- -
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES 
 
 i 
 
 GIFT OF 
 
 MABEL R. GTXLIS
 
 BY THE SAME AUTHOR. 
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD NEW YORK. 
 
 HANNAH ANN : A SEQUEL. 
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD BOSTON. 
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 SHERBURNE STORIES. 
 
 SHERBURNE HOUSE. 
 
 LYNDELL SHERBURNE. 
 
 SHERBURNE COUSINS. 
 
 A SHERBURNE ROMANCE. 
 
 THE MISTRESS OF SHERBURNE. 
 
 THE CHILDREN AT SHERBURNE HOUSE. 
 
 SHERBURNE GIRLS. 
 
 THE HEIR OF SHERBURNE.
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN 
 
 OLD WASHINGTON 
 
 BY 
 
 AMANDA M. DOUGLAS 
 
 AUTHOR OF " A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD NEW YORK, 
 "SHERBURNE STORIES," ETC., ETC. 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 
 1900
 
 COPYRIGHT, igoo, 
 
 BY 
 DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY. 
 
 THE MERSHON COMPANY PRESS, 
 RAHWAY, N. J.
 
 
 JAQUELINE BAKER BEALL : 
 
 To you, whose ancestors made worthy efforts in 
 the earlier history of the South, and lived romances, 
 this little story is affectionately inscribed. 
 
 AMANDA M. DOUGLAS. 
 NEWARK, N. J.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 I. A NEW HOME, . . . . . . . . r 
 
 II. THE PINERIES, 15 
 
 III. APPLES OF DISCORD, 28 
 
 IV. A NEW PRESIDENT, 42 
 
 V. ROGER CARRINGTON, . 56 
 
 VI. A TOUCH OF NATURE, 70 
 
 VII. THE BEGINNING OF A LOVE STORY, ... 85 
 
 VIII. AN ANGRY FATHER, 99 
 
 IX. THE WEAKER VESSEL, . . ... . .116 
 
 X. A CHRISTMAS AUGURY, . . . " . . 130 
 
 XI. THE THORNS THAT BESET LOVE, . . . . 148 
 
 XII. A TALK OF WEDDINGS, . . . . 161 
 
 XIII. LOVERS AND LOVERS, . . . . . . 175 
 
 XIV. JAQUELINE, 191 
 
 XV. A SMALL HERO, 207 
 
 XVI. IN OLD WASHINGTON, . . ..... 219 
 
 XVII. THE FLAG OF VICTORY, . . . . . . 240 
 
 XVIII. OF MANY THINGS, . . . . 253 
 
 XIX. IN THE MIDST OF WAR, . . . . . . 265 
 
 XX. THE OLD STORY EVER NEW, . . . . 283 
 
 XXI. ANNIS, . . . ". . . . . . 298 
 
 vii
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 A NEW HOME. 
 
 '<DUT you will have to take sides," declared Jaqueline 
 ^ Mason, " and it would be ungrateful if you did not 
 take our side. You are going to live here ; you really be 
 long to us, you know. Your mother was own cousin to 
 our dear mother, and Patty was named after her " 
 
 " I don't see why I should be called Patty when you've 
 given up Jack and make such a fuss ! " interrupted a slim, 
 unformed girl, who was nearly as tall as the first speaker. 
 
 " Well, Miss Patty, I am sixteen and in long gowns ; 
 and next winter I expect to go to balls and parties, and 
 be presented at the White House. Oh, I wish it was a 
 court ! " 
 
 A young fellow, astride the low window seat, laughed 
 with a teasing, bantering sound in his voice, and his deep 
 eyes were alight with mirth. 
 
 " You think you are a great patriot, Jacky, but you 
 hanker after the fleshpots of Egypt and royalty, when we 
 have fought for our freedom and gained our indepen 
 dence and set a noble example to the downtrodden na 
 tions of Europe. Sighing for a king and a court ! " 
 
 " I'm not sighing. One can think of a thing without 
 wishing it " 
 
 " And he called you Jacky ! " cried Patty, with a certain 
 triumph ringing in her tone.
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " Father said you were not to." Jaqueline Mason 
 raised her head with dignity. " I used to think it rather 
 funny when I was romping round, and it teased Aunt 
 Catharine ; but I hate it now, and I've given up romping. 
 There is a great difference." 
 
 " And Cousin Annis is eager to hear about her side. 
 You hardly know which side you are on yourself." 
 
 She gave him a withering look, and turned to the little 
 girl who stood in a shrinking attitude, and whose eyes 
 had a certain lustrousness, as if tears were in their limpid 
 depths. 
 
 " I wish you wouldn't interrupt, Louis Mason ! I am 
 trying to explain. Grandfather Floyd isn't our very own 
 grandfather he married grandmother and he believes 
 we shouldn't really have separated from England, or at 
 least we should have modeled our government upon hers 
 and had a king. He thought Washington ought to have 
 stood up for some grandeur and state, and he is afraid 
 now we shall all go to ruin. He never did like President 
 Jefferson. But you are too little to understand politics, 
 Annis, and I was going to explain father and Aunt 
 Catharine are own brother and sister ; then there are five 
 Floyd children, uncle and aunt's too. You really are not 
 related to them. You are on our mother's side." 
 
 " Jaqueline, you will be qualified to write the genealogy 
 of Virginia," and Louis laughed mockingly. 
 
 The girl colored with vexation. " Well, everybody 
 is married to almost everybody else ; and now your mother 
 has married our father, and that in a way makes us 
 sisters." 
 
 The little girl standing by the window, where the sun 
 shine sifted flecks of gold through the green clustering 
 vines, looked up wistfully. She had wished out in Ken 
 tucky that she had a sister, and now that three had wel 
 comed her and taken possession of her, she was not sure
 
 A NEW HOME. 
 
 that she wanted sisters. She had slept with Varina, who 
 was about her own age, but who had not taken to her 
 very cordially. There was a still younger child, a boy, 
 curled upon the next window ledge, poring over an old 
 copy of Froissart, dog-eared and well worn. Varina was 
 petting two doves, who arched their necks and strutted 
 about. 
 
 " Yes, people get queerly married, up or down or cross 
 wise. I mean to marry someone quite new and strange. 
 But we were glad that father chose a cousin of our own 
 dear mother's, and I am sure we shall all like her. What 
 do you suppose they are about! Why don't they come 
 to breakfast ? " 
 
 This was the great dining room. Four windows faced 
 the east, two the south, shaded by the wide porch roof 
 and the vines. There was a massive sideboard and a 
 china closet with glass doors, wherein were many family 
 heirlooms. The antlers and head of a great buck were 
 suspended over the mantel, which was graced by a pair of 
 silver candlesticks with several branches and a snuffers 
 and tray. There was a large, roomy sofa and some high- 
 backed chairs, quite stiff enough for the dames of early 
 eighteen hundred. The floor was bare, but laid with 
 various-colored woods. It had a hospitable air, al 
 together, in spite of its massive furnishing. The table 
 was set for breakfast, and a tall silver coffee urn graced 
 one end of it. 
 
 There was a stir in the hall, and the sound of servants' 
 voices mingling with a mellow masculine greeting. The 
 little girl made a rush for her own dear mother, and ran 
 into Chloe, but her new father rescued her from harm, 
 since the woman was carrying a dish of savory fried fish, 
 followed by other servants with numerous viands. 
 
 He lifted her in his arms and kissed her, and her 
 mother bent over to give her another caress. Then 
 
 3
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 he stood her down, and she almost buried her face in her 
 mother's gown and impeded her progress. 
 
 " Well, chicken," and the round, cheery voice sounded 
 as if a laugh was at the back of it, ready for the slightest 
 provocation, " how does it seem with all these brothers 
 and sisters? For that's what you are to be. Children, 
 here is your new mother, by daylight. Take a good look 
 at her and love her, though she will be more like a big 
 sister than a mother. I could have been her father. For 
 when I first saw her she was no older than you, Patty." 
 
 The children thronged about her. Second marriages 
 were quite common occurrences, and the children of those 
 days were expected to accept and make the best of them. 
 Miss Catharine Mason had taken excellent care of her 
 brother's household, and now gone to Williamsburg to 
 take charge of the Rev. William Conway's rectory and 
 be a mother to the three children. There had been a gov 
 erness, a certain Miss Betts, from farther North, who 
 somehow could not easily adapt herself to Southern ways, 
 and a rather turbulent household. There had been numer 
 ous complaints, and at the summer vacation she had re 
 signed. Miss Jaqueline had in a measure taken the head 
 of the house, with Maum Chloe and Mammy Phil, who 
 had brought up the younger part of the flock and com 
 forted the elders in times of difficulty and trouble. 
 
 The new mother held out her arms. Jaqueline and 
 Patty gave her a warm embrace. Louis shook hands with 
 the grace of a gentleman, and smiled out of fine soft- 
 brown eyes. A very good-looking young fellow of 
 eighteen, home from his first college year. 
 
 " Oh, children, I hope you will all love me, for I have 
 had a sad, lonely time for the last five years. It seems 
 so good to get to a real home, and have a corner in your 
 father's big heart. And we will all try to make each other 
 happy." 
 
 4
 
 A NEW HOME. 
 
 She was rather tall and slim, this new Mrs. Mason, with 
 light-brown hair and blue eyes, and a sweet, wistful smile. 
 Nine years before this, she and her husband and baby had 
 gone out to Kentucky with a colony, and though the val 
 ley was extraordinarily beautiful and fertile they had* 
 known many hardships and more than one Indian skir 
 mish. Still, they were young and happy and prospering 
 when death came to Philip Francois Bouvier, and for five 
 years she had been full of perplexity and sorrow, when 
 the coming of her dead cousin's husband had brought 
 a glimpse of rest and the proffer of a haven of 
 delight. 
 
 " And this little one." She reached out her hand to 
 Varina. " You and Annis cannot be far apart in age, and 
 
 will be excellent friends, I trust. Was there not " 
 
 glancing around. 
 
 " Charles, put up your book and come and speak to your 
 new mother. And then to breakfast. I shouldn't blame 
 Chloe if she put us on short commons this morning, we 
 are shamefully late. Your mother and I had several points 
 to discuss. We will do better to-morrow, Chloe. I hope 
 you have not allowed these marauders to tear down the 
 house nor tear up the garden. Ah, good-morning, 
 Homer." 
 
 Homer was the tall, stately major-domo. The Indian 
 blood in his veins showed in his erect stature, his straight 
 nose, and his hair, which, though quite frosty and curly, 
 was not kinky. And Homer felt as proud of his blood 
 as any of the Rolfe descendants. 
 
 They were all settled about the table presently a house 
 hold to be proud of. Mrs. Mason took her place at the 
 urn; Annis had a seat beside her. Varina was on one 
 side of her father, Charles on the other. A fine-appear 
 ing flock, truly ; Jaqueline and Patricia giving promise of 
 much beauty. Louis was tall and manly, though one 
 
 5
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 could see he had been bitten with the follies of early youth 
 by a certain aspect of finery that young men affected. 
 
 The meal was long and entertaining to the partakers. 
 There was so much to tell. Many things had happened 
 in the six weeks' absence of the head of the house, and 
 everybody running wild. True, the overseer was a man 
 of judgment and foresight, and of wide experience, and 
 the estate had not suffered. Chloe had managed to keep 
 what she called the " whip hand " of the house servants. 
 It was the children who had suffered most. Indeed, if 
 Aunt Catharine could have looked upon them now she 
 , would have thought them demoralized beyond redemp 
 tion. 
 
 But Squire Mason was an easy-going man, and had 
 a feeling that most things come out right if you give 
 them a chance. Prosperity is apt to make one buoyant 
 and cheerful. And though the country was in a bad way 
 and the rulers in high places were disputing as to whether 
 it could hold together, and there were no end of sinister 
 predictions even among those who had borne the strain 
 and burden of making a country. But crops had been 
 excellent, and on the large estates everything needful was 
 raised, so there was no stint. The Virginia planter, with 
 his broad acres, had a kingdom in virtue of this plente- 
 ousness. 
 
 Mrs. Mason watched the two chattering girls, the little 
 Varina, who held whispered confidences with her father, 
 the abstracted boy Charles, surprising herself with a 
 sort of desultory conversation with the young man who 
 was explaining the many changes in men and events and 
 places in nine years. 
 
 " And we have brought the Capitol to Washington," 
 he said, with the dignity of his eighteen years. " You 
 know there was a tremendous attempt to locate it at Bal 
 timore." 
 
 6
 
 A NEW HOME. 
 
 " Yes. Baltimore is dear to me. All my young life 
 was passed there." 
 
 " I suppose there were some good reasons, but we 
 Southerners made a grand fight. We had Mr. Jefferson 
 on our side. I think Virginia never had full credit for 
 her brave share of the war. At all events we had the 
 crowning victory, the surrender of Cornwallis." 
 
 " I have quite a desire to see Washington." 
 
 " It is so hard to get grants to go on with the buildings 
 and improvements. The country ought to have more 
 enthusiasm. But the eastern States are not over-cordial 
 yet. Why, there could have been next to nothing done 
 when you went away ! " 
 
 " There had been some trouble with Major 1'Enfant, 
 I believe. And everybody was counting on a fortune for 
 the ground." 
 
 " As they are yet," and the young man laughed. 
 " Father has a tract of swamp and elder bushes. When 
 the streets reach out to us and the population increases, 
 we may go in. At least some of us younger ones. I don't 
 suppose anything would induce father to give up the 
 estate here ? " 
 
 " You are right there, Louis. This old Randolph place 
 will last my time out," said his father, who had caught 
 the last of the sentence. " We are near enough, and can 
 get over to see the shows, while we keep out of the quar 
 rels. Some day it will be a fine town, and the country 
 at large may be proud of it. But there must be no end 
 of money sunk in the bogs. We will go over and in 
 spect it." 
 
 " I hope Mrs. Madison finds more for her comfort than 
 Mrs. Adams did," said Mrs. Mason, with a smile. " I 
 can appreciate pioneer life." 
 
 " Mrs. Madison isn't lady of the White House abso 
 lutely, but she is sent for to receive everybody. And she 
 
 7
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 entertains delightfully herself. You know," Jaqueline 
 said this to her new mother, " that Aunt Jane lives in the 
 City " 
 
 " She has not yet made Aunt Jane's acquaintance, or, 
 if she did, it was when Aunt Jane was a mere child. You 
 were here on a visit when, Patricia ? " 
 
 " Just before I was married, fifteen years ago, or nearly. 
 And Jaqueline was a little yellow-haired baby." 
 
 " Oh, how queer ! " cried Patty. 
 
 " You see, mother was a widow some years, and her 
 second family is still quite young. Yes, Jane has married 
 very well, a surveyor and civil engineer. But it will not 
 do for us to sit over the breakfast table all day if we are 
 going to mother's," and the squire rose, pulling himself 
 together with a sort of shake. 
 
 " Must we go to-day ? " Mrs. Mason's voice was be 
 seeching. 
 
 " Oh, mother would consider it an unpardonable slight ! 
 She is a great stickler for deference and attention, and all 
 that. Yes, and it is a good long drive. We can return 
 home by moonlight, however." He was coming around 
 to his wife's side. " We must take this little one and 
 show her to her grandparents. Rene, do you not want to 
 go along ? " 
 
 Varina looked undecided. She was not quite sure she 
 wanted a new sister so near her own age. She had been 
 the pet and the plaything of the household, and last 
 night Mammy Phillis went over to the newcomer, who 
 had gone to bed for the first time in her life without being 
 cuddled by her own dear mother. 
 
 The squire pinched his new little girl's cheek softly. 
 She leaned it gently down in the hollow of his hand in 
 a mute caress. He was very fond of children. 
 
 There was the confusion of everyone rising, and all 
 of them talking at once, it seemed. 
 
 8
 
 A NEW HOME. 
 
 After her good night's sleep and her week of happiness 
 Mrs. Patricia Mason looked both young and pretty, 
 though now she was not much past two-and-thirty. 
 
 " I want to ride over," declared Jaqueline ; " I have not 
 been in ever so long. And Marion is to have a party on 
 her birthday, early in September. What a pity Louis will 
 be gone! She's desperately sweet on Louis." 
 
 The young man flushed scarlet. 
 
 " You can't marry your aunt any more than you can 
 marry your grandmother," said his father in a teasing 
 tone. 
 
 "Jack is always thinking about marrying," flung out 
 the brother. " It's a nasty way girls have." 
 
 " There ! there ! No disputing, or the new mother will 
 think she has fallen into a hornets' nest. Go and get 
 ready. I'll take a glance at the stables and see Dixon 
 for a moment," and he turned away. But Louis caught 
 his arm and kept step with him. 
 
 "Well, what is it?" he asked rather impatiently. 
 " Money again ? You young people think the well is 
 exhaustless." 
 
 " No, it isn't money." His tone was a little husky. 
 " Jerry is lame. I rode him rather hard one day " 
 
 The squire smothered an oath. He had promised his 
 young wife he would not swear at everything. It was a 
 bad habit, a bad example to his boys. 
 
 " How did that come about ? I told you Jerry was not 
 to be taken on tramps. You young fellows have no 
 sense." 
 
 " I was over to Kenyon's one day. They bet her 
 against Kenyon's mare. I tried to get out of it " 
 
 " And you were beaten ! Served you right ! My poor 
 Jerry ! " with a touch of desperate anger in the tone. 
 
 " No, I won ! " There was a ring of elation in the 
 young voice. " He came in five seconds ahead. There 
 
 9
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 was a great time, you may be sure, and Kenyon was for 
 trying it again. He thinks nothing can beat the mare. 
 I think Jerry trod on something. His foot and leg have 
 been swollen. Cato has him almost well, though." 
 
 " I meant to keep shady and enter him next year. I 
 do believe if you hadn't beat I should just take it out of 
 your hide," and the squire laughed. " Now it will go 
 abroad that I have a crack horse. Well and what did 
 Cato say?" 
 
 " He was lame the next morning, but Cato thought it 
 wouldn't be much, and when he grew worse Cato worked 
 over him faithfully. He is sure he will be all right." 
 
 " You are beginning early, young man. Next time 
 you let my especial horse alone. Well, I'm glad it's no 
 worse. But I won't have you turning out a horse 
 jockey." 
 
 They had reached the stables, where two or three old 
 men and half a dozen negro boys were making a pre 
 tense of being busy, but they rushed to welcome the 
 squire. Cato and Jerry were both interviewed, and when 
 the master emerged with a pleasant face and scattered a 
 handful of coppers for the small fry to chase about, 
 Louis felt quite relieved, for, truth to tell, he had had sev 
 eral rather wretched days about his father's favorite. 
 
 The squire ordered up the carriage, and Julius came 
 down with missy's commands. 
 
 Annis had followed her mother up the broad staircase 
 to the large, light room where a slim young colored girl 
 was putting away various articles in drawers and closets. 
 The small wardrobe had been increased during the brief 
 time spent in Baltimore, but was not very extensive 
 yet. 
 
 When Randolph Mason had gone to Baltimore to settle 
 the estate of one of his wife's cousins, as he had been 
 named executor, he found Patricia Bouvier mentioned
 
 A NEW HOME. 
 
 among the heirs. He recalled the pretty, attractive girl 
 his wife had taken such an interest in, who had married 
 an enthusiastic young French Huguenot, and some time 
 after joined a colony of emigrants to the " New Coun 
 tries," as the Middle West was then called. 
 
 " She was left a widow some years ago," said one of 
 the relatives. " She did write about coming back, but 
 it is a long journey for a woman and a little child. Lat 
 terly we have not heard. I dare say she is married 
 again." 
 
 There was a company going out to settle some bound 
 ary question and make surveys, and on the spur of the 
 moment the squire's adventurous blood was roused and 
 he joined them. They had magnificent summer weather, 
 and his enjoyment was intense. He found the little set 
 tlement and Mrs. Bouvier, who had known varying for 
 tunes since her husband's death. She had been kindly 
 cared for, and more than one man would gladly have 
 married her, but her heart yearned for her own people. 
 To take the journey alone seemed too venturesome, and 
 she well knew the perils of frontier travel. So she had 
 waited with a longing soul for some deliverance. She 
 would go back gladly. 
 
 There was no difficulty in disposing of her claim in 
 the settlement. She bade good-by to the grave it had 
 been a sad, sweet pleasure to tend, and with her little girl 
 and her delightful guide and convoy set out on the 
 journey. 
 
 Before they reached Baltimore a new tie had sprung 
 up between them. True, Squire Mason had thought oc 
 casionally during the last year of marrying again. His 
 sister Catharine had said to him before her departure: 
 
 " The best thing you can do, Randolph, is to marry 
 soon. The girls will need someone to supervise them 
 and see that they make proper marriages. Mrs. Keen
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 would be admirable, as she has no children. And there 
 are the Stormont girls ; any of them would be suitable, 
 since even Anne is not young. I wish I had taken this 
 in hand before." 
 
 " I wish you were not going away, Catharine. My 
 girls ought to be nearer to you than Mr. Conway's," he 
 said ruefully. 
 
 " I will still do what I can for them. There is excellent 
 society at Williamsburg, and I can give them pleasant 
 visits. But I never saw a man more in need of a wife 
 than Mr. Conway. It's a good thing clergymen wear a 
 surplice, for I am sure he never could tell whether he was 
 decent or not. Surely it is a plain duty." 
 
 " And you leave me in the lurch ? " 
 
 " But, you see, a clergyman needs a person well fitted 
 for the position, which, I must say, every woman is not," 
 with an air of complacency. 
 
 " And you think anyone will do for me ! " 
 
 " How foolish you are, brother ! I think no such 
 thing. You certainly have sense enough to make a wise 
 choice." 
 
 But he had not chosen, and now he thought he should 
 like this sweet, sorrowful, tender Patricia. How bright 
 he could make her life ! 
 
 He was so strong, so sincere and cheerful. He made 
 friends with shy Annis, who sat on his knee and was 
 intensely interested in his girls he always called them 
 little. And before they reached Baltimore he had asked 
 Patricia to marry him, and Annis had consented to be his 
 little girl. Mrs. Bouvier's small patrimony was to be 
 settled on the child. But, then, she could not have im 
 agined Mr. Mason being mercenary. 
 
 Word had been sent to the household of the marriage. 
 They had not thought of objecting. In the great draw 
 ing room there was a portrait of their mother in a white 
 
 12
 
 A NEW HOME. 
 
 satin gown, with pearls about her neck. It had been 
 painted during a visit to London. They all went and 
 looked at it, and wondered if the cousin Patricia would 
 be anything like that ! 
 
 " I don't believe she is as beautiful," declared 
 Jaqueline. 
 
 There had been several delays on the latter part of the 
 journey, and it was evening when the travelers reached 
 home. The welcome had been a hearty one, and when 
 supper was over Annis was nodding. It was past Va- 
 rina's bedtime. Charles had already stolen off. 
 
 " Take the children to bed, Phillis," said the master. 
 " They're to be sisters, so they may as well begin by shar 
 ing the same room. You won't feel lonesome, little 
 Annis?" 
 
 " I'll go with her," said the mother in her soft voice. 
 
 " Nay." Randolph Mason put his hand on his wife's 
 arm and kept her a prisoner. " Phillie is the best of mam 
 mies. And you belong in part to me. You have had a 
 hard time, and now there is someone to wait upon you 
 and ease you up. Good-night, little ones." 
 
 He kissed both children. Annis wanted to cling to her 
 mother, for even through these three days of her married 
 life her mother had heard her little prayer and put her to 
 bed, so she had not felt really separated. But when 
 Philly took her hand it came with a sudden wrench. She 
 dared not cry out in the face of them all. But, oh, was 
 her own dear mother not hers any more? Did she truly 
 belong to father Mason? And all these large children? 
 Had she given herself away when father Mason had put 
 a ring on her finger and called her his wife ? 
 
 She was out in the hall being led upstairs, and Phil 
 lis' hand was as soft as a crumpled rose leaf. Her voice 
 was soft and sweet too. There were two small white- 
 covered beds, and when they were undressed and within
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 them Phillis crooned a low melody, and the little girl, be 
 ing very tired and sleepy, forgot her sorrows. 
 
 Then in the morning Phillis came and dressed them 
 both and curled Annis' soft, light hair. Jaqueline seized 
 on her the moment she entered the breakfast room. 
 
 " I hardly had a look at you last night," she began. 
 " I do hope you won't feel strange and that you will like 
 us all. And there are ever so many other relations. Did 
 you never have any brothers or sisters ? " 
 
 " No," answered Annis, with a kind of wistful regret, 
 raising her eyes shyly. 
 
 " We have another lot out at the Pineries. It's queer, 
 but we don't call them uncles and aunts, except Aunt 
 Jane, because she is married and the oldest. And we al 
 ways dispute it's very funny and queer. Grandfather 
 is a Federal well, a sort of Tory, too and father's a Re 
 publican. People who live in a republic ought to be 
 Republicans. That's what we fought for." 
 
 Annis stared. " Out home there," indicating the 
 West with her head, " they fought the Indians." 
 
 " Well it is all about the same thing, only there are 
 not many Indians around here. And we don't fight each 
 other." 
 
 " I don't know about that ! " and the young man who 
 was toying with the ears of an English hound laughed. 
 
 Then had come the puzzling question, and Annis Bou- 
 vier wondered what side she must take and was sadly 
 mystified.
 
 THE PINERIES. 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE PINERIES. 
 
 A NNIS ran and threw her arms around her mother's 
 ** neck and kissed her fervently. 
 
 " Are you glad to come here and do you like them 
 all ? " she asked when she found her breath. " And it is 
 so queer, with all the black people and the great house and 
 and everything ! " 
 
 " It is a little strange. You will like it better by and 
 by," glancing tenderly down in her child's eyes. 
 
 " And you must you be mother to all the children ? 
 Am I never to have you any more ? " 
 
 " You have me now. Yes, you will always have me. 
 Don't you remember you used to wish for a sister like 
 Sallie Reed ? Her mother loved all the children." 
 
 " But she had them when they were cunning little 
 babies," was the decisive reply. 
 
 " Dear," her mother knelt down and put her arms 
 around the child, " it is this way. We have come to this 
 lovely home which is to be ours, and all the pleasant 
 things a good friend can give a kindly, generous friend. 
 I used to feel anxious and worried about your future. 
 There was no good school. The life was very narrow. 
 And if I had been taken away " 
 
 " But they never would let the Indians take you. Oh, 
 mother dear ! " with a fervent embrace. She had not 
 meant that, but she would not give the other explanation. 
 
 " And all these children are going to share their 
 father's love with you. He will give you this beautiful 
 home, clothe you, educate you, and he puts me in the 
 place of their dear mother who is dead. He is going to 
 care for me and keep me from toil and sorrows and per- 
 
 15
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 plexities. When you are older you will understand bet 
 ter. I hope you will try to love them all, and this good 
 dear friend who will be a father to you." 
 
 " But I shall love you the best." 
 
 " Yes, dear," with a proud certainty. 
 
 " And you will love me better than anyone else? " and 
 Annis clasped her mother with a child's unreasoning ex- 
 clusiveness. 
 
 " Yes, dear." 
 
 A merry voice went lilting through the hall. Jaqueline 
 paused a moment at the door. She was in her pretty 
 green riding habit, and her straw hat had a bunch of iri 
 descent cock's-plumes. She held her riding whip in one 
 gloved hand, and she really was a picture good to look at. 
 
 "Oh, are you ready?" Mrs. Mason asked. 
 
 " Yes, and the carriage has come, but father is still 
 down at the stables. Rene doesn't want to go, from some 
 queer freak, and Patty does. I don't believe father would 
 mind would you ? " 
 
 " Why, of course not," in a cordial tone. 
 
 " Rene is queer sometimes." Jaqueline studied An 
 nis, and smiled in an odd fashion, for Varina had just de 
 clared she " wouldn't go anywhere with that new girl, and 
 that she did not mean to like her, for after all she was not 
 a real sister, and they had done very well without any 
 mother, and she just wished father had not brought her 
 home." 
 
 " It's the big carriage," said Patty, " and I could go if 
 Rene did not want to. I hate to stay home all alone." 
 
 Jaqueline understood that this would be the easiest 
 way of settling the matter, for Varina had a streak of ob 
 stinacy that was conquered soonest by " giving her her 
 head," as Phillis said. 
 
 " Never mind about the box," as one of the men had 
 come in with hatchet and hammer. " I won't unpack it 
 
 16
 
 THE PINERIES. 
 
 this morning," began Mrs. Mason. " Is Patricia getting 
 ready ? " She tied Annis' hat in a big bow under her chin, 
 and then putting on her own they walked downstairs 
 while Jaqueline went for Patty. Varina was nowhere to 
 be seen. 
 
 Mrs. Mason had hardly noted her new home in the 
 dusk of the evening, except to be aware that it was very 
 large. The broad veranda was like a hall. Four fluted 
 columns ran up to the second-story windows, with vines 
 trained on trelliswork in between. The house had but 
 two stories, and an extensive observatory on the top that 
 really was a delightful room during the spring and 
 autumn. A lawn filled with clumps of shrubbery and 
 well-grown trees stretched down to the road, the drive 
 winding around in a half-curve. From the front there 
 was nothing to mar the handsome outlook where the 
 ground lay in a line of curves to the Potomac. The sta 
 bles, the workshops, and the negro quarters were cut off 
 by a tall, thick hedge. 
 
 Mr. Mason came around the corner of the house. 
 Jaqueline was feeding Hero lumps of sugar, to the amaze 
 ment of Annis. Patty flew across the veranda in a whirl, 
 and her father merely nodded to her explanations as they 
 were put on the back seat. Jaqueline waved her hand, 
 and Hero started off at a sharp canter. 
 
 Patty could not keep still very long, and began to 
 question Annis as to what the Kentucky home was like, 
 and if she was glad or sorry to leave it. There had been 
 only Seth Bowers, who worked the farm, and an Indian 
 woman to help about the house, but just across a little 
 yard space the Browns had lived, and beyond were the 
 stockade and the blockhouse. Then the log houses were 
 ranged around. 
 
 " But were you not afraid ? " asked Patty. " Suppose 
 the Indians had come ? " 
 
 17
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " All the Indians about were friendly. We were not 
 afraid of them." 
 
 " But what did you spend your time at if you didn't 
 go to school ? " 
 
 " Mother taught me. Sally Brown came in when she 
 wasn't too busy, and we studied. Mrs. Brown spun and 
 knit, and Adam Dodge had a loom where he wove cloth. 
 Oh, there were a great many things ! " 
 
 " A hard life it was for you," and Mr. Mason glanced 
 at his wife's countenance, which had fallen into thought 
 ful lines. 
 
 '' There have been many pioneers," she returned with a 
 half-smile. " Virginia is full of their graves. And the 
 northern coasts. Our people were wiser. They chose a 
 less rigorous clime." 
 
 " True. The story North and South is full of romance. 
 But, then, what country is not? The old Romans colo 
 nized, sometimes very cruelly, tearing people from their 
 homes. We came of our free will, except such as were 
 redemptioners." 
 
 " And slaves," in a low tone. 
 
 " That is a serious question," and the squire's rugged 
 brows knit. " That they are better off is beyond cavil. 
 In their own land they fight and destroy each other, make 
 slaves, and many tribes are no doubt cannibals. The Pres 
 ident has always considered it bad for the country. But 
 we have needed labor. And in Bible times men were per 
 mitted to enslave other nations. The dominant race gets 
 the upper hand, and it is right that knowledge and im 
 provement should have a chance against ignorance and 
 degeneracy. But this is a somber talk for such a fair day. 
 Look ! Over yonder is the Capital." 
 
 She saw the gleam of the white buildings, and here and 
 there an imposing mansion. It was in truth a magnifi 
 cent day ; the balmy breath of forests and the coolness of 
 
 18
 
 THE PINERIES. 
 
 the river tempering the heat. In and out by dainty edges 
 fringed with grasses, some standing sentinel-like, some 
 dallying coquettishly with the breeze, flowed the broad 
 river. There were innumerable little islets of rank green 
 ness looking as if they were set asail on its bosom, and 
 here and there a spike of blossom. All this great marsh 
 the hand of man and the wit of his brain were to trans 
 form into one of the great cities of the world before the 
 century ended. Long, straight barren places were to be 
 beautiful streets, but now they were gray and dreary in 
 the sunshine. She liked the woods better, the winding 
 road that now was in a dense shade from the overarching 
 trees, and now came out to broad spaces of sunshine. 
 Squirrels chattered and ran about, whisking their feathery 
 tails like a fan ; bird notes, clear and sweet, dying to most 
 exquisite softness, made melody in the air ; bees hummed 
 and crooned, secure of their hidden sweets. Patricia 
 Mason drank it all in with a great feeling of gladness. It 
 was so unlike the primeval solitudes where the few clung 
 together, when the darkness fell, with a nameless terror, 
 or listened to the great shivering woods, wondering if an 
 enemy lay in ambush. God had watched over her and 
 her child and raised up kindly friends, and had now given 
 her home and rest and, yes, love. How could she do 
 otherwise than love this large-hearted, generous man! 
 And she must train Annis to pay him something more 
 than mere respect. 
 
 The pretty young rider put her horse through his 
 various paces. Now and then she was lost to sight by 
 some turn in the road, then she waited with a laughing 
 face and paced demurely alongside of the carriage, chat 
 ting gayly with her father or Patricia. She was not quite 
 at home yet with her new mother. 
 
 The day grew warmer. They drew up in a densely 
 shaded place.
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " Let us get out and rest," said the squire. " There are 
 some fruit and a little luncheon, for we shall be late at the 
 Pineries. It is too warm to drive fast. But it will be de 
 lightful coming back after sundown." 
 
 Jaqueline slipped off her horse. Patricia sprang out 
 with the litheness of a kitten. But the squire took Annis 
 in his arms and as he stood her down, kissed her, which 
 brought a quick blush to her cheek. 
 
 They found a fallen tree and a great flat rock that 
 looked as if Nature had set her table for travelers coming 
 by. They spread out their lunch. The girls had the 
 ready hunger of youth. Annis went round by her mother. 
 It was all so new and strange. She could not feel afraid 
 of this second father, and yet she did grudge his claim 
 upon her mother a little, the mother who was now in a 
 rather gay conversation with the two young girls. Jaque 
 line was amusing in her descriptions of the Pineries, and 
 though her father checked her rattling tongue now and 
 then, she did not greatly heed it. Aunt Catharine had 
 been rather free in her strictures on people and events, 
 and the family at the Pineries had not escaped. 
 
 Then they resumed their journey, and the road grew 
 wilder. Washington and Georgetown were left behind, 
 the houses were less frequent, but the river still ran along 
 by their sides, and now and then a boat of some kind 
 passed them. Then they came to a clearing and a great 
 stretch of tobacco plantations, a winding drive through 
 giant pines that rustled like a river hurrying over a rocky 
 bed. In the midst of a woods, it seemed, so close were 
 the trees, with a fine open space in the front, stood the 
 mansion. 
 
 On the wide porch sat an elderly man with flowing 
 silvery hair, inclined to curl at the ends, but not fastened 
 in the fashion of the day. His frame was large, but one 
 could see there had been a gradual shrinking of the flesh, 
 
 90
 
 THE PINERIES. 
 
 for his face and his long thin hands were much wrinkled. 
 Still, there was a tint of pink in his cheeks, and his eyes 
 were very blue, rather piercing. 
 
 " Randolph Mason ! " he exclaimed, standing his big 
 volume down on the porch floor and taking the flight of 
 steps deliberately. " This is indeed a surprise ! You 
 have been a great truant, and I hope your quest was sat 
 isfactory. When did you return? We have heard noth 
 ing for at least a fortnight. Your mother was wonder- 
 ing " 
 
 " Last night. I spent a few days in Baltimore. And I 
 have brought home a new wife, so we came at once to pay 
 our respects to my mother." 
 
 " Jack, summon Madam and Marian. Allow me to 
 give you congratulation," and he held out his hand to 
 Mrs. Mason with impressive dignity. " You will have a 
 good husband, madam, though we have for some time 
 considered him proof against woman's charms. But we 
 all succumb sooner or later. I was quite a bachelor when 
 Mrs. Mason conquered me. Jaqueline, how do you do? 
 And, Patricia? Why " 
 
 He stared at Annis. 
 
 " This is my new little daughter Annis Bouvier. We 
 have not had time to change her name yet. I found Mrs. 
 Bouvier without much difficulty, and persuaded her to 
 return to her relatives at Baltimore, and to the small for 
 tune awaiting her. There I suddenly was seized with a 
 new mind and persuaded her to marry me." 
 
 Squire Mason laughed with a kind of boyish gayety. 
 Mr. Floyd looked scrutinizingly at the two girls, as if 
 wondering how they had taken this unexpected new 
 mother. But the brilliant faces showed no disapproba 
 tion. 
 
 They had reached the porch, and the master rang his 
 bell loudly for some servants and began to berate them 
 
 91
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 all for a lazy, worthless lot, pushing chairs hither and 
 thither and inviting the guests to be seated, and in the 
 midst of the confusion a dignified woman crossed the 
 room and came out to them. 
 
 Even now Madam Floyd, halfw 7 ay between sixty and 
 seventy, was a fine, imposing woman, stately and rather 
 stout. Her petticoat of embroidered satin was displayed 
 by the skirt of her gown being drawn aside and edged 
 with lace that made cascades of the creamy stuff as she 
 walked. Her sleeves came to the elbows and her round 
 arms were white and plump, and the bit of neck left by the 
 stomacher of lace showed scarcely any sign of age. On 
 her head was a large turban-like cap of fine sheer mus 
 lin much affected by the elderly woman of that time. 
 
 She was of course surprised at her son's marriage, and 
 said rather sharply that " it might have been done with 
 less haste," but to the new wife " You will find men 
 have not over-much consideration. And I suppose it was 
 a matter of satisfaction to leave that wild land behind 
 you and return to the home of your childhood ? But you 
 found many changes, doubtless. You were of the Moore 
 branch, I believe, kin to my son's first wife ? " 
 
 Jaqueline and Patty had gone to hunt up Marian. 
 Dolly had gone off in the mountains visiting. So Madam 
 had the guest to herself, and between them they picked 
 out all the descent of the family from the coming of Lord 
 de la Ware down to the present time. Even the Hugue 
 not Bouvier was not wanting in good birth, so that mat 
 ter was satisfactorily settled. Then Madam bethought 
 herself that the travelers must have gone without dinner, 
 and ordered a table set out on the porch, with cold 
 chicken, tempting slices of fresh bread, and wine, and 
 gave charges for a high tea at an early hour, since the 
 guests had not come to stay. 
 
 Mr. Floyd and his stepson were already deep in poli- 
 
 99
 
 THE PINERIES. 
 
 tics and growing quite heated. The country was all astir, 
 as in the autumn there would be a Presidential election. 
 
 " There will be no chance for the Federals," said the 
 elder man sharply. " The President will have things all 
 his own way and put in his man, who, if he shilly-shallies, 
 as they have been doing, will give England another 
 chance. She beats us out of everything, you may as well 
 admit. And this embargo hasn't hurt her, and it will 
 not. There will be no French to call upon this time 
 for help. And you mark my words, we shall go back like 
 whipped hounds ! I knew the Colonies never could hang 
 together. The East wants one thing, the middle 
 States another ; and they demand the freedom of coming 
 in and regulating our affairs. No, there will never be a 
 settled peace until England has really conquered us and 
 put us back in our proper place." 
 
 Squire Mason laughed. " That will never be. We 
 have had too long a taste of freedom, of ruling ourselves. 
 And if we could not be conquered before, it would be the 
 wildest folly to attempt it now. Besides, she has her 
 hands full." 
 
 " She and the other nations will join to finish that up 
 start Napoleon. And the country will be foolish enough 
 to just throw itself at her, and she won't take that ! Two 
 kings can't govern a country, and we have a dozen differ 
 ent kings, with their panaceas, and they have brought 
 the country to the verge of ruin. Washington had 
 some wisdom, I will admit, and Adams some sense, but 
 since then, with this half-infidel who believes in every man 
 having his own religion, and no state church to rally 
 about, and considers that one man has just as much 
 rights as another, and that drivel that all men are born 
 free and equal ! They are not, I tell you. And I believe 
 in a state church and the power to make it respected." 
 
