The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1902-12-27
Written for The Union.
A CHAPTER FROM LIFE SIXTY
YEARS AGO.

MARYLAND, My Maryland, has been famed in
story and song for her brilliant men and beauti-
FIJI women, but if tradition be true, no place in
our dear old State, in the past, has produced
more brave or gallant men, or such lovely, gra-
cious women, as My Lady's Manor; and, if am
not partial judge, or my vision is at fault, the
same may be said today.
The scene of the following little anecdote is
near ST. James p. e. Church, which is built of
brick imported from England. and is among the
oldest church structures in Maryland, having
been built in the 18th century. 1t issurrounded
nv fine city of the silent dead, on whose time
worn tombs quaint epJtaphs are carved.
SHADES Old Tavern was bright with candlelight
and the many colored gowns worn by the IA
mons Manor beauties The bright eyes of these
same fair maidens were doing fearful execution
among the hearts of gallant youths who hover
ed near them.
ceiled room stood dainty, beautiful girl of II,
and by her side gentleman equally handsome,
with his whole heart In his eyes and they were
telling her the old, old story, so old yet ever
new to those Interested. The maiden turned to
him with blush, and said "Sir, you must not
tarry by my side. Ny father has forbidden it
and we must obey him." Sweet, childish sim
plicity: we don't see it today.)
: "Olevia, do you send me away, he asked, with
curious culver in his manly tones Z
. ''Yes. Ned, must keep my word, and
will tell you l have but short time to
live, as you know my family all 80 with con-
in my veins, which causes this bright color in
my cheeks, is the herald of the dread disease.
So think it wise to deny myself the pleasure
Of listening to you although l love you. AS
know my time on earth is short will not anger
my earthly father, lest / should lose my home
in heaven. There you can come-if you will"
Ned like the average young man OF that time,
or this either had no taste for turning his love-
making into a talk on his sharing the delight of
heaven with her; he was far too earthly: SO he
turned and stalked silently away from the gen.
tie maiden to bright, saucy locking girl, who
welcomed him with smile of pleasure on her
full cherry lips, and soon they were in the giddy
- no. nNia mos nyUbi 10 oo
fair ladies have done before and since-moved
among the crowd with smiling face and aching
heart, for such is life.
the ballroom above to the corner bedroom be-
low, where so many of the old family have first
seen the light, and where the sunlight, OF life
has gone out. Olevia is lying on the bed and it
needs no physician to tell you her hours are
numbered. A violent coughing fit leaves her
exhausted. She motions for her aunt to ap-
"Auntie, do you think Ned would come if !
sent for him?''
well, dear, we will try" the grief-stricken
A messenger was dispatched for him and in q
few hours returned, accompanied by Ned, who
her changed face and form, with the dew OF
death on her brow, strong man that he was q
great sob rose from him.
Ned" she whispered, my time is short;
want you to promise me to prepare to meet your
God and give up gaming and.drink."
"Olevia, it is too late; you will not be here tc
no" she said, "but Jesus will. Will you not
try to keep your soul pure, and meet me on the
other side, around the great white throne"
Self and passion seemed to die in the presence
of this fair, true spirit, so soon to take wings
and depart, and Ned answered with drawn lips
II will"
A smile of unearthly sweetness passed ovel
Olevia's fair, worn features. kiss me goodbye
and leave me, Ned; your promise has taken the
bitterness and sting from death. 1 can go il
| peace. Call auntie as you go out" He obeyeC
her with white, panied face:
As the family gathered about the bed he
spirit silently took its flight to the realm above
| A tomb in st. James Cemetery records he
| birth and death. God keeps the other record
| her life above.
Thirty years later Ned died, white haired OLE
man, but he had kept the faith be had pledget
/ to the dying girl. and was gathered home like
| sheath of ripe grain.
| Who shall say each and every life has no
some influence for good or evil? c. P. II.