Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1902-12-27
Within the Memory of a Tree.

Nestled snugly among the low sloping
hills of northern Long Island there
stands large weeping willow in the
center of a well kept lawn, and below,
a few hundred feet away. the waters of
a little brook dance and play over their
grayelly bed. then glide softly under a
small iron bridge and are lost to sight in
the mass Of water lilies and dense UNI
1ergrowth beyond.
The scene is one of rare beauty, still,
though not quite so picturesque as when
the little brook was spanned by a rustic
bridge Of fallen trees; and the stately
mansion is not nearly so poetic as the
old homestead with its huge fireplace
and vine draperies.
That was long ago. Gray haired men
have crossed the brook since childhood
who never saw the rustic bridge; the old
farm house was torn down to make room
for the newer model which preceded the
present mansion, and the towering will
low with its long, dropping branches
could never be recognized as the sapling
of a century ago; but the brook, fed by
ever faithful springs, babbles over It's
toN SN ds IL uid NltiA ilob Jllt leu
kneeIed to drink from its crystal waters.
Thus time has wrought a change in the
landscape and with it have changed the
history of nation and the customs of a
people. For when the smoke first curled
from that old fireplace a Tory family
gathered around its broad hearth and the
revolution was only thought in the
mind of a few.
1t was the youngest daughter of this
large Tory family who planted the little
willow twig. Surely the old tree has
witnessed many a romance since then.
but none more beautiful, more poetic
or more touching than that of the life
by whose care it was nurtured and to
whose nobility it stands living monu-
ment today.
Madeline was a girl of rare beauty.
Kind of heart and gentle of disposition,
she still possessed a will and strength of
character quite out of harmony with so
delicate figure. She showed a remark
able lack of ambition as ambition was
measured in those days, and her taste in
certain important cases was considered
extremely poor.
When barely II Madeline formed an
attachment for a noble young man who
was neither wealthy nor of titled family
for which misfortune he was promptly
and unceremoniously banished from the
young lady's presence. From that day
until her death there were those to whom
Madeline never mentioned her lovers
name.
In due time her hand was promised tc
the son of a prominent land owner
Il young man with a long title and great
wealth. Her sisters We're envious ana
none of her friends could see how the
owner of so much property could be any
thing but the most lovable of men
| Madeline, however, was obstinate ant
would have nothing to do with that self
important young gentleman. Her pa
rents were just as persistent and tn,
wedding day was set.
! Then a little white note was secretl,
sent by messenger to a distant love. An(
one cold night, when the snow lay deer
and the embers in the old fireplac,
burned low, form glided through tn,
window and down over the woodshe,
| roof. There was a meeting by the will
low and the young man. now a lieutenan
in the American army, touched again tn
hand of his love.
Madeline seemed different. When he
intended husband called the next nigh
her whole manner was changed. Sh,
would not be caressed, but her face wa
all smiles and she did her best to please
Her parents noted that her tastes wer
greatly improved, and agreed that he
ambition would yet do honor to the fam
lily name.
1t was the wedding night and Christ
mas. The old homestead was all ablaz
with light and warmth. The decoration
We're handsome and expensive. All tn
families of wealth and title from Ney
York We're there. 1t was to be tn
GROWING social event of the year. Made
line was i'll her best spirits. With ele
CANT and becoming grace she greeted tn
young noble and her guests.
But lust before the ceremony was Il
take place Madeline excused herself TO
a moment, went to her own room an,
opened the window that looked ont owe
the old woodshed roof. Again and TO
the last time she passed out. A stror,
hand and II strong charger We're waiting
/ And them
There was a wedding feast that wa
npver tasted; pursuit that accom-
phshcd nothing; wounded pride tina
was never healed, and a ride. long mid
night ride out into Il new life and new
| .,,tptt,- RranGl,.,, E,,,la