 " Don't get so excited, father," admonished his wife. 
 
 23
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " Come, Randolph, have a bite of something and a glass 
 of wine. You must be half famished, Mrs. Patricia the 
 name come in very handy, you see. And the little girl. 
 Annis is quite out of the family lines. I don't remember 
 hearing it. It has a Puritan sound. I think myself it is 
 a shame the world should be so mixed up on religion. 
 There is but one Bible, and there should be but one way, 
 and the scoffers and unbelievers be set by themselves." 
 
 " Where are the girls ? " asked their father. 
 
 " They have looked up Marian, I dare say ; and she has 
 Sukey Martin and two of the maids taking apart gowns 
 and fashioning them over in modern style. A friend sent 
 Jane some patterns from Philadelphia, and she passed 
 them on. Did you see much that was new in Baltimore, 
 Madam Patricia? Though this flightiness of dressing is 
 much to be deprecated, and fills the minds of young peo 
 ple with vanity. But Jane has insisted that Marian shall 
 come and make her a long visit this winter. They are 
 to get in their new house in September. I do hope son 
 Jettson is not going on too fast." 
 
 " He may as well make the money as anyone," sub 
 joined grandfather. " The quicker they build up the 
 quagmire the better it will be for the permanency of the 
 Capital. And if some time those canting Puritans want a 
 separate government of their own, they can take New 
 York or Philadelphia for their center." 
 
 " They are improving rapidly," said the squire. " It 
 will be a fine city. Daniel Carroll's mansion is an orna 
 ment, and the Van Ness house is planned for much gayety 
 and large companies. And there are many others in 
 process of erection." 
 
 Annis sat beside her mother and thought of the talk 
 with which the day began. If she had to take sides it 
 would be that of her new father, who was smiling and 
 good-humored and did not bring his fist down on the 
 
 24
 
 THE PINERIES. 
 
 table or the edge of the chair with such a thump that it 
 frightened you. She did not like the grandfather, she de 
 cided. Yet he was a handsome old man, with his ruffled 
 shirt front, his flowered waistcoat, his velvet small 
 clothes, with silver buckles in a bow just below his knee 
 and others set with brilliants on his shoes. 
 
 The ladies discussed the bringing up and the education 
 of girls. They were to be good housewives, trained in 
 all useful arts, and their chief business in life was to 
 make good marriages. And Madam Floyd admitted that 
 she had sent Dolly away because there was an undesirable 
 in the neighborhood, a young Mr. Sears who had been 
 abroad and who played high and drank more than was 
 seemly a degenerate son of a good family. Dolly was 
 very light and trifling. 
 
 " Catharine was a very good, steady girl, but her lover, 
 a most worthy young man, died, and she lost all heart for 
 gayety. And when I married Mr. Floyd " she bent her 
 head over and spoke in a lower tone " I thought he had 
 some feeling men are given to jealousy, you know, and 
 as Catharine w r as fond of staying with her brother, and 
 the new family increased so rapidly that somehow we 
 were weaned away. I was almost struck dumb when she 
 came and told me about her marriage a settled old maid 
 such as she was ! However, I hope it is for the best, 
 and that really made it necessary for Randolph to 
 marry." 
 
 The men had gone at politics again. 
 
 " Marian and Dolly were too young to go and look after 
 such a family, even if their father would have spared 
 them. And I think my son has made a wise choice, 
 though I can't tell you how surprised I was, with no notice 
 beforehand." 
 
 " It was very sudden. I could not have done it with 
 with a stranger," and Patricia colored. " I had been very
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 fond of my cousin. And Mr. Mason was so kind, so 
 thoughtful " 
 
 " He and Catharine hardly seem like my children," and 
 their mother gave a faint smile. " I have been Mr. 
 Floyd's wife twenty-five years." 
 
 Mrs. Floyd summoned a servant presently and said 
 she would show her new daughter the house, so they left 
 the men to their pipes and their disputes. The old house 
 had been built long ago and had many rare belongings, 
 for one ancestor had been a seafaring man and brought 
 home no end of curiosities. The wide hall went straight 
 through the middle, but the kitchens were not detached. 
 There were a great storeroom and linen press and bed 
 ding chests crowded to the brim. Drawers were sweet 
 with napery laid in lavender and rose leaves. The very 
 air was delicious with old-time fragrance. 
 
 " In the new countries one has little time to lay up 
 stores," Madam said, " and I suppose there are no in 
 structed maids. It is the story of Jamestown and the 
 eastern Colonies over again. But we have been civilized 
 this many a year, and kept in touch with the mother 
 country as well, though I am not so sure that we would 
 be better off under her government. My forebears made 
 a brave struggle, and I would not have it go for nothing. 
 But one finds it idle work contradicting one's husband," 
 and she smiled faintly. " There are ways to get along 
 more peaceably. Though it seems as if we may all go 
 to pieces yet." 
 
 She opened the next door, where three slaves were 
 spinning piles of carded wool for winter v/ear, and the 
 hum of the wheels had the rush of water over gentle de 
 scents. Then they went up another broad staircase to the 
 sleeping chambers. 
 
 " My daughters will have a good outfit," she said 
 proudly. " Jane is a notable housekeeper and the others 
 
 26
 
 THE PINERIES. 
 
 are being trained. A woman needs to know all suitable 
 things." 
 
 The sound of girls' voices and merry laughs reached 
 them, and Madam Floyd frowned sharply. They in 
 spected the sleeping chambers, where most of the furni 
 ture was massive and dark with age, in vivid contrast to 
 white hangings and blue-and-white spreads. 
 
 When they went down to the drawing room Madam 
 Floyd sent a servant rather sharply for her daughter. A 
 young girl of nineteen or so entered with a somewhat 
 demure aspect. 
 
 " You seem to have forgotten your duty to your broth 
 er's wife, Marian ! I am ashamed of you, since you knew 
 she was here! Your head is so filled up with finery 
 there is no room for manners," the mother exclaimed 
 shortly. 
 
 " I am sorry. I thought you and my father would 
 want them both a while." She held out her hand to Pa 
 tricia and gave her a welcome and good-wishes. 
 
 " And now order the tea at once. Randolph thinks he 
 cannot remain all night, and it is a long ride home. But 
 it will be much pleasanter than the journey hither." 
 
 When they went out on the porch where most of the 
 time was spent in the warm weather they found the 
 men had gone to inspect the crops and the stock. 
 
 " You will find Randolph rather easy-going," Madam 
 Floyd said to her new daughter. " And the children have 
 grown quite lawless this year, though I cannot say Cath 
 arine kept them with a firm hand. Those two have their 
 father's ways in a great measure. I hope you will not 
 find it too hard, Mistress Patricia, and in any perplexity 
 I will try to give you good counsel. I hope we shall be 
 the best of friends." 
 
 " I am thankful for your kindliness toward me," re 
 turned the daughter-in-law. " I feel quite alone in the 
 
 27
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 world. So many of the Baltimore cousins are dead. And 
 I lost my own mother when I was so young." 
 
 " The little girl seems a nice quiet child," the elder 
 said presently. " Girls are more manageable when they 
 are small, but troublesome enough when the time of lov 
 ers begins." 
 
 Annis sat on the step watching the great peacock strut 
 ting about and the meek peahens seemingly lost in ad 
 miration of their lord's grandeur. 
 
 Then there was a bountiful supper and a fine ride home 
 in the moonlight and the deliciously fragrant air. Annis 
 leaned down on her new sister's shoulder and fell asleep. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 APPLES OF DISCORD. 
 
 TT was very hard for Annis Bouvier to give up so much 
 1 of her mother. Her new father teased her a little, but 
 when he saw she was really pained and the tears came 
 into her eyes he would stop and give her a caress and a 
 kiss. He was a very kindly master, and the overseer 
 grumbled a little at times and made up by undue severity. 
 Then he certainly was an indulgent father. Patricia de 
 spaired at times of establishing any authority. 
 
 The house was so large, the servants so numerous, the 
 confusion so great after the quiet life she had led in the 
 far-away settlement. And at first not a day passed with 
 out some visitors, who came to pay their respects to the 
 new mistress. Jaqueline ordered her pony and rode off 
 \vith a mere announcement to anyone standing near. She 
 seemed to have no end of girl friends and was mostly a 
 law unto herself. She and her sister had numerous 
 squabbles that never degenerated into quarrels. Annis 
 
 28
 
 APPLES OF DISCORD. 
 
 liked Patricia very much, but she and Varina looked 
 askance at each other, with considerable jealousy at the 
 bottom. 
 
 Mrs. Jettson came over with her nurse and two babies, 
 and Annis was delighted with them. 
 
 " But they are not yours in any way," said Varina. 
 " They belong to us and Grandma Floyd." 
 
 " That is being a selfish little girl, Rene," said Aunt 
 Jane. " Annis is to be like a sister to you." 
 
 " But I don't want her for a sister. I have enough 
 sisters. She shall not ride on my pony nor feed my pig 
 eons nor have any of my books." 
 
 Annis' heart swelled within her. 
 
 " I don't want any of them," she made answer. " And 
 I wish mamma and I could go away. She belongs to me 
 and and a little to your father, but most to me. But I 
 wish she didn't belong to any of you ! " and the soft, deep 
 eyes overflowed with tears. 
 
 " Oh, Annis ! what is this all about? " Patricia flew in 
 and clasped the little girl in her arms in spite of a protest. 
 " I'm beginning to love your mother very much. You 
 see, she does belong to us, and now you can't take her 
 away. And we are glad to have you- " 
 
 " I'm not glad." Varina stretched up every inch of her 
 size. " I'm sure we were well enough before." 
 
 " It's mostly Rene's dispute," began Aunt Jane. 
 " Annis was enjoying the babies. Come here, dear." 
 
 Annis rushed out of the room sobbing. Where was her 
 mother ? 
 
 " Rene, you naughty little girl ! " and Patricia gave her 
 a shake. " Why, Jane, we have all been getting along in 
 the very nicest manner. And she's just lovely. We 
 couldn't quite resolve at first whether we would call her 
 mother ; but father wanted us to, and now it seems natural 
 enough. Louis likes her ever so much. And Jack says 
 
 29
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 she's like a big sister. She's nicer than Aunt Catharine 
 was at the last, she fretted at us so. I hope her little 
 girls are pretty bad, and then she won't think we are the 
 worst." 
 
 Aunt Jane laughed. " I dare say Aunt Catharine will 
 have some trials. That is a funny wish. Rene, you must 
 learn to like this little girl. I think her very nice and 
 sweet. I shall ask her to come over and visit me." 
 
 " Then I won't come." Varina's eyes flashed. 
 
 " But why do you not like her ? " 
 
 " She sits on father's knee, and and Charles read to 
 her yesterday and showed her pictures in his book and 
 said she understood better than I did. And Mammy said 
 her hair was beautiful." 
 
 Varina began to cry. 
 
 " So her hair is beautiful," said Aunt Jane decisively. 
 " And perhaps she is smart. You are dull at your book, 
 Varina, and if you are going to be cross and jealous your 
 father will not like you. Fie, for shame ! " 
 
 " If you are going to roar like the bull of Bashan you 
 will have to go upstairs by yourself. And I must find 
 little Annis," declared Patricia. 
 
 Annis had seen her mother walk down the path under 
 the mulberry trees, and she ran swiftly, sobbing as if her 
 heart would break with a strange, yearning homesickness 
 for the home in the forest and her mother all to herself 
 once more. Then she caught her foot in the root of a 
 tree that had pushed up out of the ground, but two 
 friendly arms clasped her, and sitting down on the bole 
 of a tree that had been sawed off to thin the dense shrub 
 bery, he held her tenderly. 
 
 " What is it, little Annis ? What has happened to 
 you?" 
 
 " I want my dear mother," the child sobbed. " I want 
 her to go away and take me. I can't stay here. I'd rather 
 
 3
 
 APPLES OF DISCORD. 
 
 have Sally Brown to play with, and the great woods. 
 I think I shouldn't even mind Indians, nor dark 
 nights." 
 
 " Has Charles been cross to you ? " 
 
 " No, I like Charles. Let me go find mamma." 
 
 " You can't have her just now," said Louis in a sooth 
 ing tone. " Father has to have her on a little matter of 
 business." 
 
 " You all have her ! " resentfully. 
 
 " That is because she is so charming and sweet." 
 
 Annis looked up into the face that was smiling and 
 sympathetic. 
 
 " Tell me the trouble. Surely Patty or Jacky have not 
 been scolding you ? For you couldn't have done anything 
 bad. You are such a shy, quiet little thing." 
 
 " I was playing with the babies " 
 
 " Surely it wasn't Aunt Jane? " 
 
 " No." She had stopped sobbing and raised her sweet 
 eyes, the tears still beading the lashes. 
 
 " Why do you want to go away, then ? " 
 
 There was no answer. Did she really want to go? 
 The arm about her was very friendly. She had felt al 
 most afraid of this big brother, but his voice went to her 
 heart. 
 
 " I think we cannot spare you. I know we cannot 
 spare your mother." 
 
 " Annis ! Annis ! " called the clear girl's voice. 
 
 " Here, Patty," answered her brother, and the young 
 girl ran down to them. She smiled at Annis. 
 
 " What happened ? " Louis asked. 
 
 " It was that little cat Rene ! She didn't scratch, 
 though. Rene has been spoiled by everybody, and she 
 believes now that no one has any rights but herself." 
 
 " And we'll stand by Annis. Come you do like us a 
 little, do you not ? " 
 
 31
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 He put both hands on her shoulders and smiled in a 
 very winsome manner. 
 
 " Of course she does." Patty stooped and kissed her. 
 " You must not mind Rene when she gets in a temper. 
 See, there's Jacky and I, two girls on your side, and Louis 
 and Charles, I am quite sure. Don't you know Jack told 
 you we were always taking sides ? " 
 
 " But what will Rene do? " 
 
 The tone was so half-reluctant, pity fighting against in 
 clination, that Louis could not forbear smiling while he 
 hugged her to his heart. 
 
 " Rene must be punished. It isn't the first time she has 
 been snappy, Louis. She quarreled with Charles the 
 other day because " 
 
 Patty finished the sentence with raising her brows and 
 making very big eyes. 
 
 " Because," said Annis in a low tone, " he was reading 
 to me and would not leave his book to go and play." 
 
 Annis looked very pretty with her downcast eyes and 
 the softened truth in her tone. 
 
 " Charles was a gentleman. All Virginia boys should 
 be. And now, little Annis, isn't it all made up? You 
 will not want to go away ? " 
 
 " I like you both," Annis said simply. 
 
 " Come back and see the babies," and Patricia held out 
 her hand. 
 
 Louis bent down and kissed her. Of course no one 
 would ever grudge her any love, not even Rene when she 
 understood. It was a mere childish ebullition. 
 
 Jaqueline had come in and heard the story, and, as she 
 was quite accustomed to authority, Rene had been handed 
 over to Mammy Phillis with strict injunction to keep her 
 a prisoner for the next two hours. Jane had come out on 
 the lawn and little Floyd was rolling over the short turf 
 in the care of a laughing darkey boy, while Arthur lay on 
 
 32
 
 APPLES OF DISCORD. 
 
 his back crowing and chewing his fat fists for an inter 
 lude. There was her mother with some "needle work in 
 her hand, and Annis flew to her, hiding her face in the 
 little hollow between neck and shoulder, with a great 
 heart-throb of thankfulness. 
 
 No one remarked on Rene's absence at the dinner table. 
 It was a jolly family gathering, and there was a great 
 deal of talk about what was going on in the City and the 
 coming election and the return of Louis to college. Jaque- 
 line would go with him and pay Aunt Catharine her first 
 visit, that she was very urgent about. She missed the 
 young people sadly, she admitted. 
 
 They also discussed a tutor for the younger children. 
 Although education had not taken a very wide range for 
 girls as yet, the necessity was beginning to be felt. 
 Ministers appointed abroad would want intelligent wives, 
 and even now, in Washington, foreigners appeared in so 
 ciety, and it was considered an accomplishment to talk 
 French and to be entertaining. 
 
 The elders went to take an afternoon nap, a favorite 
 habit with the squire when he could. 
 
 " Come," Charles said to Annis, " let us go down under 
 the pines and read," and she was nothing loath. The 
 old heroes of Froissart were like fairyland to the children. 
 Then there were marvelous pictures, the roughest kind of 
 woodcuts, but they picked out their heroes with great sat 
 isfaction. 
 
 Annis had seen few books. There were some old 
 French volumes belonging to her father, and Patricia had 
 begun to teach the little girl as a solace for her long and 
 often w r eary hours. This was a garden of delight, even 
 if Charles did puzzle over the long words and miscall 
 them. 
 
 Jane took Varina home with her, which was a great 
 source of elation after the enforced seclusion of the day. 
 
 33
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 She gave Annis an indifferent nod as she stepped into 
 the carriage. 
 
 " You must be a good little girl and mind Aunt Jane," 
 said her father. 
 
 " Children's tiffs are natural," he remarked to his wife. 
 " Varina has been the baby so long she cannot tolerate a 
 rival. Years ago she crowded Charles out of his place." 
 
 He was not quite sure but the winsome little Annis, 
 with her shy sweet ways and ready interest, was the more 
 companionable. Yet he must not be disloyal to his own. 
 
 Were they all on her side? Annis wondered. And 
 would she need to take sides anywhere? She was very 
 happy and content. Louis took her out riding on Varina's 
 pony. She demurred at first, but the squire promised 
 to look up a suitable one for her in a day or two. 
 
 The new wife soon became settled in her agreeable sur 
 roundings. She had not an aggressive nature, and the 
 house servants soon learned that her rule was not as se 
 vere as Miss Catharine's, while quite as wise. She really 
 desired to win the affection of her husband's children. 
 Neighbors were near enough for pleasant rides and 
 drives. There was much hearty sociability among these 
 Virginian people. There had grown up a certain ease 
 and carelessness since the strenuous days of the war. 
 Though finances had been troublesome and grave ques 
 tions, as well as bitter disputes, had come to the forefront 
 of the young republic in spite of all there had been a cer 
 tain degree of prosperity on the large estates, where nearly 
 everything was raised and much made for home con 
 sumption. Georgetown was rather a thriving and fash 
 ionable place. Bladensburg was quite a summer resort, 
 on account of a mineral spring many thought efficacious 
 for numerous diseases. Vessels laden with tobacco still 
 sailed from its wharves down the Anacostia. There was 
 the noted dueling-ground also, where proud-spirited men 
 
 34
 
 APPLES OF DISCORD. 
 
 went to satisfy their " honor." Around, in many direc 
 tions, were handsome Colonial mansions with picturesque 
 grounds. Washington was slowly emerging from the 
 chaos of unfinished streets and buildings, but had not yet 
 outgrown the flings of the envious and disappointed. 
 The Capitol shone in its white glory. The President's 
 mansion was imposing and habitable, though, through 
 the administration, it had been graced largely by Mrs. 
 Madison, the charming wife of the secretary of state, 
 and one of her sisters. 
 
 When Annis Bouvier went over with her mother and 
 stepfather to bring home Rene, who had tired of the 
 babies and was longing for her pony and the larger liberty, 
 and, perhaps, her disputes with Charles and the teasing of 
 Louis, as well as the merriment of her sisters, the child 
 stared at the stately row of buildings that quite met her 
 idea of a palace. The long and wide avenues running off 
 into unfinished spaces, the trees already beginning to 
 make a brave show, the handsome dwellings here and 
 there were a fair augury of things to come, and seemed 
 wonderful to her. Out in the settlement it had been 
 vaguely speculated upon. Was it not a dream? 
 
 They drove about in some of the most passable streets. 
 People were out for an airing this pleasant afternoon ; 
 numbers of men stood in groups in eager discussion, some 
 gesticulating quite as fiercely as Grandfather Floyd had 
 done. There were pretty young women on horseback, 
 with their attendant cavaliers, laughing and jesting, and 
 a few boys running about. The broad river, with its 
 curves, receiving in its bosom the springs and rivulets 
 and edged with swaying grasses topping into feathery 
 fronds, while multitudes of wild flowers sprinkled the 
 verdure that, from its moisture, still kept the greenness 
 and fresh aspect of spring. 
 
 " Now you can take a good look at everything," said 
 
 35
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 the squire, leaning over to Annis. " We hurried through 
 so, and it was nearly dark when we came from Balti 
 more. It is the palace of our republic." 
 
 Annis was to see it under various phases and to spend 
 a night of terror in it, then to watch it arise from the ashes 
 of destruction. But she could always recall this lovely 
 afternoon and the birds flashing hither and thither in 
 flame-color and gold the Maryland yellow-throat, the 
 redbird, with his high cockade and his bold, soldier-like 
 air. Child as she was, the beauty of all things touched 
 her deeply, and she hardly heard Varina's chatter about 
 what she had done and where she had been, and the 
 spinet at Aunt Jane's house, " which I do think more re 
 fined than a fiddle," declared the little miss disdainfully. 
 " A lady can play on it. Of course fiddling is the right 
 thing to dance by, and it seems proper enough for the 
 slaves. And some of the real elegant people come to 
 Aunt Jane's. Your mother hasn't any gown half as 
 pretty as they wear." 
 
 " No," returned Annis, without a touch of envy. 
 
 " Jaqueline is to have some new gowns to go to Wil- 
 liamsburg. Oh, I just wish I was a big girl and could 
 have fine things ! I hate being little ! You get sent out 
 of the room when the ladies are talking, and you have to 
 go to bed early, and you can't come to the table when there 
 is company. I am going to try my very best to grow and 
 grow." 
 
 Annis wondered whether she would like being a young 
 lady. Jacky was nice, to be sure. 
 
 Jaqueline seemed to enjoy it very much. The new tu 
 tor, who was a Mr. Evans, a young man, was to take 
 charge of the girls' studies, as well as those of Charles. 
 Patricia quite envied her sister, and declared French was 
 the greatest nuisance that had ever been invented. 
 
 " You don't invent a language," corrected Charles. 
 
 36
 
 APPLES OF DISCORD. 
 
 " It grows by slow degrees and is improved upon and 
 perfected " 
 
 " It was just sent upon the world at the Tower of Ba 
 bel," interrupted Patricia. " After all," laughing and 
 a laugh always came to end Patty's spurts of temper " it 
 must have been very funny. Think of a man asking for 
 what were they building the tower out of? Bricks, 
 wasn't it? and water, and the other man not understand 
 ing. And I suppose bread had a dozen new queer names, 
 and everything! What a jabber it was! And that's 
 where the languages came in, Master Charles," with a 
 note of triumph in her clear, breezy voice. 
 
 " Just wait until you study Latin and Greek ! " 
 
 " Girls don't have to, thank fortune ! The French will 
 destroy my constitution, and, unlike the United States, I 
 haven't any by-laws, so I shall be finished out." 
 
 " There have been some learned women and wonder 
 ful queens." 
 
 " I can't be a queen. I don't want to. Think of poor 
 Marie Antoinette ! " and Patty shivered. " I might marry 
 someone who would be President, but it is doubtful. No, 
 like Jacky, I shall go in for the good time." 
 
 Charles thought there was not much comfort talking to 
 girls, except Annis, who listened with attentive eyes, and 
 asked such sensible questions as if she really wanted to 
 know things. The very first day the boy warmed to his 
 tutor, and Mr. Evans was quite delighted with this 
 small scholar. But, as the trend of the day was 
 then, he also had no very exalted opinion of girls, and 
 considered their highest honor that at the head of the 
 household. 
 
 The great trunk in the storeroom that Aunt Catharine 
 went through religiously once a year, to see that no cor 
 rupting influences, such as moth or rust, should gain sur 
 reptitious entrance, was to be opened now, and Jaque- 
 
 37
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 line's portion of her dead mother's treasures bestowed 
 upon her. Aunt Catharine had divided them as equally 
 as possible, and done them up in separate parcels for each 
 girl. In her early married life Mrs. Mason had made a 
 visit to Paris, while Franklin was still abroad. There 
 had been a sojourn in London as well, and she had 
 brought home enough to last her brief life and to descend 
 to her children. Mrs. Conway specified which gowns 
 should be refashioned a little for her niece and what of 
 her mother's jewels it would be proper for her to wear. 
 Jaqueline would fain have confiscated all. 
 
 "Do as your aunt advises," said her father, with a sound 
 of authority in his -tone not to be gainsaid. " She was 
 always a woman of good sense until she took up with 
 those ultra views of religion, and Conway. She was so 
 settled in her ways, too, that no one would have dreamed 
 it, either; but there's no telling what a woman will do 
 until she's past doing. And it's natural for them to 
 marry. But Catharine could have had her pick in her 
 youth. She held her head mighty high then." 
 
 There was no little confusion getting the two young 
 people ready. Louis brushed up some studies with Mr. 
 Evans, for his summer had been one of careless fun and 
 good-fellowship with the neighboring young men. Still, 
 he was ambitious to stand well and not drop behind his 
 last year's record. Then they had to go up and bid 
 grandmother good-by, and there were neighborhood gath 
 erings quite as important as if these young people were 
 going to the unexplored wilds of Africa. 
 
 Their departure made a sudden hiatus. With so 
 many people in the house and on the plantation, it did not 
 seem as if two could be so sincerely regretted. Every 
 slave, from Homer down to the rollicking pickaninnies, 
 bemoaned " Mas'r Louis " ; and Mammy Phil, who had 
 nursed every one of the " chillens," had a double dose of 
 
 38
 
 APPLES OF DISCORD. 
 
 sorrow, and so many reminiscences that Patricia was 
 provoked. 
 
 " As if there were never any children in the world but 
 Louis and Jaqueline ! " she flung out with some vexation. 
 " Mammy, you wouldn't make as much fuss if I was go 
 ing to be buried." 
 
 " 'Fore de Lord, chile, dat would break Mammy's heart 
 cl'ar in two ! You can't 'member how de joy went roun' 
 in all de cabins when young mas'r had a son born to be 
 de heir. Why de 'clar' o' peace wan't nuffin to it ! " 
 
 " I shouldn't think I could remember that ! " said the 
 girl, with great dignity and a withering accent, " seeing 
 as I was not in the rejoicing. You are getting old and 
 doted, mammy ! " 
 
 The old slave woman wiped her eyes. But to her com 
 fort she had found a delightful listener in little Annis, 
 who never wearied of the family legends, and who studied 
 the portraits in the great drawing room with a mysterious 
 sort of awe. There was a cavalier of the times of the 
 first Charles, with his slashed doublet, his Vandyke collar 
 and cuffs of what had been snowy linen and elegant lace, 
 and his picturesque hat with its long plume: a sharp- 
 featured, handsome face in spite of a certain languid in 
 difference. There was another in a suit of green cam 
 let, richly laced, and the great periwig of close-curled 
 rings. The hand, almost covered with costly lace ruffles, 
 rested lightly on the jeweled hilt of the rapier that hung 
 at his side. There were two plainer men : one suggestive 
 of Puritan times ; one, round, rosy, quite modern in the 
 half-Continental costume, that one would easily guess was 
 the squire in his youth. Beside it was Mistress Mason 
 in her wedding gown of satin trimmed with a perfect 
 cloud of Venice point, a stomacher set with precious 
 stones, and a brocaded petticoat. Like a soft mist a veil 
 floated about her exquisite shoulders, fastened at the top 
 
 39
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 with a diamond clasp. There was the beauty of the Ver- 
 neys and the Carringtons in her face. 
 
 " That is our own mother," said Varina as she was 
 showing Annis the ancestors of the house. " She is a 
 great deal handsomer than your mother, and yours has 
 no such fine gowns. This has been laid away, and we 
 shall all wear it as a wedding gown when our turn comes. 
 Aunt Catharine said once there was a fortune in the lace. 
 Has your mother nothing ? " 
 
 " She has a string of pearls and some beautiful rings, 
 but I have never seen any gowns." 
 
 " And she is not handsome," declared the young miss 
 with a decisive air. 
 
 " She is beautiful to me, and sweet and kind, and loves 
 me," replied Annis with a swelling heart. 
 
 " Well our mother loved us. It was very cruel in 
 God to take her away. I would a hundred times rather 
 have her than your mother." 
 
 " I am sorry she is gone. Everybody must love her 
 own mother the best." 
 
 The tone was sweet at the beginning and confident at 
 the end, yet it hardly suited the daughter of the house. 
 
 " You would not have been here, then," triumphantly. 
 
 " No. But we should have left the settlement and 
 come to Baltimore. I liked it there. And there was a 
 kindly old lady who begged mother to leave me with her, 
 but your father said ' Nay ' quite sharply. And at first 
 she would not consent to the marriage." 
 
 There had been some jesting discussion at the Carring 
 tons'. Annis had not clearly understood it. 
 
 " But she would have had to. Father makes people do 
 his way. He is the master of everything." 
 
 Annis was silent. She did not yet clearly understand 
 the mystery, but she sometimes thought she would be 
 glad to go back to the settlement and have her mother all 
 
 40
 
 APPLES OF DISCORD. 
 
 to herself. Something seemed to come between con 
 tinually. There were numerous cares for the housewife 
 on so large a plantation, with children and servants, visi 
 tors and a rather exigent husband. 
 
 There were many beautiful articles and curiosities in 
 the great drawing room. But Annis liked Charles better 
 as a guide. They never jarred upon each other, and 
 he had no jealousy. Then, he really liked his new 
 mother. 
 
 Varina cared little for books. Besides the worn Frois- 
 sart there was a copy of Captain John Smith's adventures, 
 which were wonderful to both children, and here Annis 
 could supply many queries about the Indians, who were 
 rapidly disappearing from this vicinity. Gentle and quiet 
 as Charles was, he had a great desire for adventure, and 
 a soldier's life appeared very heroic to him. But the War 
 of the Revolution seemed ages ago to the younger people, 
 though the slaves often gathered about the brushwood 
 fires and related stirring scenes almost as if they had been 
 eyewitnesses. 
 
 Christmas was a great festival. At nearly every 
 plantation there was a gathering of neighbors and 
 friends, and in some houses visits of days, when 
 extra guests were invited to dinner and a dance given for 
 the young people. And though the exchange of gifts 
 had none of the costly features of the present day, there 
 was much real affection and generosity. Annis thought 
 it delightful. There was an influx of cousins, with some 
 little girls who were very merry and who found Annis 
 quite charming. 
 
 It had been planned for Jaqueline to return, but no re 
 liable acquaintance seemed ready to undertake the jour 
 ney. Truth to tell, Jaqueline was tasting the sweets of 
 incipient bellehood, and was quite a prize to the young 
 collegians. His parish duties not being very onerous, the 
 
 41
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 Reverend Conway added to them a professorship in the 
 college, and the rectory was quite a center of society. 
 What with frequent guests and the care of two small 
 girls, Mrs. Conway found her hands quite full, and un 
 able to restrict her nieces' pleasures to her own ideas of 
 what was advisable. Then, she was glad to have the gay, 
 lively girl, who was ready to sing at anyone's bidding, 
 and had a gracious way with the elders as well as the 
 young. She had often longed for the children of this 
 first motherhood, though she accepted her new duties in a 
 satisfactory manner. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 A NEW PRESIDENT. 
 
 inaugurations at New York and Philadelphia 
 had been marked with a certain degree of pomp and 
 stateliness. The first one in Washington had been simple 
 almost to indifference. There had preceded it a bitter 
 campaign, and the Federalists kept the peace with a silent 
 dignity that was chilling in the extreme. Mr. Adams 
 left Washington at once. And the city then was in a dis 
 mal stage, with few improvements perfected. There was 
 really no accommodation for visitors, and many still be 
 lieved the Capital would be removed. They delighted to 
 call it "The Wilderness City," "Capital of Miserable 
 Huts," and " A mudhole almost equal to the great Ser- 
 bonian bog." Mrs. Abigail Adams had not been charmed 
 with the White House nor the city. The great marsh 
 stretched out in a most forbidding and discouraging man 
 ner. Piles of rubbish and heaps of stone, with unsightly 
 masses of timber, gave the place anything but a homelike 
 
 42
 
 A NEW PRESIDENT. 
 
 aspect. There was no accommodation for the wives of 
 congressmen if they had chosen to come. Gay New York 
 and charming Philadelphia disdained Washington. 
 
 Eight years had changed much of this. True, George 
 town was more attractive and growing faster, but streets 
 were beginning to be cleared up, mudholes filled in, walks 
 laid, and handsome houses erected. The wife of the sec 
 retary of state, charming Dolly Madison, had healed 
 many differences, and Mrs. Madison's drawing room 
 was a favorite resort for senators, ministers, and diplo 
 mats. She was often asked to preside at the White 
 House. Mrs. Randolph, the President's daughter, on her 
 very first visit had been delighted with her, and the two 
 became lifelong friends. 
 
 Her bright and vivacious sister, Anna Payne, had added 
 no little zest to social life, and her marriage had been 
 quite an event in the slowly growing city. The Van Ness 
 mansion was also the scene of much gayety. Old Vir 
 ginia belles came up for a few weeks, and there were balls 
 and parties at Georgetown, and no end of tea drinkings. 
 The young women found plenty of cavaliers, and when 
 riding was possible gay parties sallied out, stopping at 
 some country inn for midday refreshments. 
 
 And though there were many grave questions pending, 
 this promised to be a day of unwonted satisfaction. For 
 the first time great preparations were made. Washington 
 and Georgetown people invited friends, as in those days 
 people were given to hospitality. 
 
 Mrs. Jettson had kept her sister Marian a large part of 
 the winter, much to Dolly's discomfiture, but Mr. Floyd 
 had sent for Marian and refused them both the antici 
 pated pleasure of the inauguration. 
 
 Jaqueline had come home an undeniable young lady, 
 with her hair done high on her head and sundry touches 
 in her attire that made her very attractive and coquettish. 
 
 43
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 There was great rejoicing, from least to greatest, much 
 envying on Patricia's part, much delight on Varina's and 
 Charles', and a pretty, shy, winsome admiration from 
 Annis. 
 
 There was of course the duty visit to the Pineries. 
 Then Jaqueline came down to her Aunt Jane's. 
 
 " I'd planned such a delightful time ! " declared Mrs. 
 Jettson, between satisfaction and vexation. " There is to 
 be a gay season, with balls and parties and dinners. And, 
 really, the young men are getting to be quite factors in 
 society. I wanted both the girls and you ; and, Jaqueline, 
 you've grown monstrously pretty, and your manners have 
 improved so much that you might be fresh from London 
 or Paris. There have been so many fine people here the 
 last two or three years, and building is going on at a rapid 
 rate. Philadelphia and New York will not be able to look 
 down on us much longer. I meant to give you young 
 people a dance and supper, and father won't let the girls 
 come. Marian was mad as a hornet, and poor Dolly 
 stamped around. Father grows queerer about them. But 
 / wanted the company as well. I'm not an old woman, if 
 I have two babies. And I'm quite sure it will be a success 
 if you will come." 
 
 " Of course I shall be delighted. Why, it's just charm 
 ing ! " and the pretty face was alight with smiles. 
 
 " I shall ask all the folks up for the grand event. You 
 see, brother Randolph is a true Madison man. And, do 
 you know, I like your new mother wonderfully. She is 
 quite like an elder sister, and you'll have a fine time. 
 You'll be just spoiled," laughingly. " But you're not to 
 call me Aunt Jane any more. I won't have it from a tall 
 girl like you, who will no doubt be married herself next 
 winter. How many disconsolates did you leave at Wil- 
 liamsburg? " 
 
 " None, I think, so deeply smitten but that a course of 
 
 44
 
 A NEW PRESIDENT. 
 
 Greek and Latin will restore them. I did have a splendid 
 time, though Aunt Catharine would persist in consider 
 ing me about twelve. It was positively funny. But I had 
 Louis to manage for me. Oh, Jane, I'm awfully sorry 
 about the girls ! They cried with disappointment. And 
 they did not know about the party ! " 
 
 " No, I hadn't the cruelty to speak of that. But I'll 
 whisper to you, Jaqueline, and you must not breathe it. 
 Somebody here has taken a tremendous fancy to Marian. 
 He is well connected, a young civil engineer, and a militia 
 lieutenant ; but we are afraid father will blaze out and per 
 haps refuse to listen. He has quite set his heart on 
 Marian marrying their next neighbor, that Mr. Greaves 
 who lost his wife last summer and has no one to look after 
 his four children but the slave mammy. And Marian 
 just hates him. The idea! Oh, Jaqueline, it is just com 
 forting to have someone to talk to, a young person that 
 you can say anything to ! " 
 
 " Marian told me. Of course there is the fine estate 
 and the slaves. I do suppose old people think a great 
 deal of that," and there was a touch of regretful wisdom 
 that sat oddly upon the young girl. " And four children ! 
 I wouldn't want 'em." 
 
 " A young girl has no business with another woman's 
 children. I want you to see this young man. And I want 
 to get your father interested. I think after a little I'll 
 bring it about." 
 
 " Mr. Greaves doesn't seem very " Jaqueline knit her 
 pretty brows, thinking of the fervent tones and impas 
 sioned glances that had marked her victorious sway 
 " very deeply smitten. He and grandfather talked poli 
 tics and war all the evening." 
 
 " But he means business. He has asked for her. He 
 thinks it only respectful to wait a year before beginning 
 his new addresses. So we have until July." 
 
 45
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " I wouldn't marry him," declared Jaqueline with much 
 vigor. 
 
 " I dare say your father will be easy enough about 
 lovers if they are of the right kind. Don't be in a hurry. 
 Have a good time first. You are so young." 
 
 Mrs. Jettson had insisted upon taking in the whole 
 family, and they came the evening before, being comfort 
 ably stowed away, although some of Mrs. Mason's rela 
 tives who had lately come to Washington insisted upon 
 sharing the honors. 
 
 Annis and Charles had been much interested, and ques 
 tioned Mr. Evans in every conceivable manner as to what 
 it was for, and why America did not have a king or an 
 emperor. Patricia was bubbling over with delight. 
 
 Fortunately the day was fair, and everything seemed 
 auspicious. Salutes of cannon were fired from the navy 
 yard at dawn, and responded to from Fort Warburton. 
 The militia from Alexandria and Georgetown, in fine ar 
 ray, marched into the city to escort the new President to 
 the Capitol. Thousands of people gathered along the 
 way, and there was a great hurrahing, emphasized by the 
 waving of hats and handkerchiefs. Mr. Mason and 
 his wife and the two younger children were in a 
 carriage, while the two girls went with Mr. and Mrs. 
 Jettson. 
 
 Annis looked out curiously at the scene. There was the 
 tall form of Mr. Jefferson, quite in contrast with the 
 smaller one of his friend, who bore himself with becom 
 ing dignity. At twelve Mr. Madison reverently took the 
 oath of office and made his inaugural address, when the 
 cheers and enthusiasm became deafening. It was the first 
 really grand ceremony of the kind that Washington had 
 witnessed. 
 
 And now the new President reviewed the array of 
 Soldiers, and eager interest marked every step. It was in- 
 
 46
 
 A NEW PRESIDENT. 
 
 deed a gala day. Many people were driving around in 
 their carriages, enjoying the sunshine and the crowd. 
 
 Then the President, with most of the officers and sena 
 tors, returned to his home, where Mrs. Madison had pre 
 pared tables of refreshments for all who chose to call and 
 pay their respects to the new magistrate. 
 
 A fine young fellow in Continental uniform paused at 
 the carriage of the Jettsons, and greeted them cordially. 
 
 " This is something like," he said. " Simplicity may 
 be very good in its way, when one cannot help himself, 
 but the nation ought to honor its ruler. I am proud to 
 be in it." 
 
 Mrs. Jettson turned and introduced Mr. Ralston to the 
 girls, who smilingly acknowledged his presence. 
 
 " Then you could not persuade Miss Floyd ? " and he 
 glanced up wistfully. 
 
 " Father is not quite in accord with the administration, 
 and he would not consent to her return." 
 
 " I am desperately sorry. I managed at the eleventh 
 hour, which was early this morning, to get a ticket to the 
 ball. Some dear friends of mine would have been de 
 lighted to chaperone Miss Floyd, if she could have con 
 sented to so short a notice. And there will be so many 
 festivities ! " 
 
 " I regret it deeply," returned Mrs. Jettson. " What 
 a shame ! " she said to her husband when Mr. Ralston had 
 left them. " At Long's there could be only a given num 
 ber accommodated. And to have missed such a fine array 
 of people ! I should like to be there myself." 
 
