Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1895-04-20
Ten Minutes TO Twelve.
By NJ. G. MCLBLLAND.

when all three would proceed to Virginia
for the meeting with the executors,
PHYLLIS also wished to remain few days
in Matoacca in order to superintend the
erection of a monument to her cousin.
AS she made her preparations for the
drive Phyllis hummed to herself in a
tender undertone, the happiness within
her finding vent in music as naturally as
does that of natures woodland children,
for the girl was almost as much prod
uct of field and forest as are mocking
birds and thrushes.
Her bonnet was on and her fingers
busy with the strings when she suddenly
ceased from motion and gazed deep into
the eyes which regarded her from the
mirror. How clear they looked, how
sentient and strong! A wave of thank
fulness swept over her, and she muir
INJURED reverently, "And for the sight of
our eyes, O Lord, accept We praise!'
Then her husbands voice from the
hall called up to her to hasten, and she
caught up handkerchief and gloves. At
the chamber door, however, she be-
thought herself and turned back to
desk on small table near the bed,
wherein were John Royals letters, his
photographs. and her most treasured
souvenirs of her aunt. This she opened
and took from it thick envelope,
which she slipped in her pocket as she
sped down stairs.
Il forgot something and had to go
back" she explained, as she joined her
husband and Mrs. Hart, the latter
having come out to the door step to see
them off.
Did you make cross in the PATH
the lady questioned, gayly
Poor. dear old nanny! What
point she always made about 'backin' de
luck with Il cross mark! No; forgot it.
I'll do it n0w!" And she daintily traced
q cross on the doorstep with the toe of
her little boot.
Come along, you superstitious young
woman" called Royal from the pave
ment. I've turned back scores Of times
after srarting and nothing ever happened
to me.
"Fortune's favorite!-just hear till
him. quoted Mrs. Hart mocklng)y, RS
they drove away.
Til" pleasant country road led away
from the city six or seven miles to the
ancient home of the Lees. The air was
balmv. vet bracing with autumnal vigOr
and suggestion Of the frost to come;
the road was fairly good, for Virginia
road. and the pair chatted gayly as they
bowled along. Phyllis enjoyed it all
with the zest of child, and seemed never
weary of the delight of the eyes. The
tangles of vines on the roadside, the
MOSES and ferns around the springs they
passed, the festOons of wild grape vine
pendent from the trees and rich with the
shadings of dark fruit and yellow foliage,
the marvellous blending of crimson, gold,
green and tawry bronze showed by the
leaves. even the waving broom sedge and
stiff little frs. like Dutch toys, dotting
the worn out fields, all appeared to her
beautiful.
Presently they assembled long, steep
hill and drove along its crest a hundred
yards, and Royal turned the buggy and
called on his wife to behold the world
and the wonder thereof And Phyllis,
after a rapturous cry, uttered low down
in her throat like the note of Il wood
pigeon, folded her hands together and
was speechless, spellbound at the lowell
ness of the scene before her.
Washington, with its countless beau
ties of architecture, its monuments, stee
Piles. roof trees and dominating dome
Washington in slumberOus autumnal
graciousness was spread before them,
strangely beautlfied by distance and
backed by the tender purplish blue of
the far horizon. Nearer-almost at the
foot of the hill-rolled the cleaning
waters of the Potomac, ''all quiet along
its banks now, for many year quiet,
restful and infinitely beautiful-thun-
der of cannon and rattle Of musketry,
sounds of battle and bivouac, hushed
forever, and the river flowing TRANQUILITY,
taking its share in the labor of the pres
ent, with hardly a suggestion left of its
participation in the sorrow and wrong
doing of the past.
Away in the distance the stream
seemed fettered by the links Of an iron
bridge, over which, as they gazed, a
train passed slowly, overshadowed by
canopy of blush gray smoke. Tt the
left, bathed in afternoon sunlight. sleepy
old Alexandria, stepped to the caves in
the JOY of calm, showed picturesquely
against the background of the Virginia
hills, and over the heights of George
town the shadow of cloud passed
dreamily.
Then they drove on, talking of things
that had been in the nations history;
but as they neared the gateway of Ar
lington silence fell again. 1t was dis
rupted in moment, and all sentiment