Evening star., 1932-03-13

Court; from her palatial residence
in New York City, with Summer
mansion on Long Island this only daughter of
John and Abigail Adams lived out her last years
in small farmhouse far from the social cen
ters of civilization. For the first half of this
little ladys life Fate and fortune seem to have
co-operated to give her the best of gifts health,
happiness wealth, power-only in the end to
take them away.
Born and brought up in the old town of
Braintree, just outside of Boston, quiet modest
and industrious, Abby Adams had besides these
substantial traits a generous share of good
looks. Even though her mother stressed mental
and moral qualities above physical beauty, still,
Miss Abby had her mirror, and she saw therein
a dainty figure Of five feet and a bit more,
thoughtful, serious face with deep, lustrous
eyes, fine straight nose and a cupid-bow
mouth with the suggestion of pout.
Dressed in home-woven linen frock or best
bib-and-tucker gown Of chintz and calamanco
petticoat q Kenton handkerchief folded over
her young bosom, and a demure cap on her
brown cIrls, the daughter Of John and Abigail
at II made picture altogether pleasing to her
admrer, Royal Tyler, Esq, late come from
Boston to settle down and practice his profes-
sion, law, after having done his bit in the war.
gay gallant, in garnet coat and short clothes,
he frequently found his way to the Adams
home, where he cordially received by Mrs.
Adams. With his droll wit and his love Of
poetry the Harvard graduate proved a social
godsend to Mistress Abigail during those dark
days while her husband was away on his diplo-
matte service in France and Holland.
And as for the young man. he spent interest
ing hours with the mother and daughter, caus-
ing much friendly gossip in the neighborhood,
for it was agreed that he was counting Miss
Abby. The village folk thought the young
couple would make match. Certainly, they
made a picture as they rode along the oak
girl in her habit of nanken, faced with blue
satin, and her little blue hat and feather; her
lover in high boots and dashing colonial attire
But there were those who cast envious eyes on
the happy pair.
Mr.. Tyler was boarder in the home of
Abby's aunt and uncle, the Branches. Their
two daughters were the solid, rejecting sort of
young ladies, given to science rather than to
shallow coquetry. Betsy, past 20, already was
within the almost hopeless confines of spinster-
hood. The Branches took kindly to the young
barrister, with an evident eye to winning a
husband for their Betsy. But the cards went
against them from the first. Sister Adams had
the ace, and they no trumps Sadly they
cranched the situation over, while the young
man was spending his evenings out Their
criticism after this wise:
1T is scandalous that Sister Abigail should
encourage this improvident young man, this
spendthrift. His father left a fair property,
and the sons failure to husband his re-
sources, his share in the estate has fallen to
few hundred pounds. hear, too he has
gambled away more than one crown. -
Thus spake the godly Uncle Cranch, and his
spouse corroborated his charges.
And look at the way he dresses, extFava-
gantly for these times Husband consider
1t thy duty to inform our dear brother John
OF the condition Of affairs between his
daughter and this young man, who rides
about, wasting his time, when he should be
making of himself a man OF parts"
4 AR. RICHARD CRANCH straightway sat
lNi down and wrote lengthy epistle to his
dear brother-in-law, John Adams. He spoke
of the state Of public affairs as being in q bad
way, of the high cost of living-butter at $12
a pound and all other necessities at similar
rate; then humbly begged If he might draw
upon" Brother Adams for a small amount, and
finally by gentle transition turned to family
topics. He spoke of the romance that had
sprung up between the young lawyer and his
niece "Nabby," and advised her father to pur-
sue due discretion before granting his consent
to the marriage.
Some few months later Abigail Adams re-
ceived by a French packet letter from her
lord and master charging caution concern
ing their daughters love affair-there should
be no announcement of the couples engage
ment and they should behave as friends only
Honest poverty is objection to a young
man, but dissipation and idleness are insuper-
able objections" concluded the parental YER
dict. This damper to the spirits of the ardent
lovers Mrs. Adams attempted to lift by promis-
ing to make all things right with her husband
Meantime the Branches continued to play
their prettiest to win the prize, but their
finesse was too obvious for concealment. Mr.
Tyler saw jealousy back of their behavior, and
decided to make q test to prove his thesis
He dropped his attentions to Miss Abby with
her consent), and gave his leisure time TO the
Cranch ladies. He read from the classics at
their freside, he took Miss Betsy out walking.
and wrote sentimental verses on her charms.
The opinion Mrs Cranch had held Of the bril-
liant cavaliers character quickly reversed it.
self. She now stoutly defended him.
How can people be so ill-natured as to