 The ball was considered quite a sumptuous affair. A 
 host of beautiful women in their most elegant attire, mili 
 tary men who had not laid aside their trappings " in the 
 piping times of peace," and the brilliant uniforms of the 
 different legations, made a picture quite worthy of the 
 young Capital. Mrs. Madison, in her robe of yellow velvet, 
 
 47
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 her Paris turban with its bird-of-paradise plume, her neck 
 and arms adorned with pearls, dispensed her smiles and 
 greetings with the wonderful tact and sweetness which 
 were never to desert her ; jest and repartee ran round the 
 circle; and Mr. Jefferson shone in his genial cordiality. 
 Someone remarked upon his gayety, and the gravity of 
 the new incumbent. 
 
 " Can you wonder at it? " he asked. " My shoulders 
 have just been freed from a burden of cares ; he is just 
 beginning to assume them." Yet he gave his friend a 
 glance of sympathy and tenderness that indicated a con 
 tinuance of the lifelong friendship. 
 
 Some glowing accounts of the ball found their way to 
 different papers, and it seemed as if Washington was sud 
 denly looming into conspicuousness. 
 
 The children were tired with the day's pleasures and 
 ready to go bed. But the next morning they were 
 eager to inspect the Capitol. 
 
 Mrs. Adams' plaint about it still held good in many 
 respects. The wings alone had a finished aspect. There 
 were the Senate Chamber and House of Representatives, 
 the nuclei of many things to come. But to Charles and 
 Annis, who looked at it through the romantic eyes of 
 childhood, enlarged by their rather narrow reading, it was 
 grand. 
 
 The two elder girls were more interested in Jane's party. 
 There were some of the younger representatives, not 
 averse to dancing with pretty girls and having a merry 
 time while they were off duty. If Philadelphia and New 
 York rather disdained the social pleasures of the newer 
 city, it was a great favorite with the more southern States ; 
 and Virginia did all honor to her fine line of Presidents. 
 
 For, after all, the provincialism was not so marked. 
 There were people who dared the voyage to Europe with 
 as much complacency as the steam traveler of to-day, and 
 
 48
 
 A NEW PRESIDENT. 
 
 who studied the best Europe had to offer. Young men 
 were sent abroad for education ; not a few young women 
 had a year or two of finishing abroad. There were noted 
 foreigners, too, who left an impress on society: Albert 
 Gallatin and his charming wife, the learned Swiss scholar 
 and the American girl who had grafted some delightful 
 foreign ways on a very thorough foundation of patriotic 
 culture. Mrs. Monroe was a famous New York beauty 
 who had lost her heart to Virginia, and the Vice President 
 was from, the northern State that was slowly accepting 
 the new city. There were foreign ministers and their 
 wives who accepted the republican methods and the dig 
 nified simplicity, if it did lack the stately elements of the 
 courts abroad. 
 
 Mr. Arthur Jettson was one of the enthusiasts, and al 
 ready saw great possibilities for the infant city. On the 
 staff of engineers and largely interested in building, he, 
 laid the plans of the future before new acquaintances and 
 had the good fortune to interest many. Old David Burns 
 had already made a great fortune in shrewd land specu 
 lations. And although the Presidential mansion was to 
 ward the eastward, there were many who argued that the 
 trend would be more westward. There was Georgetown, 
 a really thriving place, whose gravity did not depend on 
 Congress in session. 
 
 He had already persuaded Mr. Mason to make some in 
 vestments, though the elder man shook his head rather 
 ruefully at the unpromising aspect as they drove around. 
 
 Jaqueline and Patricia were much more interested in 
 the invitations to the party. But the day after the inaug 
 uration Lieutenant Ralston came in, though now in 
 citizen's attire, with an eager manner and sparkling 
 eyes. 
 
 " I wonder if you could be induced to take the young 
 ladies to a reception to-morrow evening?" he inquired. 
 
 49
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " It will be rather informal and a crush, to be sure, but 
 they will be able to see both Presidents, though not the 
 White House. That will come later on. Next week the 
 Madisons will no doubt be domiciled there. If you would 
 prefer waiting " 
 
 " Oh, no ! " replied Mrs. Jettson. " The crowd will be 
 well worth seeing. I do not despise crowds," laughingly. 
 " Did you go to the ball ? " 
 
 " Yes, with some brother officers, and wishing all the 
 while your sister could have been there. It was an ele 
 gant scene, I assure you. I am proud of the beauty of my 
 countrywomen. Mrs. Madison has been accustomed to 
 honors, to be sure, but this was in a new role, as chief lady 
 in her own right. And she graced the occasion. She is 
 charming. We shall have a brilliant administration in 
 spite of the perplexities. Well you will go, then ? " 
 
 " We cannot afford to miss it. Mr. Mason talks of re 
 turning in a day or two." 
 
 " I have hardly seen the young ladies. Can you not 
 lay an embargo on them ? " 
 
 " I shall try, for my own sake," she returned laughingly. 
 " Thanks for your trouble." 
 
 " It is a pleasure to me." 
 
 The party had gone out for views of Washington and 
 an inspection of the Capitol. When they returned Jaque- 
 line ran up to Jane's room, her face beaming with interest, 
 since she had been introduced to several representatives. 
 Mrs. Jettson looked up from a pile of finery. 
 
 " You suggest a hollyhock in brilliant array," said 
 Jaqueline mirthfully. " Are you going to hold an auc 
 tion?" 
 
 Jane gave a half-amused sigh. " You have had an invi 
 tation out, and there is very little time to prepare. I am 
 trying to think what can be altered. There is my pink 
 paduasoy with the race ruffles. I cannot get into the waist 
 
 50
 
 A NEW PRESIDENT. 
 
 any more, but you are so slim. Just try it on. Anything 
 will do for a child like Patty." 
 
 " But where to in such fine feather ? " 
 
 " To the Madisons'. Not a regular levee something 
 much more informal. Lieutenant Ralston has it in hand. 
 I have my new brocade and the embroidered petticoat. 
 We can take this gown over to Mrs. Walker's, and coax 
 her to make it more youthful. I haven't worn it since 
 Floyd was a baby." 
 
 Jaqueline hurried off her woolen frock and slipped into 
 the pretty silken garment. The skirt answered, but the 
 bodice needed considerable alteration. 
 
 " And I thought I was slim ; Jack, you have an elegant 
 figure. Now we must go at once to Mrs. Walker's, or it 
 may be too late. It's just down Pennsylvania Avenue. 
 Scipio will take it for us, and we will go over and do the 
 marketing. You will like the pink, won't you ? It's very 
 becoming." 
 
 " Oh, how good you are ! Yes, I just adore it. Do you 
 really mean me to have it ? How can I thank you ? " 
 
 Jaqueline patted and caressed it with her soft fingers. 
 
 " I did mean it for Dolly, but father is so queer about 
 things and gowns. He and mother keep in the same 
 little round, with the same friends, and think that it is 
 all-sufficient for the girls. And I'm so afraid Marian will 
 give in to the constant dropping that is said to wear away 
 the stone. Jacky dear," in an almost plaintive tone, 
 " won't you be that is I mean I can't think just how 
 to put it only you won't try to win away Lieutenant Ral 
 ston, will you, dear? I've set my heart on his making a 
 match with Marian. You're so pretty and coquettish ! " 
 
 The color came and went in Mrs. Jettson's face, and her 
 voice dropped to a pleading cadence. 
 
 " Why, no ! But what has he to do with " 
 
 " Oh, he brought the invitation ! He knows just how 
 
 5*
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 to bring about everything. And the Ralstons are delight 
 ful people well-to-do and all that. Marian would be so 
 happy ! It is a shame she isn't here. But we must not 
 dawdle. Get into your coat and hat again." 
 
 Scipio, the butler and upper servant, came with his 
 best bow and put the parcel carefully into the big basket, 
 covering the delicate stuff with a napkin. Then he trotted 
 along behind the two ladies, looking as if weighty mat 
 ters devolved upon him. 
 
 Mrs. Walker kept three rooms upstairs. In the front 
 one she displayed her goods : silks, velvets and laces, flow 
 ers and feathers. She had laid in a new and extensive 
 stock. Two or three women were chaffering. But Mrs. 
 Walker left them presently, and when she heard the er 
 rand summoned them into the adjoining room. Jaqueline 
 hated to leave the beautiful show on which her eyes had 
 feasted. 
 
 And though women were fond enough of gay attire 
 shipped from London and Paris, and Belgium frippery 
 and laces when they could get them, they were beginning 
 to think it was not always necessary to send to Philadel 
 phia or to New York. And to her stock of materials Mrs. 
 Walker had added a workroom, not so much for the mak 
 ing of garments as the altering and refurbishing of party 
 gowns, caps, and turbans. 
 
 Jaqueline was put in the pink gown again, and when 
 Mrs. Walker looked her over she decided upon the sort of 
 bodice there must be for a young girl, and promised to 
 have it done the next afternoon. Scipio would come 
 for it. 
 
 Center Market was the only place of account to house 
 hold purveyors. They went thither followed by the slave, 
 meeting other ladies with an obsequious attendant. 
 Marketing was one of the duties of a good housewife. 
 Some had come in their carriages. There was an ex- 
 
 52
 
 A NEW PRESIDENT. 
 
 change of friendliness, as is often the case in the infancy 
 of towns, and some bits of family gossip, some refer 
 ences to the ball at Long's Hotel. 
 
 All the others had come in when they returned. Charles 
 had his brain full of marvels. Varina was tired and cross. 
 
 " I shall have to send you back home," declared her 
 father. " Indeed, perhaps we had all better go to-morrow. 
 We are to take supper to-night with the Carringtons, 
 over at Georgetown. Jaqueline and Patty, you must go 
 with us that was Madam Carrington's orders. She has 
 not seen you in a long while." 
 
 Annis crept around to her mother and took her hand, 
 looking up wistfully. It seemed as if everyone wanted 
 her mother. 
 
 *' No, you can't go to-morrow," said Mrs. Jettson. 
 " At least, the girls cannot. They have a state invitation, 
 and I have been to get a proper gown for Jaqueline," and 
 she laughed mischievously. 
 
 " Jane ! " said the squire sharply ; " what nonsense ! 
 Jaqueline has gowns and frocks and fal-lals enough. You 
 will make her vainer than a peacock. What is this invita 
 tion, pray ? " 
 
 " To pay our respects to Mr. and Mrs. Madison. Dear 
 me, Randolph, think how father would rail at such repub 
 lican crowds as have haunted the place to see plain Mr. 
 President ! They are to move to the White House early 
 next week, when Mr. Jefferson goes to Monticello; and 
 then, no doubt, there will be more state. But the Madi- 
 sons have always kept such an open, hospitable house, and 
 welcomed guests so charmingly." 
 
 " Jane, you are getting to be an astute politician. No v 
 doubt Arthur has his eye on some street or creek or 
 stream for improvement, and is engineering a grant 
 through the House. Not but what Washington needs it 
 badly enough. There's muddy old Tiber, and lanes full of 
 
 53
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 pitfalls, and last year's weeds like battalions of an army. 
 Well, I must not grumble, for I have a finger in the pie. 
 Virginia Avenue, for all its high-sounding name, is a dis 
 grace to the State standing sponsor for it ; and I am quite 
 sure my money is buried in bogs. So you and Arthur 
 try your best with the new administration. I'm too old a 
 dog to be apt at new tricks." 
 
 " But it isn't Arthur's doings. Lieutenant Ralston is 
 to convoy us thither," returned Jane. 
 
 " Well, go and get ready, girls. We will start soon 
 after dinner and return early. Lucky the fandango 
 wasn't to-night, or the brave lieutenant would have to 
 content himself with Jane." 
 
 Annis kept close to her mother. After dinner she fol 
 lowed her to her dressing room. 
 
 " I suppose, mamma, I couldn't go with you ? " she 
 asked wistfully, as her mother was making great puffs 
 out of her abundant hair. 
 
 " My dear there will be all grown people, and nothing 
 to interest a little girl," was the soft reply. 
 
 " But I don't mind interest. I could sit very still and 
 watch the rest of you. I " The child's voice faltered. 
 
 Her mother bent over and kissed her, endangering the 
 structure of hair she was piling up. 
 
 " Oh, my dear, to-morrow perhaps we will go home 
 and you will have me altogether. It will be only a little 
 while. You see, people do not ask little girls out to tea." 
 
 " But you always took me before. Oh, mamma, I can't 
 like all these people, there are too many of them! I do 
 not want anyone but you." 
 
 The child clung convulsively to her mother. Patricia 
 Mason's heart was torn between the two loves. For each 
 day she was learning to love her generous, large-hearted 
 husband with a deeper affection, and taking a warmer in 
 terest in the children. The hurt and jealous feeling of 
 
 54
 
 A NEW PRESIDENT. 
 
 Annis was very natural ; she could hardly blame her lit 
 tle daughter. Indeed, it would have pained her sorely 
 if the child had been easily won away. Yet scenes like 
 this smote the very depths of her soul. As Annis grew 
 older she would understand that nothing could change a 
 mother's love, though circumstances might appear to di 
 vide it. 
 
 Patricia kissed her tenderly, unclasped her arms, and 
 went on with her preparations. The slow tears coursed 
 each other down the soft cheek in the grave quiet harder 
 to bear than sobs. 
 
 " Patty ! Patty ! " called the good-humored voice up the 
 stairs, " don't prink all the afternoon, or you will outshine 
 your old husband and put him out of temper. Girls, 
 come ! The horses are tired of waiting." 
 
 A quick footfall sounded on the stair, and Jaqueline's 
 voice was heard laughing gayly. Then Patty the younger, 
 peered into the room. 
 
 " Oh, I thought I was the last ! Can I do anything 
 for you ? Here is your cloak. We are not in summer yet. 
 It really is warmer at home ; but I'm glad to be here, all 
 the same. Why, madam mother, you look so pretty and 
 young father will have to introduce us as sisters the 
 Three Graces. Here are your gloves. Good-by, little 
 Annis. Charles will look after you." 
 
 Mrs. Mason kissed her little girl. " Will you not come 
 downstairs ? " she whispered. 
 
 Annis shook her head. 
 
 She heard the merry voices, and presently the sound of 
 the wheels. Then she leaned her head down on a chair, 
 and felt more solitary than in the Kentucky forests. 
 
 55
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 ROGER CARRINGTON. 
 
 \\T ASN'T it queer that Lieutenant Ralston should hap- 
 " * pen in ! " exclaimed Jaqueline at the breakfast 
 table. " We were just going in to supper, and Madam 
 Carrington would have him join us. She is a charming 
 old lady, and Mrs. Carrington, the daughter-in-law, is 
 bright and entertaining. They're some way back connec 
 tions of our own mother's, of both mothers," with a bright 
 blush, nodding over at Patricia. " And there are two 
 sons, fine young men one is private secretary to Colonel 
 Monroe. We shall see him to-night. Only what do you 
 think? He advises us to wait until Mrs. Madison is in 
 the White House. And Mr. Ralston said, See her in her 
 own house." 
 
 " Jack," said her father, using the detested cognomen, 
 " your tongue is hung in the middle and swings both 
 ways. Jane, Mrs. Carrington sent her regards to you, 
 and would like very much to meet you, since both of her 
 grandsons are acquainted with Arthur. The relationship 
 seems to puzzle most people, and they take you for my 
 daughter. Do I really look old enough for a grand 
 father?" 
 
 Mrs. Jettson laughed at that. It was rather confusing 
 at times. 
 
 " And they begged us to come over and make a visit. 
 Both ladies are so fond of girls. Madam Carrington said 
 they tried to keep someone with them all the time. And, 
 Annis, they were so much interested in hearing about you, 
 and wished you had been brought along." 
 
 Annis raised her eyes to her mother with a soft re 
 proach in them. 
 
 56
 
 ROGER CARRINGTON. 
 
 " But I am the oldest," said Varina with jealous 
 dignity. 
 
 " When next I go out to supper I shall have to take a 
 caravan," declared Mr. Mason humorously. " Jane, do 
 you think you can manage these girls for a few days and 
 keep them out of the clutches of the young men? You 
 will have your hands full. But I am needed at home, and 
 I feel that we must go. So after breakfast we will gather 
 up the small fry. Charles, have you seen enough of Wash 
 ington ? " 
 
 " Not half enough, but I'll come back some time. And 
 I think I'll be a senator." 
 
 " What not President ! " 
 
 " I should have to be Vice President first," he returned 
 gravely, at which they all laughed. 
 
 " I do not see why you should hurry ! " exclaimed Jane. 
 " The house is large enough for you all." 
 
 " There's a storm brewing, for one thing, and it's a 
 busy season. Then we do not desire to drive you into 
 insanity." 
 
 " My brains are on a more solid foundation than that 
 would imply," retorted Jane. 
 
 There was quite a confusion when they rose. The 
 squire was always in a hurry when any arrangement was 
 settled upon. And since Jane was like an elder sister to 
 the girls 
 
 " You will have to keep them over to next week," he 
 began. " I shall not be able to get away before well, the 
 very last. You might let them spend a day or two with 
 the Carringtons." 
 
 " Oh, we shall get along all right, never fear ! " 
 
 " They're only children, you know," and the squire knit 
 his brow over a phase of fatherhood he could not make 
 plain to himself, much less explain to another. " I had an 
 idea Catharine would sober Jaqueline down a little, being 
 
 57
 
 'A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 a clergyman's wife and all that, but she's just as much of 
 a child as ever." 
 
 " Oh, you need not feel worried about Jaqueline. And 
 it will be very nice for them both to see the President 
 and Mr. Jefferson, who is sure to be there. Every 
 body is rushing to do them honor. I wish you could 
 stay." 
 
 " I've seen them both many a time, Jane, and every 
 other President. Your father is right in one thing, Wash 
 ington was a grand man. There do not let the girls run 
 wild." 
 
 Annis scarcely let her mother out of her sight. Mrs. 
 Jettson kissed her and said she was a nice little thing 
 and must come again. Charles was enthusiastic over his 
 good time, and had much to talk about on the homeward 
 journey. 
 
 " You have used your eyes to some purpose," said his 
 mother with smiling commendation. 
 
 Mr. Evans thought so, as well. He was very proud of 
 his pupil. 
 
 Annis enjoyed the great world out of doors more than 
 she did her lessons. When they were over she and 
 Charles rambled about the beautiful country-sides, gather 
 ing armfuls of flowers, listening to the singing birds that 
 filled the woods. The whole plantation was astir with 
 life. Corn and tobacco, wheat and oats, were the great 
 staples, but there was much besides in fruit and vegetables, 
 in flocks and herds. Slaves were busy from morning to 
 night ; it seemed as if the place was dotted with them. 
 Randolph Mason was an easy master. Mrs. Mason 
 found the care of so large a household no light thing. It 
 was truly a colony of people depending upon them for ad 
 vice and training of all sorts, for comfort in sorrow or 
 death, for a willing ear in all troubles. 
 
 It was a full fortnight before Mr, Mason could find time 
 
 f*
 
 ROGER CARRINGTON. 
 
 to go for his girls. Jaqueline had sipped pleasure con 
 tinually. The reception had indeed been a crush and an 
 informal affair, a mere calling upon the head of the na 
 tion in a congratulatory way. Yet there were beautifully 
 gowned women, and famous men, and Mrs. Madison was 
 cordial and affable. In the dining room the table was 
 replenished continually, and the smiling waiters seemed 
 at everyone's elbow. 
 
 After that Mr. Jefferson had gone to his beloved Mon- 
 ticello, although there was no wife to welcome him, and 
 only one daughter now. And the new President was es 
 tablished at the White House. First there was a state 
 dinner to the ministers and the official family, and then 
 a levee. 
 
 Jaqueline and Patricia were surprised by a call from 
 Mrs. Carrington, who had driven over with her son to give 
 her invitation in person and take them back with her to 
 Georgetown. 
 
 A quaint old house full of nooks and corners, and a 
 garden laid out with curious winding walks, full of old- 
 fashioned flowers and shrubs, some having been brought 
 from the royal gardens of Paris, and one queer space with 
 clipped yews and a great tulip bed, so sheltered from the 
 wind and with such a sunny exposure that it was show 
 ing color in the buds already. 
 
 Patricia, with her girlish eagerness, went to the heart 
 of Madam at once. She was so frank and chatty, and 
 laughed with such an inspiriting sound, that it gave the 
 quiet house ripples of gayety. 
 
 Jaqueline and Mrs. Carrington fraternized in a de 
 lightful manner. She was a rather small, fair woman, 
 whose education abroad and whose family had been her 
 chief virtues in the eyes of her mother-in-law, who was a 
 great stickler for birth. She had made a good wife and 
 mother, though it must be confessed that when Madam 
 
 59
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 Carrington lost her son she took complete possession of 
 her grandsons. In spite of strong patriotism Roger had 
 been sent to Oxford for three years, and had taken his de 
 gree at law in Baltimore. Ralph was quite a bookworm, 
 but extremely fond of agriculture. 
 
 The longing of both women had been for a daughter. 
 Though they seldom compared notes on the subject, 
 Roger's wife was a matter of much speculation to them. 
 Early marriages were the rule rather than the exception ; 
 and though they were ready to invite relatives and friends 
 for visits and select admirable girls, Roger was single 
 at twenty-four, an admirer of the sex and quite 
 fond of pleasure, and ever ready to make himself 
 agreeable. 
 
 Squire Mason had insisted that his girls were but chil 
 dren, but Jaqueline was assuming the graces of woman 
 hood rapidly. Mrs. Carrington admired her slim, lithe 
 figure, her pretty face with its fine complexion and laugh 
 ing eyes that often twinkled from an overflow of mirth. 
 There was in the young people of that day a very charm 
 ing deference to elders, and with all Jaqueline's wildness 
 and love of fun there was the innate touch of good breed 
 ing, the debt it was considered one positively owed to so 
 ciety. 
 
 Mr. Ralph had gathered quite a menagerie of small pet 
 animals ; and, as no one was allowed to disturb the birds, 
 the garden and strip of woods still remaining were filled 
 with their melody. There was a summerhouse that, 
 while it looked light and was overrun with blossom 
 ing vines, was secure from rain and had one fur 
 nished room which was a great favorite with the young 
 man. 
 
 The little eminence gave a fine view of Rock Creek 
 and the wilder country to the northward. When im 
 provements begin, as is often the case, an estate not 
 
 60
 
 ROGER CARRINGTON. 
 
 large enough for a farm becomes unprofitable. The town 
 was growing rapidly; indeed, it had been a refuge when 
 the first Congress met in Washington, as there were so 
 few houses in the Capital. The patrician resort, where 
 men of note had mingled and discussed the interests of 
 the country over their choice Madeira and before the 
 blazing fire of their host, was Suter's tavern, which kept 
 its old reputation, being one of the historic places while 
 history was yet so new. And the Convent of the Visita 
 tion was still a favorite with those who did not want to 
 send their daughters away from home, or were of the 
 same faith. Maryland had been settled largely by Ro 
 man Catholics, and Virginia was the first State to insist 
 on equal rights for all denominations, while her people 
 were generally stanch Churchmen. 
 
 There was a cordial, attractive, and refined element in 
 Georgetown, and much gayety among the young people. 
 It was quite a common thing for foreigners to sneer at 
 the lack of courtly usage in the Colonies, and the want of 
 fine distinctions one found in foreign life, which were 
 the outgrowth of years of training and experience, and 
 where common people were held in awe by the " divinity 
 that doth hedge a king." But the men who had fought 
 side by side, slept on the ground, endured all kinds of 
 hardships for the sake of a free country, were imbued 
 with that sense of equality quite different from the mush 
 room adjustment of the French Revolution. There was 
 a more generous culture of the soul, and much more in 
 telligence than the period is credited with. When one 
 looks back at the long line of statesmen, all more or less 
 identified with the great struggle and the pioneer mode 
 of life, one finds a galaxy of noble men that few lands can 
 equal, and who built an enduring name for themselves in 
 building their country. 
 
 Many of the young people had been educated abroad, 
 
 61
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD .WASHINGTON. 
 
 but Harvard, King's College, Nassau Hall, and William 
 and Mary were even now taking a high stand in educa 
 tional matters. And both Boston and Philadelphia had 
 some finishing schools, while the Moravian Seminary was 
 already quite celebrated for the repose and refinement of 
 manner young girls acquired within its nun-like seclu 
 sion. But the ideal training of women had not gone far 
 beyond what was considered the strictly feminine bound 
 ary: to be graceful and attractive, with a certain fresh 
 ness of repartee, to dance well, to entertain, and to order 
 a household. For in the higher circles one might have 
 to receive a count or a traveling lord or a French mar 
 quis, or be sent abroad as the wife of some minister. 
 
 Georgetown had the advantage of more stability than 
 Washington, and had grown up around home centers. 
 Representatives came and went, often not considering it 
 worth while to bring their families. Senators were still 
 largely interested in the welfare of their own States, 
 rather than that of the distant Capital. Thus it came to 
 pass that Georgetown was really attractive and rapidly 
 improving. Streets had a more finished look. Gar 
 dens were large and well kept, as there was no need of 
 crowding. 
 
 The Carrington young men had seen the progress of 
 advancement and yielded to it with a sense of foresight. 
 The outlying land had been cut up into squares some 
 places sold, some rented. Roger had many excellent busi 
 ness traits. Enough was left for beauty and a boundary 
 of fine forest trees on two sides, a third a prettily diversi 
 fied space sloping down to the creek, the other command 
 ing a fine view of the town. 
 
 " You ride, of course ? " Roger had said the next morn 
 ing after their arrival. 
 
 " What Virginia girl does not ? " Jaqueline returned 
 with a gay smile. 
 
 62
 
 ROGER CARRINGTON. 
 
 " It bids fair to be a pleasant, sunny day, mother. 
 What is that despondent song you sing so much? 
 
 " ' Many a bright and sunshiny morning 
 Turns dismal ' 
 
 and he paused 
 
 " ' Turns to be a dark and dismal day.' 
 
 Well, don't sing it to-day, and I will come home early 
 if I can get away, and take Miss Jaqueline out. Ralph, 
 you might invite Patricia. We will go up the creek road. 
 The birds are out in force already ; the shore larks and the 
 thrush are making melody that would rejoice the heart of 
 Robin Hood." 
 
 " But I have no habit," replied Jaqueline, her bright 
 face shadowed with disappointment. 
 
 " Oh, mother can look you up something. We have 
 attire that came over with my Lord de la Ware's ships. 
 Why shouldn't we be as proud as of old Mayflower tables 
 and cups and cloaks that the New Englanders dote on ? " 
 
 " I can find something, I am sure," was the motherly 
 reply. 
 
 " Come out and take a breath of this delicious air." 
 
 That was meant for Jaqueline, who followed the young 
 man out on the porch, down the steps, and then they loi 
 tered through the garden walk. The old white-haired 
 gardener was clearing up the garden beds. 
 
 " Mornin', massa and young missy," he said, with a 
 touch of his hand to his head, that looked like a wig of 
 crinkly wool. 
 
 Roger paused and gave some orders. Then he 
 gathered a few wild violets and gave them to the girl with 
 a graceful gesture. 
 
 His mother was watching. " If he only would come 
 to care for someone ! " she mused. He was a general ad- 
 
 63
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 mirer of the sex, as the young men of that day were wont 
 to be. " And the Masons are a fine family. I would like 
 nothing better." 
 
 How many times she had given anticipatory consent ! 
 
 Jaqueline sent him off with a pretty smile that he for 
 got all about when Ajax whinnied and thrust his nose into 
 his master's hand. He had been waiting the last fifteen 
 minutes for the well-known voice. 
 
 " Fine old fellow ! " his master said, with a caressing 
 touch of the hand. " And now we must be off, or the 
 colonel will be in a fume." 
 
 " I'll go up in the storeroom," began Mrs. Carrington, 
 glancing the young girl over. " Mother, I do believe 
 that green velvet jacket would fit Miss Jaqueline. You 
 wouldn't believe that I was once quite as slim as you ? " 
 to the young girl. 
 
 " I'm sure you're not to be called stout now," said the 
 madam, who despised a superabundance of flesh and yet 
 hated leanness. She was a fine, perfectly proportioned 
 woman, straight as an arrow, in spite of her more than 
 seventy years. 
 
 " But it always was tight in the shoulders. You see, 
 my dear, when things are ordered abroad there's not an 
 inch to alter them with and then I went in mourning. 
 Would you like to come upstairs with me?" 
 
 Patricia had gone off to look at the guineas and pea 
 cocks who had stoutly insisted upon early broods. 
 Madam had gone over to the open window with some fine 
 needlework. Jaqueline followed her hostess up the broad 
 stairway, through the spacious hall lighted by the cupola 
 above, and into an ell where the main storeroom was 
 snugly hidden. 
 
 What big old chests, with brass and iron clamps and 
 binding and hinges! A row of deep drawers that held 
 the best family linen and napery, some of it saved from 
 
 64
 
 ROGER CARRINGTON. 
 
 destruction thirty years ago in the war that was already 
 half forgotten. There was a sweet scent about the room, 
 made by bunches of lavender, rosemary, and a sweet clo 
 ver, much cultivated in gardens, and the fragrance of 
 dried rose leaves. 
 
 " There have been so many things laid by. We hoped 
 there would be girls to take them," and Mrs. Carrington 
 gave a soft sigh. " What a merry household you must 
 be ! There are younger girls " 
 
 " Yes, Varina, our own sister, and Annis, mother's lit 
 tle girl." 
 
 " I am much interested in your new mother. She seems 
 a very kindly, amiable person. Back some distance she 
 was connected with the Carringtons, you know." 
 
 " And she was our own mother's cousin. Oh, we are 
 all in love with her, I assure you. And it is quite delight 
 ful for father to have someone to consider him first of 
 all. It's funny what marriage does to a woman," and 
 Jaqueline gave a light laugh. " I suppose we did try 
 Aunt Catharine, but she used to nag at father until some 
 times he would lose his temper. And now she is always 
 quoting and admiring Mr. Conway, and runs around after 
 him as if he was a child. I am sure father is much more 
 delightful to live with, he is so merry and full of fun. 
 Not but what Mr. Conway is a gentleman and kind of 
 heart." 
 
 " But your aunt was no longer a young girl." 
 
 " And falling in love is a queer happening. Love is 
 writ blind," and Jaqueline laughed daintily. 
 
 " The little girl of your mother's ? I was sorry not to 
 see her. Is she like her mother?" 
 
 " She is a shy, dainty little thing, with a sweet temper 
 and a kind of homesick way now and then, as if she 
 longed to fly away somewhere with her mother. Of 
 course we all like her, and father has taken her to his 
 
 65
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 heart. Charles thinks her a nonesuch, since she is never 
 weary of hearing him read aloud. And though Charles 
 is the youngest, Varina has always been the baby, and I 
 think she is jealous. It is very amusing at times." 
 
 " I am glad you get along so well together. It must 
 be a great pleasure to your father to have a companion 
 of his very own. And you girls will presently marry." 
 
 " I mean to have a good, merry time first. What a pity 
 the winter is gone just as we have a new President! 
 Congress will soon be adjourned, and Jane says Washing 
 ton is dismal in the summer." 
 
 She opened a box, where the garment had lain many a 
 year, being taken out at the annual cleaning, brushed 
 carefully, and laid away again. It had a high collar and 
 lapels worked with veritable gold thread that had not 
 tarnished. 
 
 " Yes many people do go away. The town has not 
 improved as we all hoped it would. But there is an old 
 adage that Rome was not built in a day. And we are a 
 comparatively new country. Oh, here is the jacket ! " 
 
 " Oh, how lovely ! " cried Jaqueline. 
 
 " The buttons want rubbing up. We will take it to 
 Betty, who can tell if it needs altering. I keep the sleeves 
 stuffed out with cotton so it will not wrinkle or mat. A 
 London tailor made it, yet it looks fresh as if it had just 
 been sent over." 
 
 They found Betty, who was supervising some of the 
 sewing girls. Most of the ordinary wearing clothes of 
 the family and the servants' belongings were made in the 
 house. There was fine mending and darning, and much 
 drawn work done by some of the better-class house 
 slaves. 
 
 Jaqueline tried on the pretty jacket, and there was not 
 much alteration to be made in it. The young girl felt cu 
 riously gratified as she studied her slim figure in the
 
 ROGER CARRINGTON. 
 
 mirror. She had never owned anything so fine, and cer 
 tainly it was most becoming. 
 
 " Then, Betty, alter the band of my black cloth skirt. 
 That is the best we can do just now." 
 
 " Oh, you are most kind ! " and Jaqueline took both 
 hands in a warm clasp, while the glancing eyes were suf 
 fused with delight. 
 
 " And now if you both like we will go out for an 
 airing, as I have some errands to do." 
 
 Jaqueline was ready for any diversion. Ralph pro 
 posed to drive them, as he had a little business to at 
 tend to. 
 
 There were several attractive shops in Georgetown, and 
 the hairdressing seemed to be brisk, judging from nu 
 merous signs. In one window were wigs of various 
 colors from fair to dark. Indeed, there had been a great 
 era of wigs for both men and women, and especially 
 among the fair sex, who thought even two wigs much 
 cheaper than the continual bills of the hairdresser, when 
 they were crisped into curls, pinned up in puffs, and a 
 great crown laid on top of the head, built up in the arti 
 fices known to fashion, to be surmounted by feathers. 
 The wide hoop was diminishing as well, and graceful fig 
 ures were likely to be once more the style. 
 
 The dinner-hour in most society families was at two, 
 and at the Carringtons' it was quite a stately meal, with 
 often an unexpected guest, made just as welcome as if 
 by invitation. And to-day a Mr. and Mrs. Hudson had 
 driven up from Alexandria old friends who had many 
 things to inquire about after a winter of seclusion, and 
 most eager to learn how the new President had been re 
 ceived, and whether there would really be war. 
 
 No one was in a hurry. People truly lived then. Pa 
 tricia thought it rather stupid, as no one referred to her 
 with any question or comment ; even Mr. Ralph, who had 
 
 67
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 proved so entertaining all the morning, scarcely noticed 
 her, as he had to play the host. But Jaqueline quite shone. 
 When Mrs. Hudson heard she had been at the reception, 
 she must describe not only the ladies and their gowns, 
 but whether Mr. Jefferson was as ready to lay down the 
 cares of state as most people said, and if Mrs. Madison 
 had not aged by the continual demands that had been 
 made upon her. 
 
 " For she is coming quite to middle life," said Mrs. 
 Hudson. 
 
 " And could discount fully ten years," returned Ralph. 
 
 " They all paint and powder, I have heard. So much 
 dissipation cannot be good for women. But, then, she 
 has no children to look after. Her son is at school. It 
 does make a difference if one brings up half a dozen 
 children and has to think of getting them settled in 
 life." 
 
 She had had her share, good Mistress Hudson. Three 
 daughters to marry, which she had done well ; one son to 
 bury; one rambling off, whether dead or alive no one 
 knew ; and one still left, a prop for declining years, but his 
 mother was as anxious to keep him single as Mrs. Car- 
 rington was that her sons should marry. 
 
 They had risen from the table, and the horses had been 
 ordered when Mr. Carrington came in. He saw how 
 Jaqueline's face lighted up. 
 
 " The days are a little longer, and we will have our 
 ride yet," he said in a whispered aside. But there was 
 still some talking to do. Jaqueline made her adieus and 
 went to put on her habit. Standing in the hall above, she 
 waited until patience was a lost virtue. 
 
 Then Roger Carrington called to her. 
 
 " I thought they would never go, they prosed and 
 prosed so ! " 
 
 " We shall be old ourselves some day," he returned 
 
 68
 
 ROGER CARRINGTON. 
 
 with a smile, " and perhaps prose while young people are 
 waiting." 
 
 Then he turned her around with gentlemanly grace, 
 admiration in his eyes. 
 
 " Is it the jackdaw that appears in borrowed plumes 
 some bird I have heard tell of. Why birds should bor 
 row plumes I am shamefully ignorant, am I not? " rais 
 ing her eyes with a spice of mischief. 
 
 " Let us go and ask Ralph," he said with assumed 
 gravity. " It will not take him long to run through two 
 or three tomes." 
 
 " And ride by moonlight ? " 
 
 " There is no moon." 
 
 " Does she not look well, Roger ? A tailor could not 
 have fitted the habit better. Do not go very far, for the 
 air might grow chilly again." 
 
 " We will go up the creek a short distance." 
 
 Then he mounted her upon the pretty mare, his 
 brother's favorite, for Ralph had not cared to ride. Pa 
 tricia looked on a little disappointed, yet she did not really 
 wish to go, for Madam Carrington had been telling her a 
 curious love story about a little maid who had been sent 
 over with a number of redemptioners, as those who were 
 bound for a number of years were called. She had at 
 tracted the pity of a kindly man, who had purchased her 
 years of service for his wife. Then the son had fallen in 
 love with her, which had roused the mother's anger, when 
 she sent her son to England to be educated and perhaps 
 fall in love with a cousin. The little maid was rather 
 hardly treated, when someone came to the colony in 
 search of her, and it turned out that she was well born 
 and heiress to a grand estate, held by a relative who 
 had formed a villainous plot against her and reported her 
 dead. Now that he was dying without heirs, he was de 
 sirous of making tardy reparation. 
 
 69
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 There were few story books to fall into girls' hands in 
 those days. Swift and Sterne and Smollett were kept out 
 of reach. Miss Burney was hardly considered proper, 
 and Miss Austen had not been heard of in the Colonies. 
 
 Patricia was fond of old legends and ghost stories, with 
 which the plantation was rife, and which had grown up 
 about old houses. Unhappy lovers had a weird, fascinat 
 ing interest for young girls, even if the lives of the day 
 were the reverse of sentimental. All through the dinner 
 she had been wondering if the little maid met her lover 
 again ; but that she came back to America, she knew, for 
 her portrait hung in the hall among the Carrington ladies. 
 
 Ajax and Daphne rubbed noses, flung up their heads, 
 and started off. Tame enough now is the winding creek, 
 which was rough and rapid then, and which traveled from 
 the upper edge of Maryland, gathering in many a little 
 stream, rushing along in some places over great stones, 
 winding about placidly in others, and then joining the 
 Potomac. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 A TOUCH OF NATURE. 
 
 'TTHERE had been a breath of spring in the air for a 
 day or two, and all nature welcomed the softness, 
 with the numerous sounds of awakening life. Wild bees 
 were out foraging. The catkins of the alders had swelled 
 to bursting, the maples were showing red, tufts of grass 
 were assuming the peculiar hazy, suggestive green through 
 the furzy deadness of winter, while here and there a 
 field of grain displayed the brilliance of a velvet carpet. 
 The trees had that dreamy purplish tint of springtime, and 
 waved their leafless branches with wooing softness. 
 The road ran alongside of the brook and was in fair 
 
 70
 
 A TOUCH OF NATURE. 
 
 order for the time of the year. Now and then some bird 
 flung out a note of rejoicing. They went by degrees down 
 a valley until they struck a wild gorge with overhanging 
 rocks, where a multitude of crows were holding council, 
 and suddenly wheeled off, making a dark shadow over the 
 path. 
 
 " A month later it will be beautiful," Roger Carrington 
 said. " But I suppose you have a surfeit over the Po 
 tomac ? " nodding his head to the southward. " Or per 
 haps you would have liked it better about Georgetown. 
 I fancied my mother had shown you everything worth 
 seeing. Few people know how fine the road is up this 
 way." 
 
 He looked a little doubtfully at his companion. Per 
 haps she was too young to appreciate it. 
 
 " I have never been this way before. We were out on 
 the Potomac last summer when we were visiting my sis 
 ter, the first time we came to Washington. Regulation 
 philosophy considers home the best place for children," 
 and she smiled archly. 
 
 " I like large families. You can't think how your father 
 interested us in the description of you all. How many are 
 there?" 
 
 " Five of us and the sister of adoption." 
 
 " Mrs. Mason quite charmed us. She has had a rather 
 eventful life. There is a brother " 
 
 " We begin and end with boys. Charles would delight 
 your brother Ralph. Louis is in college. He has some 
 aspirations for the law or political life, but his present de 
 sire runs the way of pleasure and fun. The college boys 
 are quite adepts at mischief." 
 
