Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-10-12

we mention the beautiful, gracious ma
irons and the charming, lovely maids,
who must forever stand among the World $
fairest types of fair women.
RELICS OF THE PAST.
There is scarcely a family in the South
who does not possess some carefully pre-
served relic Of these by-gone days. The
ancient finery Of some fair dame, but
gay uniform of some brave soldier, bit
Of rare old china, well-worn spinning
wheel, a battered old musket, or little
old tinlzling spinet. Belonging to each
article is ar interesting story. | recall
one Or two Of these old romances related
to- me, some time since by my grand
mother, who, although, bu 4 child when
some Of them happened, could remember
with wonderful accuracy the several
events. ] will endeavor to reproduce them
Just as she told them to me. She and
had been rlnamaging among the family
keep-sakes and had brought to light
heavy brocade silk gown. Yes said
grandma. that gown belonged to katb-
arinc Ke3rney, and never was there
more imperious self-wilcd, generous,
warm hearted girl than this same kath-
arine Reared in luxury, the youngest Of
a large family Of children, size was ty-
rant from her cradle She was my moth
er's sister, and not many years the senior
Of Bob my eldest brother. She lived with
us at Grove Hill, both Of her parents be-
ing dead. We children adored her; sac
was our boon companion in every sport.
l can see her now. racing over the lawn.
her brown hair blown in loving little
curls about her face. her blue eyes shin
ing with merriment she successfully
eluded the eager hands Of the pursuing
children. Admirers she had by the score,
and pretty dance she led them, smiling
on this one to-day and that one to-mor-
row. Particularly devoted to her was Ed
ward Matthews, Mars Doctor Ned, the
darkies called him, a daring young
fellow just from Germany. where
he had been studying Ned low
Ell this capricioUs maid with all
the fiery passion of his Southern nature.
Katharine loved him, too but from mere
waywardness choose to keep it to her.
self flirting shamelessly with various
handles. and thereby making poor Ned
very miserable
UNDER THE ARCH OF GREEN.
"One June morning, she and Ned went
out for a ride Under the arch OF green
leaves we watched them canter forth,
both so young. so handsome, SO gay and
debonair. In few hours they again pass
cd under the green boughs-but, ah! the
change.
physician, with tears in his eyes. as he
left the bedside Of the suffering girl and
DR.. Ned, his face scarcely less white than
that Of the dying maiden, could but CON
firm this verdict. katharine's saddle-girth
had broken just as she was leaping her
horse over a low fence. and she was
thrown violently against an old tree
stump
In violation of all commands, had
crept into The room, as the day was wan
ing, and had crouched down near the door
in the shadown of the bureau. Ny child
ish heart was breaking for my bonny
playmate, but dared not make a sound
for fear Of being detected in my hiding
place. DR.. Ned was kneelng by the bed.
his face set and deadly white. No sound
could be heard save tho chirp of a katy
did out in the old oak. Mother stood by
the window notionless. Presently Kath-
arine opened her eyes and looked at Ned.
Ned she whispered I always loved
YOU then slipping ring from her slender
finger she put it into his hand Keep it
for my sake she said. Almost immed.
ately she passed away. Then, for the first
time in my young life I looked upon a
strong mans grief, and child though |
was the memory of Ned Matthews, agony
by the bedside Of his dead love, has never
left me.
we dare not say him nay when he
saddled his horse and rode madly forth
into the night. When he returned after
an absence of two days and nights, Kath-
arine was lying under the flowers in the
family burying ground. No one ever
knew where Ned Matthews spent those
two days. and it is doubtful il he knew
himself. Certain it is. he never spoke OF
them 20 any one No-he did not die OF
go to the bad: he lived noble and useful
life, beloved by all the community. and
fairly worshiped by brother Bob. whom he
afterwards made his heir, -
THE HISTORY OF a SWORD.
A The handsome old gown Was refolded.