The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1897-02-01
A STORY OF PLANTATION
LIFE FIFTY YEARS AGO.

For Tho Constitution by Mrs w. II.
FELTON,.
Away back I'm the fortes. family by the
name of - lived in middle Georgia They
were well-to-do people-entertained IN me
average style of farmers in those days
had number of slaves-and were able 70
give start to their children as they mar
ried off. in land and negro occasionally.
as times prospered with them The Oh
homestead was oomfortable-but there
was nothing of display. either inside OF
outside.
The house after the fashion Of the
period was two-storied-pl.lin ana SUI
stantial. There were two rooms upstairs
and two below, the latter having been add
ed TO- with a couple of shedrooms that
opened out on the back yard
The front had double porch-a Snlali
affair-upstairs and down-wltn pI'ih
square columns reaching to the roof.
The building had no blinds-and the al
ternoon sun made the window panes slo"
with sunset hucs.
The calves grazed in the front yard
along with the poultry. The quarter
was not far away-and the little negroes
were happy-go-lucky set. hourishlnS an
the summer long in a single garment ana
delighted to be able to own frock or
shirt without rags or dirt-for Sunday
wear.
The - family were quiet people-consid-
cred to be good masters to their slaves
and the two races lived together ON most
amicable terms.
The married children We're always happy
to go home for Il summer visitor during
the Christmas holidays; for there was
comfort ana plenty-no stint i'm food or
servants To wait upon them-no matter
how long they tarricd.
Therefore. when Mrs. r. the youngest
married daughter, alightcd from the old
family barouche-on hot July day-and
WAS met with a joyous welcome on the
threshold She thought she had never seen
her former home look more sweet and
restful, for she had brought her teething
baby from the city. whore the torrid heat
was fast consuming its strength and vital
forces.
The fresh milk and vegetables. the cool
shade and barn-li<e rooms We're substan-
tial comforts during the heated term for
herself and infant
The summer was exceedingly dry and
hot Upstairs and down the windows
were left open until bedtime, and often
times during the entire night. Nobody
ever had disturbed theni-and there was
no probability that their rest would be
broken by burglars or marauders of amy
sort.
The corn crib was never fastened, and
the meathouse was only locked at night
because dogs would Dc annoying.
So when Mrs. b. ana her mother
went up the steps one evening 20 put the
baby to bed they decided that an the
windows and doors on the upper floor
should be opened to give fresh air. and
plenty of it. to secure a comfortable nights
rest.
After Mrs b. had composed herself for
sleep. she arose again and placed "a
tumber of water on the floor AT her bed
Side. to be within reach if the baby fretted
IN the night A fun moon shone in un-
dmned splendor-and She said TO herself:
This is the dearest old home in the
world. with its peaceful quiet and solid
comfort in an respects"
How long she slept she was newer able
to tell. but the child woke her. with it's
feverish, frctful cries. She raised herself
on her elbow TO be able to look over the
side of the bed. before reaching for the
tumbler.
The oId-fashionod foot valences hung
fun. almost touehiug the floor.
The room was flooded with moonlight
but there was not "a breath Of AIR stirring
As She looked over for the tum5ler. she
sew these foot uttliu- pushed oH.'..tt, it.-
Then a huge black hand protru3ed. Tho
size of it left 10 doubt as 10 the sex Of
the owner.
Her gaze became transnxcd. as the fin
gers were placed around the tumhier, and
withdrawn under the bed-without sound.
Although her blood scented to curdle n
her veins. she still gaZed I'm tunuit of
fcar-but directly the same black hand
was again extended ana the glass was
as cautiously set down as beiore-pu'
empty!
Tho brute force OF chat huge blaeE hand
was imprinted ON her mind. ore clutch
on her neck would be enough To still ner
cries. if not ner life. She dared not scream
the conflict would be too horrln.e-she
was appalled, into silence.
Ten Thousand a.BuiZ-l thoughts passed