 " You were down there ? " 
 
 " My aunt married and went to Williamsburg, you 
 know. And Uncle Conway is connected with the college. 
 Yes, I had a good, gay time. And I like fun." 
 
 71
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 She looked it, with the sparkle in her eye and the chang 
 ing color on her cheek. She was very pretty, but an eager 
 child. 
 
 " And if we had some girls to make merry ! Real girls, 
 I mean, like Patty, who is charming to have about. Sup 
 pose we keep her for the next year or two ? " 
 
 " You will have to settle that with Patty and father. 
 And Patty has a way of breaking out of bounds that 
 might startle you. She is on her best behavior now." 
 
 " And we cannot always keep up to the mark is that 
 what you mean me to infer ? " 
 
 " I couldn't, I am sure, if the mark was set high," and 
 she laughed. " It is, up to grandmamma's. And Dolly, 
 who really is my aunt, you know, is not much older than I 
 am. We have royal times when she comes to the planta 
 tion. But grandpapa is very strict and of the old 
 there's a French word I ought to use," and she blushed. 
 " My French will not always come to the front ; and so, 
 you see, I cannot put on grand airs." 
 
 Carrington laughed. Her frankness was so piquant. 
 
 " Regime that I think is the word you want." 
 
 " Yes. A man who believes we have had no manners 
 since the days of Washington and Mr. John Adams. Oh, 
 do you truly think the country will go to ruin and split 
 up into fragments ? " 
 
 " No, I really do not. Young countries, like young 
 people, make mistakes. Well, older countries do likewise. 
 There have been many changes in the policies of all 
 governments, many rulers. I've quite decided this will 
 last my time out." 
 
 " I don't understand about the Non-Intercourse Act 
 and all that. Father thinks it would be good for the 
 women not to get so much finery from abroad. But, 
 then, if we sell tobacco and other things to England and 
 France why, it seems to me it is a good thing, a sort of 
 
 72
 
 A TOUCH OF NATURE. 
 
 give and take. And grandpapa thinks Mr. Madison will 
 finish what Mr. Jefferson began, and that England will 
 get hold of us again. Are you to go to the levee? " 
 
 " Oh, yes." 
 
 " I am so glad ! I am to make a real bow to Mrs. Mad 
 ison. Oh, no; I suppose it is a courtesy. I like to see 
 people dressed up in pretty clothes, and I have not been to 
 the White House yet. And to see all the grand men 
 nearby, not simply in a jostling crowd. Don't you some 
 times feel a little afraid of them ? " 
 
 There was a charming half-curiosity in her eyes, and 
 a pretty smile quivered about her red lips. What a child 
 she was ! If he was to ask her to marry him both mother 
 and grandmother would be quite content. As for him 
 well, he had no drawing toward matrimony, but that in 
 nate chivalry and admiration for all women so common in 
 the men of that day, who were trained to pay the highest 
 respect to their mothers. 
 
 " I find myself wishing I was as wise and as experi 
 enced, and had the clear insight that some of our best 
 men have had, nay, have to-day. But that comes with age 
 and profound knowledge." 
 
 " Oh, don't get any older ! I like the young men. And 
 as for wisdom " 
 
 She paused and colored, turning her face half away, 
 but the roundness of the young cheek and the graceful 
 curve/ where it softly lost itself in the white neck were 
 truly lovely. 
 
 " We will dismiss wisdom and age," laughingly. 
 
 " Oh, where are we going ! " She reigned her horse in 
 sudden alarm. 
 
 " This is the last of the ravine. I wanted you to see 
 the picture beyond. Nay, there is nothing to fear." 
 
 The frowning rocks and overhanging trees on both 
 sides almost shut out the daylight. It did quite in sum- 
 
 73
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 mer when the foliage was thick. Then it lightened, and 
 the clear whistle of a bird rang out as if heralding the end. 
 The break was almost a level. The creek broadened out 
 here. The westward sun struck it and made beautiful 
 reflections on the undulating stretches of land. The leaf 
 less trees showed golden and brown-red tints through the 
 dun haze, the birches wore a rosy silver light. Back of it 
 the hills rose with the mysterious suggestiveness of com 
 ing spring, full of quivering lights as the wind made per 
 ceptible waves in the air. 
 
 " It is wonderful ! " she said softly. " It is like those 
 emotions one can never describe, that penetrate every 
 nerve, that make you feel half awed. Oh, the world is 
 beautiful!" 
 
 The eager, yet chastened, expression of her face moved 
 him. She sat her horse finely, girl as she was, her head 
 proudly erect, her shoulders in the velvet coat shaped ex 
 quisitely, the sleeve showing the arm's perfect roundness 
 at the top and the slope down to the slender waist. 
 
 He had meant to call her attention to this scene, but 
 her quickness of vision gratified him. 
 
 " It is my favorite prospect," he said. " I have watched 
 it many a time just at this hour in the afternoon. From 
 early spring to midwinter the sun makes a picture of it. 
 We are rich in beautiful scenery, and when we are done 
 fighting and quarreling we should be a nation of artists. 
 So far we have only been inspired to portraits." 
 
 " It would be curious to be able to paint a picture. I 
 never thought of it before." 
 
 " That is genius, I suppose. Now, here is a nice clear 
 bit of road. Let us have a sharp canter out to that bend 
 in the creek and back, then we must hasten home before 
 the evening dampness sets in." 
 
 Daphne threw up her head at the touch of the whip, and 
 was off like a flash. Roger Carrington allowed her to 
 
 74
 
 A TOUCH OF NATURE. 
 
 reach the bend first, to the discomfiture of Ajax. Jaque- 
 line turned her bright, rosy face, full of smiling triumph. 
 
 " I accept," nodding with gallantry. " We should have 
 been timed to a second. You are an excellent rider." 
 
 " Seeing that I have been trained from babyhood it 
 would be disgraceful if I were not. Oh, what crazy 
 things we have done Louis and I ! And then we would 
 bind ourselves by a solemn promise not to betray each 
 other. Children must have charmed lives ! " 
 
 " You are hardly out of childhood yet." 
 
 " Wait until you see me in the gorgeousness of a train 
 and a top-knot. You will wonder at my dignity. Perhaps 
 you will not recognize me. The gown is pink. That may 
 be some help." 
 
 " Pink. The pink roses are the sweetest, I believe." 
 
 She nodded with a spice of coquetry. 
 
 " And now are we to crawl through this dismal glade ? 
 Think of Indians lying in ambush ! " 
 
 " Nay, do not spoil a pleasant ride by such a grewsome 
 suggestion." 
 
 He led the way, and they soon emerged to the open 
 again. The Capital loomed up; the scattered houses 
 made quite a show, after all. 
 
 That evening Roger and she were partners at whist 
 against his mother and grandmother, and the ladies won. 
 
 The next day the girls went over to Washington. 
 
 " I wish your visit could have been longer," Mrs. Car- 
 rington said. " I should have enjoyed asking in the 
 young people about here and having a dance." 
 
 Patricia was very sorry. She had been on the extreme 
 confines of young-ladyhood. 
 
 " It was just delightful ! " Jaqueline explained to Mrs. 
 Jettson. " Both ladies are lovely, but Madam is grand 
 and holds you in a little awe. She looks like some old 
 picture stepped out of a frame. And they are just crazy 
 
 75
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 over girls no, you cannot imagine such stately ladies be 
 ing crazy over anything. They made so much of Patty 
 that she put on airs." 
 
 " I'm almost as tall as you, Miss Jaqueline ! " 
 
 " But you would look ridiculous with a train and your 
 hair done up high, and a mincing step " 
 
 " I didn't think that you minced very much ! " inter 
 rupted the younger. " I saw you run down the garden 
 walk, and Mr. Ralph said " making a sudden halt. 
 
 "Well, wAaf did he say?" 
 
 Patty paused, for she recalled the fact that Mr. Ralph's 
 comment had been distinctly complimentary. 
 
 " Don't dispute, girls. Patty, you are nothing but a 
 child, if you are tall, and you know you wouldn't like to 
 give up racing and climbing and dancing to old Sam's fid 
 dle. You girls do have the best of everything, while poor 
 Dolly and Marian " 
 
 " I'm glad grandpapa isn't any real relation to me ! " 
 exclaimed Patricia. " I like father a million times 
 better." 
 
 " That comes of being a bachelor when you are married. 
 I'm sure an old maid couldn't be any queerer. But then 
 Mr. Madison is said to be very indulgent to his wife, and 
 I'm sure he treats her like a prince. And father seems to 
 be just as bitter against him as he was against Mr. Jeffer 
 son. It seems to me the world goes around just the 
 same, no matter who is President. Mr. Ralston came in 
 this morning and begged me to send for Marian. I 
 couldn't tell him exactly why; and I'm sure I wish Mrs. 
 Greaves was back again, and there wouldn't be any look 
 for Marian." 
 
 " Lieutenant Ralston was over to the Carringtons' a 
 while last evening," said Jaqueline, and somehow she 
 flushed in a quick manner that surprised herself, then 
 added " Mr. Carrington will be at the levee." 
 
 76
 
 A TOUCH OF NATURE. 
 
 " Oh, of course. It will be a fine affair. And Congress 
 will adjourn so soon, I doubt if there will be another. 
 There are to be state dinners to the Cabinet and the diplo 
 mats, but next winter there will no doubt be many gay- 
 eties. Jaqueline, you must run to bed and get your beauty 
 sleep, there is no knowing how late we will be up to-mor 
 row night." 
 
 " I think Jane might feel a little sorry that I can't go," 
 said Patty lugubriously, as they were preparing for bed. 
 " It's Marian all the time." 
 
 " You don't understand, Patty " 
 
 " Yes I do. That handsome young Mr. Ralston is in 
 love with her, and grandpapa is going to make her marry 
 that old Mr. Greaves because he has a big farm next to 
 his. I'd marry the man I liked." 
 
 " Nonsense ! I'm not thinking about marrying." 
 
 "Jaqueline, would you marry Mr. Roger?" 
 
 " I've understood that it was good manners to wait until 
 you were asked," turning to hide a blush. 
 
 " I mean to marry someone," answered the younger. 
 
 " Sleep on it first, Patty." 
 
 The next afternoon the hairdresser came and added 
 much state to Mrs. Jettson's appearance. There was 
 pearl powder, a luxury to be indulged in only on great 
 occasions. And though rouge was used, Mrs. Jettson 
 had enough color of her own, and Jaqueline was resplen 
 dent with youth and health. 
 
 This affair was in the state drawing room, which had 
 grown rather shabby. Congress was considering an ap 
 propriation of five thousand dollars for refurnishing. 
 The sofas were stiff, faded, and worn threadbare, and the 
 window hangings were limp and had lost their color. But 
 the light from the numerous candles softened and re 
 lieved the impairment of time. 
 
 Mrs. Madison was in the yellow velvet; new gowns 
 
 77
 
 T A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 were not considered necessary for every occasion. Her 
 beautiful neck and arms, which still kept the roundness 
 of early womanhood, were adorned with strings of pearls, 
 the short puffed sleeves rendered still prettier by a fall of 
 exquisite lace. The skirt was drawn aside and displayed 
 a white satin petticoat embroidered with gold thread, 
 and her slippers were adorned with buckles that almost 
 covered her dainty feet. 
 
 About her were arranged the members of the official 
 family, the ladies on one side, the gentlemen on the other. 
 It was quite a little court. Most of the senators and the 
 wives who were brave enough to give up home comforts 
 to spend a winter in Washington had already met Mrs. 
 Madison ; indeed, by this time there were not many among 
 the strangers who had not been presented. 
 
 And so Miss Jaqueline Mason made her bow to the 
 first lady of the land and glancing up with a quick rift of 
 color caught the cordial smile that came with a warm 
 clasp of the hand. 
 
 " You have a good old Virginian name," she said. 
 " Many of us are proud to call it home. It is my second 
 home, the first in my affection now," and she gave the 
 child another sweet smile. 
 
 Jaqueline was more abashed than she had thought pos 
 sible. She stepped aside in a little confusion. 
 
 " Ah, here is Mr. Carrington. Shall I commend this 
 young lady to your care? There are some places she 
 might like to see and some curiosities. You are so much 
 at home here." 
 
 Roger Carrington bowed. Mrs. Jettson had found a 
 friend in the wife of one of the more recent senators, and 
 they were having a little chat, as it was that lady's first 
 visit to Washington to attend the inauguration. So Roger 
 slipped the fair hand within his arm, and they began a 
 tour of the still unfurnished White House, though much 
 
 78
 
 A TOUCH OF NATURE. 
 
 nearer completion and in a better state than Abigail 
 Adams had found it in her brief sojourn. 
 
 Mrs. Madison's tact and grace had brought about a 
 more congenial state of affairs even while wife of the 
 secretary of state. There was in the conduct of both 
 men and women a trifle of formality verging to a certain 
 grandeur, yet gracious and truly courteous. There was 
 no mad rush then for the first places. 
 
 Presently the company broke up into chatty little groups. 
 Jaqueline found herself quite a center in the midst of 
 other centers. Here were two or three elderly men who 
 had known her father. She saw a young neighbor in 
 the throng whose eyes expressed so much amazement that 
 she could not help smiling. Lieutenant Ralston had come 
 in his soldier trappings, and there was quite a sprinkling 
 of military men, with others in the Continental costume 
 that gave such a picturesque aspect. 
 
 Jaqueline had a fresh, girlish charm, and to-night she 
 certainly looked lovely. Women and girls, when they were 
 admitted to society, were expected to make themselves 
 agreeable. No abstruse learning was required, and 
 though they might have strong political preferences they 
 were delicately veiled. Mrs. Madison had gone through 
 four years of unusual stress, and the few enemies she had 
 made were only those who envied her popularity. She 
 had been discretion itself outwardly, and her opinions, 
 her conferences, and her advice had been lodged only in 
 her husband's bosom. 
 
 Jaqueline had no care, no experience to conceal, and she 
 had already tried her prentice hand on the students at 
 Williamsburg. And that natural art of making men 
 pleased with themselves, that charming deference, so 
 great a factor in that day, was hers in an eminent degree. 
 Roger Carrington watched her as she caught up the 
 merry badinage and returned it with gay sparkles, and 
 
 79
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD .WASHINGTON. 
 
 the pretty air that was half girlish demureness, the other 
 half the indefinable charm of budding womanhood. 
 
 Lieutenant Ralston took her in to the refreshment table 
 set in the large dining room. 
 
 " I wonder when you will see Miss Floyd ? " he began 
 in a low tone. " I hoped to the last moment that Mrs. 
 Jettson could persuade her parents to let her sister come 
 for a few days. You go to the Pineries quite often ? " 
 
 " Why, yes some of us. Father has a truly fervent 
 regard for grandmamma, and the girls come down fre 
 quently. They like better to come to us, I think. There 
 is no real fun in staying at the Pineries. Of course when 
 we were children we went dutifully." 
 
 She gave a soft, light laugh. 
 
 Ralston was considering. " Mrs. Jettson would be 
 likely to know of a visit ? " hesitatingly. 
 
 " She might if we sent her the word." 
 
 " I wonder if you will ever feel friendly enough to in 
 vite me? I like your father extremely. I was very glad 
 to have the opportunity of meeting him. And your 
 mother. You know we are all interested in Kentucky 
 just now." 
 
 " I think my parents would give you a very pleasant 
 visit," Jaqueline said with a grave yet encouraging smile. 
 The sort of conspiracy interested her. It was quite 
 tempting to be able to hold out a hand of encouragement 
 to Marian, who hated the dull life at the Pineries and did 
 so enjoy amusement. Then, a real love affair thrilled 
 Jaqueline with a delightful sensation. 
 
 He was considering how to obtain the invitation honor 
 ably, when she furnished the key. 
 
 " I think you would like my brother Louis," she re 
 marked with a becoming shade of diffidence that went to 
 his heart, it wore such a charming air of innocence. " He 
 will be home in the early summer, and he always comes 
 
 80
 
 A TOUCH OF NATURE. 
 
 up to Mrs. Jettson's at once. Arthur takes a great inter 
 est in him. He is to study law and the science of govern 
 ment, if there is such a science. Father has an eye to the 
 Presidency for him, I think." 
 
 They both laughed at that. 
 
 " The summer is a long way off," he commented rather 
 despondingly. 
 
 " The robins are singing and violets are in bloom. At 
 home, no doubt, I shall find trailing arbutus." 
 
 " They are spring indications." 
 
 " You are hard to satisfy." 
 
 " Am I ? Well, I would rather have that reputation 
 than one of being pleased with trifles." 
 
 " Sometimes the trifles prove very agreeable." 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Cutts, Mrs. Madison's favorite sister, 
 came sauntering slowly down with a bevy of friends, 
 greeting many of the guests. She paused and glanced at 
 Jaqueline. There was some of the charming affability 
 about her that characterized the wife of the President. 
 Indeed, she had been trained on the same lines. 
 
 " I should like to be certain of this young lady's name. 
 I did not quite catch it when she was introduced," Mrs. 
 Cutts said in a tone that was complimentary in itself. 
 
 Lieutenant Ralston presented his companion, who in 
 turn was presented to several other notables. 
 
 " Mason," she repeated. " Yes, I should guess you 
 were a Virginian. My sister, you know, adores her home 
 at Montpellier. Are you anywhere in her vicinity ? That 
 is, when she is in her true home ? Though we have both 
 become endeared to this ugly, unfinished Washington 
 that we all have to look at by the eye of faith, and not 
 only that, but make our friends see through the same 
 lenses. Lieutenant Ralston, shall we ever have a Capital 
 worthy of the nation ? " 
 
 " .That knowledge is not quite in my line," he returned 
 
 Si
 
 r A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 laughingly. " If war should come it will be my business 
 to fight for it. And you can recall the old adage that 
 Rome was not built in a day. Is it a historical fact or a 
 Shaksperean apothegm? If the fact, we can take cour 
 age and go on." 
 
 " Why, of course it took centuries to build imperial 
 Rome," and Mrs. Cutts' eyes twinkled with amusement. 
 
 " But they were always tearing down, you remember. 
 Every emperor demolished so much that his predecessor 
 had done. There must have been a good deal to start 
 with." 
 
 " And we started with nothing. I wonder anyone had 
 the courage to leave lovely, refined, and gay Philadelphia 
 for this desert ! Now, if the tent had even been pitched 
 in Baltimore it would have been more appropriate." 
 
 " But, you see, when we built a country we wanted to 
 try our hand at building a Capital to match. It will be 
 fine enough when it is done, in a dozen years or so. And 
 it unites the warring factions. One city cannot be jealous 
 of another." 
 
 " Miss Mason, this young man bewilders me and leads 
 me astray. See what it is to be a soldier and a patriot. 
 Now I am going to carry you off and introduce you to 
 some girls. Are you going to stay long enough to go to a 
 ball ? Every Virginia girl dances." 
 
 She was so bright and pretty that Mrs. Cutts was oddly 
 interested in her. 
 
 " Oh, I adore dancing and riding ! But I am afraid 
 my father is to send for me in a few days. If he were 
 coming himself I might beg off. Your suggestion is so 
 tempting." 
 
 " Perhaps you can. Now, here are some young people 
 you must know," and turning away from the elders she 
 introduced Jaqueline to a merry group. 
 
 " Miss Mason and I are old friends," declared Roger 
 
 82
 
 A TOUCH OF NATURE. 
 
 Carrington with a smile. " She has been visiting with 
 us and left us inconsolable." 
 
 " Quite a compliment to your charms." 
 
 Jaqueline blushed. " Or to the delightful hospitality 
 of Madam and Mrs. Carrington. My sister was with me, 
 and she was quite melancholy. We did have a charming 
 visit. I am afraid we shall be so spoiled that our Vir 
 ginia wilds will prove desert wastes." 
 
 " Mr. Carrington, you must manage to keep Miss Ma 
 son over. The Dearborns are to give the young people a 
 ball. We want it to be the event of the season, and that 
 will soon be ended, alas ! And we must gather the beauty 
 and the chivalry." 
 
 There was quite a gay little whirl for some moments 
 and more merry badinage. More than one envious 
 eye was cast upon the young girl, for Roger Carrington 
 was considered one of the prizes in the matrimonial 
 market. Sir Augustus Foster, who was secretary of the 
 English Legation some years before, had said there was 
 no lack of handsome women, and that he never saw 
 prettier girls anywhere, and that the City was one of the 
 most marrying places on the whole continent. 
 
 " We missed you so very much," Roger began, when he 
 had detached her a little from the group. " I had half a 
 mind to come and confiscate one of you." 
 
 " Patty would have been glad enough." 
 
 " But you were full of pleasure ! Perhaps we seemed 
 dull to you ? We are rather quiet folk." 
 
 He uttered the pronoun quite decisively, so much so 
 that it brought the color to her cheek. 
 
 " Oh, no, it was not dull ! I enjoyed it extremely." 
 
 " And if you stay for the ball will you not come over 
 again? Mother liked you both so much. You will find 
 it delightful at the Dearborns'. And I shall claim some 
 dances." 
 
 83
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " You will hardly be crowded out, in that happy event," 
 she returned brightly. 
 
 Then there were some other introductions to noted 
 people. Colonel Monroe was standing by, and shared 
 them. Mrs. Madison came presently, leaning on Mr. 
 Clinton's arm. 
 
 " I hope you have had a pleasant time," the lady said 
 graciously ; " and that we shall see you frequently. I am 
 very fond of young people." 
 
 " I felt as if I ought to kiss her hand," Jaqueline whis 
 pered, with a scarlet face, to her companion. " That is the 
 obeisance people are expected to pay to a queen." 
 
 " Not in a republic. And every lady is a queen to a 
 man at some period of her life." 
 
 " Oh, Mr. Carrington ! no one would suspect you of 
 such a pretty speech." 
 
 " Wouldn't they ? Do I look as if I had no courteous 
 speeches at my command ? " 
 
 He looked very handsome and winning at that moment. 
 
 The company was breaking up. People came and went 
 early on these occasions. Mrs. Jettson hunted up her 
 charge. 
 
 " I declare, Jaqueline, you have been one of the belles 
 of the evening. Such a mere chit, too ! And you looked 
 very grand parading around with Ralston and Mr. Car 
 rington. Poor Marian ! It is a shame she couldn't have 
 been here. And, Jaqueline, please don't forget that Lieu 
 tenant Ralston in a way belongs to her." 
 
 The tone was rather sharp, but Jaqueline was too happy 
 to resent it. Other young men had noticed her, as well. 
 
 "He does not forget it. He was very sorry she was 
 not here," Jaqueline replied after a moment. 
 
 The well-trained maid helped them on with their wraps, 
 and the footman found their carriage. 
 
 Yes, Jaqueline was a pretty girl, Jane ruminated; but 
 
 84
 
 A TOUCH OF NATURE. 
 
 so much attention would soon turn her head. She was 
 proud of her, and yet a little jealous for her sister's sake, 
 who could enjoy pleasure quite as well. And Lieutenant 
 Ralston was in the way of promotion, if he was not rich. 
 
 The very next day a message came from Mr. Mason. A 
 friend would be in Washington on Monday, and Tuesday 
 morning they must be ready to start home with him. It 
 was too late to get word back, and Jane took it for 
 granted that they must go. Jaqueline gave a sigh and 
 was minded to shed a few tears, but on Saturday Mrs. 
 Carrington drove over for the girls to spend the Sunday 
 with them. 
 
 " Try and not be too coquettish, Jaqueline. It makes 
 a young girl seem very forward," Mrs. Jettson advised. 
 
 " Jane is growing unpleasant," Jaqueline thought to 
 herself. " She wants Marian in everything." 
 
 However, after the ball and one more levee there was 
 not much gayety in the City. Congress adjourned, sena 
 tors and representatives went home to consider at their 
 leisure the grave questions pending. Mrs. Madison was 
 much engrossed in the judicious use of the grant Con 
 gress had made. There were some new mirrors set, some 
 dining-room furniture and china, new curtains and hang 
 ings, and upholstery done in gorgeous brocaded yellow 
 satin. Still further, there was added a pianoforte; and 
 the President ordered a chariot in Philadelphia for his 
 wife, and the two horses were increased to four. The 
 White House was to make a character for itself.
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE BEGINNING OF A LOVE STORY. 
 
 "\A7HY, you can just ask him down as you do any other 
 friend," said Jaqueline with an air of innocence. 
 " I half promised he should have the invitation. You will 
 like him ever so much. 7 like him," laughingly. 
 
 " But Polly is coming " 
 
 " Don't ever let grandfather hear that ' Polly,' or he 
 won't even leave you enough to buy a mourning ring. 
 He thinks so highly of old English customs. What a 
 chum he would have been for Sir Charles Grandison! 
 Are people born too late or too early! What are you 
 smiling at ? " 
 
 " The way you leap from one thing to another." 
 
 " Which shows a variety of wit and knowledge, young 
 collegian. Didn't Shakspere call it nimble wit? I have 
 learned a great many things since I saw you last." 
 
 " In an hour ? " incredulously, and Louis raised his fine 
 brows. 
 
 " One might learn many things in an hour. And now, 
 Mr. Tender Conscience, don't worry about Polly, as you 
 have taken to calling her. She may come, and she may 
 not. And if she comes she may be sent for the very next 
 day. The Fairfaxes are sure to come; they have ac 
 cepted. I warn you that Betty is a dreadful coquette. 
 And Georgie Baker, and the Carringtons at least Roger. 
 And he is great friends with Mr. Ralston." 
 
 " But we must not get in a row with grandfather. 
 And a girl who hasn't spunk enough to stand up for the 
 man she loves " 
 
 " Perhaps she isn't really in love with him. That ought 
 to give any girl courage to run some risks." 
 
 86
 
 THE BEGINNING OF A LOVE STORY. 
 
 " Well I'm off. A long and sad farewell," and the 
 young man assumed a tragic air. 
 
 " Very good," she returned gravely. " Does a young 
 man appreciate his inestimable privileges when he has a 
 sister on whom he can practice ? " 
 
 He laughed and kissed her. Jaqueline went to her 
 room and wrote a very properly worded letter to Marian. 
 Maum Chloe had two new pudding recipes that were de 
 licious. She had the latest sleeve pattern, and Madam 
 Weare had been to spend the day, and wore such a lovely 
 cap that she was quite sure grandmamma would like it. 
 They had concocted one out of some old mull, the torn 
 breadth of a gown, and Marian could take it home. Then 
 Elizabeth Fairfax was making some of the prettiest 
 darned lace, a Vandyke cape that was just coming in, and 
 she would be here for a few days next week. If Marian 
 could come dow r n, even if she could only stay one 
 night. The week afterward there would be an influx of 
 company. It would be just delightful to have her and 
 Dolly then perhaps they might be able to come but 
 Marian had better come and stay over. They would not 
 want to be poking over lace-making and all that when 
 there was lots of fun going on. 
 
 Shrewd as Grandmother Floyd was she fell into the 
 trap so adroitly set by this flighty young person. 
 
 " Madam Weare is very genteel in her tastes and is not 
 given to foolish things because they are new. I hardly 
 know anyone who dresses so suitably. I do think Louis 
 or Jaqueline might have ridden up. And I do not see 
 what Patricia is about, or your uncle either, to let Jaque 
 line have her head so much. She ought to be learning 
 something useful. The Fairfaxes are well enough, a 
 nice family, and Elizabeth is a very well-behaved girl 
 industrious, too. But I'd like to see the lace 
 Jaqueline will make ! " with a strong touch of scorn 
 
 87
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 in her voice, and a slight lifting of the nose to make 
 it more emphatic. 
 
 " The Vandyke capes are very pretty and graceful. 
 Mrs. Lee brought one from Paris, and it cost a fortune," 
 remarked Marian. " And darned net " 
 
 " I think I know what it is. Of course it is the pattern 
 and the amount of work that makes it valuable. You 
 might do one through the course of the summer, 
 Marian." 
 
 " If I knew how " and the girl gave a little sigh. 
 
 " Let me see the letter." Marian had been reading it 
 aloud. " I don't know but you might go, but I don't care 
 to have you in the rabble of the week after. It would be 
 a grand thing if that young Carrington would fancy 
 Jaqueline and she would have sense enough to accept him. 
 But such girls go through the woods and take a crooked 
 stick at last." 
 
 Nothing more was said for a day or two. Marian 
 found an old engraving of a Vandyke collar and cuffs, 
 only they were done in point lace. What kind of net 
 was used, she wondered. And then her mother decided 
 she would go down for the day and leave Marian for a 
 night or two. But grandfather had a poorly spell, and 
 she thought it best not to leave him. Marian rode her 
 horse down, attended by old Cato, who had to go to 
 Alexandria on some business and would escort her home 
 on the third day. 
 
 " Oh, good gracious ! " cried Jaqueline ; " if she had 
 come ! For the rabble is here already, and someone you 
 will like to see. They've gone off fishing. Betty and 
 Hester Fairfax and Georgie Baker are out on the west 
 porch. We're in for a good time. Mr. Ralston and 
 Roger Carrington came down with Louis, and to-night 
 we are going to have a little dance." 
 
 " Mother approves of Elizabeth Fairfax. And I do
 
 THE BEGINNING OF A LOVE STORY. 
 
 want to know about the Vandyke cape and the cap pat 
 tern. Oh, Jacky ! " 
 
 Marian clasped her arms about her cousin, and the 
 obnoxious name was forgiven. For the warm pressure 
 was full of gratitude. 
 
 " You are so wise about things, Jaqueline. Of course 
 mother sees all our letters " 
 
 " As if I didn't know that," laughed Jaqueline. 
 
 " But I wonder oh, Jaqueline, do you suppose I will 
 have to marry Mr. Greaves ? You see, father has set his 
 heart upon it. And I should be so near them, and so " 
 
 " The idea ! A man double your age, and four chil 
 dren ! You don't even like him. What is youth for but 
 a time to be merry and glad and to have good times? 
 And it was a shame you could not come to Washington ! 
 Lieutenant Ralston would have taken you everywhere, 
 and Jane was up to white heat about it. It was all splen 
 did. You're not engaged you can't have been so 
 foolish ! " 
 
 " Oh, Jaqueline ! I wish I had your " 
 
 " Spunk ! " Jaqueline exclaimed with a laugh, while 
 Marian was considering. 
 
 " You see, no one really governs you. Your father is 
 so indulgent." 
 
 " Oh, I don't have quite everything my own way, I 
 assure you! But what have you done in this matter?" 
 
 " Why, Mr. Greaves has explained to father and 
 mother. Of course he will not say anything to me until 
 the year is up. He is very punctilious, and I am so glad 
 he believes in the year. He comes over and we have a 
 game of whist, which I hate, and get out of when there is 
 other company. But father expects me to stay in the 
 room. Occasionally he questions me about something 
 household affairs generally. Mrs. Greaves was an excel 
 lent housekeeper much superior to his sister, he thinks." 
 
 89
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON, 
 
 " Oh, Marian ! I should die if I had to marry such a 
 man. Come, let us go down to the girls and forget all 
 about him. Cassy will put away your things." 
 
 Marian lingered. 
 
 "Well what else?" impatiently. "You don't really 
 want to tell me that you have a fancy for this wretched 
 old fellow?" 
 
 " Oh, no, no ! But, Jaqueline of course I did not 
 know Mr. Ralston would be here, yet I had a sort of pre 
 sentiment that you had planned something. And is it 
 quite fair, do you think? I mean honest to to enjoy it 
 all? I am afraid he likes me." 
 
 " I am quite sure he does. But I wasn't sure of his 
 coming. Louis met him at Jane's, and likes him im 
 mensely. There are other girls here it isn't at all as if 
 you were the only guest. Don't worry, but let matters 
 take their course. Come and see the lace-making." 
 
 The three girls welcomed Marian warmly. Elizabeth 
 Fairfax was nearly her own age, Hester younger, and 
 Georgie Jaqueline's compeer and near neighbor. Eliza 
 beth had a sweet Madonna face, with large, downcast eyes 
 and a soft, deferential voice, but the eyes did ready execu 
 tion on the hearts of the young men. She was always 
 busy about something, and it was a study to watch her 
 hands, they were so shapely and beautiful. 
 
 Georgie was recounting amusing episodes, and in a few 
 moments they were all laughing and talking. A table 
 near by was loaded with fruit and cake, and a pitcher of 
 homemade " shrub " gave them a delectable nectar. 
 Betty had attended the inauguration, and as Marian lis 
 tened her heart grew hot and rebellious that she should 
 have been kept from the pleasure. She and her sister had 
 been trained to a sharp obedience, kept in bonds like very 
 children. Mr. Floyd had never cordially approved of 
 his son-in-law. He considered it almost a crime to have 
 
 90
 
 THE BEGINNING OF A LOVE STORY. 
 
 been born north of Baltimore, and Mr. Jettson had grown 
 up in northern New York, and to some extent made his 
 own fortune. Jane had gone to Philadelphia for a year's 
 schooling with an old friend of Mrs. Floyd's and come 
 home engaged. Mr. Jettson had a business proffer in 
 Washington, and somehow the marriage was pushed 
 through in haste. Mr. Floyd had an objection to new 
 people, to business people, to the manner in which things 
 were being conducted at Washington, and to the Jeffer 
 son party generally. But he was fond of his daughter, 
 and though he would not have confessed it he did ad 
 mire her style, her knowledge of the City, and the fact 
 that she was in the best society. But, after all, a large 
 landed estate gave a man true dignity. Mr. Greaves 
 agreed with him in politics, was of good old stock, and 
 had aristocratic tastes, while Arthur Jettson really was 
 plebeian. Since there was an opportunity Marian should 
 marry to his liking. 
 
 " I've been telling about your cape, Betty, and Marian 
 wants to know how to do it. Spread it out. There, isn't 
 that lovely?" 
 
 The Brussels net was fine, and the flowers were made 
 in outline and filled in with stitches that seemed a little 
 raised, they were so close together, and had a satin-like 
 effect. The shape was very graceful, with the points at 
 the shoulders and in front. 
 
 Fine needlework and lace-making were much esteemed. 
 For years imported articles had been very high, besides 
 the difficulty of getting them unless one went abroad. 
 Beautiful specimens have come down to us, and one won 
 ders at the patience and taste, when there were so many 
 cares to life. Occasionally a slave woman evinced a 
 peculiar genius for this delicate work, and the family con 
 sidered her quite a treasure. 
 
 " It is exquisite ! " declared Marian, who was no mean
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 needlewoman herself. Indeed, the work rather bewitched 
 her. " Oh, I really must have one ! But it will take a 
 great deal of time." 
 
 " Why, you see I have mine three-quarters done, and 
 I take it up at odd spells and when I go visiting. And it 
 is very easy when you once get started. You see, you fol 
 low the pattern in outlining. Then, some of my leaves 
 and flowers are not wholly rilled, and it has a very pretty 
 effect, making a variety and less work. Jaqueline, can't 
 you find a bit of lace ; and Marian may outline this end of 
 the pattern, and I can show her some of the stitches be 
 fore the boys come home. We are going to ride then, I 
 believe, and dance in the evening. We improve all our 
 time when we are over here." 
 
 " I shall be delighted," returned Marian. Jaqueline 
 found some lace, and Marian went at the work eagerly. 
 They spiced the employment with merry gossip and 
 laughter and bits of teasing. The squire and Mrs. Ma 
 son came home from a business drive to a neighboring 
 town. They had taken the two little girls for to-day; 
 Varina had been in a most amiable mood. Then the 
 fishermen returned, rather disgusted with their want of 
 luck. 
 
 " You know we did not want you to go," and Elizabeth 
 raised her soft, reproving eyes. 
 
 Mr. Ralston came around to Marian's side. 
 
 " This is a pleasant surprise. I was hoping all the 
 time. Only Miss Mason is such a torment. She was 
 quite sure you wouldn't come. We almost quarreled 
 about it this morning. And yet she is a charming girl. 
 This house is the very embodiment of comfort and de 
 light. I suppose you know I met the Masons at the in 
 auguration? Oh, you can't think how disappointed I 
 was! I had counted so on seeing you." 
 
 Marian Floyd glanced in the speaker's eyes and hers 
 
 92
 
 THE BEGINNING OF A LOVE STORY. 
 
 fell, while a fluttering color crept up her face and her 
 whole body seemed to thrill as at the touch of some sub 
 tle magnetism. She suddenly wished he would go away ; 
 he seemed to take the strength out of her. 
 
 " Are you glad to see me ? " in a breathless sort of way 
 that seemed to demand an affirmative. 
 
 " Yes." She did not mean to say it. The word came 
 of its own accord. It was almost as if she had answered 
 it to another question. 
 
 " Come, fellows," began Louis, " let us drop our ple 
 beian garb, with its ancient, fishlike smell." 
 
 " That's good, considering there wasn't fish enough to 
 make any sort of smell. Keep truth on your side." 
 
 " And misquoting Shakspere, when it has been pre 
 sented to us all winter in every aspect! Williamsburg 
 has had a feast or a surfeit from college exercises to stroll 
 ing players some very good ones, too. Jaqueline, have 
 you ordered the horses ? " 
 
 " Why, no ! " 
 
 " Then go at once, while we make ourselves beautiful. 
 We shall not have too much time." 
 
 Mr. Carrington had gone immediately to his room, 
 and came down as Jaqueline was going through the 
 hall. 
 
 " The fishing was not much of a success. I would 
 rather have sat under the trees and talked to you. Ah, 
 here is your father." 
 
 When they had greeted each other Jaqueline ex 
 plained her errand. 
 
 " Let us all go out together ! " exclaimed Mr. Carring 
 ton. " My poor fellow will be glad to see me." 
 
 " Marian must have a fresh horse ; she rode hers all the 
 way down. Oh, there are the Johnsons! Just in time 
 for the fray," and she nodded over to two young men 
 sauntering up the avenue. 
 
 93
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " Jaqueline, you ride the mare and give Marian your 
 pony. I will go out and see to things." 
 
 Jaqueline turned back, and the two young men gallantly 
 dismounted, escorting her to the porch, where soon the 
 five girls assembled in equestrian array, and the five cava 
 liers were at their service. 
 
 " Do not stay out too late," admonished the squire. 
 
 Marian hesitated. Louis led off with Elizabeth, who 
 was much amused at the young collegian's aplomb. Hes 
 ter was supposed to have a more than friendly interest in 
 the elder Johnson brother. Mr. Carrington kept close to 
 Jaqueline, and Ralston wheeled his horse around to 
 Marian's side. 
 
 " I wonder if there is a little fate in that ? " and the 
 squire nodded to the last couple. " Father has other 
 plans for Marian." 
 
 " You don't mean that he is in real earnest about that 
 widower and the houseful of children ? " inquired Mrs. 
 Mason. 
 
 " And you did not hesitate at five ! " smiling humor 
 ously. 
 
 " I did hesitate. I think you can never know how 
 much. But I was older and more experienced, and a 
 good deal in love with the father of the children," flushing 
 girlishly, " while Marian shrinks from Mr. Greaves. I do 
 not think he would attract any young girl. Jane feels 
 dreadfully about it. I like Lieutenant Ralston very 
 much myself." 
 
 " He is a fine fellow, but not really abounding in this 
 world's goods, and that goes a great way with father." 
 
 " Suppose it were Jaqueline ? " 
 
 " I had rather it would be Carrington." 
 
 "But if she loved him?" 
 
 " I do not think Marian is in love with anybody. I 
 suppose I am too lax, but father Floyd is too rigid. And 
 
 94
 
 THE BEGINNING OF A LOVE STORY. 
 
 mother upholds him. The girls have been trained to 
 obey. What will you do when Jaqueline refuses some 
 nice, suitable, prosperous young man and sets her heart 
 on a spendthrift a ne'er-do-well ? " 
 
 " Turn her over to her father." 
 
 Mr. Mason shrugged his shoulders, and his eyes 
 twinkled. 
 
 "And Annis?" 
 
 " That is going a long way off." 
 
 " But it isn't wisdom to throw Marian in temptation's 
 way when it can only bring about trouble." 
 
 " If Marian really fell in love that would solve the diffi 
 culty. Youth ought to mate with youth. Then both 
 have the springtime of love. Did not you find it sweet? 
 Answer truly." 
 
 He smiled, and was silent a moment. Then he bent 
 over and kissed her. 
 
