New-York tribune., 1905-08-06
a Temporary Revival Of Ante -Bellarn Customs
That Brought Chivalrous Young Man Bride
By WILL n. III A r EN-

which one OF the COrlnthian TX "
columns had fallen in the q
Civil War and never been re-
stored. The general aspect of the place showed
the helpless decay OF past grandeur and Vet the
drab beauty OF a dignifed death was on it all The
magnificent water oaks that bordered the avenue
leading from the house to the main road had not
been topped and trimmed in many wear The
ran fences were rotting down and becoming over
grown 10y notous vines weeds and bushes The
cabins OF what in better days had been the negro
quarter had SO suffered from the plague of ruin that
only few OF them were now in use
At the gate the visitor turned his horse over to
colored man and Went up the broad steps to the
door. His ring was answered by a middle-aged
ColoTed woman, and he was shown into a cool. spa
cious drawing-roon Mahogany furniture uphol-
stored in harcoth placed here and there on the
threadbare remains OF a tine old carpet. Ancient
brass candleSticks gave scant ornamentation the
white mantelpIece over fireplace from whose
shadowy depths ferocious-headed andirons pro-
truded.
Hanburv was soon arprized of the approach Of
his hostess by light step the hall and the rustic
of summer draper1es He stood up as she entered
In the low arrangement of her gown at the neck and
the high beauty OF her luxuriant hair she was
strikingly ike the painting of her grandmother
among the family portraits the walls rs he
took her extended hand the visitor found himself
again under the spell she had thrown upon him
when he had met her IN the gay whirl OF social
Aususta.
on see did md my way after al, he SAID
TO cover certain embarrassment that was unusual
TO him.
Yes, YOU are better than gave you credit for
being" she retorted, with q smile. Il confess
thought ali you said about coming jest pure
and simple As Il Is, | must punish myself with
the knowledge that your business drew YOU as
far as Dudley; but I assure you l grateful for
the hot, dusty drive OF eighteen miles through the
country
Hanburv felt himself coloring. The truth IS he
laughed u persuaded my partners to let me attend
10 the matter at Dudley. II could have been
arranged by rail-in fact" he laughed they'll
have 70 do il that way for did even stop there
| wired them to write TO the parties-that l had
met old college friend and gone fishing"
'WeIl." a slight flush OF embarrassment flowing
over her patrician features. you may be as good
q your word, my father IS very fond of fishing,
and the river Is only few miles distant" She
glanced toward the door. 4 hear his horse
on the avenue now: he has been the post-office.
4 moment later Colonel Hasbrook came IN his soft
gray hat and rlding-whip in hand his trousers
neatly folded in the tops OF his high boots. He
q thin nervous man with iron-gray hair His
health could not have been good. for his skin
almost colorless and his hands quivered-
Welcome. sir" he exclaimed cordially, he
casped the hand OF the visitor and shook it. Sorry
l can't receive YOU as I did my friends before the
war Why. sir. this old wreck used TO ring with
music and laughter. Every room in the house
Was full OF young folks. They came from Savannah,
Charleston and even Richmond We made EN-
have a good time: but that's all gone, Mr. Hanbury
the glory Of the past in the old South has gone
ou. ike candle. man can't keep that up and
pay of mortgages. / confess / can't fight present
conditions. The order IS best, no doubt, Tor
YOU young bloods, but It PLAYS the deuce with US
old ones. Il caught Us on our backs
Il knew your father. sir. He lucky in