are again clothed in their rich and bril-
liant autumn dress.
But what a change has come over this
grand old colonial mansion
Where is the massive furniture2 Those
valuable books? Those well-stored cabi-
nets? Where ore the musical instru-
ments, the paintings and other works
Of art? Above all, where is the happy
group that made the house merry with
their jests and laughter? An air Of desc
lation broods over the whole place. the
conservatory, once brilliant with choice
flowers, is empty. or filled with only
sashes. caps, swords and other military
belongings, and what remains Of rich
furniture is scratched. stained and dis
tributed h%aphazard through the various
rooms Of that once stately mansion. 10Y
occupied as military offices. Soldiers are
everywhere in possession, for the home
of the Phillipses is now the headquarters
Of the American army. One room alone
retains any semblance of former days
the dining-room. in which this very week.
in this year Of grace 1850, has been re-
vealed the startling treachery of General
Benedict Arnold.
But Of all the happy group that with
their slave attendants surrounded the
supper table and made merry or that
particular evening In the autumn Of l156.
MFL 900 L. 4 ri .te .~I
graceful Mary Phillipse had been shortly
after united in marriage 10 Major Roger
Morris, Of his British Majesty's army.
a man OF wit. humor and many attractive
social qualities, but Of great weaknesses.
vacillating, unsteady, and over fOnd OF
the luxury which he enjoyed TO the utmost
on the large income Of his wife. IN being
urged 10 remain true to his country. he
gave vent to his sentiments in the follow
ing expressions:
What expect me, a regular officer Of
the line, TO give up my fashionable and
titled connections, my high official mill
tary associations with the trained army
OF the King Of Great Britain. TO join the
ragged recruits of the rebellion. with my
old rival at their head? No doubt Colo
mel Washington. with his sQueamish con-
science, thinks he is in the right, or
performing his duty. but he will never
succeed, no. never. Give me wealth.
luxury. a titled aristocracy. the King and
the throne! The rebellion shall be
quenched-right or wrong. Rags. poverty
and duty may go to the wall" quoth Ma
COR Morris.
After long and painful indecision. his
bro~ther-in-law, Colonel Robinson. followed
him. against his conviction Of duty. and
onward by his wife. OF whom he
was -extravagantly fond. She, OF course.
was mainly guided in this matter by her
affections, her f~amily-father, brother
and ~sister-being or the lie Of the King
crown.
So. when the fortunes OF the American
frightened under the great com
mander-in-chief. General Georgs Wash
and the Hudson river from West
Point 10 Fishkill became the scene OF
tactics. the Fhillipse house was
occupied as headquarters, and the eXiled
family resorted for safety and protec-
ton TO the British lines.
And now a solitary figure is pacing up
and down the deserted garden walk on
the banks Of the beautiful river, but
heeds II not as 1t rolls beneath him. The
leaves shaken by the autumn
fall unnoticed around him. He
is absorbed in deep and painful refec-
ton, amounting almost TO anguish, as
he strolls 10 and fro. Although evil
IDENTIFY accustomed TO strong s~elf-control.
his features are at times almost con-
by mental agitation. and his lips
are more tightly compressed than usual.
last the struggle is ended. and his
face is illumined with a new LIGHT AS he
at is my duty; I will perform
II. let the consequences be what they
nav: | will dare 10 do right"
Heavy have been the burdens OF the
commander-in-chief OF Americas armies
This mast Meek OF bis residence |