 " The summer has a richness as well. A cold, unto 
 ward spring never makes a fruitful summer." 
 
 Then Mrs. Mason turned away to household cares. 
 Charles was walking under the larches with his arm about 
 Annis' waist. He was suddenly shooting up a Mason 
 trick and was taller than the little girl and very devoted 
 to her. Varina was upstairs trying on three different 
 newly ironed white frocks. Patricia had gone to visit 
 Aunt Catharine. 
 
 " Chloe, have you made preparations for a host at sup 
 per, and a hungry host again about nine o'clock? I 
 should call it a party." 
 
 " Supper's all right. Dere's biskit 'nuff for a regimen'. 
 And cake by de bushel. Chloe see company afore in dis 
 ole house. De ham pink as a rose and de col' chicken 
 'nuff to make yer mouf water. An' cream an' jells an' 
 fruit. De young folks no need to go to bed hungry." 
 
 The mistress smiled. 
 
 95
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " Jest take a peep at de table." 
 
 The snowy cloth, ironed to perfection, the quaint old 
 silver service, the sparkling glass and china of various 
 dates, and the great bowls of flowers made a picture. 
 Through the open windows came the soft low caroling 
 of birds calling each other home, and the tranquil noises 
 of a country evening were like wafts of music. How de 
 lightful to be amongst it all, and at home ! Yes, love was 
 the great evangel of human life. 
 
 The ride was most delightful. Gay young people seize 
 every salient point of enjoyment. They were a little late 
 to supper, which was a mirthful meal; then Sam and 
 Darius began to tune their fiddles on the porch, and some 
 young neighbors were added; and as no night was ever 
 too warm to dance, they had a merry time. 
 
 There was another long day of enjoyment to Marian 
 Floyd. They went down to the bank of the Potomac on 
 a picnic, with loads of provisions. They rambled about; 
 they had a lazy, drifting sail adown the shadiest bank; 
 they sang and jested, and went home gay, tired, happy, 
 full of the gladness of youth. 
 
 Marian was sharing Jaqueline's room from choice. 
 The latter had grown into young-ladyhood so rapidly 
 that it hardly seemed as if there was much difference in 
 their ages, even though Marian was so much more sedate, 
 and latterly had become rather timid. 
 
 " I have had such a good time ! " she said with a sigh. 
 " I don't know when I have enjoyed anything so much. 
 There are so few young people around the Pineries. 
 Mother will be just delighted with that pudding, but 
 she will think I ought to have done more lacework. I 
 wonder if I will have time to finish that flower in the 
 morning ? " 
 
 " You can get up early," suggested Jaqueline. " Very 
 early for we are going for a canter before breakfast." 
 
 96
 
 THE BEGINNING OF A LOVE STORY. 
 
 " Well Cato can't get here before ten, I think. That 
 will be after breakfast." 
 
 " Then you can come to bed with a clear conscience. 
 I think I am asleep everywhere but the tip of my tongue 
 and a little spot in my brain." 
 
 " And I wanted to talk to you." 
 
 Jaqueline tumbled into bed and squeezed up her pil 
 low. 
 
 " Talk fast," she said good-humoredly. 
 
 Marian sat down on the side of the bed, combing her 
 hair and twisting it up in two soft coils. Then she put 
 on her nightcap, a dainty bit of lawn and ruffling, and 
 looked pretty enough to charm anyone. 
 
 " I don't know what to do ! Oh, Jacky, I am the hap 
 piest girl and the most miserable girl alive ! " 
 
 Jaqueline raised on her elbow, quite wide awake at the 
 admission. 
 
 " Did you guess that Lieutenant Ralston cared ? It is 
 so so wonderful to have a real lover, who can put his 
 meaning in his eyes and in the clasp of his hand, and make 
 you feel it all about you, just that way your father loves 
 your mother. All day to-day I have been in that curi 
 ous tremble; I wanted to look and I did not dare, and 
 then I looked in spite of myself. And this evening " 
 
 " Yes I managed that you should go off by your 
 selves. And now, Polly, you won't marry that Mr. 
 Greaves ? " 
 
 "Oh, what can I do? You see, father is set upon it. 
 And Mr. Ralston wants to come up and ask father, and I 
 didn't dare tell him about it, and don't know what to do." 
 
 " Why, let him come up. And if grandpapa won't give 
 in, I'd run away, that's all. Oh, Polly, I am so glad ! It 
 must be just lovely ! Though I do not want to be engaged 
 just yet. I like fun. And there are* so many fine gentle 
 men in Washington who say such pretty complimentary 
 
 97
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 things and dance so beautifully, and Mrs. Carrington 
 expects me to make her a long visit next winter. I'd 
 rather have a dozen lovers than just one. But it is differ 
 ent with you, and you are older; and at home grand 
 mamma treats you like a little child. Yes, I'd let him 
 come and have it over." 
 
 " But it would be awful. I never could get the courage 
 to tell; and if father was taken by surprise " 
 
 " Why, I should say that a friend was coming " 
 
 " But he knows that Mr. Ralston paid me a good deal 
 of attention when I was at Jane's, and that was why he 
 would not let me go to the inauguration. And if I were 
 to say he had been here two days, and I had ridden and 
 walked with him, and he had said he did not ask me to 
 be engaged of course, until he had seen father." 
 
 "And what did you say? You couldn't refuse al 
 together?" 
 
 " I am afraid I said too much that is, I let things go. 
 I love him and I don't dare to, all in the same breath. And 
 I know father will never let me marry him." 
 
 " But Jane married the man of her choice." 
 
 " There wasn't anyone else just then. And he thinks 
 Jane might have done much better. You see, Mr. Greaves 
 is there on the spot. And July will soon be here. Oh, 
 dear!" 
 
 Marian leaned down on Jaqueline's shoulder and cried 
 softly. 
 
 " Oh, I should be spunky ! You are very sweet, 
 Marian, and you give up too easily. You haven't any 
 fight in you. They cannot force you to marry Mr. 
 Greaves. Fathers might have done that years ago; and 
 if you are firm and say you won't " 
 
 " Jaqueline, don't talk all night," said an admonishing 
 voice. 
 
 Marian was very shy and reserved the next morning 
 
 98
 
 AN ANGRY FATHER. 
 
 during the ride, but more deliciously sweet to her lover, 
 as the men of those days expected to really win their 
 sweethearts. After breakfast she packed up her recipes 
 and the cap pattern, and sewed industriously at her lace- 
 work. Louis drove Georgie home, and then was to do an 
 errand for his father. The two young men were to go to 
 Washington presently. Roger Carrington planned for 
 the visit his mother was to make, and then they were to 
 return it and bring Annis. He had taken a great fancy 
 to the child. 
 
 There was only time for a brief farewell when Cato 
 came. 
 
 " Shall I write to your father, or come ? " the lover in 
 quired in a decisive tone. 
 
 " Oh, wait I will tell you ! " Marian answered hur 
 riedly, frightened at the thought of the future, yet de 
 liciously happy. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 AN ANGRY FATHER. 
 
 I AQUELINE was very busy paying visits and having a 
 J good time. They had been up to the Pineries twice 
 without her. Truth to tell, she was a little afraid of her 
 own counsel, and hoping Marian would have spirit enough 
 to assert herself. One day she was very much surprised 
 by the advent of Mr. Ralston. 
 
 " Yes, honey ; he jes' done ask to see you, not yer mar 
 ner ennyone ! And he looks jes laik a lover comin' to de 
 house," announced Julia, one of the waiting-maids. 
 
 Jaqueline went down with a deeper flush on her cheek 
 and a beating heart. There was a courteous greeting, 
 and then a touch of embarrassment. Ralston was first to 
 surmount it. 
 
 99
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " Miss Mason," he began abruptly, " when have you 
 seen Miss Floyd ? " 
 
 " Not since she was here. I have been away from 
 home. Papa and part of the family were up last week." 
 
 " Will you read this note ? " 
 
 It was from Marian very brief and cold. She had 
 considered the matter, and felt that it would be impossi 
 ble to keep up the acquaintance. It would be useless 
 either to come or to write. 
 
 " If Miss Floyd was merely amusing herself, of course 
 that is the end of it. Do you know whether she has a 
 lover? There was some mystery about her I could not 
 quite fathom. I may have been misled, but I thought she 
 cared for me. Indeed," he added, flushing a little and 
 softening his tone, " it seemed a case of mutual attrac 
 tion at first sight. We became such friends while she 
 was at her sister's." 
 
 Jaqueline considered a moment. Then she said : " I 
 had better tell you the whole story. And if you knew 
 grandpapa he is as arbitrary as a king. He looks like 
 one too." 
 
 She recapitulated the advances of Mr. Greaves, and 
 admitted that Marian was yielding and stood in awe of 
 her father. " But I am quite certain she loves you," de 
 clared the incautious girl. 
 
 " I felt rather certain," with a satisfied half-smile. 
 " And I can understand that Mr. Greaves is a rival not 
 to be despised. I have no broad acres nor ancestral home, 
 but youth and ambition and a good profession. Surely 
 when Mr. Floyd comes to understand, he cannot force 
 his daughter's inclinations! I will devote my whole life 
 to her, my best energies. I am sure I shall succeed." 
 
 " Marian never could resist him if she saw him now," 
 Jaqueline thought, he looked so proud and so in earnest. 
 But Grandpapa Floyd ! 
 
 100
 
 AN ANGRY FATHER. 
 
 " You give me hope. You are young to advise anyone 
 in a love affair," and he laughed in a genial, amused 
 fashion. " I came here because you knew about those 
 two days, and I thought you might be more in Miss 
 Floyd's confidence than her sister, though I can count on 
 Mrs. Jettson's influence and approval, I am certain. Do 
 you think Miss Floyd may have told her father ? " 
 
 " Oh, no ; I am sure she has not. Only I do think some 
 influence has been brought to bear upon her, and she has 
 felt afraid " 
 
 Jaqueline looked very pretty and spirited, standing up 
 straight and slim, her dark eyes aglow with earnestness 
 and eager interest. She would not be afraid to stand up 
 for her lover. 
 
 "Shall I go or write?" 
 
 " Oh, I am afraid to advise ! " She turned pale then. 
 
 " And it is unmanly to ask it." 
 
 " Perhaps papa could tell better." 
 
 " I wonder if I might see him? " 
 
 " Oh, yes. Will you amuse yourself while I find him? 
 Louis is away, and the children are having a picnic down 
 in the grove." 
 
 Mr. Mason was ensconced in a willow easy-chair, with 
 a high back and a cushion, while his wife was reading 
 aloud from the pages of Oliver Goldsmith. He glanced 
 up, and Jaqueline suddenly realized the gravity of the 
 matter in hand. 
 
 " Mr. Ralston is here, and would like to see you, 
 papa ! " she exclaimed persuasively. 
 
 " Ah can't you bring him out here ? " 
 
 " It is quite important and " hesitatingly. 
 
 " Yes, I'll come." He reached for his coat, and sighed 
 at the added warmth. 
 
 Jaqueline slipped her hand through his arm. 
 
 " It's about Marian." 
 
 xox
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " I was afraid there would be trouble. Jack, was their 
 meeting here pure accident? Tell me the truth. Or did 
 you have mischief in your mind ? " 
 
 " It wasn't quite that. But Marian did not know. And 
 I did not really promise Mr. Ralston." 
 
 " I wish you had kept out of it, my girl." 
 
 " But Marian does love him. And surely grandpapa 
 will never make her marry that stupid old Mr. 
 Greaves ! " 
 
 " Take care. I am getting old." 
 
 " But you will never be stupid." She reached up and 
 kissed him. 
 
 " You know grandfather is very fond of having his 
 own way. Mr. Greaves isn't so bad, when all is said." 
 
 " You wouldn't make me marry him ? " 
 
 " I am afraid I would have a tough job," and he 
 laughed. 
 
 " Now I shall leave you to your own wisdom." 
 
 The squire nodded. 
 
 The young lover presented his case in a very straight 
 forward, honorable fashion. Mr. Mason's heart went out 
 to him, but he understood his stepfather's obstinacy and 
 his dislike to be meddled with or thwarted. His mother 
 was in favor of the marriage also, which would make it 
 harder for Marian. 
 
 " If you write to Mr. Floyd you will receive a polite 
 but decided dismissal. If you see him I am afraid the 
 result will be the same, and less pleasant to remember." 
 
 " Do you suppose I am coward enough to relinquish 
 the woman I love in such an emergency as this? If I 
 heard from her own lips that she did not care for me, 
 that would influence my conduct. But I am certain she 
 does care, and I want her to know that I am ready to take 
 any step for her happiness. I am too much of a soldier 
 to give up without an effort, even if I have seen only fair- 
 
 108
 
 AN ANGRY FATHER. 
 
 weather service. What would you have done in your 
 youth ? " 
 
 " Made a good fight," smiling at the other's eagerness. 
 
 " Then I shall go. To be merely dismissed would be 
 mortifying. And any woman would despise such a tame 
 lover! Thank you for your cordial reception. In any 
 event I shall count on your friendship." 
 
 He shook Mr. Mason's hand warmly. 
 
 " But you will stay and have some supper with us ? 
 And why not accept our hospitality for the night?" 
 
 " Thank you. I have some important matters on hand 
 to-morrow morning. I am truly sorry not to have a 
 delightful evening with you, and I am indebted to you for 
 this kindly attention on a troublesome subject. I sin 
 cerely trust that some day I shall stand in a nearer rela 
 tion. You can wish me success I hope ? " 
 
 The truth and honor in the lines of the face appealed to 
 the elder man. He had found so many charms in his 
 new wife, so much sweetness in the daily love, that he 
 could be generous in his wishes. 
 
 " Yes, I hope you will succeed," and the squire said it 
 from the depth of his heart, although his latent judgment 
 was not so hopeful. 
 
 " He will go to the Pineries," he said as he rejoined his 
 wife and daughter. " It will not do any good, and I am 
 afraid we are in for a family fracas. Marian may refuse 
 to marry Mr. Greaves, but her father will not accept 
 Ralston. I am sorry. They would make a nice, happy 
 young couple." 
 
 " But she might wait a year or two." 
 
 " It isn't easy waiting when there is no real hope, and 
 the influence is all on the other side. You see, Grand 
 father Floyd has trained his children to habits of obedi 
 ence. He isn't turned about with every wind of doctrine, 
 as I am. Not a child stands in awe of me. And when I 
 
 103
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 pick out my future son-in-law, Miss Jaqueline, I expect 
 you will turn up your pretty nose and utterly refuse him." 
 
 " I shall if he has four children belonging to another 
 woman." 
 
 Her father raised his brows. The young girl turned 
 scarlet and clasped her arms about Mrs. Mason's 
 neck. 
 
 " Mother dear, forgive that awkward speech. We are 
 all glad to have you, as you must be aware by this time, 
 and since you are such a comfort and pleasure to papa it 
 would be the height of jealous unamiability not to love 
 you. But if you had left four children you wouldn't want 
 me for their stepmother, would you, now? Confess the 
 truth." 
 
 She looked very arch and pretty, and her voice had a 
 persuasive cadence that amused her father. 
 
 " They might fare worse, my dear girl," returned Mrs. 
 Mason. " I should trust Annis anywhere with you. And 
 Marian would make a charming mother, but I do think 
 she is entitled to some young, sweet life of her own. I 
 cannot help thinking how one extreme begets another. 
 Your grandparents are very authoritative " 
 
 " Domineering is better," interposed the squire laugh 
 ingly. " You are great for picking out the softer words, 
 Patty. Mr. Floyd is of the old school, and his beliefs in 
 tensify with age. His children were put in the world to 
 honor and obey him. Brandon married an heiress with 
 an estate and no end of slaves. Jane slipped through 
 with the man of her choice, but you can notice that he is 
 rather captious about Arthur, who is doing very well and 
 will be a rich man if he doesn't blunder in the Washing 
 ton bogs. I think myself Marian and Dolly are kept 
 in very narrow bounds. Dolly has a way of slipping out, 
 but Marian is rather timid." 
 
 " The system has made her so, but I should think she 
 
 104
 
 AN ANGRY FATHER. 
 
 would have inherited a good deal of spirit and force of 
 character." 
 
 " I think I shall turn over a new leaf myself," declared 
 the squire, with a twinkle of humor in his eye. " In the 
 future, Miss Jaqueline, I wish you to consult me about 
 your goings-out and comings-in. You are to say ' Sir ' 
 to me in the most respectful fashion. Perhaps your 
 mother would like you to address her as ' Madam.' You 
 are to take no hand in the affairs of foolish young lovers. 
 You are not to go careering about the plantation on 
 horseback, but to be sober, discreet, and industrious with 
 your needle. Perhaps it would be well for you to keep 
 a journal. Is there anything else? I must consult Aunt 
 Catharine. Your mother is quite too easy." 
 
 There was a laugh in every dimple and line in the 
 young girl's face. Any pretense of austerity sat oddly 
 enough on the squire's round, humorous countenance. 
 
 There was a sudden interruption of the three younger 
 children racing up the patch in a breathless fashion. An- 
 nis went straight to her mother's arms, Charles halted at 
 his father's side and snatched his hand. 
 
 "Is Annis my sister truly, papa?" 
 
 " But it's just the same," interrupted Varina, whose 
 tone indicated that she had been in a warm discussion. 
 "And, papa, can he marry her?" 
 
 " More family difficulties ! " declared the squire. " Is 
 the world going crazy? And, Varina, marriages do not 
 begin with the babies of the family." 
 
 " I'm not a baby." Charles straightened himself up to 
 his tallest. " I said when I was a grown man I should 
 marry Annis. I am going to study hard and go to 
 Congress; perhaps I shall be sent abroad on some 
 mission." 
 
 " And isn't the husband always the oldest, papa ?. 
 Charles is almost two years younger than Annis," 
 
 105
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD .WASHINGTON. 
 
 " One year and eight months," corrected Charles. " I 
 don't see what difference it can make. I shall be the 
 tallest and earn the money. And she isn't my own sister. 
 She isn't any real relation. But if she was my cousin I 
 could marry her." 
 
 The squire laughed heartily, which rather disconcerted 
 Varina. 
 
 " Truly," he said, " love seems to have broken out as a 
 distemper. And so you want Annis for a sweetheart, 
 Charles ? What does Annis say to all this ? " 
 
 Annis was caressing her mother's hand. 
 
 " She likes me better than anybody except her mother." 
 
 " Oh, little Annis, have you thrown me over ? And 
 after the pony, too ! " 
 
 The squire's voice was whimsically upbraiding, and 
 his glance touched her tender heart. She flew over to 
 him. 
 
 " Oh, I do love you ! " she cried. " But you have 
 mamma, and I know I can never get back all of her." 
 
 " Do you want all of her back ? Would you take her 
 away ? " 
 
 " I wouldn't have any home to take her to. And she 
 likes it here and all the children and you, and I like it too 
 now. I don't mind giving part of her away." 
 
 " And next she likes me." Charles went around and 
 stood by her side in his manliest pose. They made a 
 pretty picture. 
 
 " I thought you loved me a good deal," interposed 
 Jaqueline. 
 
 " Oh, I love you all ! " said the child, though she 
 glanced doubtfully at Varina. 
 
 " But, then, girls don't marry ever, no matter how 
 much they love each other," said the young admirer. 
 
 " And she is our sister," persisted Varina. 
 
 " Not in that sense, my little girl. And the age makes 
 
 106
 
 AN ANGRY FATHER. 
 
 no difference. So she can be Charles' sweetheart until 
 he goes to college and gets another one." 
 
 " But I do not mean ever to get another one. And we 
 were playing keep house under the big hemlock. Dinah 
 had made us some cookies. And Rene was the com 
 pany " 
 
 " I shall not be company any more," returned the 
 child, with a toss of the head. " If you want Annis, take 
 her then." 
 
 " There, children, no quarreling. Aren't the cookies 
 good enough to be peacemakers ? " 
 
 " But we've eaten them all up." 
 
 Varina marched off in a huff. Jaqueline was laugh 
 ing. Mrs. Mason looked annoyed. The stepfather 
 kissed Annis tenderly. 
 
 " There," he said, " run off and finish your play. Be 
 the best of friends, and have the best times you can. The 
 world will look different to you a dozen years hence, and 
 love will settle perplexities." 
 
 Jaqueline had followed her sister, though she knew 
 Varina was generally the marplot in their play. 
 
 " Oh, Randolph, how could you ! " exclaimed Mrs. Ma 
 son, with a touch of upbraiding. " Such matters are too 
 grave and serious for children's plays." 
 
 " Yet I suppose we have all taken a hand in it. When 
 I was a boy of nine or ten I was very much in love with 
 a young relative who used to visit us. She taught me to 
 dance, and I remember I wrote some verses to her. She 
 must have been at least fifteen, for two years later she 
 married, and I was so surprised and hurt that I think I 
 always hated her husband until I was nearly grown and 
 fell in love again. And after that I met your cousin." 
 
 Mrs. Mason still looked unconvinced. 
 
 " It won't hurt Charles. I like to see boys chivalrous 
 and devoted, and Anris is such a darling. It would de- 
 
 107
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 light me if they were old enough to have it all in sober 
 earnest. There, do not look so grave over a little child 
 ish nonsense. Let us rather be fortifying ourselves for 
 the avalanche that is to descend on our devoted heads. 
 One can hardly blame Jaqueline, but I am afraid poor 
 Marian will have a hard time. Presently we shall begin 
 to be plagued with lovers." 
 
 Mrs. Mason gave a little sigh. It had been quite a 
 task at first to induce Annis to be really friendly with the 
 children ; now she and Charles were inseparable. At first 
 Varina had tormented them with childish jealousy, 
 though there were not many of their enjoyments she 
 wanted to share. Boisterous games and frolics were 
 more to her fancy than books, but Annis could have lis 
 tened forever. They were both extravagantly fond of 
 flowers and rambling about. Mrs. Mason had so many 
 duties to the household and the slaves, that she was often 
 relieved when the little girl found amusement elsewhere. 
 And Charles was an admirable companion, with his even 
 temper, his heroic romances, his innate love for whatever 
 was noble and true, his courtesy and kindliness. In the 
 earlier years Varina had quite tyrannized over him, but 
 as their tastes began to differ he quietly emancipated 
 himself with the rare art born in some people. The tu 
 tor had given him a dignity of position. Annis appre 
 ciated this quiet side of his nature, though she enjoyed 
 the songs and dances and frolics of the pickaninnies, and 
 often joined in a game of romps. 
 
 Just now the mother had a half- jealous feeling that 
 her child should find satisfaction elsewhere. There were 
 so many years between her and womanhood that it was 
 foolish to pay heed to the child's play, she knew. 
 
 From various causes they had not made their usual 
 weekly visit to the Pineries. Jaqueline half wished Pa 
 tricia would insist upon going, but she did not. As for 
 
 108
 
 AN ANGRY FATHER. 
 
 herself, she hardly dared venture, lest some untoward 
 questions might be asked. 
 
 And so one day the old-fashioned yellow coach with 
 driver and footman turned up the avenue. There had 
 been a recent rain, and the air was cool and fragrant. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Mason were out on the wide porch at the 
 northern end. Dinner was over, and the squire had tilted 
 back his chair where he could lean against the great 
 square column, and prepared for his siesta. 
 
 Mrs. Mason was sewing. The girls were in the big 
 swing under some great sycamore trees, and Louis was 
 lounging on the grass. 
 
 " Randolph, your mother and Mr. Floyd," said his 
 wife, startled. 
 
 Mr. Mason rose, but the footman had helped out Mr. 
 Floyd, who sat nearest, and Mr. Mason clasped his 
 mother's hand after she had alighted. 
 
 " This is a great surprise and pleasure, but the air is 
 magnificent, just the day for driving. I was over to the 
 courthouse most of the morning. I've had that bother 
 of the Chaffee estate on my hands, but we are getting it 
 into shape. It has taken a good deal of my time." 
 
 " We had looked for you up," returned his mother, 
 with a touch of asperity in her tone. 
 
 " Scipio, see that the horses are put out " 
 
 " The horses have been attended to. We stopped at 
 Rhoby's and had a little rest and a bite of something." 
 
 " But you will have dinner " 
 
 " No, no ! " Mr. Floyd waved his long white hand im 
 pressively. " We have not come to stay, and will drive 
 back presently." 
 
 Mrs. Mason had come forward and greeted her guests. 
 But she felt the storm in the air, and caught the per 
 plexity in her husband's eye. 
 
 "Shall we go within?" 
 
 109
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " No ; it is so much pleasanter here. There is enough 
 time in winter to be shut up in rooms. Give me the great 
 world out of doors, when it is neither too hot nor too 
 cold." 
 
 " All are well, I suppose ? " asked Mrs. Mason. 
 
 " Brandon's little son is quite ill the second child. 
 We only heard last evening. Some kind of a fever. I 
 hope it will not be severe. They are fine boys," declared 
 their grandmother with pride. 
 
 " We have escaped wonderfully on the plantation. 
 Very little sickness so far," Mr. Mason remarked, and 
 there was an ominous pause. 
 
 " Mr. Mason," began the old gentleman, clearing his 
 voice, " I had a visitor a few days ago, who, I understood, 
 had your countenance in a very impertinent matter. I 
 was amazed that you should for a moment entertain the 
 thought that anything he might say would be acceptable 
 to me to us," glancing at his wife. 
 
 Randolph Mason met the issue squarely. 
 
 " You mean Lieutenant Ralston ? " 
 
 " That ill-bred puppy who, if he wants to do his coun 
 try any service, had better go out against the Indians 
 and protect the border people from their depredations in 
 stead of flirting around after women. I wonder that you 
 sent him on such a fool's errand. You knew my plans 
 concerning my daughter Marian ? " 
 
 " I advised him to write to you, but he was very much 
 in earnest and thought he could plead his cause better." 
 
 " The fellow is a silly, insufferable idiot ! Yes I 
 know," waving his hand authoritatively, " the kind of peo 
 ple Jane consorts with, and I might have been certain 
 the society there would do the girls no good. But that 
 you should not only aid and abet him, but allow your 
 home to be made the scene of an intrigue, is treating your 
 mother and myself shamefully, and exposing your young 
 
 no
 
 AN ANGRY FATHER. 
 
 sister to the machinations of an unprincipled fellow ! If 
 you choose to allow your daughters to consort with such 
 cattle " 
 
 " Hold, Mr. Floyd ! I will not have an honorable young 
 man accused in that manner, neither will I allow you to 
 traduce my household. There was no intrigue, but an 
 accidental meeting here " 
 
 Mr. Floyd rose in a passion, his eyes sparkling, his face 
 flushed. 
 
 " Do you dare to tell me there was no underhand plan 
 in all this? Jaqueline's adroitly worded note, that might 
 have aroused suspicion if we had not considered you 
 above such a scheme. It was atrocious, sir! We had 
 refused to have her visit her sister on that account. She 
 had met the young man there. And how was it he 
 should come at this particular juncture?" 
 
 " My son brought him down from Washington. He is 
 in the habit of asking his friends. Another friend was 
 coming, Mr. Roger Carrington." 
 
 " Where is Louis ? Let me see him. Let him deny 
 his part of the plan, if he can, with truth." 
 
 " Mr. Floyd, do common justice to the young man. 
 He is a fine, highly esteemed person, in a good position, 
 and numbers his friends among the best. His attentions 
 would be no insult to any woman. That a pretty young 
 girl should be admired is no uncommon thing ; that more 
 than one man should want to marry her is nothing de 
 rogatory. You may not care to accept him for a son-in- 
 law 
 
 " She should not marry him if she never married at 
 all ! " thundered the irascible old man. " I had other 
 and better plans for her. Some months ago one of our 
 most estimable neighbors, a man of large property and 
 unsullied reputation, asked for her hand. Being a wid 
 ower, he would make no advances until the year of 
 
 in
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 mourning had expired, which certainly evinced a delicacy 
 worthy of all commendation. Marian knew she was as 
 good as betrothed. Ha ! Louis ! " as the young man 
 crossed the porch. " Tell me the truth, sir ? Did you 
 not bring that scheming adventurer down here to meet 
 Marian ? " 
 
 " I have no idea to whom you refer. I have no such 
 person on my list of acquaintances," declared Louis 
 haughtily. 
 
 " That beggarly lieutenant ! Don't tell me he wouldn't 
 be glad enough to marry a girl with a good dower." 
 
 " I certainly asked Lieutenant Ralston to come with 
 Mr. Carrington. I knew the Fairfax girls were to be 
 here, but Marian was a surprise to me." 
 
 " You are not telling the truth, young man." 
 
 " Very well. Believe as you like." Louis turned on 
 his heel and walked off indignantly. 
 
 " Father," said Mrs. Floyd reprovingly, " Jaqueline 
 must have known. It was her letter that made all the 
 trouble. I dare say Louis was not in the plot." 
 
 Mrs. Floyd was proud of her fine-looking grandson. 
 He had always been a favorite. 
 
 " Yes ; where is that deceitful girl ? I warn you, Ran 
 dolph Mason, that you will have trouble with one so head 
 strong and lawless." 
 
 " You forget you are speaking of my daughter." 
 
 " I don't care whose daughter she is ! " the old man 
 roared in his anger. " I want to tell her that her schemes 
 have fallen through, that she has only made Marian a 
 miserable, disobedient girl in encouraging this wicked 
 fancy when she was on the eve of an engagement with 
 her parents' approval and sanction." 
 
 Jaqueline walked across the path and up the steps with 
 her head held haughtily erect. 
 
 " I am here to answer for any crime I may have com- 
 
 112
 
 AN ANGRY FATHER. 
 
 mitted," she said in a clear, cutting tone. " Papa allows 
 us some liberty in choosing our friends, and certainly as 
 guests in the house they are under his supervision. The 
 Fairfaxes were old neighbors. The Carringtons were 
 old friends of my own mother and her dear cousin. Mr. 
 Ralston is held in high esteem in Washington. I was 
 not at all sure Marian would come when I wrote, but I 
 thought it a good opportunity " 
 
 " For that fellow to turn her head with his wretched 
 nonsense, to make her silly and disobedient and full of 
 romantic notions. But it will do no good, I tell you! 
 She has been proposed to in due form by Mr. Greaves, 
 and you may notify your friend that she is engaged. 
 And, Miss Jaqueline, I warn you not to write her any 
 letters upholding your views, which are certainly most 
 pernicious and shocking for a young girl. Until she is 
 married you are not to meet again. I call you a dan 
 gerous girl." 
 
 " That will do," said Randolph Mason, coming and 
 taking his daughter's hand in his. " I think you quite 
 forget yourself, Mr. Floyd. If Marian had not cared for 
 this young man there would not have been any trouble. 
 Beware how you compel her to marry one man while her 
 heart is another's ! " 
 
 " My daughter has been trained to habits of obedience 
 and respect for her parents' opinions," returned the old 
 gentleman loftily. " You will find that you have made 
 a great mistake in the rearing of yours. But, on the other 
 hand, they have been bereft of a mother's wisdom and 
 care, such as your mother has given to mine," and he 
 bowed in a courtly fashion to Mrs. Floyd. " I am afraid 
 that you, madam," turning to Mrs. Mason, " will find 
 your way a thorny one indeed, if you have any regard for 
 the probity and welfare of these children you have under 
 taken to train." 
 
 "3
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " We will not go into a discussion of methods," re 
 turned Mr. Mason with a sort of dry austerity. " I am 
 sorry that Marian's meeting Lieutenant Ralston here 
 should have led to such an unpleasant culmination. 
 Young people of to-day do have more liberty than the 
 older generation, yet I should have taken it very hard if 
 Jaqueline Verney's father had compelled her to marry a 
 man she did not like when she loved me. So we cannot 
 blame the young man for trying " 
 
 " That was a suitable, sensible match," interrupted Mr. 
 Floyd. " This is a foolish, sentimental affair. And I 
 have to say if it receives any more encouragement from 
 this house, it will make a lasting breach. If Marian 
 should dare to leave her home and throw herself on this 
 fellow's protection we should cast her out altogether, and 
 she would be no daughter of ours." 
 
 " Father, father ! " entreated Mrs. Floyd, placing her 
 hand upon his arm. 
 
 " I mean it. This is my warning. I will not be in 
 terfered with." 
 
 Mr. Mason had been standing beside his wife's chair. 
 Now he advanced toward his stepfather. 
 
 " I have made my apology. I am sorry such a thing 
 should have happened here, though I cannot find it in my 
 heart to blame the young people. And now let us heal 
 the difference. Have a glass of wine and some refresh 
 ments." 
 
 " We must return at once. It is a long ride. But I 
 wanted you to know what your daughter's meddling had 
 led to, and my unalterable determination. Come, Eliza 
 beth," holding out his hand to his wife. " We shall be 
 glad to see you and Mrs. Patricia, but for the present I 
 insist there shall be no communication with the young 
 people." 
 
 He glared at the group and turned away. Mr. Mason 
 
 114
 
 AN ANGRY FATHER. 
 
 offered no further entreaty, but went around to his moth 
 er's side. 
 
 " Twice you have married the man of your choice," he 
 said in a low tone. " I suppose you have been very 
 happy. Try and deal gently with Marian and persuade 
 rather than force." 
 
 " You will understand when your girls want to make 
 unsuitable and willful marriages. You had better look 
 sharply after Jaqueline. When Marian is left alone she 
 will soon recover her tranquil frame of mind. Jane is 
 interdicted as well. Jane has grown very frivolous since 
 she has had so much Washington society. And Mrs. 
 Madison is extremely worldly and vain, and not to be 
 compared with Mrs. Adams or Mrs. Washington." 
 
 Mrs. Mason rose and bade her guests a formal adieu. 
 Mr. Mason walked down the broad steps and saw them 
 seated in the coach. When it had turned into the wind 
 ing part of the avenue Jaqueline made a rush and flung 
 her arms around her father's neck. 
 
 " Oh, papa, dear ! I never supposed it would make 
 any trouble. And I wasn't sure Mr. Ralston would come, 
 or Marian either, for that matter, and I never said a word 
 to Marian. Jane is so much interested in the matter, and 
 both she and Mr. Jettson like Mr. Ralston so very much. 
 But grandpapa grows more and more arbitrary " 
 
 " Of course he was very much vexed. I am afraid I 
 am a foolish fellow and let you children run over me. 
 You don't even seem to stand in awe of your stepmother. 
 I shall have to get my backbone stiffened by some 
 process."
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THE WEAKER VESSEL. 
 
 '"THEY came up the steps with their arms about each 
 * other. Mrs. Mason stood there, Annis clinging to 
 her skirt, Patricia and Varina looking on in curious ex 
 pectancy. Louis ventured out of his retreat. 
 
 "We don't want papa changed any, do we?" placing 
 her other arm over her mother's shoulder, and glancing 
 fondly into her eyes. 
 
 " I wouldn't live with grandpapa for all the world ! " 
 began Patricia. 
 
 " There, children ! " exclaimed their father ; " we will 
 not discuss the matter. Mr. Floyd feels sure he is right, 
 and I am very sorry it should have happened, though I 
 can't see that any of you were out of the way " 
 
 " I knew Ralston cared a great deal for Marian," said 
 Louis, " and I never imagined that old Mr. Greaves 
 would stand in the way. Do you suppose he would 
 if he knew it? And I admire Ralston bearding the 
 lion in his den. It's a shame that poor Polly should 
 have to suffer, but I hope she will be spunky and not 
 give in." 
 
 " Do you mean to make us marry whoever you like ? " 
 Patty edged up to her father and raised a saucy face with 
 laughing eyes. 
 
 " You will find me terrible when you reach that 
 period," declared their father. " At present there are 
 enough things for you to consider and learn about with 
 out taking up marriage." 
 
 " Do you suppose grandpapa is in real earnest ? He 
 looked very resolute, didn't he? I've seen him angry 
 with the slaves, and I shouldn't like to belong to him, 
 
 116
 
 THE WEAKER VESSEL. 
 
 I really shouldn't. And do you think he actually doesn't 
 want any of us to come up " 
 
 " Not at present. I trust the matter will blow over. 
 Marian will give in after a while and, no doubt, be very 
 comfortable. Ask your mother if she is sorry. I know 
 little Annis wants to go back to Kentucky," and he 
 pinched the child's cheek. 
 
 " You'll have to go alone," declared Louis. 
 
 " But I can't go alone ; I should get lost. And I don't 
 want to go away from you all." 
 
 Mrs. Mason flushed and smiled at the raillery. 
 
 " But, you see, we are old enough to appreciate 
 mamma," began Jaqueline. " And those Greaves chil 
 dren are all little, and they are very plain too. One of the 
 boys has a squint eye. It looks so queer, as if he always 
 saw two ways. And poor Marian will have to settle to 
 playing whist, and she does love so to dance. She had 
 such a good time here, and in Washington with Jane." 
 
 Dixon, the overseer, came up the path. Mr. Mason 
 was wanted to settle some matter. Patty and Jaqueline 
 sat down on the step by their mother and Annis leaned 
 against her knee, while Varina hung over Patty's shoul 
 der, rather to her sister's discomfort. And, in spite of 
 their father's request, they went on talking of Marian. 
 Their mother said they were too young to know what was 
 really best in such matters; but they thought they did, 
 and she could not lead them to other subjects. They 
 were very happy, and not difficult to get along with, if 
 they were rather lawless. To be sure, Jaqueline did 
 evince a tendency to admiration, and often gave dan 
 gerous glances out of eyes that could look languishing 
 as well as laughing. 
 
 Louis did not hesitate to express his indignation to 
 both of his sisters. 
 
 "Grandpapa is an old tyrant!" he declared; "and I 
 
 117
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 dare say we'll never hear. It's like someone taking off 
 your book when you are at the most interesting part." 
 
 "Do you suppose we'll be asked to the wedding?" 
 wondered Patty ; " and what a farce congratulations 
 would be ? 'I hope you will be very happy.' ' I wish 
 you much joy.' " 
 
 Patty pirouetted round, shaking an imaginary hand 
 and using a most affected tone, at which they all laughed. 
 
 But Marian surprised them all with a letter, written 
 the day her parents were away. How she sent it was a 
 mystery. It excited them all beyond measure. 
 
 " It was dreadful," she wrote. " Oh, Jaqueline ! if I 
 could have known Lieutenant Ralston was there I should 
 have rushed into the room and told him that I loved him, 
 and that I should never, never marry anyone else, if 
 father shut me up in a dungeon and kept me on bread and 
 water! But I did not know until he was sent away, and 
 I can't know all that father said to him, but I do know he 
 was very fierce and unreasonable. And I was so fright 
 ened when father went at me that I had to confess about 
 those two delicious days. He was sure it was a plot on 
 your part, and he taxed me with having known all about 
 it. I didn't dream of such a thing at first, but I am 
 afraid it was so. 
 
 " I never saw anyone so angry. At first I was dread 
 fully frightened. But when he accused me of duplicity 
 and forwardness, and said I had run after Mr. Ralston, it 
 roused me, and I said I loved him and I never would 
 marry anyone else. I know he would wait years for me. 
 And when Mr. Greaves asks me I shall tell him plain out 
 how I feel about it, and I am quite sure he will not want 
 to marry me. I hate the prosy old fellow ! I wish Mr. 
 Ralston could know how much I care for him. I expect 
 you are having a terrible time to-day with father. Oh, 
 I wish he could be like brother Randolph! Oh, Jaque- 
 
 118
 
 THE WEAKER VESSEL. 
 
 line, do you know how delightful it is ! And your mother 
 is so sweet, just like another girl. Such old people as 
 father and mother forget they ever were young." 
 
 There was much more youthful and romantic protest 
 and resolve. 
 
 " I really didn't think Marian had so much force of 
 character," said Louis. " I do wonder if it would be 
 wrong to give Ralston an inkling of how the case stands ? 
 It seems as if she almost expected us to do it." 
 
 " I think papa ought to see the letter," returned Jaque- 
 line soberly. " And I almost know he will not want us 
 to stir further in the matter. Marian must have someone 
 she can trust, or she would not have dared to write the 
 letter. Oh, I hope she will be true and brave, and some 
 time it may come out right ! " 
 
 " Mis' Jettson's come," said Julia. "And your pa and 
 ma have gone over to Middle Creek." 
 
