Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1904-07-22

Threats of the young horses, destroyed
the growing corn and tobacco and
burned the barns. The path of the
British front remained a trail of ruin
and dcsolation
Anne's sight of Armand at the river
camp had scared her heart with wish
to be less far from him. She dreamed
of battlefields on which he lay dying
and she still misunderstood, still un-
forgiven.
Letters meantime came from Betsy
Byrd Her father had been failing in
health. was taking no part In the strug-
gle, and so far Westover had been in
no way molested. Francis was q cap
tain in Weedon's regiment.
"Only think, DEAR" wrote Betsy, "'tis
the same old man who kept the tavern
at Fredericksburg. To think of Frank
serving under him" An unconscious
indication of the maternal leanings.
If other were needed, II was easily to
be found. General Arnold had stopped
for dinner on his raid upon Richmond,
and CORVALLIS had crossed the river
at Westover and had been entertained.
|
Tarleton, over whom Betsy went into
raptures
Spurred by her craving for nearer
news of the armies than reached Char
| lottesville, Anne answered in person
the invitation the letters held, rode to
Richmond with Henry when he re-
turned from the assembly at Staunton,
and from Richmond came in two hours
sail to Westover.
The war had touched Mrs. Byrd light
! ly. She was as handsome and as pep
perry as ever and exhibited certainty
Of British plans which Anne had oc-
casion to remember later when there
were no gentle whispers of Investigate
ing the self satisfied lady's conduct
[ She treated the visitor, however, on
this occasion with consideration and
refrained from using the word 'rebel'
oftener than she deemed necessary.
Nor did she gbe ut Francis commits
sion in the Continental army.
a week spent at Westover, the Byrd
pinnace took Anne down the river to
BurWclls 5. "A proceeding ut which Mrs.
Byrd fecbly protested as the place was
within half dozen miles of Williams
burg, now the center Of activity of both
armies But Anne reminded her that
Colonel Tillotson was with Governor
Nelson's militia in the neighborhood
and would not be dissuaded.
The first hours Of her arrival at Bur
Wells were gided by two bits of news
ono that her uncle was daily expect
ed there the other that GLADDEN. Hall
was as yet undisturbed.
But this latter CLEAN was soon to be
cloudcd. Nanny EValine appeared the
morning after Anne's arrival, half
crazed with grief and fear that was
not appeased by the unexpected sight
OF her mistress.
She threw herself in quivering heap
and claspcd Anne's feet
"Lor' bress yo' honey" she sobbed.
dee come at las! CORVALLIS done ram
sack GLADDEN. Hall las night, en- he
sojers kyar'd meh po' boy erway wild
'em. Whuts we ter do. honey Dees
dar now. Yo' reck'n dee done kilt him
yit?"
An hour later Anne took the York
town highroad, mounted on the least
tempting of the horses the Burwells
kept hidden in the woods. Opposite
Williamsburg she climbed knoll, but
could see little sign Of life in it's de-
serted streets. Small wonder, for Corn
wallis was only q handful of miles
away. Here she turned to her left into
an unused bride path leading by a
short cut to GLADDEN. Hall.
She went bodily enough, with many
self assurances, and so, q bare half
mile from the gates, rode full tilt upon
q group of British soldiery resting In
the shade.
They sprang to their feet as her horse
went back upon his launches, and two
Of them seized his bride, but dropped 1t
at word from an officer. The latter
came forward.
Your pardon, Mistress" he said cour-
teously, but firmly. You cannot pass
farther in this direction"
"Why not?" she asked calmly. It's
the first time l was ever denied en-
trance to my own home"
He bowed now, with hat In his hand.
General CORVALLIS occupies the house
at present as his own quarters"
II know it l have personal business
with his lordship."
'In that case" he responded, you
may pass. ! shall take pleasure In es-
corting you ! am one of the generals
aids"
He mounted, and they rode in silence
to the gates. Here and there a picket
as he saw her guide.
The aid stood aside as she entered the
hall. Through the half open door Of the
| drawing room she saw braided uni
forms grouped about table from which
hoated out the sound of laughter and
! the clink and tinkle Of glasses, filled
, from the cellars.
"And they tell me-" rolled a full voice.