Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1893-03-09
WITH PEN AND INK.
Ell L. X. ".


1.-THE Story Of Mary Washington, =" BY Marion
Harlsnd. Houghton Nifiin c. /
From very slender materials Marion
Harland has pieced together a life of
Mary, the mother Of Washington. In
many places her training as writer Of
fiction has been utilized in filling in gaps
lett by broken records. but the fancy
work has been done judiciously, and the
simple dignity OF Madam washington's
Character is intelligently and sympathet-
ically portrayed. Marion Harland is not
only lineal descendant of Mary Wash
ington, but, what is more important, of
the life in which that stern and noble
matron bore 60 honorable part The
slender record OF customs and manners
that have come down to this day would
be almost meaningless to an alien, but
from memory and association of ideas
yield ID significance to the Virginian that
enriches her book with several very
pleasant pictures OF the old life Of for
gotten day. Even the comparatively
slack.twisted Virginian OF this generation
recognizes familiar traits in the picture
OF the active mistress of the farm, moving
about among her servants and childre..
ordering all things for their good inf-x-
ibla, with an unselfshness that had in it
no touch OF indulgence. A woman who
bowed to no authority except that from
above, believing herself to be second only
in command. To the DEGREES of God she
submitted with the patience of . dir.
plinarian, recognizing the necessity for
that implicit obedience which she incul-
Gated in her own subjects.
The pleasantest scene in the book is the
one in which Lafayette, on pilgrimage
to visit Madame Washington, comes upon
her as she is raking in her garden, vi TAR
ing linsey petticoat and short gown.
The quiet dignity Of the mother Of Wash.
ington IS she gave the nobleman gra-
cious welcome and led him with no word
Of apology into the living room, is de-
lightful picture of a perfection Of breeding
that makes the Marquis seem altogether
an humble parsonage in comparison,-
"She seated Lafayette, laid aside her
straw hat, and placed herself opposite to
him. In her quaint attire, meat as a
nuns erect as at eighteen, never touch
ing the tall straight back of her chair,
her unfaded eyes full Of kindly light, she
listened calmly to the panegyric upon her
son poured forth by the eloquent French
man. She heard her George lauded as
the miracle Of his age; as greater than
C@ser, and more modest than Cincin-
natus, -the hero whose fame would out
last time"
Then came her quiet answer. 81 am
not surprised at what George has done.
He was always good boy"
Before Lafayette rose to go, saying that
they should never meet again, he begged
for her blessing. "she looked up to
heaven, folded her hands, and in sweet
thrilling tones, prayed that God would
grant him safety, happiness, prosperity
0ua pCdCC. 4cdIb mere III tile listener
eyes; he bent to kiss the withered hand,
thanked her fervently, and took his
leave"
In speaking Of the interview soon after
he said, II have seen the only Roman
matron living at this day."
Although the style never lifts above |
sensible mediocrity, the book is we'll |
worth reading for the truthfulness and |
sympathy with which it has been
written. The frontispiece supposed to be |
a portrait OF Mary Washington in her |
youth, is decidedly unpleasing and thu
reader is glad to be able to reject the |
slight evidence which Marion Harland |
finds convincin. Of its authenticity; he |
would be glad to have substituted for it
clear genealogical chart Of the Ball Wash.
ington-Lewis-Custis connection, which, |
would be particularly helpful in following
the generations Of family 50 given t.
second marriages.