 " Oh, Jane ! " They all made a rush to the great 
 front piazza, Jaqueline with her letter in hand. 
 
 " Oh, girls ! " cried Jane, " did you have a dreadful time 
 when father was down here ? He wrote me a letter. But 
 Lieutenant Ralston had been in, and he told me of his call 
 at the Pineries. You see, he thought they were as good 
 as engaged; only he meant to begin honorably, and ask 
 father's sanction to his addresses. But father was yes, 
 really outrageous if he is my father! I've always felt 
 he would be a gentleman under any circumstances, but 
 this was insulting, abusive ; and Lieutenant Ralston is well 
 bred and well connected, and is in the way of getting a fine 
 position. And, in any event, there was nothing deroga 
 tory to Marian in his falling in love with her. Why, he is 
 invited almost everywhere, and the girls are pulling straws 
 for him. Then father writes me a very cross and irritat 
 ing note, and says for the present Marian is to hold no 
 communication with me my own sister, too ! and that I 
 
 119
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 am not to mention nor in any way refer to Mr. Ralston, 
 but that any letter of mine will be read by him first. Why, 
 we might as well go back to the Dark Ages, or be Puri 
 tans at once! I believe those old Puritan fathers com 
 pelled their daughters to marry to their liking. If I 
 could only know how Marian feels ! Why do you all look 
 so queer? Jaqueline, who is your letter from?" 
 
 " From Marian," said the girl, with rising color. 
 
 " Oh, I must see it." She took it from Jaqueline's 
 hand. " Oh, poor, dear Marian ! If she loves him it 
 will be all right. And she does. I think father won't 
 have such an easy time persuading her to marry Mr. 
 Greaves. Why, he could have been her father; he's old 
 enough ! And none of us can write to her. It is too 
 cruel! Now tell me what was said the day they were 
 down here." 
 
 The scene lost nothing by repetition. They all agreed 
 about the injustice. Then Jane decided she would return 
 at once. The baby was teething and rather fretful. They 
 were to go to Bladensburg for a fortnight. 
 
 " And, Jaqueline, I wish you could come. It is really 
 quite gay there, and the water is said to be so good. 
 Arthur is too busy to leave, and often has to spend his 
 evenings drafting and making plans. Patty might come 
 too, if she liked." 
 
 So the word of encouragement went its way to the 
 lover, and was a great comfort and delight. 
 
 " I hope you will all respect grandfather's wishes," said 
 Mr. Mason, when he read his young sister's letter. " I 
 shall trust you not to hold any communication with 
 Marian." 
 
 " But if Jane does ? " commented Louis. 
 
 " That is not strictly our affair. And, Louis, do not be 
 too ready to give young Ralston the encouragement of 
 
 this letter, even. Mr. Floyd is very tenacious and " 
 
 129
 
 THE WEAKER VESSEL. 
 
 " Oh, you might as well call it obstinate," laughed 
 Louis. " Perhaps Marian may inherit some of the same 
 characteristics, when it comes to the point. And I fancy 
 we are all on her side. It is as you once said, Jack, we do 
 have to take sides ! " 
 
 " And I'm going to be on Marian's side," said Varina 
 proudly. " I don't like grandpapa very much. Annis, 
 what will you do ? " 
 
 " I like Marian," she replied a little timidly. 
 
 " Now we must go and see what side Charles will take. 
 The old knights fought for the ladies." 
 
 " I see you are all arrayed in rebellion," and the squire 
 shook his head. " I am afraid I have not brought you up 
 properly." 
 
 Jaqueline and Patty went to Bladensburg, which was 
 quite a resort. Louis joined a party who were going 
 down the Chesapeake in a sailing vessel, and the three 
 young ones played and disputed and made up friends. 
 The elders essayed several duty visits to the Pineries, but 
 they saw the girls only in the presence of their parents, 
 so Marian had no opportunity of explaining how matters 
 were going with her ; but she was thinner and heavy-eyed, 
 and had lost her spirits. Mr. and Mrs. Floyd held their 
 heads high and were rather captious. 
 
 What had happened when Mr. Greaves' year of mourn 
 ing had expired was that he went over to the Pineries 
 one afternoon dressed in a new suit and gotten up quite 
 in the style of the day. After Marian entered the room 
 he made a formal proposal for her hand and asked her 
 father's consent. 
 
 " You have mine, most cordially," said Mr. Floyd in 
 his grandest manner. " It is my wish that my daughter 
 should accept you as her future husband. It is natural 
 and womanly that she should have some misgivings on 
 the subject, as it is a grave one and full of responsibility. 
 
 121
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 But we have reared her to do her duty in that state of life 
 to which it shall please God to call her. And her mother 
 and I hope to see her fill this place in your home and your 
 affections, and become a happy wife at the proper time. 
 We are in no hurry to part with her, but until that time 
 you will be a most welcome guest." 
 
 Marian shivered, but her tongue clung to the roof of her 
 mouth when she would have spoken. It seemed to her as 
 if she should scream if he touched her hand, but he con 
 tented himself with making a rather elaborate speech to 
 her mother, and pressing the elder's hand to his lips. 
 There was some wine and cake brought in, and healths 
 were drunk. After some desultory conversation supper 
 was announced, a very high tea befitting a festive occa 
 sion. There was the inevitable game of whist afterward. 
 This was Thursday, and Sunday Mr. Greaves walked 
 over to the Floyds' pew, and down the aisle with Miss 
 Marian, Mrs. Floyd having taken Dolly under her wing. 
 And the matter seemed to be settled without any voice 
 from Marian either way. 
 
 " But it is dreadful ! I never, never will marry him ! " 
 sobbed the girl on Dolly's neck in the quiet of their own 
 chamber. " If I could run away ! And if I only knew 
 about Mr. Ralston ! " 
 
 "If we could only hear from Jane ! You will have to 
 let things go on and hope for some way out of it. I won 
 der who will come along for me ? And we might be hav 
 ing such a delightful time with Jane ! I sometimes wish 
 Mr. Ralston had not come to hand and spoiled it all." 
 
 " But you can't think, Dolly, how deliciously sweet 
 those two days were ! A whole lifetime of that ! " sigh 
 ingly. 
 
 " But men only love that way a little while. Then it 
 gets to be an old story 'and is merely respect," returned 
 the wise younger sister. 
 
 122
 
 THE WEAKER VESSEL. 
 
 " I am sure Arthur is fond of Jane and proud enough 
 of her too, and look at brother Randolph ! Oh, I just 
 envy Jaqueline ! What a nice time she will have ! " 
 
 Dolly had said so many times, " It's just awful, 
 Marian," that she had nothing more left to say. Then, it 
 was hard to be watched and questioned and not allowed 
 any liberty on Marian's account. She didn't see how 
 Marian could run away, for she was never trusted to go 
 anywhere alone. And no well-bred girl would throw her 
 self at her lover without a very urgent invitation. 
 
 The clergyman and his wife came in to tea, and found 
 Mr. Greaves there, and congratulated them both. Then 
 the neighbors took it up as a settled thing, and poor 
 Marian felt the net closing about her. There had been 
 a vague half -expectation that Lieutenant Ralston would 
 make some effort to assure her of his constancy. Or 
 if some word could come from Jane! 
 
 Louis went back to Williamsburg, and Patricia was 
 sent for some educational advantages. There was a new 
 little girl at the Jettsons', and Jaqueline was to be one 
 of the godmothers. Afterward Jane pleaded so hard for 
 her to remain. She could go on with her French and her 
 singing, as she had a very pretty voice and singing was 
 one of the accomplishments of the day. Then, too, the 
 Carringtons were very glad to have her. Indeed, Jaque 
 line was a great favorite for her vivacity and her charm 
 ing manner, which was so pretty and deferential to her 
 elders, so bright and winsome to her compeers. 
 
 Mrs. Mason took up the education of the two little 
 girls with Charles' help. He went over to the house of the 
 clergyman every morning, who was a graduate of Oxford 
 and quite ready to piece out his salary with a class of five 
 small boys in the neighborhood. Charles was a born 
 student, delighted with all kinds of knowledge. Annis 
 was always interested as well. 
 
 123
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " You will make the child a regular bookworm," de 
 clared the squire. And then he would take her and 
 Varina off for a canter over the hills. 
 
 " I don't see why girls and women shouldn't love to 
 learn," Charles said to his mother. 
 
 " But they can't be doctors, nor ministers, nor judges, 
 nor politicians," smilingly. 
 
 " They could help their husbands if they knew 
 how." 
 
 " But they help them by keeping the house in good 
 order, and watching the servants, and sewing, and mak 
 ing their husbands comfortable and happy." 
 
 " I want Annis to learn a great many other things, 
 for you know I am to marry her when we are grown up," 
 said the little boy gravely. 
 
 Mrs. Mason smiled at his earnestness. 
 
 A messenger had been sent down from the Pineries 
 early in December to invite all the family to a Christmas 
 dinner. Mrs. Floyd had not been in her usual health for 
 some weeks back, and now that the cause of disagree 
 ment had been removed she was anxious to receive all the 
 family that could come together. She had hoped to 
 have Mr. and Mrs. Conway, but he could not leave his 
 parish at such an important time. So, if they would 
 waive their own family gathering and join her she would 
 be most grateful. She realized that she and Mr. Floyd 
 were getting to be old people, and they could not tell how 
 much longer they might be spared. 
 
 " Then it is all settled that Marian will marry Mr. 
 Greaves," said Mr. Mason. 
 
 His wife gave a little sigh. 
 
 Jaqueline came home to hear the verdict and vent her 
 indignation. Jane had received a letter from her father 
 announcing that Marian had accepted the husband selected 
 for her and given up her rebellious attitude. So the fam- 
 
 124
 
 THE WEAKER VESSEL. 
 
 ily, he hoped, would meet in amity once more. Mrs. 
 Floyd had not been well of late, and was desirous of see 
 ing her new little granddaughter. 
 
 " Marian can't have given up so easily ! And all this 
 time Mr. Ralston has been so confident ! What an awful 
 disappointment it will be to him ! He has gone up to Phil 
 adelphia to consult with some engineers. Oh, papa, can't 
 something be done ? Jane is almost wild about it." 
 
 " My dear girl, if Marian is satisfied " 
 
 " But I cannot think she is. She did love Mr. Ralston 
 so!" 
 
 " A girl's fancy. How many lovers have you had ? 
 See how indulgent I am to trust you to Jane, who really 
 hasn't much more sense than you." 
 
 " Why, I haven't any real lover. And I do not want 
 one for ever so long." Yet she flushed and dropped her 
 eyes. 
 
 Perhaps he would not have trusted his daughter in the 
 giddy whirl of society if he had not known of someone 
 every way worthy and acceptable, who was watching her 
 and waiting for the right moment to speak. When she 
 had taken her fling of gayety, she would be the more 
 ready to listen. And he would not mar what he really 
 desired by seeming to bias her inclinations. She was not 
 a girl to be forced into a step or have her patience worn 
 out, as he suspected was the case with his young sister 
 Marian. 
 
 " Of course Jane means to join the family party? " 
 
 " Oh, yes. Jane has been almost heartbroken over the 
 matter. She is very fond of Marian and Dolly. Oh, 
 papa, I hope you won't get cross and queer as you grow 
 older ! " 
 
 He laughed and patted her shoulder. " Grandfather 
 thinks you will all come to grief from over-indulgence." 
 
 " We are all going to come out magnificently in the 
 
 125
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 end, just to prove him a false prophet and you the very 
 dearest of fathers." 
 
 " You are a sad flatterer, Jack. I'm afraid you learn too 
 much of it in the gay circles. But you must be on your 
 best behavior at the Pineries, and not stir up any disaf 
 fection. Family differences are very disagreeable things ; 
 and, after all, age is entitled to a certain indulgence and 
 respect. I shouldn't wonder if you were a queer, arbi 
 trary old lady yourself." 
 
 " Oh, papa ! " reproachfully. 
 
 Patricia thought it very hard that she could not come 
 home for Christmas, which was the great holiday of all 
 the year. But Louis was not coming; he had some ar 
 rears to make up, and was also very much interested in 
 one of a certain household of girls, and was to attend their 
 Christmas-Eve ball. Patty grumbled a good deal. 
 Aunt Catharine treated her like one of the children. She 
 was not allowed to go to parties, and she had to learn all 
 kinds of fancywork and cooking, and making sauces and 
 everything. " And I've made up my mind if keeping a 
 house is so much work I shall never get married," de 
 clared the much-tried girl. " And I think aunt was 
 much nicer as an old maid than a married woman. 
 Though she's a great personage now, and everybody 
 comes to her for advice and patterns and stitches in lace- 
 making and recipes for everything. If I ever did marry, 
 I wouldn't be a clergyman's wife." 
 
 Mrs. Conway wrote a rather stilted, but very affection 
 ate, letter to her mother and Marian. She congratulated 
 the latter warmly. Gray Court was certainly a fine old 
 place. Four children were a great responsibility; she 
 found her three a continual care, but Mr. Conway was so 
 devoted to his study, his classes, and his sermons she 
 could have no help from him. As they wanted certainly 
 to come to the marriage in the spring, it was better to wait 
 
 126
 
 THE WEAKER VESSEL. 
 
 until then, as it was quite impossible to get away now. 
 She sent Marian a piece of fine old lace that she had 
 bought from a parishioner in very reduced circumstances, 
 and who was the last of her line. 
 
 The Pineries wore a welcome aspect for the guests. 
 Great fires were kept blazing in the wide chimneys, and 
 the Franklin stove in the hall sent out pleasant cheer. 
 Brandon the son, his wife, and three children were among 
 the first guests. The Masons added six, and Mrs. Jett- 
 son came with her three babies, but her husband was not 
 to join them until Christmas morning, on account of some 
 engagements. 
 
 There was staying at the house a young Mr. Floyd, a 
 distant relative from South Carolina. It was plain to be 
 seen that he was very sweet on Dolly, and grandfather 
 was highly elated. 
 
 Mr. Greaves had certainly thawed a little. He was 
 quite lover-like in a courtly and formal fashion, and made 
 himself very much a son of the house. In arranging for 
 the guests Mrs. Floyd had brought her two daughters 
 next to her own room so there should be no chance for 
 nightly gossips or confidences over dressing. Marian 
 had begun to think a home of her own desirable. With 
 the unreason of womankind she felt that Mr. Ralston 
 ought to make some effort to learn her true sentiments. 
 As he had not, as also her mother persisted that young so 
 ciety men of that class thought it entertainment to make 
 love to every woman they met, she had yielded reluctantly. 
 
 Then, too, Gray Court was a fine old place. It had not 
 suffered much during the Revolution, though the treasures 
 of plate and fine china had been buried out of harm's way. 
 Marian found that she was the envy of the elder spinsters, 
 and even the younger girls thought her lucky. So she 
 had given in on condition that the marriage should not 
 take place until May. 
 
 127
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " Honey, dat's an awful onlucky month ! " said her old 
 nurse. 
 
 " Then it shall be June," returned the prospective bride. 
 
 " And suppose I should be married at the same time ! 
 This is Preston Floyd's second visit, and he and father 
 hit off wonderfully well. They agree in politics, and I 
 wonder why it is such a pleasure to have the country go 
 to ruin. However, I don't think it will ; it has stood many 
 storms. And Charleston must be an agreeable city to live 
 in, if all be true that is said about it. I would like Phila 
 delphia or New York, but I see no prospect of getting 
 there. So if Preston asks me to marry him I shall accept. 
 I don't suppose father would ever trust us to visit Jane 
 again. And when you are gone it will be dismal. Mar 
 riage seems the right and proper thing. I wonder if 
 Jaqueline has a lover ! " 
 
 A modern girl would have complained that Jaqueline 
 made " big eyes " at Preston Floyd. Before she had been 
 an hour in the house there was a different atmosphere. 
 She was not aggressive, and her rather hoydenish ways 
 were toned down to a certain fearless elegance. She was 
 bright and vivacious and had bits of merry wit at her 
 tongue's end, yet it was not so much what she said as her 
 manner of saying it. 
 
 " I can't get a word alone with Marian," complained 
 Jane to the young girl. " But I must say that Mr. 
 Greaves acquitted himself wonderfully well last even 
 ing. Only Mr. Ralston is so sure Marian will be faithful 
 through everything. He gave me so many messages 
 for her, and mother makes a great point of not mention 
 ing his name. What shall I do ? " 
 
 " It's horrid ! I do believe Marian has ceased to care 
 for him. And now that everything is settled it would 
 seem dreadful to stir it all up again. Papa insisted that 
 I should let the matter entirely alone." 
 
 128
 
 THE WEAKER VESSEL. 
 
 " But Mr. Ralston will be so dreadfully disappointed. 
 He was so proud of his new position for her sake. And 
 Marian really puzzles me. She seems content. Oh, did 
 you see that exquisite lace Aunt Catharine sent her? Of 
 course it is all settled, and if Marian is satisfied oh, 
 Jaqueline, I hope you will really fall in love! I adore 
 lovers, even if I am the mother of three children. I mean 
 that my little girl shall have a delightful time when she 
 is grown up." 
 
 The children were having a gay time. Varina was 
 the leader, and Annis, with her soft ways, the peace 
 maker, when anything went wrong. The two Jettson 
 boys adored her. Charles roamed over the old house, and 
 pleased grandfather by his interest in family legends and 
 the history of various articles of furniture and plate. It 
 was grandfather's boast that there wasn't a stick of Yan 
 kee furniture in the house. Charles longed to have An 
 nis with him, but though grandfather said " she was a nice 
 little thing," he did not take very fervently to little girls, 
 and had more than once regretted that Jane and Marian 
 had not been boys. 
 
 " I don't see what you find interesting about those 
 babies," Charles said rather disdainfully. " They're 
 always wanting to tumble over you and make a 
 noise, and they're never as funny as the little slave 
 children, who can amuse you if you want that sort 
 of fun. I wish you'd come and hear grandfather 
 talk about the Indians and when the settlers first 
 came to Virginia." 
 
 " I don't think he quite likes me," Annis said hesita 
 tingly, with a nervous little laugh. 
 
 " As well as he likes any child girls. I think he likes 
 them better when they are big enough to play whist. But 
 you could listen, all the same." 
 
 " I get tired of just listening. I like the children be- 
 
 129
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 cause they are alive and can laugh and talk. The other 
 people who have been dead so long " 
 
 " But you liked Captain John Smith, and the Froissart 
 men who were so brave. And King Arthur " 
 
 " But Grandfather Floyd said there never was any 
 such King Arthur, nor Merlin, nor ever so many other 
 people." 
 
 " Grandfather is wrong about some things. And it 
 isn't polite to contradict him, because he is an old man. 
 Oh, do come ! " 
 
 " Annis ! Annis ! " called two or three eager baby voices. 
 
 " Oh, yes, I would rather be with them. And when we 
 get home you may tell me all these things. They'll sound 
 so much better than in grandpapa's voice. It sometimes 
 gets shaky and seems cold, while yours is soft and sweet 
 and fine when you come to the grand places." 
 
 That mollified the boy, who certainly had become 
 grandfather's favorite, and was pronounced sensible. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 A CHRISTMAS AUGURY. 
 
 / T*HE slaves at the Pineries were kept with a rather 
 * strict hand. Very few were sold off the plantation, 
 and then for the gravest misconduct, when whipping 
 had ceased to be efficacious. But they had increased 
 largely, and were often hired out, those for the year at 
 Christmas or the beginning of the year. Christmas Eve 
 there was a general gathering, and they were allowed a 
 sort of ball in the great kitchen, where most of the rough 
 work was done. There were music and song singing, 
 charms were tried, and they ended with dancing. All the 
 autumn it was looked forward to eagerly. 
 
 The supper in the main house was early, and the smaller 
 
 130
 
 A CHRISTMAS AUGURY. 
 
 children were put to bed. The three Masons and young 
 Archibald Floyd, who had his grandfather's name, were to 
 be allowed at the " grand occasion." There were a num 
 ber of guests, and seats around the outside were prepared 
 for them. 
 
 " And we used to open the dancing," said Jane. " How 
 proud they were about young missy ! And we tried some 
 of the charms. Looking for your future husband in a pail 
 of water with a mirror at the bottom. And jumping over 
 the candles do you remember that, Polly? What fun 
 we used to have with the girls ! Why, it is three or four 
 years since I have been here at Christmastide." 
 
 "Oh, will they jump over the candles?" cried Jaque- 
 line. " They did it at the Fairfaxes' last year, and Betty 
 put the very first one out." 
 
 " Why, Betty must be two and twenty," said Jane. " It 
 would be queer if the sign came true." 
 
 " It doesn't really," laughed Jaqueline. " It is like 
 tipping your chair over and tumbling up stairs." 
 
 " I want to try it," declared Dolly. " If you go over 
 the whole seven you are going to be married soon. 
 The others count for years. And if you put the first one 
 out you will surely be an old maid." 
 
 Some of the songs were very pretty, some ridiculously 
 funny, several embellished by pantomime. Then the 
 charms began. The first few were rather simple, and 
 caused an immense amount of giggling among the young 
 Phillises. The shadow faces were pursued with a certain 
 awe, as if they really were something uncanny. 
 
 Dolly, Jaqueline, and a young lady guest were the only 
 ones of the " quality " who cared to look. 
 
 " It is as much your own shadow as anything," declared 
 Taqueline, " and it quivers so that you can hardly make it 
 out." 
 
 The candles were lighted and placed in a row at even
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 distances. The young lads tried them first. There were 
 no skirts in the way, and they went over them 
 triumphantly. 
 
 " But men can get mah'ied when they like," said Rose, 
 Marian's pretty young maid, in her soft half-lisping tone, 
 " but girls can't always." 
 
 " Try, Rose ! " exclaimed Jaqueline. 
 
 " I doan know anyone I want. An' I'm promised to go 
 over to Gray Court with Miss Mayan." 
 
 " You'll find someone there, perhaps." 
 
 Bathsheba, tall and supple, with the figure of a Greek 
 sculpture, went over the seven triumphantly. Sam caught 
 her by the hand, and a shout went up, echoing in a laugh 
 ing chorus. 
 
 Others tried it with varying luck, evident mortification, 
 and disappointment. There were some who had been 
 practicing in secret the whole week, and were well pre 
 pared. 
 
 " Now I am going to try," said Dolly ; and there was a 
 general applauding among the slaves. The space was 
 made a little larger, though eyes were eager and necks 
 were craned; and broad smiles illuminated black and 
 brown faces. 
 
 " Way for Miss Dolly now. She goin' ober de whole 
 row. Whoop, now ! " and Jep gave his knee a resounding 
 slap. 
 
 Dolly gathered up her skirts. The first jump was a 
 success, the candle only flaring a little. The second then 
 some clapping began. The third dainty leap brought more 
 applause, then on and on until she had cleared the mysti 
 cal number. Shouts and laughter almost shook the roof. 
 
 " I knew you could do it, Miss Dolly," said Rose, in ex 
 ultation. " And Miss Mayan can, too." 
 
 " Now you will sec my luck," and Jaqueline stepped 
 out on the floor. 
 
 132
 
 A CHRISTMAS AUGURY. 
 
 " One two." Out went the third candle, but Jaqueline 
 kept on and put out the fourth. She had half a mind to 
 be angry. 
 
 " Well, two years isn't long to wait," remarked Dolly 
 consolingly. 
 
 " It isn't the waiting. I don't see how I could have 
 been so stupid, for I can jump almost anything." 
 
 Miss Marshall was a little timid, but went through the 
 ordeal successfully, amid bravos. 
 
 " Marian, try your luck," said Dolly, as Preston Floyd 
 squeezed her hand so hard it brought a flush to her cheek. 
 " Ought she not, Cousin Preston ? She's the only re 
 maining single girl here." 
 
 " Yes, she must," insisted Jaqueline. " You'll all have 
 time to get good and ready for my wedding." 
 
 Jaqueline had recovered her spirits, and caught Mar 
 ian's arm, laughing gayly. 
 
 " Yes. Why it's rare fun ! Come, Marian. Then I'll 
 try. I shall go the whole seven," declared Preston. 
 
 Marian hung back, but they all persisted. If Mr. 
 Greaves had been there, or her mother, but the 
 elders had settled to whist, there being enough for two 
 tables. Some sudden spirit roused her. She had done 
 it times before. She would be young and gay just for 
 five minutes. 
 
 " Come." Preston was leading her out, to Jane's utter 
 surprise. Marian had been so dignified for the last twen 
 ty-four hours ; ten years older, it seemed, than last winter. 
 And how girlish then ! 
 
 " Marian ! " 
 
 Preston laughed. " Now, Cousin Marian. The whole 
 seven, for the honor of the house of Floyd." 
 
 There were two graceful, successful leaps. Her hand 
 trembled, half a yard of skirt dropped, and out went the 
 third candle. There was a general cry of disappointment. 
 
 133
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " That was an accident," declared Preston. " Light the 
 candle. Marian, you shall have another chance." 
 
 " No, no, no ! " She caught Jane's arm. " It was very 
 silly," but her voice had a strained, broken sound, and she 
 looked frightened. 
 
 " Take your turn, Cousin Preston, then let them go to 
 dancing. The fiddlers are tuning up." 
 
 Jane drew her sister a little aside, while Preston Floyd 
 won the acclaim of the crowd. 
 
 " Are you happy and satisfied, Marian, or miserable? " 
 she asked in a rapid tone, just under her breath. " You 
 are so queer and changed." 
 
 " Don't," Marian entreated. " Of course I shall marry 
 Mr. Greaves. That was girlish foolishness, you know. 
 And the candles really didn't mean anything. Jaqueline," 
 as the girl had come up to her, " we were both in the same 
 boat for awkwardness. I think I must be growing old, 
 but you did not have so good an excuse. Do you want to 
 stay for the dancing? Had we not better all return to 
 the drawing room ? " 
 
 The younger group demurred. 
 
 " Then Jane will stay and play propriety." 
 
 Marian turned swiftly, and was gone before Jane could 
 utter a word. But she paused in the hall and leaned up 
 against the door jamb that was almost like a column. Her 
 breath came quick and hard. 
 
 " It is too late," she said breathlessly, to herself. " And 
 he doesn't care. I have passed my word, and to break it 
 would call down a judgment upon myself. Then I 
 couldn't," and .she shuddered. " I am not daring like 
 Jaqueline, or even Dolly. But Dolly thinks it best." 
 
 When she entered the room her mother glanced up 
 with sharp inquiry that softened as she motioned her to 
 her side. 
 
 " Did you get tired of the nonsense ? " she asked, in an 
 
 134
 
 A CHRISTMAS AUGURY. 
 
 approving tone. " My hand is most played out, and you 
 shall take my place." 
 
 Mr. Greaves sat over opposite. He raised his serious, 
 self-complacent face. She could recall another, eager, 
 warm with rushing emotions, and it stood back of this 
 one like a shadow. But, somehow, it did not beckon her. 
 She was only a commonplace girl, rather straitly and 
 strictly reared, with obedience impressed upon her from 
 babyhood. Her father and mother always kept their 
 promises, and she must do the same. 
 
 The fun was fast and furio'us out in the great kitchen. 
 But at ten the mistress appeared and made them a little 
 speech. They were to go to their cabins in an orderly 
 manner, and any disturbance would be reported. To 
 morrow morning they would come for their gifts, and 
 the week would be one of holidays. 
 
 " T'ankee, missus ; t'ankee, missus ! " came from voices 
 still full of jollity; and woolly heads bobbed in a tu 
 multuous manner. 
 
 Christmas Day was made festive by a grand dinner, to 
 which all the gentry round were invited. The children 
 had theirs in a smaller room, with quite ornate serving, 
 and afterward there were games until dark, when the 
 visitors were sent home in the different carriages. Every 
 body was tired from the festivities, and the day had cer 
 tainly been a success. 
 
 " I suppose the lieutenant is quite crowded out of it 
 all ? " inquired Mr. Jettson of his wife. " Really, Mr. 
 Greaves isn't so bad. But Ralston will take it mightily 
 hard. He'd wait seven years for a woman. And 
 Marian seems, somehow, years older, and is beginning to 
 have some of your mother's dignity." 
 
 " It is all settled, certainly. As a topic it is interdicted, 
 and one doesn't get a chance at Marian. Mother and 
 father are elated, only that isn't quite the word to apply
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 to them. And there is the Floyd cousin, very much smit 
 ten with Dolly, and I suppose that will be a match. I 
 feel as if I had lost both of the girls. I had planned to 
 do so much for Marian, and keep her near to me." 
 
 Mrs. Jettson sighed plaintively. 
 
 " You poor girl ! Then you will have to comfort your 
 self with Jaqueline." 
 
 " It's queer," continued Jane retrospectively, " but Ran 
 dolph's family seem nearer to me since they are growing 
 up than my own sisters and brother. Brandon is so bit 
 ter against the administration, and such a tremendous 
 aristocrat, while Randolph is always jolly and good- 
 humored, if he can't quite approve of what is done. And 
 Jaqueline is so diverting and attractive, while Mrs. Pa 
 tricia is charming. If Dolly should go away " 
 
 " Preston Floyd is an agreeable young fellow. Of 
 course the family is all right, and the money, I suppose. 
 Your father will look out for that." 
 
 " I know Marian isn't happy " 
 
 " It's a sad piece of business, but it is too late to move 
 in it now." 
 
 Jane felt this was true. Could her father have made 
 her give up her lover ? Certainly he was not as arbitrary 
 then. Or was it her salvation that no rich lover came to 
 hand? 
 
 There was another day of festivity, and a dinner to 
 some who could not come on Christmas Day. Miss 
 Greaves was present with the two elder children, who 
 were stiff and proper. She did not altogether approve of 
 the young wife, when there were more suitable women 
 ready to take her brother. 
 
 The Masons gathered up their flock and drove home 
 immediately afterward, Mr. Jettson going with them, and 
 the others were to follow the next day. 
 
 " There wasn't much fun at grandpapa's, except on 
 
 136
 
 A CHRISTMAS AUGURY. 
 
 Christmas Eve," declared Varina. " Archie Floyd thinks 
 he owns the whole world. If grandpapa should die they 
 will come there to live, and Uncle Brandon own the 
 slaves and everything." 
 
 " Children must not discuss such matters," said her 
 father rather peremptorily. 
 
 " But Archie said " 
 
 " No matter about Archie." 
 
 Varina frowned and twitched her shoulders. 
 
 " Papa," said Charles after a pause, " shall you leave 
 the plantation and everything to Louis because he is the 
 oldest?" 
 
 " My son, I warn you that I shall live a long, long 
 while. You will all have a chance to make your own 
 fortunes and marry and have homes of your own. So 
 don't trouble about any such foolishness. And you are 
 all too young to consider the point." 
 
 " But people do in England." 
 
 " We are not in England," commented his father dryly. 
 
 " What a mess of nonsense has been talked at the 
 Pineries ! " he said to his wife with some vexation after 
 ward. " Mr. Floyd has grown very grasping, and thinks 
 so much of money. And that boy puts on airs enough 
 for three grown-up fellows. Let children be children, 
 say I, and not bother their heads about the affairs of 
 older people. I'm sorry for Marian. Anyone can see 
 that her heart is not in this marriage. She's changed be 
 yond everything. But it is set for the spring. Dolly will 
 be more like to have her own way, as the Fates have sent 
 her an acceptable lover." 
 
 Jaqueline was all in a flurry to go to Washington, and 
 started at the first opportunity. The Carringtons had 
 begged for a week, as some cousins were coming, and they 
 were to give the young people a ball. 
 
 " You are a sad gadabout," sighed her father. " But 
 
 137
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 you keep the house astir here with your coming and go 
 ing. It is time you began to learn something useful. I 
 shall look up a nice steady-going man of forty or there 
 abouts, and marry you out of hand some day." 
 
 " Let me see is there anyone near here that answers 
 the requirements ? " and she laughed saucily as she put 
 her soft arms around her father's neck. " He must have 
 an- estate, of course, it will not do for me to fall behind 
 hand in family dignity, and a long pedigree. Do you 
 know whether the Masons, like the old Scotch woman's 
 ancestors, had a boat of their own at the time of the 
 flood?" 
 
 " I am pretty sure there must have been Masons," he 
 replied gravely. 
 
 Mrs. Jettson received her with open arms. " Jaque- 
 line, have you any idea of how fortunate you are ? Con 
 gress is in session, and I have never known Washington 
 so gay. And the White House is fine in its new array, 
 while Mrs. Madison is as charming as ever. And Mrs. 
 Van Ness is giving the most elegant entertainments. 
 Roger Carrington was in here last evening to see if you 
 really were coming." 
 
 " Mrs. Carrington gives a ball next Tuesday evening 
 for some young visitors. And I am invited over to 
 Georgetown for a week. So I just coaxed to come up 
 here a few days, for you would know about suit 
 able gowns. I don't suppose you have heard from 
 Marian ? " 
 
 " Not a word. But Arthur told Lieutenant Ralston. 
 Really, my dear, he had half a mind to go up there and 
 tear her out of the family bosom by main force. He 
 couldn't believe it at first. He wrote a letter to Marian, 
 but I am certain no one could get it to her, although he 
 sent by a special messenger. I have given up. And 
 Dolly's engagement is announced. Mr. Floyd spoke be- 
 
 138
 
 A CHRISTMAS AUGURY. 
 
 fore he went away. I had such a complacent letter from 
 mother. It made me angry, it really did. Well, her 
 whole duty is done, unless she lives to marry off her 
 granddaughters. " 
 
 "I suppose Dolly is really in love?" Jaqueline had 
 not considered her very enthusiastic. She had a girl's 
 romantic ideal of love, fostered by the attention and af 
 fection her father gave her stepmother. Had he loved 
 her own mother in that fashion? 
 
 " Dolly is a little ninny ! " declared the elder sister in 
 disdain. ' They all thought she was going wild over 
 that young Chase, but she seemed to drop him easy 
 enough. He is going to the bad as fast as possible, 
 though I don't believe in a woman wrecking her whole 
 life to save a man, for, after all, she rarely does it. And 
 I'm sorry to have Dolly go so far away. Oh, I do won 
 der if I shall ever be glad to have baby Jaqueline marry 
 and go out of my sight! Yet I suppose having old 
 maids on your hands is rather mortifying. There are 
 some new shops on Pennsylvania Avenue, with such 
 pretty things, although there is so much talk about the 
 difficulty of getting goods from abroad. And every 
 body complains of money being scarce, but there seems 
 a good deal to spend, some way." 
 
 Washington was certainly looking up. Handsome 
 houses were being built, and famous men were to be seen 
 in the streets and at the different entertainments. There 
 were weekly dinner parties at the White House, man 
 aged with such tact that no one was affronted, those left 
 out knowing their turn would come next. 
 
 Jane and Mr. Jettson had an engagement that even 
 ing " a dinner where they are going to talk improve 
 ments and the best way of getting a grant from Con 
 gress; no dancing and no nice young men to flatter a 
 lady," declared Mr. Jettson. "Jane thinks them tire- 
 
 139
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 some, but she can put in a word now and then, since it is 
 our bread and butter." 
 
 " Oh, I'd rather stay at home ! There is that ' Lay of 
 the Last Minstrel ' to read. Who is this wonderful new 
 poet ? Aunt Catharine made me read ' The Course of 
 Time ' when I paid her my visit ; aloud, too, so I couldn't 
 skip much, but it was dreadfully tiresome. This goes 
 along with a rush." 
 
 So Jaqueline settled herself in the easiest chair she 
 could find, and put her feet on the rounds of another. 
 The candles gave a softened light ; but in spite of interest 
 she was getting drowsy when there was a hasty knock 
 and a discussion in the hall. Then Sam opened the door 
 and ushered in Lieutenant Ralston. 
 
 " I hope you won't think me a nuisance," as Jaqueline 
 was straightening herself up in some confusion, and feel 
 ing if the knot of abundant hair was on the top of her 
 head or pushed over one side. " I'm sorry Mrs. Jettson 
 is out, and I recall the fact now that she had an en 
 gagement. But I am very glad to see you, selfishly glad. 
 Do I interrupt anything important ? " 
 
 " Oh, no ! " She held out her hand cordially. 
 
 " You were up to the Pineries," he began abruptly. 
 " Did Marian seem " 
 
 " We didn't think her real happy." Jaqueline hesi 
 tated. How much ought she to admit? 
 
 " I wrote her a letter. I wanted to know the truth. 
 You see, I have been perfectly honorable. I told her I 
 would wait seven years or twice seven years, and she 
 promised to do the same. I couldn't believe she accepted 
 this man of her own free will. And then I wrote, taking 
 precautions to have it reach her. It has been opened and 
 returned to me without a word. Here it is. That is 
 not Miss Floyd's handwriting." 
 
 " It is grandpapa's." 
 
 140
 
 A CHRISTMAS AUGURY. 
 
 " Do you suppose she gave the letter to him? " 
 
 " I am afraid she must have. You see, the engage 
 ment has been announced everywhere, and they sit to 
 gether in church. The neighbors give little companies 
 for them, and Mr. Greaves acts as if he had full right 
 to her." 
 
 Ralston dashed the letter to the floor. " Then she is 
 weak and false ! " he cried in a passion. " I could wait 
 with very little encouragement, so long as it was waiting. 
 We are both young, and I have my fortune to make. But 
 when she engages herself to another, when Mrs. Jettson 
 said there was talk of a marriage in the spring ! Even if 
 she had written to explain I think I could have stood 
 being given up by her if she had said it was a mistake, 
 and she had found she was over-hasty. It was sudden 
 done in those two days; but then I had seen her fre 
 quently during her visit to Mrs. Jettson, and I was sure 
 she cared for me. She had a kind of shy way looking 
 back and forth; do you remember it? But perhaps the 
 glances are only meant for a lover's eyes," smiling faintly 
 in spite of the anger. " Either she loved me or she was a 
 coquette." 
 
 " She is not a coquette ! " exclaimed Jaqueline de 
 cisively. " And she never had a real lover until " 
 
 Then the girl stopped and flushed. 
 
 " What I can't understand is her accepting this man if 
 she loved me, taking his caresses and his plans for a life 
 together " 
 
 " Oh, he isn't the caressing sort ! " interrupted Jaque 
 line. " And yet I don't see how she could, if she loved 
 you. I wouldn't have been forced to accept him. I 
 wouldn't have promised anybody. I would just have 
 waited. But Grandfather Floyd is very arbitrary, and 
 when he makes up his mind, there is no relenting. Oh, I 
 am afraid you can't understand! You don't know him." 
 
 141
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " The time is past when a woman is compelled to marry 
 a man she doesn't want," he said with an angry sneer. 
 " I know the old adage says that a continual dropping will 
 wear away a stone. But this has been such a little while. 
 There may be shaly natures that the dropping disinte 
 grates rapidly. And you girls never talked with her 
 about it, which seems strange to me." 
 
 " We scarcely saw her alone. And we were strictly 
 forbidden to speak of it." 
 
 " Then he must have felt afraid of your influence." 
 
 Ralston looked eagerly at the girl, as if he was search 
 ing for some ground of hope. 
 
 " It can't be changed any way, I think. Marian has ac 
 cepted it, and the whole neighborhood has congratulated 
 her. The wedding has been put down as a certainty." 
 
 " If I pity her I shall keep on loving her and thinking 
 something may happen. And if I believe her weak and 
 false I shall despise her and get over it. One couldn't 
 respect such a weak woman ! " 
 
 Jaqueline wanted to make a protest. It was very hard 
 to be despised, and she thought Marian hardly deserved 
 that. 
 
 " I suppose this wouldn't have happened if I had been 
 the rich man," and there were lines of scorn about his 
 mouth. 
 
 Jaqueline knew it wouldn't. Did not money measure 
 most of the things in this life? And Lieutenant Ralston 
 was young, energetic, very good-looking, and delightful ; 
 Mr. Greaves was thin, with a large nose, and high, nar 
 row forehead, his hair sprinkled with gray at the tem 
 ples. He was gentlemanly, but rather pompous; and 
 there was nothing entertaining about him, unless it was to 
 old Mr. Floyd. Marian had always seemed so young. 
 
 " If I knew who returned that letter ! If I knew she 
 had seen it ! " He was walking back and forth, and just 
 
 142
 
 A CHRISTMAS AUGURY. 
 
 touched it with the toe of his boot. It would have a curi 
 ous sacredness if it had been in her hands; her father's 
 hands and eyes made it a thing to be despised. Had he 
 sneered over it? 
 
