The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1901-10-12

w flO was lcllDOidlHJ SbOPPA'Ao 49,
famous SLATE Roof" house. My Aunt
had provided for me one of the best
mounts to be procured in the colonies
stallion that until his fourth year
had run at freedom on her range to
the north of Staunton. She had brought
him up to sell him, but now insisted
that I should take him. He was OF
large size and superb style, and who
had not bestrode a decent animal in
nearly four years, felt at first trifie
out of place. However, / soon found
my seat and, thanks to my early train
ing, 1 now acquitted myself admirably.
MY Aunt had sent Moses across the
town out to the Horne place to bid
Edith be ready for horseback ride
and as we pulled up at the wide gate
way, saw Bob running beside Selim,
out around from the stables That
sable diplomat grinned broadly, as
taking the head of my horse, ne
stood waiting for me to lift Edith
into the saddle The keen air put
our steeds in fine mettle, and we
must fhave made striking appear
ance as three abreast. we cantered
down toward the old High street road,
1.-The three black grooms following some
distance behind My Aunt's mount was
almost equal to my own and could
not but admire her superb management
of him. Indeed, she was more daring
horsewoman than Edith, and though
she Aad not as fine figure, nor yet the
youthful bloom that she must have had
20 years or more before, / am quite
sure. that no other gentleman In all
Philadelphia rode out that day with as
charming ladies as did 1.
Bob and Moses, thanks to the grave
dignity of Hosea, played their part
we'll, and when at the hour of 4, we
drew up before the quarterssof His Ex-
cellency, there was general stir and
craning of necks among those In wait
ing The beauty of the ladies, my cos
tune so like Colonel Morgan's own, my
great size and the three unusually fine
horses seemed to impress every one
with the idea that some border digni-
tary was about to confer with our chief,
Edith was a little frightened, thought,
at the attention which we were attract
ing, especially from the imposing Life
Guard, but my Aunt was in her ele-
ment For once in her life, she seemed
perfectly happy. Her bearing-she was
but four feet seven, 1t must me remem-
bered-was that of queen as she gra-
ciously nodded at General Washing
toms Black Billy, who recognized her
and came forward from his post at the
door, his worries cleaning. She drop
ped cards into his copper colored palm
and he disappeared within, to leave us
for the ogling of the aides and guard.
A moment later the door was thrown
open and within, advancing toward US,
was General Washington himself a
smile of welcome lighting up his great
kind eyes and dying there, for his face
was sphinx like. l shall not attempt q
personal description Of the General at
this time, for he has been too much In
the public eye,- both in person and
picture these last 30 or 40 years to need
it. Pushed ahead by my Aunt, who had
not said word, l stepped before him.
He gave start and stopped. AS he
stood thus, look of amazement drove
the smile from his eyes and then l saw
gray pallor creeping over his rudy
face He dropped the hand that had
been extended as, he first came into
view and Strengthening to his full
height. stood looking directly at me. 1t
was an embarrassing situation for me,
and / knew not whatto say. ! turned
to my Aunt, who with tears stream
ing over her cheeks, stood at my right
elbow
Mrs. Fisherl Sally! What means
this? Who is this young man, and
where have you been keeping him.
calculated His Excellency in a bewii-
dered, jerky way.
Whom does he resemble, Your Elk
cellency?" replied my aunt.
Whom does he resemble! Do you
ask me that? Why, woman! 1t IS as
If you dead husband had stepped from
out behind yonder door post. This Is
my friend Duncan Fisher, as he looked
that morning before we met Beau1ea!u
at Braddock's Field. Young sir! what
is your name?"
duncan Christopher Fisher, Excel
lency," said briefly and he caught my
hand. He did not release it either, but
forgetting the ladies, drew me in.
Then remembering himself, he started
back confusedly, again came back to
me, saying: Pardon me, sir!" and go
ing once more out into the hall, led
the ladies in. Having seen them seat
ed, he walked before me again and
looked steadily at me, until beneath
his gaze I again became embarrassed.
MY Aunt had meanwhile been weeping.
did wish she would stop and say
something. My wish was gratified, for
at this instant she raised her face from
her handkerchief and began talking. /
have heard much in my time of and
about the languorous speech of south
ern ladies; the stately manner of We
olden time, but there are exceptions
and my Aunt was now proving 1t. Her
tongue few like a queue ribbon in a
stiff breeze, and when she ran out of
breath. she hung long on the word
$sa-n-d." drawing in a fresh supply,
without a break in her story. She told
all about me. My life as child; my
surroundings: my adventures with the
Indians: how I came to the Hornes In
Philadelphia; my exploits in the north
ern campaigns; my recent promotion;
and wound up with-"and now Excel
lency. he's made me promise | wouldn't
ask another promotion for him until
he earned 4"
The grave man listening so politely
before her. looked absolutely solemn as
she finished For an instant, l never
saw a man look more so. That he was
making an effort l could plainly see.
At one time his face had a woe-begone
expression. Then 1 saw that smile
struggling into his eyes. 1t twitched
the muscles of his firm mouth and
finally gaining control Of his entire face,
he suddenly opened his mouth and
roared with laughter. In after years
knew him intimately, but rarely did 1
see him give way in any degree to
mirth and never as on this occasion.
I laughed myself. Edith laughed. My
Aunt did not She was angry.
What are you laughing at, General
George Washington? I've known you
40 years-before the other war, I'd have
you know / knew you when at IA you
were appointed to commission in the
British navy, through the influence Of
your brother Lawrence. I saw you. a
great gawky boy you were, too, come
blub-crying up from the river, follow
ing after your luggage. when your
mother changed her mind and wouldn't
let you go. Are you laughing at me2"
''Madamet Mrs. Fisher SALLY" the