The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-12-10
In an Old Garden
BIZ MARY VAN AUKEN MILLS.

1t is the early morning of a beautiful
day in the spring of the year 1915. The
Octagon House. a pretentious, many win
dOwed residence. stands On slight emf
hence overlooking the broad Potomac.
where the ships are laziIy sailing, all
their cleaning canvas spread to catch
every breath of the gentle breeze. From
the little Balconies Of the mansion may
be seen. across the river, the wooded
heights Of Arlington, with the temple
like home of the Custises and Lees crown
ing the hill. its white pillars flashing IN
the bright sunlight. Nearer at hand stand
the fire shattered walls of the White
House, and through the morning air come
the sounds of the masons' ringing trow-
els. and the songs Of the negro laborers
a work upon the repairs OF the building.
The garden of the OctagoH House is
jealousy incIosed by a high brick wall:
noble trees and a wealth CT fragrant
shrubbery make it a most inviting spot
At one end Of the grounds coaehmen and
servants are making ready the horses
and carriages for the days duties; and
the life of the day IS beginning in this
the temporary home of the President and
his family.
Ehe outer door opens. A queenly lady
comes into the garden and walks lightly
over the grass SIZE is tall and command
ing her face is of unusual beauty, and
withaI there is that about her that seems
all grace, kindIiness. courtesy She wears
froek Of her favorite mulberry color
.-s.z. . 80 J---oLsoe |o15.5 ,lozaIz ovar
her bosom On her head she bears the
graceful turban that has become his
toric attribute of Mrs. Madison-for it is
the Presidents wife II is her custom
to sit here in the garden. on pleasant
mornings. to read fer an hour or so be-
fore the rest of the family are astir-
As she seeks her favorite seat under an
old locust, shaded by a elump of 1ilacs,
she sees awaiting her one whom she re-
/ cognizes Immediately. At first she stares
and trembIes at sight Of him, but she ad-
| dresses him quietly. only the quaint
| Quaker form Of her words betraying her
/ excitement, for she had dropped the use
Of the Friends speech and dress when
she became the wife of James Madison.
What dost thou here. Aaron-Aaron
BURR"
TO see you. madam"
But the hour Is early. the garden has
high walls. and at 10 thee might have
Gene directly in and greeted the Presi-
dent and me at his Ievee."
Perhaps. Dolly
Nay. I an called Mistress Madison
We'll. Dolly you once we're. and the
name was none too saucy for you But
would you have aaron Burr come to one
! Of your Presidential Ievees? The skeIe-
J ton would be more welcome at the feass
| than I among the Madisons, Jenersons.
Washingtons. and Lees. that flock TO your
| doors But I well mind the day that I
| brought the grave James Madison TO meet
the pretty Mistress Todd, and that after
we had spent many afternoons on the cor
+ ners. watching to see the famous beauty
go by"
| And now, aaron Burr
What brought me here? Perhaps a
/ whimsical desire to see again the LITTLE
| Quaker girl who used sometimes 10 blush
at the name OF Aaron Burr. though aow
| she speaks It eoIdly--
u should have more cause 10 blush nov
at thy name. Thou hast not done we'll
! Aaron Burr
Nov do I hear the voice Of the wife Of
| Madison"
7 know OF no other Toice that could
use. Aaron Burr
NO you have not really changed much
| The Quaker bonnet has become a stately
| turban. and the grey gown has taken &
brighter color; but the same lace ker-
chief is round your throat-you are more
than half a Quakeress yet Dolly
= would net seem lacking courtesy to-