 " I am quite sure she never saw it," returned Jaque- 
 line decisively. 
 
 He picked it up and threw it into the fire. 
 
 " You see," he began apologetically, " that I have come 
 to you and Mrs. Jettson because you were near to her and 
 knew her best. I dare say I have made myself quite 
 ridiculous, prating of love " 
 
 " Oh, no, not that ! " she interrupted quickly. " And 
 I am so sorry it has come out this way. I was so inter 
 ested in it all, and even papa liked you so much." 
 
 That was comforting. He would be proud of the es 
 teem of such a man as Randolph Mason. Other men 
 had failed to win their first loves. Even Mr. Madison, 
 as the story went, had been positively engaged to a 
 charming young woman who had changed her mind 
 and married another. And where would one find a 
 more devoted couple than the President and his 
 wife, who had had her youthful love and misfortunes 
 and sorrows? 
 
 " When a man resolves to put a thing out of his mind 
 he can do it if he has any force of character." Ralston 
 held his head up very erect now, though he still kept pac 
 ing the floor. 
 
 " That would be best," advised Jaqueline. 
 
 " Oh, yes ; there is no use going about the world crying 
 for the moon, when the sun shines as much again, and 
 there is a good deal to do. So I shall not be a lovelorn 
 swain, but go on with an earnest effort, for I have some 
 ambitions, and though the times may seem tame by con 
 trast with the stirring events of our fathers', there are 
 Still grave questions to study. It is not all froth and 
 
 143
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 amusement. I hope you are going to remain a while. 
 You're like a sister to Mrs. Jettson." 
 
 " I am invited to Georgetown for a week. And I think 
 I shall stay quite a while. It's so delightful here, and 
 rather dull at home. I do miss Patricia very much." 
 
 " And there is a ball at the Carringtons'. I am glad 
 you are to be there. Roger and I are fast friends. And 
 now have I not bored you enough? I will try to make 
 amends in the future. Will you tell Mrs. Jettson the re 
 sult of my letter? She warned me. Your father 
 warned me ; but I suppose willful youth will have its own 
 way. Good-night. Let me see there is a levee to-mor 
 row evening, and you have not seen the new plenishings 
 yet. We are very grand in yellow satin and damask. 
 If Mrs. Jettson is not engaged you must go." 
 
 " Poor Marian ! " Jaqueline sighed, in relating the in 
 terview to Jane and contrasting the lovers. " I don't be 
 lieve grandpapa could compel me, and she is so much 
 older, too. And when she sees Dolly's delight and hap 
 piness ! " 
 
 " I have given her up," confessed Mrs. Jettson. " She 
 may be comfortable, and perhaps happier than at home. 
 Oh, Jaqueline, be thankful that your father doesn't be 
 long to the Floyd branch ! For Brandon will be his father 
 right over again. There must be a sort of Puritan strand 
 in them. When you find me so stiff and strenuous you 
 had better banish me at once." 
 
 Jaqueline met some people at the levee who remem 
 bered her, which was quite flattering to the young girl. 
 She hardly knew which of her cavaliers she admired 
 most, the fine-looking lieutenant or Mr. Carrington. 
 Both were made much of by the ladies, and cordially rec 
 ognized by the men of the period who were to be the 
 heroes of succeeding generations. 
 
 The ball was quite delightful. Though it was given 
 
 144
 
 A CHRISTMAS AUGURY. 
 
 for the young people, there were mothers and aunts, and 
 not a few fathers who dropped in later in the evening. 
 Young people were not left to themselves, and the elders 
 enjoyed seeing the pretty triumphs of their daughters 
 and telling little anecdotes of their own youth and their 
 conquests. 
 
 It was true that Lieutenant Ralston did not wear the 
 willow outwardly. Yet as time went on and his love for 
 Marian having nothing to feed upon chilled the warm 
 exultation of hope, he grew a trifle bitter at heart, and in 
 dulged in some cynical reflections that had stings of wit. 
 Indeed, wit and repartee were largely cultivated then. 
 There were few books to talk about, except among the 
 learned men, who still affected classic lore. And it was 
 not considered a womanly accomplishment for the fair 
 sex to be versed in politics. It seems strange to us now 
 that there should have been so much talk in letters and 
 journals about finery and fashion, and who was paying 
 his addresses to this or that young damsel, and the fur 
 nishing of someone's new house. 
 
 Perhaps the women of that time were more discreet. 
 For Mrs. Madison must have been close in her husband's 
 confidence all those trying years, and known how to leave 
 a good deal unsaid. But general society then was for the 
 entertainment of all, and each one was expected to do his 
 or her share. Good-breeding was a virtue. 
 
 Jaqueline was gay enough. Virginian girls had a 
 charm and attractiveness besides mere beauty of fea 
 ture. So week by week her return home was put off, 
 until a visit from Dolly Floyd was announced. Mr. 
 Floyd was quite ailing, and his wife could not leave him. 
 Mrs. Mason was asked to consult with Mrs. Jettson and 
 see what was proper, and have the wedding trousseau 
 prepared, since Dolly was to go away, and there was 
 hardly time to send abroad. Mr. Floyd had insisted upon 
 
 J45
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 a wedding just after Easter, as he was to go to New 
 York to attend to some business for his father, and he 
 would be delighted to have Dolly bear him company. 
 
 " But Marian ? " exclaimed Mrs. Mason, when Dolly 
 had unfolded her budget. 
 
 " Marian insists that she won't be married until June. 
 And mother has given her that beautiful pearl-satin gown 
 in which she was married to papa, and after that she grew 
 so stout she could never wear it. But mother prefers 
 that she shall be married in white. Marian has grown to 
 be quite an old woman already ; you can't think how queer 
 she is ! " 
 
 Mrs. Mason's heart went out with sympathy to her 
 young sister-in-law, who was trying in such a rigid 
 fashion to fit herself for her new life. Mrs. Jettson felt 
 rather hurt at first that the matter was not delegated 
 wholly to her, since the shopping and the work must be 
 done in Washington. 
 
 " But, you see, I am to get some things in New York 
 afterward, and Mrs. Marshall brought over some pat 
 terns that her sister sent from Paris, and she is to send 
 us her mantua-maker. You know she had Sarah 
 trained, when they were over, to make frocks and caps 
 and mantles. She is to sew for Marian." 
 
 " And is Marian as happy as you ? " asked Mrs. Jett 
 son, studying the young girl. 
 
 Dolly shrugged her shoulders. She was a flippant lit 
 tle thing, occupied mostly with herself. Her own pleas 
 ure came first. 
 
 " I don't see how she can be, with that stick of a lover. 
 I'm sure you can't compare him with Preston. But if 
 he suits her and she's trying to take an interest in the 
 children. I think they're hideous. Oh, Jane, it is a 
 great shame the lieutenant hadn't been better off! He's 
 guch a delightful fellow. There was a dreadful time 
 
 140
 
 A CHRISTMAS AUGURY. 
 
 about him. But, good gracious ! I was not to say a 
 word," and Dolly turned pale. 
 
 " Do you know whether Marian had a letter from him 
 soon after the holidays ? " 
 
 " Did he write ? Why, that was romantic ! No I 
 do not believe it reached her. And if it had, it couldn't 
 have altered anything. Mr. Greaves is very much in 
 earnest, and Marian will have one of the finest houses 
 in the county. Then he talks of going to England and 
 leaving the two older children for their education. Some 
 cousin or uncle or relative died a while ago ; and if some 
 one else should die he would come in for a title and a 
 fine estate. Father is quite elated over that. Father 
 should have been born an English aristocrat," and Dolly 
 laughed. " But if I wasn't so in love with Preston I 
 might be captured by the young soldier or some of the 
 beaus with which Washington abounds. Oh, dear! if 
 we could have come to the inauguration ! I'm glad to go 
 away, for it's wretchedly dull all about the Pineries. 
 And Charleston is quite gay, Preston writes." 
 
 The shopping was done, and the gowns and coats and 
 pelisses left at Mrs. Sweeny's, who was quite celebrated 
 for her taste. 
 
 Then Dolly was suddenly summoned home. Her 
 father had a poorly spell, and Mr. Greaves had met with 
 an accident. As he was going to mount his horse one 
 morning to ride over to the Pineries, an owl that had 
 been nesting in a tree near the house made a flight across 
 the lawn, at which the horse shied and knocked down his 
 master, whose head struck the stepping-stone, and he had 
 lain unconscious ever since, but no bones were broken. 
 They had a hope that it would not prove serious, since 
 Mr. Greaves had an excellent constitution and had never 
 been ill a day in his life. 
 
 147
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 THE THORNS THAT BESET LOVE. 
 
 '"pHE spring was late this year, but when it came every- 
 * thing burst into bloom and beauty as if by magic. 
 Even the marshy ends of the streets in Washington were 
 covered with verdure and the curious delicate bloom of 
 the different sedge growths. Congress kept on. There 
 were many perplexing questions, and war loomed in the 
 distance. 
 
 The festivities at the Pineries were quite interrupted. 
 When Mr. Greaves recovered consciousness it was found 
 that his right side had been partially paralyzed. His 
 speech was affected, and the doctor spoke doubtfully of 
 his mind. 
 
 Consequently all thoughts of Marian's marriage must 
 be given up for the present. But Dolly's went on, and the 
 last week in April the impatient lover presented himself, 
 and the family relatives and friends were gathered to cele 
 brate the occasion. It was considered most proper for 
 Louis Mason to attend Marian, who was to be the first 
 bridesmaid. Jaqueline was next in order, and there were 
 three others. Weddings were quite sumptuous affairs in 
 those days. There was a great supper and dancing; one 
 of the bride-cakes held a ring, put in by the hand of the 
 bride-elect, and great was the interest to see who would 
 get it. This fell to Jaqueline. And when the bride was 
 escorted upstairs by her bevy of maidens she paused on 
 the landing and scattered her half-dozen roses which had 
 been sent from Washington, and cost extravagantly. The 
 first one did not go far, and caught in Jaqueline's shoul 
 der-knot. There was a general laughing exclamation. 
 
 " And I haven't even a lover ! " cried the girl with 
 dainty mock regret.
 
 THE THORNS THAT BESET LOVE. 
 
 There was a grand breakfast the next morning a real 
 breakfast, not a noon luncheon. Many of the guests had 
 remained all night. Mirth and jollity reigned, good- 
 wishes were given, healths were drunk, and at noon the 
 young couple started on their long stage-coach journey. 
 Tours were hardly considered then, though the bride 
 often journeyed to the house of her husband's nearest 
 relatives. But to take in Baltimore and Philadelphia 
 was enough to set one up for life, and Dolly was very 
 much elated. The return trip would be made by water, 
 so she would be quite a traveled bride. 
 
 Marian had been the sedate elder sister. She was not 
 old, but she had grown much older and lost the aspect of 
 girlhood that she had kept her three-and-twenty years. 
 There was much kindly sympathy expressed for her. 
 Mr. Greaves grew more helpless instead of improving, 
 and his mind had never been quite clear. 
 
 But no one suggested an interrupted engagement ex 
 cept among the slaves, who recalled that she had put out 
 her candle on Christmas Eve, and the ring in the cake had 
 not come to her, nor a single rose. 
 
 " Looks laik she cut out fer 'n ole maid," declared a 
 gray-haired mammy. " En she mought 'a' bin a gret 
 lady, goin' ober to de ole country. But young missy goin' 
 to be happy as de day is long. De house '11 never seem de 
 same." 
 
 " Grandfather Floyd has begun to break," said Mr. 
 Mason when they had started on their homeward journey. 
 " One can hardly decide whether to be glad or sorry about 
 Marian. Anyway, it is hard on the poor girl." 
 
 " And you can't decide whether she is sorry or not. 
 I never saw anyone change so. She has grown curiously 
 close about herself," declared Jaqueline. 
 
 The interrupted intimacy between the two families was 
 taken up again. Even Jane and her three children were 
 
 149
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 invited to the Pineries for a hot month in the summer. 
 Grandfather was quite deaf, which made him more irri 
 table, and Marian played piquet with him for hours to 
 gether. Mrs. Floyd managed the plantation, though she 
 had always taken her share of that. 
 
 Patricia came home a slim, pretty, and piquant young 
 woman, refined and finished, and Louis was an attractive 
 young collegian. The house was filled with guests, and 
 there was much merriment, until one day the word came 
 that surprised them all. Grandfather had been found 
 dead in his chair on the porch where he took his usual 
 afternoon nap. 
 
 Family funerals were almost as grand occasions as mar 
 riages at this period. The great house was filled with 
 guests, and there was no unseemly haste to bury the dead 
 out of their sight. The funeral procession might have 
 been that of a famous man. When they returned the 
 relatives were gathered in the darkened parlor where the 
 candles stood lighted on a table, and Archibald Floyd's 
 will was read in a dry, decorous tone by the little old law 
 yer who had made wills for half a century. 
 
 As was expected, the Pineries and slaves and appurte 
 nances of all kinds went to Brandon, who was the only 
 son. The girls had an equal money portion. The widow 
 was provided with a home; certain rooms were set apart 
 for her, certain slaves were bequeathed to her with the bed 
 and table linen and some of the furnishings that she had 
 brought with her ; and Brandon was to pay her a regular 
 income out of the estate, which was to cease at her death. 
 A very fair and just will, it was agreed on every side. 
 
 Meanwhile there had been no perceptible change in Mr. 
 Greaves. He did not suffer much ; he was fed and cared 
 for like a child. Some days he brightened and talked 
 with encouraging coherence, but it was mostly about his 
 early life, and he now and then mistook his sister for his 
 
 150
 
 THE THORNS THAT BESET LOVE. 
 
 dead wife. And though Marian had gone over several 
 times, he had not seemed to recall her specially. 
 
 Miss Greaves was in her element. She had not taken 
 kindly to the prospect of being deposed, though the 
 training of women in her day led them to accept the in 
 evitable without complaining. She was rather proud, 
 too, that her brother had won a young woman ; and Mari 
 an's sudden gravity after her engagement had given her 
 considerable satisfaction. 
 
 " The doctor holds out very little hope of perfect re 
 covery," she said to the younger woman at one call. 
 " He thinks brother's mind will never be quite right 
 again. He has a good appetite now and sleeps well, but 
 it is very sad to be stricken down in the very prime of 
 life. On our mother's side we are a long-lived race. I 
 had an aunt who lay paralyzed for seven years, and was 
 eighty when she died." 
 
 Marian shuddered. Her father's failing health had 
 demanded most of her attention. Was she in any way 
 relieved? She tried not to think of it. No one referred 
 to the marriage, except now and then some of the slaves, 
 who counted up all the bad signs in an awesome fashion. 
 
 Dolly had enjoyed everything to the uttermost, and 
 was delighted with her new home and her new relatives. 
 Communication between even the most important cities 
 was tardy at that time, and often sent by private messen 
 ger. Yet the political interest of the States was kept up 
 keenly, almost to rivalry. New England, whose com 
 merce had been injured the most, complained loudly. 
 The States were between two fires. England was bring 
 ing all her power to bear upon the Emperor Napoleon. 
 Neither country paid any attention to the rights of neu 
 trals. There was the old romantic remembrance of 
 France coming to our assistance in our mighty struggle 
 with the mother country ; but there were a hundred rela-
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 tionships with England where there was one with France, 
 and Napoleon's ruthlessness had alienated the noblest 
 sense of the community. 
 
 Yet living went on in the lavish, cordial Virginian fash 
 ion at the old plantation, if it was not quite so full of gay- 
 ety. There were two attractive young women now, and 
 the young men were haunting the house, planning riding 
 parties and a day's outing to some grove or wood, a sail 
 down or up the Potomac, and a three-days' visit to some 
 neighbor who rather regretfully gave up dancing on ac 
 count of the recent death. Louis had been putting in law 
 with his other studies, and was not to graduate for 
 another year. 
 
 Roger Carrington was now a steady visitor, and all the 
 household knew he was young missy's lover. Her father's 
 assent had been cordially given. Her own was still in 
 abeyance. Jaqueline had a willful streak in her nature. 
 If someone had opposed, she would have sided at once 
 with her lover. But everybody agreed. Mrs. Carrington 
 treated her as a daughter already, and longed to have the 
 engagement announced. Roger pleaded. 
 
 " I want to be quite sure that I love you better than 
 anybody," she would say with a kind of dainty sweetness. 
 " If one should make a mistake ! " 
 
 " But we are such friends already. We have been for a 
 long time. Surely if you disliked me you would have 
 found it out before this." 
 
 " But I don't dislike you. I like you very much. Only 
 it seems that things which come so easy " 
 
 She let her lovely eyes droop, and the color came and 
 went in her face. How exquisite her rose-leaf cheeks 
 were! He wished he had the right to kiss them fifty 
 times an hour. A husband would have. But there was a 
 fine courtesy between lovers of that day. And there was 
 always some curling tendril of shadowy hair clustering 
 
 152
 
 THE THORNS THAT BESET LOVE. 
 
 about her fair temples. Her ear, too, was like a bit of 
 sculpture, and the lines that went down her neck and lost 
 themselves in the roundness of her shoulders changed 
 with every motion, each one prettier than the last, and 
 were distractingly tempting. 
 
 " I'm sure it doesn't come easy to me," he said in a 
 rather curt tone. 
 
 " Oh, doesn't it ? I thought there really was no mistak 
 ing the grand passion on a man's part that he was con 
 vinced in the flash of an eye." 
 
 " It is when he wishes to convince that his doubt 
 arises. If I could persuade you " longingly. 
 
 " I am always afraid I shall be too easily persuaded," 
 she returned plaintively. " I sometimes wonder if I really 
 have a good strong mind of my own. Do you know, I 
 should like to be one of the heroic women; then in case 
 war should come there are such talks about it, you know 
 and I had to send you away " 
 
 She looked so utterly bewitching that he had much ado 
 not to clasp her to his heart. 
 
 " You are heroic enough. And you are tormenting to 
 the last degree. I wonder sometimes if you even like 
 me!" 
 
 " Oh, you know I like you," carelessly. 
 
 " If you would once say ' I love you.' You like so 
 many people young men, I mean." 
 
 " Why, when you have been brought up with them, so 
 
 to speak " and she looked up out of large, innocent 
 
 eyes. " There are the Bakers, you know. Georgie, Rob, 
 Teddy, and I have played together always. Would you 
 have me turn haughty now ? " 
 
 " I don't mind the Bakers, and Teddy is as good as en 
 gaged to Hester Fairfax, who really does adore him." 
 
 " Yes, I think she does," gravely. " He is always de 
 scribing her perfections and her sweetnesses, as if we
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 hadn't quarreled and declared we wouldn't speak to each 
 other and done little spiteful tricks that girls always do, 
 and and gotten over it, and know all about each other." 
 
 " I don't believe you were ever very spiteful. That 
 takes a small nature." 
 
 She looked furtively from under her long lashes, as if 
 considering. 
 
 " Well Patty and I quarrel. You must know that I 
 haven't the most amiable temper in the world when I am 
 roused." 
 
 " Yes." She could be very tormenting. 
 
 " And I like to have my own way. Papa generally 
 gives in. And sometimes I feel self-condemned that 
 mamma is so good to me." 
 
 " Then you have a conscience ? " 
 
 " I don't believe my own mother would have been so 
 easy. And there's grandmamma " 
 
 " Who would have led you to find out your mind in 
 short order," he commented quickly. 
 
 "Her mind, you mean. And if she had resolved that 
 I shouldn't marry you, you would have been sent to the 
 right-about at once. And that reminds me Lieutenant 
 Ralston is coming down next week. But I suppose you 
 are not afraid of him, since his heart is oh, can you 
 tell where it is? Sometimes I think he still cares for 
 Marian, and then he is so bitter and sharp. She won't 
 ever marry Mr. Greaves now." 
 
 She looked so eager and earnest, as if this was the main 
 question of her life. He turned away with a pang at his 
 heart. Was she anything but a volatile, teasing girl, with 
 no deep feelings? 
 
 " You shan't ! I say you shan't ! Annis belongs to me. 
 You shan't take her away. We're going to row round 
 the pond " 
 
 Louis laughed with a soft sound of triumph.
 
 THE THORNS THAT BESET LOVE. 
 
 " But you promised to ride with me, didn't you, Annis ? 
 And I don't see how Annis belongs to you especially. 
 You're too old for that boyish foolishness. Why, you 
 couldn't marry her in years and years, and then she'd be 
 an old woman, queer and cross. Hillo ! " in a surprised 
 tone. 
 
 They faced Mr. Carrington and Jaqueline. 
 
 " Oh, Louis, why do you tease the children so ? " ex 
 claimed Jaqueline in disapprobation. 
 
 " I'm not teasing you, Annis, am I ? We were to go 
 for a ride, and her pony is all ready, when Charles flew 
 into a passion." 
 
 " I told you Scipio was getting the boat ready " 
 
 " But I didn't think you meant to-day. You said it 
 leaked and had to be repaired, and this morning " 
 
 She glanced up at Louis entreatingly. 
 
 " This morning I told her we would go down to the 
 creek and see the great flock of ducks Julius has been 
 raising. Annis belongs as much to me as to you. She 
 belongs to us all. And how do you know but that I'll 
 marry her myself? I'm very fond of Annis. And I'm 
 grown up. In a few years I may be a judge, or be sent 
 abroad to smooth out some quarrel or make a treaty, 
 while you will be in school studying your Cicero. Annis 
 will be a big girl, old enough to marry. And you like me, 
 don't you, Annis ? " 
 
 He had his arm around the child. He had been very 
 sweet to her of late, partly to tease Varina, and partly be 
 cause she interested him curiously. She said such quaint 
 things; she could seem to understand almost everything. 
 And when he declaimed a fine Latin poem with vigor and 
 loftiness, her eyes would follow him, her face would glow 
 and change with emotion and appreciation. Then he had 
 been teaching her some pretty songs. 
 
 " I like you both," she returned in a tender, entreating 
 i55
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 voice, as if begging each one to be content with the re 
 gard. Yet she made no motion to leave him, and both 
 slim hands were clasped around the young man's arm. 
 
 " But you must like me the best," and now he put his 
 arm about her, drawing her closer to his side. " It's this 
 way. First your mother always; then father, who is 
 very fond of you, little Annis; then me, then Jaqueline, 
 and you see Charles stands way down at the bottom of 
 the line. Of course you can't love him quite so much ; it 
 wouldn't be fair to the rest of us." 
 
 Annis looked perplexed with the reasoning. She 
 glanced at Charles, then hid her face in the elder brother's 
 coat. He made a rush at her, but Louis caught him and 
 held him off at arm's length. 
 
 " You're a mean mean skunk, that's what you are ! " 
 The boy's face was scarlet with passion, and his voice 
 choked. " She won't love you best, will you, Annis ? For 
 he likes all the girls, the big ladies, and I don't care for 
 anyone but just you." 
 
 " Louis, do stop ! You ought to be ashamed. 
 Charles " 
 
 But Louis let go of his little brother's arm, who ran a 
 few steps with the impetus and then tumbled over. Louis 
 caught the little girl in both arms, she was slim and 
 light, and ran swiftly with her. Jaqueline picked up 
 Charles, who was crying now in a passion of anger, ex 
 claiming between the sobs : 
 
 "I just hate him, I do! He shan't take away Annis. 
 She belongs to me." 
 
 " Charles, don't be so foolish. You can't have Annis 
 every hour in the day, and if you go on this way she'll 
 just hate you. Why, I am ashamed of you ! And here is 
 Mr. Carrington." 
 
 " I don't care. I made Scip mend the boat, 'n' he said 
 Dixon would be awful mad and maybe have him flogged. 
 
 156
 
 THE THORNS THAT BESET LOVE. 
 
 Where's father? I'll go and tell him how it was, and 
 Scip may tear the old boat to pieces, but he shan't be 
 flogged. Louis thinks he's great shakes because he's 
 older and bigger " 
 
 " But he will be married before you and Annis are 
 grown up, so don't worry. He loves to tease you. Now 
 go and find father." 
 
 " He is taking love early and hard," said Mr. Carring- 
 ton. 
 
 " It's such ridiculous nonsense ! Mamma doesn't like 
 it a bit, but father thinks it a good joke. It makes 
 Charles appear silly. But he will go away to school and 
 have new interests. And in a few years Annis won't 
 want to be claimed in that masterful fashion." 
 
 They walked along silently. Mr. Mason sat out under 
 a great tree, smoking his pipe and listening to Charles. 
 
 " Let them finish their confidence. I'll take the ham 
 mock, and you may read to me." She did not want to 
 discuss love any more just now. 
 
 Annis was borne triumphantly to her pony. Louis 
 placed her in the saddle. 
 
 "You do love me, little Annis, do you not?" and he 
 kissed her tenderly. He had a very sweet way that you 
 could not gainsay when it was turned upon you, and a 
 child certainly could not resist. " Now we will have a 
 nice gallop, and then a rest down by the creek where it 
 is shady, ever so much nicer than the sunny pond and the 
 old boat. You know I asked you first." 
 
 " I didn't think Charles meant this very afternoon," 
 she said regretfully. " And I'm so sorry he " 
 
 " Never mind about a boy's temper. Look at that fire 
 bird isn't he gorgeous? There's where the lightning 
 struck that great pine tree the other night and split it 
 in two." 
 
 " Oh, poor tree ! Do you suppose it hurt very much ! 
 
 i57
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 And the half stands up as if nothing could ever make it 
 afraid. There are the branches all withering on the 
 ground. Were you very much frightened ? It kills peo 
 ple sometimes, doesn't it ? " 
 
 " Very seldom. And a great many things kill them. 
 Accidents and falls, and sickness, so the few struck by 
 lightning are hardly to be taken into account." 
 
 " Oh, look at the great field of corn ! It is like a sea." 
 
 The tassels had turned yellow, and the wind stirred 
 them, making golden waves. 
 
 " What do you know about the sea ? " 
 
 " Why, when we went down the Potomac. You were 
 not home." 
 
 " I've been down there though, and out on the ocean." 
 
 " Would you be afraid to go to England ? " 
 
 " Not of the ocean, but I might be of the privateers. 
 And I should not want to be caught and impressed, and 
 made to fight. But I mustn't fill my little lady-love with 
 frightful subjects." 
 
 The child's cheek warmed with a dainty color. Could 
 anyone be a lady-love to two persons? That was what 
 Charles called her. 
 
 Squirrels were scurrying here and there. The golden- 
 rod was nodding on tall stalks, and some asters starred 
 the wayside. Afar was a broad stretch of tobacco fields 
 in their peculiar deep-green luxuriance. Birds were 
 calling to each other, insects were droning, the monotony 
 broken by a shrill chirr as a grasshopper leaped up from 
 the path or a locust predicted a hot to-morrow from his 
 leafy covert. They crossed broad sunny patches that 
 looked like a dried-up sea, they lingered under fragrant 
 pines and great oaks and maples that shaded the road, 
 and Annis laughed at her companion's comments and 
 the merry stories he told. She had been used to stand 
 ing somewhat in awe of him, but this summer he had quite 
 
 158
 
 THE THORNS THAT BESET LOVE. 
 
 overcome her shyness. Sometimes she did get a little 
 tired of the knowledge Charles poured into her ears. 
 Latin orations had not much charm for her, in their un 
 known tongue, and only the inflections of the boy's musi 
 cal voice rendered them tolerable. She liked the deeds 
 of heroes rather than what they said, and their loves 
 rather than their fighting or their harangues. 
 
 At home Charles had thrown himself on the half-dried 
 turf and given way to another burst of passion such as 
 seldom moved him. That Louis should take Annis away 
 from him, his chosen friend and companion, and that she 
 should go without a protest! Was she really liking 
 Louis, who was grown up and who could have his pick of 
 the pretty young women always coming to the house. 
 Why should he want Annis ? 
 
 It was the boy's first experience with a rival, and as he 
 had never dreamed of such an untoward event, he could 
 not understand the pain. It was like a storm that 
 had been threatening in the southeast while the west was 
 still clear, and now had suddenly blown up and enveloped 
 the whole sky. Though he was not much given to tears, 
 or anger, for that matter, the tempest- surged over him 
 now, and as it was furious it was the shorter lived. 
 
 Presently a laugh stung him, and he raised his head, 
 but he knew the sound of the voice. 
 
 " Do go away, Varina ! " he exclaimed sharply. 
 
 " Can't I walk where I like ? When you get a house 
 and a plantation of your own, you may order me off. Or 
 you may even set the dogs on me." 
 
 " Don't be so silly, so hateful." He was shocked at 
 her last remark, and sprang up, brushing off the twigs 
 and bits of dried grass. 
 
 " It is you who are silly, making a dunce of yourself 
 over Annis. Of course she cares for you when there 
 is no one else by. That's just the way with girls. Look 
 
 159
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 at Jaqueline. When Mr. Tayloe or Mr. Bedford are 
 here she's sweet to them, then comes the lieutenant and 
 she sends the others to the right-about-face, then he goes 
 and it's all Mr. Carrington. When he is gone she will 
 take up with Mr. Bedford. I like him. He's so funny 
 and sings such splendid songs." 
 
 Charles was standing up very straight. Indeed, he 
 seemed to stretch out his slim figure, and the gravity of 
 his face had scarcely a boyish line in it. 
 
 " Do you mean that Jaqueline doesn't care for any of 
 them? Patty said she was as good as engaged to Mr. 
 Carrington, and that we could have a nicer wedding than 
 Dolly Floyd's." 
 
 Varina shrugged her shoulders. There was always an 
 eerie flavor about the child's strictures. " She cares for 
 them all when they are here. Oh, gracious! Suppose 
 they should all come together ! " and she laughed. " But 
 she'd rather take them one by one, and have a good time. 
 That's the way I mean to do. You have more good 
 times." 
 
 " Annis isn't a bit like you ! " the boy flung out hotly. 
 He could not understand; it had not come time for an 
 alysis or fine gradations; he only* suffered, without the 
 power of reasoning. 
 
 " Annis is a girl ; and girls are all alike. And there's 
 Mr. Carrington alone. I wonder if Jacky's been cross 
 to him. I shall go and walk with him." 
 
 She ran down the little side path. Mr. Carrington had 
 started with the intention of finding Charles and comfort 
 ing him, for it had been with him as Varina surmised, 
 but the talk between them had arrested him. Was it 
 true that a girl found pleasure in variety rather than 
 constancy? He was amused at Varina's wisdom, and 
 yet it had in it a savor of sad truth. Annis' little win 
 some face as Louis caught her came back to him. 
 
 160
 
 A TALK OF WEDDINGS. 
 
 " The Sabine women learned to love their husbands," 
 he mused, when Varina called to him. He had to ex 
 ercise some ingenuity to parry the child's curiosity, since 
 he was by far too gentlemanly to take advantage of it. 
 
 Charles was a little sullen that evening, and took no 
 notice of the timid little olive branch Annis held out. 
 Presently, warm as the night was, he went off to his 
 books. 
 
 " Louis, you tease him too much," said his father. 
 
 " It's high time someone took him in hand. He is get 
 ting to be a regular little prig ! You ought to send him 
 away to school." 
 
 " He doesn't seem quite the boy for that. We'll see as 
 he gets older. But I won't have any quarreling about 
 Annis. Annis belongs to me, don't you, little girl ? And 
 we'll marry off all the rest of them, and you and I and 
 mother will live together the remainder of our lives," 
 kissing her with tenderness. 
 
 When they all went away and she loved them all how 
 lonesome it would be! 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 A TALK OF WEDDINGS. 
 
 '"yOU must decide and answer me, Jaqueline. You 
 know I love you. The marriage would be pleasing 
 to both sides of the family. My holiday is over, and I 
 must rejoin my chief. I want the matter settled. If you 
 are not convinced that you can love me, I shall take it 
 as a sign that there is very little hope for me none at all, 
 in fact and go my way." 
 
 There was something rather stern in the tone, and the 
 pretty girl's humor protested. She liked the tender woo 
 ing, the graceful compliments, the sort of uncertainty 
 
 161
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 when she could salve her conscience by saying she was 
 not really engaged and feel compelled to hold herself aloof 
 from certain attentions. For whatever coquetries a Vir 
 ginia girl might indulge in, an engagement was sacred. 
 
 " I do wonder if you really love me? " She longed to 
 temporize. There was always something happening, 
 and now there was to be a week's party at Annapolis and 
 a ball and several sailing excursions. Business would 
 interfere with his going. If she could keep free until 
 after that! 
 
 He looked at her steadily. " If you doubt it after my 
 year of devotion, I hardly know how to convince you. 
 Words will not do it. You must believe it." 
 
 " For it would be a sad thing for either of us to make 
 a mistake," she returned plaintively. 
 
 " You asked for three months to consider. And yet 
 you admitted that you cared for me even then. If your 
 love has not increased any in that time it certainly argues 
 ill for me. And now it must be a plain answer, yes or 
 no. It is foolish to trifle this way. Which is it, Jaque- 
 line?" 
 
 He took both her hands in his and impelled her to meet 
 his eyes. Her face was scarlet, her eyes drooped, her 
 expression was so beseeching that it almost conquered 
 him as it had times before. But he was going away 
 with Mr. Monroe, and it would be a month before he saw 
 her again. 
 
 "Yes or no!" 
 
 " You are cruel." Her eyes filled with tears. She 
 felt his hands tremble, strong as they were. 
 
 " Then it must be no, if you cannot say yes. Jaque- 
 line, I am more than sorry. You are the first girl that 
 ever roused in me the sweet desire to have her for my 
 very own. I may never find another to whom I can give 
 the same regard. But I want no unwilling bride." 
 
 162
 
 A TALK OF WEDDINGS. 
 
 He dropped the hands reluctantly. He half turned, as 
 if that was final. 
 
 " Roger " 
 
 She so often evaded his name. What an entrancing 
 sound it had! And it softened him. 
 
 " You are so masterful," and her voice had a little 
 break in it. " I am afraid I could not be a meek, silly 
 wife with no mind of her own, but a mocking-bird 
 echo of her husband's. When I feel quite sure I love 
 you " 
 
 " Is there any such blessed moment ? " He took her 
 in his arms. " I have sometimes felt in my inmost soul 
 there was, and this certainly pays for hours of doubt. I 
 do not care to have you meek; and silly women I abhor. 
 I only want this one point settled. After that you will 
 find me devoted to your slightest whims." 
 
 " Then I suppose I must " with a fascinating re 
 luctance. 
 
 " There is no compulsion. You either give me your 
 sweet, fresh girl's soul to bloom in the garden of man 
 hood's unalterable love, freely and rejoicingly, or I go 
 my solitary way." 
 
 " Do not go. I could not spare you. Are you quite 
 sure you will not prove a tyrant?" 
 
 For answer he kissed her, then held her in a gentle yet 
 strong embrace. 
 
 " And you love me ? " 
 
 " Oh, how hard you are to satisfy ! " 
 
 "Still, you will say it?" 
 
 " I love you. Will that satisfy your lordship ? Now if 
 I were a princess you could not be so hard to satisfy. A 
 nod would answer." 
 
 " You are my princess. Now let us go and find your 
 father. I am afraid he has had a rather low opinion of 
 my powers of persuasion." 
 
 163
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 They were under the great plane tree. Annis was 
 taking a lesson in hemstitching at her mother's 
 knee. 
 
 " We have come for your blessing," began the happy 
 lover. 
 
 " Which I give gladly. I could not have chosen bet 
 ter for Jaqueline if I had gone half over the world, or 
 at least a son-in-law more acceptable to myself. If I 
 wish you as much happiness as I have had, your cup will 
 be full." 
 
 Mrs. Mason rose and kissed the girl with fervent af 
 fection. " We all like him so," she whispered to Jaque 
 line. " Your father will be as happy as your lover." 
 
 " Come and give us joy, little Annis. I hope Charles 
 won't protest at your having a new brother." 
 
 " But he likes you so," answered the child simply. 
 " And you never tease him." 
 
 " Charles must learn not to be such a ninny," declared 
 his father. 
 
 The supper was almost a betrothal feast. For a won 
 der, there were no guests. But before bedtime every 
 slave on the plantation knew it, and great was the re 
 joicing. And the next morning numerous little gifts 
 were brought for Jaqueline's acceptance. And now 
 Roger hated to go away. How could he be content with 
 this one brief sup of happiness? 
 
 " We must go up to the Pineries," Mr. Mason said. 
 " Your grandmother would feel hurt if she were not in 
 formed at once. And are you going next week ? " 
 
 " Oh, of course. I even asked Mr. Carrington. Was 
 not that dutiful ? " 
 
 Her father laughed. " Jaqueline, you need a strong 
 hand. You have had your way too much." 
 
 " I don't know why everyone thinks I ought to be 
 ruled like a baby," she pouted. 
 
 164
 
 A TALK OF WEDDINGS. 
 
 " Jack, you are going to have one of the best hus 
 bands. Remember that." 
 
 It was not until afternoon that they started, and were 
 to remain all night. As there was room for one more, 
 Annis went with them. It hardly seemed like the same 
 place, Jaqueline thought, and she decided she liked grand 
 papa much better than Uncle Brandon. He insisted upon 
 the relationship having the right name, and was quite as 
 great a stickler for attention as his father had been; 
 but where Mr. Floyd's was really a fine old-fashioned 
 dignity, Brandon's seemed more pretentious. 
 
 His wife was one of the ordinary women of that day, 
 whose duty under all circumstances was to her husband. 
 Master Archie put on many consequential airs. 
 
 " I am glad you are going to do so well," said grand 
 mother. " The Carringtons are a good family, and their 
 father left a nice property, which must be very valuable. 
 I must look among my treasures and see what I can spare 
 for you. Dolly had my rubies they were her choice; 
 and my pearls were for Marian. That was a sad and 
 sore disappointment to us all. There seems very little 
 hope of amendment in the case." 
 
 Jaqueline and Marian walked up and down in the fra 
 grant twilight. 
 
 " You don't mean that you still consider yourself en 
 gaged ? " queried the young girl in surprise. 
 
 " But nothing has been said, and I don't know what 
 can be said now. You see, papa made his will quite a 
 long while ago, and when there was the talk about Lieu 
 tenant Ralston he said if I encouraged him if I married 
 against his wishes he would not leave me anything, and 
 everybody should know it was because I had been a dis 
 obedient, ungrateful child. Think of having it read out 
 before all the relatives ! And you know he did not alter 
 the will. He gave Jane less because he had given her 
 
 165
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 part of her portion on her wedding day. Jane had it 
 very easy, I think, considering that Mr. Jettson had no 
 fortune to speak of except those Washington marshes. 
 But Jane's had a nice time and plenty of friends. Only, 
 you see, now I feel bound by the will. Papa trusted me. 
 He had a feeling that Mr. Greaves might recover he was 
 so strong, and had always been well. But we never 
 talked it over, for no one really was thinking of papa's 
 death." 
 
 " Do you know, Marian, I consider you a very fool 
 ish girl superstitious, as well? No one can expect you 
 to marry Mr. Greaves," said Jaqueline emphatically. 
 
 " Of course not now. But if he should have his mind 
 a little while and give me up, I should feel quite free, 
 you know." 
 
 " And you mean to wait for that ? " indignantly. 
 
 " I am not waiting. Papa has been dead such a little 
 while that it would be indecent to traverse his wishes at 
 once. And Mr. Greaves loved me, he really did; you 
 need not look so incredulous ! Not like a younger man, 
 perhaps," making a little halt. " He planned so many 
 things for my pleasure. We were to go to England. He 
 and papa agreed so well on politics." 
 
 " And you are an American girl ! Please don't for 
 get that grandmother's father was at the surrender of 
 Cornwallis, and we are all proud of it ! He is your an 
 cestor, too. And the Masons were all on the side of lib 
 erty and a country for ourselves." 
 
 " I think women are not much concerned in politics," 
 she replied evasively. " But it is pleasanter to have all 
 your people of one belief. It does seem as if the 
 Church should have something to do with the govern 
 ment. I don't understand it, but it appears Christian 
 and proper." 
 
 " After all, it is the people who make the country, and 
 
 166
 
 A TALK OF WEDDINGS. 
 
 the Church too. And it ought to be what the people 
 want, the majority of them." 
 
