Year: 1859

Jefferson's violin and voice accompanying

 the lady in pathetic song, gave up the

 contest thenceforth and retired without en-

 tering, convinced that the affair was be- yond their control.

 The other story is that all three met at the door, and agreed that they would take their turns. MT. Jefferson entered first. and the tones of the lady in singing

 with her companion deprived the listeners of all hope, However this may be, t IS certain that the beautiful widow consent. ed to become Mrs. Jefferson and on the first day of January, l772, there was a great festival at "The Forest" Friends and kindred assembled from far and near --there was froliclSing and dancing after the abundant old fashion--aud. we find l from the bridegroom's notebook that the servants and fiddlers received fees from his especial pocket. It showed without, but within all was mirth and enjoyment, Tn the light and warmth of the great log fires, roaring in honor of the occasion. Soon ai- ter the performance of the ceremony, the bridegroom and his bride set out Tn their carriage for "Monticello," where Mir. Jefferson had commenced building in r. 69, just before the destruction by fire of his patrimonial house f"Shadwell." The journey was not to end without adventures. AS they advanced toward the mountains, the snow increased in depth, and finally they were compelled to leave the carriage and proceed upon their way on horseback. Stopping to rest at "Blencheim," the seat of Col. Carter, where he found, however, no one but an overseer, they left Il at sun set, resolutely bent upon reaching Monticello before night. It was eight miles distant, and the road, which was rather a mountain bridle-path than an honest highway, was encountered with snow three feet deep. We may fancy the sensations of the newly welded bride at the chill appearance of the desolate landscape, as she passed along through the snow; but she was woman of courage and good sense, and did not care for m convenience. It was late when they ar rived, and cheerless reception awaited them--or rathert, there was no reception at all. The fires were all out, the ser wants had gone to bed, and the place was as dark an silent as the grave. Conduct ing his wife to the little pavilion, which was the only part of the house habitable at the time, MT. Jefferson proceeded to do the honors Cha shelf behind some books, part of a bottle of wine was discovered {; and this formed the supper of the bride groom and ihe bride.

 Far from being annoyed or discomlited by their reception, however, 1t only served for topic of jest and laughter. The young lady was merry and light-hearted as bird, and sent her clear voice ringing through the dreary little pavilion as gaily as she had ever done in the cheerful drawing room of 1.-The Forest" Thus the long hours of the winter night fled away like minutes, winged with laughter, merriment and song. The vigil was a mirthful incident rather than trial oftheir equanimily. They were young--and they had just been married. When hands are clasped, and hearts beat close together, there is very little gloom ln dakness, and winter nights are not cold. This little moral sentiment will not, l hope, be criticised as too romantic for the the .dignity of history" It doubtless ex- plains how young lady and gentleman, both used to every comfort and luxury, found the gloomy lille pavilion in the midst of three feet of snow, neither dark nor cold, on that January night long ago.