The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1906-02-16

met his fate. He was riding On horse
back from Mount Vernon to Williams
burg with important dispatches. In
crossing ford of the Pamunkey he
fell in with Mr.. Chamberlyne, who
lived in the neighborhood. With true
Virginian hospitality he prevailed up
on Washington to take dinner at his
house, making the arrangement with
difficulty, however, since the soldier
was impatient to get to Williamsburg.
Once inside the Colonial house,
whose hospitable halls breathed well
come, his impotence, and even the
errand itself, were well-nigh forgot
ten. A negro servant led his horse
up and down the graveled walk in
front of the house; the servant grew
tired, the horse paved and shifted
with impatience-and Washington lin
gered.
A petite, hazel-eyed woman-she
who was once Patsy Danridge, but
now the widow of Daniel Parke Gus
tis-was delaying important affairs.
At nightfall the distracted warrior re.
membered his mission, and made
hasty adieu. Mr.. Chamberlyne, meet
ing him at the door, laid restraining
hand upon his arm. No guest ever
leaves my house after sunset" he
said.
The horse was put up, the servant
given his liberty, and Washington re
manned until the next morning, when
with new happiness in his heart, he
dashed on to Williamsburg.
She was twenty-six, some three
months younger than Washington;
wealthy and had two children. Mr..
GUSTS was much older than his pat
sy," for she was married when she
was but seventeen. He was faith
full and affectionate husband, but he
had not appealed to her imagination,
and it was doubtless through her i'm
agination that the big Virginia Colonel
won her heart.
She left Mr.. Chamberlyne's and
went to her home-the white House"
near Williams Ferry. The story is
that when Washington came from
Williamsburg he was met at the ferry,
by one of Mrs. Gusts slaves. lis
your mistress at homer" he inquired
of the negro who was rowing him
across the river.
"Yes, -sah,' replied the darby; then
added, slyly, 81 reckon you am de man
what am expected"
1t was late in the afternoon of the
next day when Washington took his
departure, but he had her promise,
and was happy. A ring was ordered
from Philadelphia, and is duly set
down in his accounts, zone engage
ment ring, two pounds sixteen shil-
lings."
On the sixth of the following Janu-
airy they were married in the little
Church of st. Peter. Once again the
Rev. Mr. Mossum, in full canonicals,-
married Patsy" Danridge to the man
of her choice. The bridegroom wore
a blue cloth coat lined with red SILK
and ornamented with silver TRIM
mings. His vest was Of embroidered
white satin, his shoe and knee buc-
kles were of solid gold, his hair was
powdered, and a crossword hung at
his side. The bride was attired IN
heavy brocaded white silk, mWoven,
with silver thread. She wore white
satin quilted petticoat with heavy
corded white silk overskirt, and high
heeled shoes of white satin, with
buckles of brilliants. She had ruff1es
of rich point-lace, pearl necklace, ear
rings and bracelets, and was attend
ed by three bridesmaids.
There was no seer to predict that
some time the little lady in white sat
in would spend long hours knitting
stockings for the men of her nus
bands army, and that night after
night would find her, in long gray
cloak, at the side of the wounded,
hearing from stiffening lips the husky
whisper, God bless you, Lady Wash
ington!"
All through the tronblous times
which followed Washington was the
lover as well as the husband. He took
fathers place with the little chill
dren. treating them with affection. yet
never swerving from the path of abb
solute Justice. With the fondness OF
a lover he ordered fine clothes for her
from London.
Georges First Love.
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