 Jaqueline's tone carried a penetrating conviction, yet 
 Marian steeled her heart against it. The people certainly 
 were an aggregate of individuals ; and if everyone in 
 sisted upon having his own way, anarchy must ensue. 
 But she could not reason on the subject, even in Jaque 
 line's girlish fashion. Argument was reprehensible in 
 women. 
 
 " Then you just mean to wait! " There was an accent 
 of disappointment in Jaqueline's tone. 
 
 " There is nothing else to do. I certainly must respect 
 papa's wishes." 
 
 " You've changed so, Marian." 
 
 " Remember, Jaqueline, I am years older than you," she 
 replied with dignity. " And now I have to be mother's 
 companion. She misses father very much. I'm glad to 
 have you happy, and everyone is pleased with your en 
 gagement. It is a very excellent one." 
 
 " The excellence wouldn't go very far if it did not please 
 me," returned the younger girl. " My happiness and 
 pleasure are a personal affair, not simply the satisfaction 
 of others." 
 
 " I hope you will be very happy," reiterated Marian. 
 " Dolly is. Mother thinks her letters are quite frivolous ; 
 they are all about dinners and visits and parties. She 
 doesn't go to the very gay ones, but she writes about them. 
 Charleston must be quite as fashionable as Washington, 
 to judge from the gowns and entertainments. But Dolly 
 is not keeping house, though she has her rooms and her 
 maid." 
 
 Then the two girls lapsed into silence as they walked 
 up and down. Jaqueline was thinking that next week 
 Lieutenant Ralston would be her cavalier, and she had 
 ardently wished to reawaken hope in his breast, in the 
 
 167
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 place of the disesteem in which he held Marian indeed, 
 nearly all women ; though he occasionally said : " I can't 
 imagine you or Mrs. Jettson doing such a thing ! " That 
 was really flattering. Of course she should tell him of 
 her engagement, and they would still be friends. 
 
 Louis was to be of the party, and they started off in 
 high spirits. 
 
 "Jaqueline ought to sober down a little," said her 
 father. " And there is no need of a long engagement. 
 The Carringtons will be anxious for the marriage 
 well," laughingly, " more anxious than we. But I think 
 most men are pleased when their daughters marry well. 
 And we have four." 
 
 "We need not think of the younger ones for several 
 years," Mrs. Mason said with a smile. 
 
 " Varina ought to go to school somewhere, or to 
 Aunt Catharine. Patty improved wonderfully. And 
 Charles " 
 
 " I think Charles is doing very well. Louis admits 
 that he studies beyond hjs years. And he seems to me 
 not over-robust. I would certainly wait another year." 
 
 Jaqueline begged her brother to say nothing about the 
 engagement. It was so recent, and she would not be 
 married in some time. 
 
 " You'll be flirting with everybody." 
 
 " Oh, don't grudge me a week's pleasure ! After that 
 I will be as staid as any grandmother." 
 
 " Carrington isn't the fellow to stand much nonsense 
 when the rights are all on his side. I advise you to be 
 careful." 
 
 "Why, I am going to be, even now. Of course Mr. 
 Ralston is different from the others. We have been 
 friends so long." 
 
 Ralston was safe enough, Louis thought. And one 
 couldn't quite blame Jaqueline. She did not flirt openly 
 
 168
 
 A TALK OF WEDDINGS. 
 
 like Betty Fairfax; and now Betty was devotion itself 
 to her lover, and she was to be married in the early 
 autumn. In fact, Louis had not felt satisfied to be so 
 entirely crowded out when he had been one of Betty's 
 favorites. 
 
 Girls were queer, he mused. Then he threw himself into 
 the round of pleasures, which in those days were really 
 made for enjoyment. No one thought of being bored. 
 The world was fresh and young, and had not been 
 traversed by theories and sciences and experiences of 
 tired generations. Everyone felt he or she had a right 
 to at least one draught of the nectar of youth. 
 
 Lieutenant Ralston had come with the hope that Jaque- 
 line would bring him some message to light the future. 
 Of course if Marian had been married that would have 
 been the end of all things. He had too fine a sense of 
 honor to covet another man's wife. But it seemed as if 
 Providence had intervened. Mr. Floyd was dead and 
 Mr. Greaves out of the lists by a stroke of fate. And 
 since Marian was free, he was at liberty to give his fancy 
 unlimited play once more. 
 
 Jaqueline was indignant that Marian had not gladly 
 grasped her liberty, but still hugged the chain of another's 
 selecting. Perhaps her feelings colored her words, al 
 though she strove to be fair and make allowance for the 
 superstitious reverence in which the girl seemed to hold 
 her father. Or was it really fear? 
 
 " I thought I had not hoped any, but circumstances 
 coming out this way seemed an interposition in my be 
 half," admitted Mr. Ralston. " And I found it very easy 
 to go back to that delightful experience. Even now that 
 you have a lover, Miss Jaqueline, I think you hardly un 
 derstand how a man loves and how willing he is to pick 
 up the faintest shred of hope and dream that it may 
 blossom anew, or rather that the bud, having been crushed 
 
 169
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 by another's ruthlessness, has still in it strength enough 
 to unfold in fragrance when nursed carefully by the man 
 who thinks no other bloom could ever be so sweet. 
 Perhaps I was a fool for this second dream. I tried to 
 shut it out, but it stole in unawares. She hasn't been 
 worth it all, nor any of it, I see that plainly now." 
 
 " Poor Marian ! " The love moved the girl with in 
 finite pity for the woman who had lost it and was trying 
 to feed on husks. 
 
 " No, don't pity her ; she isn't worth it," and his tone 
 was" bitterly resentful. " I could have overlooked the 
 weakness that made her yield to her tyrannical father; 
 but now when she could be free, when she knows there 
 awaits her the sacred welcome of love, it is plain that 
 she does not care. Perhaps she is still counting on a for 
 tune coming to her as if by a miracle, for she has no great 
 deal of her own." 
 
 " No, no ; it is not that," protestingly. 
 
 " It looks mightily like it." 
 
 " Marian has a queer conscience. You don't 
 know " Did she really know Marian herself? 
 
 " Well, we will dismiss her now. Perhaps she has a 
 high order of constancy that will keep her faithful to 
 someone who is helpless and cannot appreciate it. She 
 may be a too superior person for me. That is the end of 
 it. I shall never mention her again. You have been 
 very good to find so many excuses for her, and to keep 
 alive my regard. But I cannot afford to lose your friend 
 ship. Carrington won't grudge me that, I know." 
 
 Jaqueline smiled. She was rather proud that he asked 
 her friendship. 
 
 There were belles who were eager to gain his attention. 
 Jaqueline resolved to keep the best of her friend to her 
 self, and smiled a little at the curiously obedient manner 
 in which he returned to her when she had sent him to 
 
 170
 
 A TALK OF WEDDINGS. 
 
 dance with someone. She liked the pretty ordering about 
 of her admirers, the sense of power at once fascinating 
 and dangerous. 
 
 " I shall try to get off for a few days and pay you a 
 visit," Ralston said. " Louis will be going back to col 
 lege, and next year we shall have him in Washington. 
 And you will be up often this winter? Mrs. Jettson 
 seems deserted by both of her sisters. She is so fond 
 of young people." 
 
 " Oh, yes ; I shall be up a good deal." 
 
 " And the visit ? " tentatively. 
 
 " We shall be delighted to see you. You will have an 
 admiring audience from father down." 
 
 " Thank you. You can never know what a comfort 
 you have been to me. And these few days have quite 
 restored me to myself. Have I been a very foolish, love- 
 stricken swain ? " 
 
 " Oh, I do not think you have been foolish at all ! I 
 was afraid you would grow hard and cynical, and I don't 
 like people who are classing everybody in the same cate 
 gory and looking on the worst side." 
 
 She was very young, but she had a charm that touched 
 his heart. Did he half envy Roger Carrington? But, 
 then, he would be madly jealous of anyone who lavished 
 her smiles in that fashion. One or two choice friends 
 might be admissible. He was safe, for he would never 
 be so easily caught again by any woman. Friendship 
 was all he desired, and in the years to come she would re 
 semble Mrs. Jettson, no doubt, who was very proud of her 
 husband, and fond of him too. He liked women who 
 were proud of their husbands. For wifely devotion had 
 not gone out of fashion. 
 
 There was a gay and busy autumn for Jaqueline. 
 Betty Fairfax had a great wedding that befitted the old 
 mansion where she had reigned a queen for more years 
 
 171
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 than usually fell to the lot of a handsome Virginian girl. 
 She had seen two younger sisters married and made much 
 merriment over it, and now she was going to be the wife 
 of the newly elected Governor of one of the more southern 
 States. Consequently there was a grand time all 
 through the county, and there were six bridesmaids to 
 wait upon my lady, one of them being Jaqueline. 
 
 So there was a week to be spent with Betty, Miss Eliza 
 beth Fairfax, as she was called now. 
 
 " And what a shame your cousin's affairs should have 
 come to naught ! " Betty declared. " To give up a fine 
 young soldier, and then to have her second lover come to 
 grief. It is a case of the two stools, and one com 
 ing to the floor. If I had not heard of your engage 
 ment, Jaqueline, I should have asked him to stand with 
 you. If I had known him better I should have invited 
 him, anyhow. There are several guests coming from 
 Washington." 
 
 " If I had only known you cared ! " cried Jaqueline. 
 
 " You see, I want to make as brave a show as possible," 
 and Betty laughed. " I desire to let my liege-lord see that 
 I have been accustomed to the best, and a good deal of it, 
 so he won't consider me an ignoramus when he is in 
 augurated Governor later on." 
 
 " Then let us have Mr. Ralston ! " Jaqueline's eyes 
 were alight with eagerness and amusement. " I will 
 write to Mr. Carrington, and you shall inclose an invita 
 tion. I'll send a few lines too, so that he can see it is 
 really meant." 
 
 " That's quite delightful of you. Maybe he will find 
 some balm to mend his broken heart among the pretty 
 girls." 
 
 " He is not heartbroken now, although he took it very 
 hard at first. Grandpapa was bitterly opposed to it, you 
 know. And Marian is in mourning and goes nowhere, 
 
 172
 
 A TALK OF WEDDINGS. 
 
 because grandmamma thinks she ought not to be left 
 alone." 
 
 " But Mr. Greaves will never recover. Doctor Leets 
 said so." 
 
 " Oh, no ! No one expects it, I think." 
 
 " Well, I suppose the devotion to a lost cause looks very 
 pretty and constant. Only she will not be a widow, 
 more's the pity, for widows soon pick up husbands. Now 
 about the invitation." 
 
 It was so prettily worded that Lieutenant Ralston ac 
 cepted it at the first reading; and the two journeyed to 
 gether to the grand festivity. Old people and young at 
 tended, in fashions of various kinds, from the Conti 
 nental to more modern date. The Governor of Virginia 
 honored Betty's nuptials, and several of the Washington 
 grandees. The Gazette had a brilliant account of it, and 
 it was the boast of the county for many a year afterward. 
 
 The next morning the newly wedded pair started in a 
 coach drawn by six white horses, ornamented with wed 
 ding favors. And there was, as usual, much merry-mak 
 ing afterwards, as there was still one daughter to lead in 
 the gayety. 
 
 " And when are you coming up to Georgetown ? " Car- 
 rington asked of his sweetheart. 
 
 " Oh, there is another wedding on the carpet ! And 
 then a birthday ball at the Lees'. Then Patty is to have 
 a birthday celebration. She thinks thus far all the fes 
 tivities have been for me, and this time the invitations 
 are to go out in her name." 
 
 " And then Christmas, I suppose," in a rather disap 
 pointed tone. " To get my share of you I shall have to 
 marry you, Jaqueline. Come, think about that. When 
 is it to be ? " 
 
 " In a year. That will give me time to fulfill my en 
 gagements and get ready." 
 
 173
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " A year ! " in dismay. 
 
 " You ought not grudge me that when you think of the 
 years and years we shall have to live together." 
 
 " Shall have to ! " he re-echoed. 
 
 " That I believe is customary when one is married," she 
 said with teasing archness. " Unless one happens to have 
 the Emperor of the French for a brother." 
 
 " Wifehood is a woman's highest prerogative " 
 
 " Not to be entered into hastily or unadvisedly," she in 
 terrupted with a mischievous smile. 
 
 She was a pretty, fascinating torment! His mother 
 had said : " One wedding follows another among the 
 bridesmaids. I hope you will come home with your day 
 set." 
 
 " I am going to learn to cook and to keep house this 
 winter," she began gravely. " And it takes a long time 
 to make wedding clothes." 
 
 " Nonsense ! There are cooks enough in the world. 
 As for housekeeping, that is a woman's birthright. And 
 at first you know we need not keep house. You will be in 
 Washington with me, and then we can go over home 
 for I shall hardly let you out of my sight. Yes, let it be 
 soon after Christmas." 
 
 " I can't be hurried in that fashion," she returned petu 
 lantly. " And I should get tired of you if you were such 
 a jailer as never to let me out of your sight." 
 
 " You do not love me as I love you ! " 
 
 " But you know I told you I was not quite sure I loved 
 you enough. Love grows with some people, and with 
 some it comes in a moment of time. Would you not 
 rather have it grow year after year, and get richer and 
 truer " 
 
 Her voice fell to an exquisite softness, and touched him 
 deeply. 
 
 " There can be only one truth to love," he said solemnly. 
 
 174
 
 LOVERS AND LOVERS. 
 
 Then he took her in his arms and pressed a kiss upon her 
 forehead in a reverent manner. 
 
 " I must go away and leave you here," he said pres 
 ently. " I am always leaving you to some scene of 
 gayety." 
 
 " But you take the two most tempting young men, 
 the lieutenant and Dr. Collaston. Why, he will add 
 quite a grace and interest to Washington. And the 
 goodly company will be scattered, leaving behind the old 
 people, who are always talking of their young days. I 
 promised Betty I would stay a whole week with her sister. 
 There I think they are calling you." 
 
 " Carriage ready, sah. Jes' time to meet de stage," 
 said the black servant, who still wore his wedding favor 
 proudly. 
 
 Were most girls reluctant to marry ? Roger Carrington 
 wondered. Miss Fairfax had gone away joyfully. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 LOVERS AND LOVERS. 
 
 1AQUELINE found herself very much engrossed. 
 J There was another young lady to attract visitors, and 
 Patricia soon became a favorite. She was vivacious and 
 ready to take her part in any amusement, could dance like 
 a fairy, and sing like a bird. 
 
 " You'll have to look to your laurels, Miss Jaqueline," 
 said old Mr. Manners, their next neighbor. " Patty will 
 carry off all the lovers in no time. I hope you have made 
 sure of yours." 
 
 Jaqueline blushed and tossed her head. 
 
 " He would marry me to-morrow," she returned. 
 " I'm in no haste to be married." 
 
 175
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 At the next wedding she had another attendant, the 
 brother of the bride. Roger was too busy to come for the 
 mere pleasure. When the birthday ball was at the Lees' 
 Mr. Monroe had sent him to Philadelphia on some im 
 portant business. So Lieutenant Ralston was cavalier 
 for both girls ; and certainly Patty was one of the belles 
 of the evening, and could have danced with two part 
 ners every time. 
 
 After that came Patty's birthday, and a grand affair it 
 was. Mrs. Jettson ran down to look on and help a little, 
 as she said, but not to take an active part. Ralston 
 begged that Dr. Collaston might be invited. He had 
 graduated from the Philadelphia school, but was a Mary- 
 lander by birth; and, having a private fortune, had de 
 cided to spend the winter in Washington. A bright, fine- 
 looking young fellow who played the flute delightfully 
 and sang all the songs of the day, and, what was of still 
 more importance to social life, could dance with zest and 
 elegance. 
 
 Jaqueline was in some degree the hostess, and dis 
 tributed her favors impartially, so Roger had very little 
 of her. Varina and Annis felt as if they were in fairy 
 land, and were entranced with delight. 
 
 Mrs. Jettson insisted that after Christmas she should 
 have her turn with the girls. 
 
 " There are to be some famous visitors, I hear, and 
 Washington is getting to be quite a notable place. Not 
 quite St. James ; but Mrs. Madison is our queen, and it is 
 like a little court, as Philadelphia used to be in Mrs. 
 Washington's time. The debates will be worth hearing, 
 or rather seeing, for the famous speakers who will take 
 part. Dolly writes about Mr. Calhoun, and there is a Mr. 
 Henry Clay, who is very eloquent. I can't give regular 
 parties, but you girls can go out, and Patty must attend 
 a levee and be presented to Mrs. Madison." 
 
 176
 
 LOVERS AND LOVERS. 
 
 Patricia was very much elated. 
 
 " Why, it will be something like the English stories," 
 there were a few novels even then that girls were allowed 
 to read, " going up to London or to Bath with a trunk 
 full of finery. I don't suppose you ever will take us to 
 London, papa ? " 
 
 " I'm getting too old. You will have to get a hus 
 band to take you to London." 
 
 " ' Where the streets were so wide and the lanes were 
 so narrow ? ' " sang Patty. " But I won't have a wheel 
 barrow. I'll have a coach, or nothing." 
 
 " I wish you were not going away," Annis sighed. 
 " It's so bright and merry when you are here, and so 
 many ladies come in their pretty frocks, and they laugh 
 and talk. I can hear you upstairs when I am in my bed. 
 And the fiddles sound so gay, and then I know you are 
 dancing. Oh, I wish Christmas and birthdays could 
 come oftener ! " 
 
 " The birthdays might do for little people who are anx 
 ious to grow old fast," said Jaqueline, patting the child's 
 shoulder. " But the rest of us wouldn't want two or 
 three in a year. And it won't be very long before you'll 
 be going to Washington to see the queen, pussy cat." 
 
 " But I want you, not the queen. It will be so lone 
 some when you are gone ! " 
 
 " You are a little sweet ! " Jaqueline bent over and 
 kissed her. " I hope you'll stay just sweet, nothing 
 else. Everybody will love you." 
 
 " I'm afraid I don't want quite everybody," she re 
 turned in a hesitating tone. 
 
 " Yes, one can even have too much of love," laughed 
 the elder sister. She thought she sometimes had too much 
 of it. She was proud of Roger Carrington, and she was 
 quite sure she did not care for anyone else in the way of 
 .wishing that some other person stood in his place. Why, 
 
 ?77
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 then, was she not ready to step into his life and make it 
 glad with a supreme touch of happiness? 
 
 Annis glanced up wistfully to the beautiful face bent 
 over her, which was more engrossed with its own per 
 plexities than considering her little sister. Then sud 
 denly she laughed, a low musical sound with much 
 amusement in it, and Annis smiled too. 
 
 " You are having love troubles early, Annis dear," she 
 said gayly. Charles' penchant increased rather than di 
 minished, and Annis found it somewhat exacting and 
 troublesome. When there were other young visitors 
 Varina appropriated them, much to Charles' satisfaction, 
 and he invariably turned the cold shoulder to other little 
 girls. 
 
 " But Charles is going to school presently, and he will 
 get interested in boys and plans for the future, so you 
 may stand a chance of being forgotten; how will you 
 like that?" 
 
 " Why, I shall have mamma always. Jaqueline," 
 hesitatingly, " does anyone love you too much ? Is 
 it Mr. Ralston? And doesn't he love Marian any 
 more ? " 
 
 " My dear, when Marian was engaged Mr. Ralston 
 gave her up, which was right and honorable. Little girls 
 can't understand all about such matters." 
 
 " I like Mr. Ralston very much," Annis remarked 
 gravely. " Varina thinks Patty will marry him." 
 
 " What nonsense ! Varina is quite too ready with her 
 tongue. Come, don't you want a little ride with me be 
 fore I go to town ? " 
 
 The child was delighted, and ran off for her hat and 
 coat. 
 
 Her father had suggested a little caution in regard to 
 Mr. Ralston. They were simply friends. He had 
 never uttered a word that could be wrongly con- 
 
 178
 
 LOVERS AND LOVERS. 
 
 strued. She had a kind of safe feeling with him. Was 
 there any real danger? But he was Roger's friend as 
 well? 
 
 There were already some invitations awaiting the 
 two girls when they arrived at Mrs. Jettson's. Patricia 
 was much elated with her first levee. Certainly there was 
 a group of distinguished women entertaining Mrs. Cutts 
 and Mrs. Lucy Washington, now a charming young 
 widow; Mrs Gallatin, and the still handsome Mrs. Mon 
 roe, who had been an acknowledged New York beauty; 
 and among the men the very agreeable young Washington 
 Irving, who was to leave a lasting mark on American 
 literature. 
 
 " But you feel almost afraid of the wisdom and genius 
 and power," said Patricia to Dr. Collaston. " Now, 
 there is Mr. Clay, with his sharp eyes under the overhang 
 ing eyebrows that look as if they might dart out at you 
 and somehow set you in a blaze. I am to go hear one of 
 his speeches, my brother insists. And my cousin Dolly 
 is wild about Mr. Calhoun. Don't you think they might 
 both have been made handsomer without any great det 
 riment to the world? And Mrs. Calhoun is charming. 
 She knew some of the Floyds and heard about Dolly's 
 marriage." 
 
 " Patrick Henry wasn't a handsome man, if accounts 
 are reliable. Genius and good looks do not always go 
 together," and Collaston smiled. 
 
 " There is Mr. Irving. He talks delightfully. And 
 it is a pleasure to look at him." 
 
 " Call no man happy until he is dead. I mean it is 
 not safe to predict how much fame one will win un 
 til " 
 
 " Until he has won it. But it is a kind of cruel thing 
 to wait until you are dead, when you can't know anything 
 about it. I mean to take my delight as I go along. But, 
 
 179
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 then, women are not expected to be addicted to longing 
 for fame." 
 
 " Still they may be famous for beauty. I think there 
 have been a number of famous women. Queen Eliza 
 beth " 
 
 " Don't instance the Empress Catherine nor Catherine 
 de Medicis. If you do, I shall never forgive you. Nor 
 Joan of Arc I can't remember any more." 
 
 " Nor the Pilgrim mothers ! They deserved a good 
 deal of credit to set up housekeeping on bleak Plymouth 
 Rock. Why doesn't someone talk about them ! House 
 keeping is a womanly grace or virtue or acquirement 
 which do you call it ? " 
 
 " I suppose it is an acquirement when you work hard to 
 obtain it, a grace when it comes natural. Do you im 
 agine they kindled the fire on the rocks and boiled the ket 
 tle as we do when we go off in the woods for a day's 
 pleasure ? " 
 
 " They wouldn't let you do it now. Plymouth Rock has 
 become " 
 
 " The palladium of liberty ! Isn't that rather choice 
 and fit and elegant? It is a pity that I can't take the 
 credit of inventing it. And what a shame we haven't a 
 few rocks about here ! I have a dreadful feeling that the 
 Capital may sink down in the slough some day and dis 
 appear. Every street ends in a marsh." 
 
 " You see, this is rightly called the New World it is 
 not finished yet." 
 
 " Dr. Collaston, we can't allow you to monopolize 
 the beauties of the evening. Here are some guests 
 anxious to meet Miss Mason," and thereupon Patricia 
 was turned slightly around to face a group of young 
 people. 
 
 But it was not all gayety or compliments, though men 
 were gallant enough then, and ready with florid en- 
 
 180
 
 LOVERS AND LOVERS. 
 
 comiums. There was the dreaded topic of war, which 
 was touched upon with bated breath; there were mut 
 tered anathemas concerning the impressment of sailors; 
 there were fears of France and a misgiving that we were 
 not strong enough to cope with England while our re 
 sources were still slender. And already there were un 
 dercurrents forming for the Presidential election more 
 than six months hence. 
 
 But the younger people chatted nonsense, laughed at 
 trifles, and made engagements for pleasure as well as for 
 life ; or the more coquettish ones teased their lovers with 
 vain pretenses. Mrs. Van Ness entertained with ease 
 and brilliance, and was as fond of gathering the younger 
 people about her as those more serious companies where 
 the responsible party men met and in a veiled way touched 
 upon the graver questions. At Mrs. Gallatin's one met 
 the more intellectual or scientific people. There was a 
 feeling in the air that the country ought to consider an 
 advancement in literature. Boston was already pluming 
 herself upon a certain intellectual standing. There were 
 Harvard and a Law Club, and a kind of literary center 
 that had issued a magazine, and there were several pa 
 pers. New York had some poets, and there had been a 
 few novels written. But what could anyone say about 
 such a new country? There were no famous ruins, 
 though there were battlefields that were to be historic 
 ground when men could look at them from a distance. 
 Many a brave story lurked in the fastnesses of Virginia, 
 and old James River held a romance in almost every curve 
 of its banks. 
 
 But people were busy about the currency and the debts, 
 and the laws the young nation must have for her safety, 
 and the respect she must demand from other nations. 
 For this is one of the things nations give grudgingly; 
 perhaps individuals do it, as well. Even now Mr. 
 
 181
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 Adams' administration was criticised, and Mr. Benjamin 
 Franklin was accused of spending his time flirting with 
 French women, who were great flatterers, all the world 
 knew. And some people were still berating the Jefferson 
 policy, and sneered at little Jemmy Madison. Washing 
 ton had not really taken hold of the hearts of the people. 
 Gouverneur Morris had said wittily that " it only lacked 
 cellars and houses and decently paved streets and a steady 
 population, and that it was a fine city for future resi 
 dences." 
 
 Georgetown was more settled and prosperous, and 
 there was much going back and forth, if coaches did now 
 and then get stuck in the mud ; and young gentlemen not 
 infrequently adopted the Philadelphia custom of drawing 
 on long leggings when they went on horseback to keep 
 their handsome stockings and their velvet smallclothes 
 from being injured. 
 
 The South was well represented in these early days. 
 Newspaper letters found their way to other cities, with 
 enthusiastic descriptions of the principal beauties, their 
 charms and fascinations. Mrs. Madison and her two 
 sisters perhaps set the pace for delightful hospitality, and 
 that still more engaging and agreeable quality of giving 
 guests a pleasant time and a lasting remembrance to take 
 away with them. 
 
 But it was not all pleasure. There were housewifely 
 duties ; and more than one visitor saw the first lady of the 
 land in her morning gown of gray stuff and a big white 
 apron, for servants were not always equal to the state 
 dinners. There were some charities too, when the 
 younger people met to sew, and gossip about new fash 
 ions and new admirers. And the first real work of be 
 nevolence was undertaken about that time by some of the 
 more notable women. This was the City Orphan Asy 
 lum, for already there were homeless waifs at the Capital. 
 
 182
 
 LOVERS AND LOVERS. 
 
 They met once a week to cut out clothing, or cut over 
 garments sent in. Mrs. Van Ness kept up her interest 
 in it through a long life, after Mrs. Madison retired to her 
 Virginian home to nurse her husband's invalid mother, 
 and finally devote herself to the years of dependence that 
 befell the husband of her love. Certainly the record of 
 her later life reads like a charming romance. But the 
 young people were not interested in policies, and could 
 not believe in war, except Indian skirmishes and among 
 the European nations hungering for power. 
 
 Patricia was eager for fun and delight, and dearly 
 loved a dance. And, like more modern girls, she had a 
 desire to be settled in life, to have a home of her own. To 
 her that seemed the chief business to be undertaken 
 through these early years. She liked Ralph Carrington 
 very much. " But perhaps one in a family ought to suf 
 fice," she remarked to Jane. " Then he is so grave and 
 bookish, and his wife will be expected to come home. I 
 dare say Jack and I would always dispute about husbands. 
 Ralph has the best temper. Roger is dreadfully jealous. 
 I can't see how Jack dares to go on so." 
 
 " She'll go too far some day," and Jane gave her head 
 a slow, ominous shake. " And she'll be very foolish ! 
 You mark my words, Roger Carrington will be sent 
 abroad before he dies of old age. It's a great honor, I 
 suppose, but I'd rather go on living here." 
 
 " I really don't think I'll take Ralph," after some con 
 sideration. " Do you suppose this gold-thread em 
 broidery will look like that imported stuff?" holding up 
 her work, as if that was more important. 
 
 " Well, it's pretty enough for a queen. There's that 
 New York judge, Patty " 
 
 " I'd rather have someone first-hand. I can't take an 
 other woman's children to my palpitating bosom and have 
 it palpitate as sweetly as Marian's did. But, la ! there's a 
 
 183
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 talk that Mrs. Washington smiles on Judge Todd, who is 
 her shadow! But he's in the Supreme Court." 
 
 " And ever so much older." 
 
 " Well, so was Mr. Madison." 
 
 " I like young men best." 
 
 " Peyton Lee is over here half his time." 
 
 " But, then, I've known him always. And he is too 
 easy. Why, I could run right over him! Because a 
 man cares for a girl he shouldn't be wishy-washy," and 
 Patty tossed her dainty head. 
 
 Jane laughed. " And the doctor ? " 
 
 " Oh, I dare say he will want to go back to Philadel 
 phia and turn Quaker. I couldn't wear those hideous 
 straight gowns and horrid scoop hats without a bow ! " 
 
 " He has been investing in Washington property. He 
 talks of building several houses to rent for the winter. It 
 would be quite a scheme, if they were furnished. Senator 
 Macy would have brought his family if he could have 
 found a comfortable place for them to live. There ought 
 to be some decent hotels and boarding-houses. Men can 
 manage to squeeze in, but it gives permanency to a city 
 to have homes and wives and children. And Washing 
 ton is kind of shifty. Look how prosperous George 
 town is ! " 
 
 Patty nodded. The doctor had discussed this property 
 scheme with her. She was seriously considering him in 
 her own mind. He had not quite asked her to marry 
 him, but he was keeping a very watchful eye over 
 her. 
 
 They went up to Arlington for a three-days' visit and a 
 dance. There was a week at Bladensburg and a sleigh- 
 ride, a rather infrequent occurrence, which made no end 
 of fun and frolic. By this time the doctor had laid his 
 case before Mr. Mason. He had decided to cast in his 
 lot with the new city, to set up a home, and desired per- 
 
 184
 
 LOVERS AND LOVERS. 
 
 mission to address charming Miss Patricia on the subject. 
 He presented his worldly prospects to the elder gen 
 tleman in a very frank manner, and referred him to some 
 well-known residents of the Quaker City. 
 
 Patty had been engrossed a good deal with her own af 
 fairs, although she had laughed and danced with the gay 
 est. Jane had been much interested in watching the out 
 come of the adventure. She had an elder-sisterly feeling 
 for these girls, who had been so much nearer since 
 Marian's defection. She should be rather proud of their 
 both doing so well under her supervision. 
 
 So Jaqueline had been going her own gait pretty well, 
 and developed an inordinate fondness for pleasure and 
 flattery. She was too wise to believe all the pretty 
 speeches, all the earnest speeches even. But they had a 
 rosy fragrance, and perhaps the good thing about some 
 of them was that they faded. She was not an inborn co 
 quette, hungry for lasting power over men's hearts, but 
 the present moment satisfied her. The variety fascinated 
 her. 
 
 Roger Carrington, watching this, was at first rather 
 amused, then a little hurt, and finally, when he began to 
 ask himself seriously how much true regard Jaqueline 
 had for him, grew passionately jealous. If she had said, 
 " I have made a sad mistake ; I find that I have a deeper 
 regard for Lieutenant Ralston than I imagined ; will you 
 give me back my freedom ? " he would have been manly 
 to the heart's core, and released her, though it had 
 wrenched away the beautiful dream of his life. 
 
 But she affected to treat this merely as a friendship. 
 Could she not see? 
 
 When other attentions became troublesome she shel 
 tered herself behind Ralston. He was engrossed in the 
 affairs of the country. He had a feeling at times that he 
 was only playing a part in life, that instead of being merely
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 an ornamental soldier he should go out on the frontier and 
 take an active part in the struggles. He was not meant 
 for a statesman, though he listened, fascinated, to Mar 
 shall and Randolph and Clay and Calhoun, and envied 
 them their power of moving the multitude Then, it did 
 not seem very heroic to be getting the level of a street and 
 calculating the filling in, to consider Tiber Creek and 
 Darby Marsh, to superintend rows of trees and dikes and 
 blind ditches. But when he confessed his dissatisfactions 
 to Jaqueline, she said with a wise, earnest, sisterly air: 
 " Oh, do not go away ! There will be an election in the 
 coming autumn, and how do you know but we may be 
 plunged into war and need you for our own defense? 
 Arthur thinks so much of your advice and counsel." 
 
 That was very true. The thing was to build up Wash 
 ington. Other cities had grown by slow accretion, and 
 been a hundred and more years about it. Congress had 
 ordered a city on a slender purse. There had been mag 
 nificent plans and a half-finished Capitol, a Presidential 
 residence that Mrs. Adams had not inaptly termed a 
 " great castle " ; there were scattered beautiful houses, 
 and though more than a dozen years had passed it was not 
 yet a city of homes ; but there was a new amour propre 
 awakening. The poverty of those days can scarcely be 
 understood in these times of lavishness. 
 
 So energetic young men like Arthur Jettson and Dr. 
 Collaston found scope for all their energies, and were 
 warmly welcomed. 
 
 The latter had hardly decided where to make his home 
 until he met Patricia Mason. And now he adopted his 
 nation's Capital at once. 
 
 His answer was favorable, and he hurried to his sweet 
 heart with all impatience, though he had been cool enough 
 before. And she accepted him, as any sensible girl with 
 a strong liking for a young man every way worthy of her 
 
 186
 
 LOVERS AND LOVERS. 
 
 regard was likely to do. Jane was called in presently to 
 rejoice with them. 
 
 " Oh, Patty ! " she exclaimed afterward, kissing her en 
 thusiastically, " it's just a splendid marriage ! I'm so 
 glad to keep you in Washington! You and Jaqueline 
 and I will have such good times we think alike on so 
 many subjects. I am happy for you, my dear. And I do 
 wonder if you'll want to spin out your engagement " 
 
 " He won't," returned Patty, her pretty face red as a 
 rose, and her eyes suffused with a kind of prideful love. 
 " Why, he spoke of it and thought a month would do ! 
 The idea ! And all the wedding clothes to get and make ! 
 And he never once suggested that we should go to New 
 York, as Preston Floyd did ! " 
 
 Patty drew her face in comical lines, as if indicating 
 disappointment; but the laugh spoiled it all, and the 
 waves of joy dancing in the lines were fascinating. 
 
 " I do wonder what grandmamma will give me ? The 
 pearls and the rubies are bespoke, and she has a dia 
 mond cross that has been in the family how long? " 
 
 " And the diamond ring father Mason gave her. You 
 know Aunt Catharine claims that. I ought to have the 
 cross, being the oldest girl, though it did come from the 
 Verney side." 
 
 " Jaqueline is to have our own mother's pearls. 
 There's a beautiful string of them, and eardrops. But 
 I think the doctor has some diamonds belonging to his 
 mother. Oh, I wish there were some brothers and sis 
 ters ! I shall not gain any new relations ! Father wrote 
 him a delightful letter ; I wish I had kept it to show you. 
 And he says Jaqueline and I must come home soon. Per 
 haps he will be up next week." 
 
 So they chatted, and when Mr. Jettson came in to 
 dinner it was all gone over again. If girls did not ex 
 actly " thank Heaven fasting " for a good husband, they 
 
 187
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 were glad and proud of their great success. They were 
 not ashamed of loving and being loved ; there was a kind 
 of sacredness to most women about this best gift of life. 
 For in those days it was for life. If it did not begin with 
 the maddening fervor of some later loves, it kept gather 
 ing sweetness as the years went on. 
 
 Patty was still at her needlework when Mr. Carring- 
 ton came in. 
 
 " Mother has just sent a servant over to say that I am 
 to bring you and Jaqueline to tea and to spend the night. 
 Some Baltimore relatives have come, and she is anxious 
 you shall meet. They go to Alexandria to-morrow, and 
 then to Stafford, which accounts for the short notice." 
 
 " Oh, Jaqueline went over to the Bradfords' this morn 
 ing. They're going to have a little play, and want her 
 to take part. She can do that so splendidly, you know. 
 Lieutenant Ralston came for her, and said she was to stay 
 to dinner." 
 
 Carrington frowned and bit his lip. 
 
 " I think I'll send over to the Bradfords'. I can't go 
 myself," as if he were considering. 
 
 " I'm sorry, Roger, but perhaps / ought not go. And 
 I hate to disappoint your mother when she has been so 
 kind to us. But Dr. Collaston is coming in this even 
 ing " 
 
 There was a flood of scarlet leaping to her face as she 
 gave a half-embarrassed laugh. 
 
 " Oh, Patty ! you don't mean I mistrusted he was in 
 love with you, but it doesn't always follow that a girl is 
 in love. Shall I give you my best, my most heartfelt 
 wishes? For I know your father will approve. He is a 
 fine fellow, and a fortune is no detriment." 
 
 He took her hand in a tender clasp and then pressed it 
 to his lips. 
 
 " Yes, the approval was sought beforehand. He heard 
 1 88
 
 LOVERS AND LOVERS. 
 
 from papa this morning, and came at once. And I'm 
 not good at secrets," with a joyous laugh. 
 
 " And you are very happy ? I need not ask it of such 
 eyes as those." Their great gladness gave him a pang. 
 
 " It was so sudden. You see, I wasn't quite sure," the 
 color fluttering up and down her sweet face. " I kept 
 saying to myself, ' There are plenty of others,' and now I 
 know there was just one, and I could never be so glad 
 about any other. I am a silly girl, am I not, but you are 
 almost a brother " 
 
 " I wish I were quite, in the way that marriage gives 
 you a brother. I shall shake hands most cordially with 
 the doctor. Perhaps we might go as a party would you 
 mind?" 
 
 " Oh, no ! If you could find Jaqueline." 
 
 " I'll see at once, and send you word. And get word 
 to the doctor also." 
 
 "Oh, thank you!" 
 
 Roger Carrington dispatched a messenger to the Brad- 
 fords. The party had just gone to Mount Pleasant on 
 horseback. It was doubtful if they would be home before 
 supper. They were not sure, and there was a beautiful 
 full moon. 
 
 Then Carrington was angry. She thought nothing of 
 going off with Ralston, and she might at least have con 
 sulted him about the play. That she had not known of it 
 last evening did not at that moment occur to him. All the 
 grievances and irritations of the past few weeks suddenly 
 accumulated, accentuated by the joyous face he had left 
 behind. Did Jaqueline really love him ? Had she not put 
 off the marriage on one pretext and another? She had 
 taken admiration very freely, quite as if she were not an 
 engaged girl. It had annoyed him, but he did not want 
 to play the tyrant, and she had so many pretty excuses. 
 How sweet and coaxing the tones of her voice were! 
 
 189
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 Her smiling eyes had ever persuaded him ; and when tears 
 gathered in them they were irresistible and swept away 
 judgment. He had been too easy. After all, a man was 
 to be the head. 
 
 He did not find the doctor either, but sent word to Pa 
 tricia that he was most sorry to take such a disappoint 
 ment to his mother. They would all go some other time. 
 And he went home rather out of temper inwardly, but 
 courteous to his mother's guests outwardly. 
 
 They were quite disappointed at not seeing Roger's 
 betrothed. 
 
 All the next day and evening he was so closely en 
 gaged that he could not even run down to the Jettsons' 
 until after nine; and then they were all out. That did 
 not improve the white heat of his indignation, and con 
 vinced him that Jaqueline cared more for her own pleas 
 ure than for him. Then when he called the day follow 
 ing she was over at the Bradfords' practicing. 
 
 " It's too bad ! " cried Patricia. " They never came 
 home from their ride until after ten. Jaqueline looked 
 for you yesterday. The play is to be on Monday night, 
 and father is corning up on Wednesday, though now 
 Jaqueline is in it she will have to stay. It is to be quite 
 an event. And a dance afterward." 
 
 Occasionally a theatrical company strayed into Wash 
 ington, but private plays were a treat to the actors as well 
 as to the invited guests. The Bradfords' house was com 
 modious, and the tickets were to be sold for the benefit of 
 the orphan asylum, so there was no difficulty in disposing 
 of them. 
 
 190
 
 JAQUELINE. 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 JAQUELINE. 
 
 "T THOUGHT I should never see you again." 
 
 It was almost dusk of the short day, as it had been 
 cloudy and was threatening a storm. Roger had over 
 taken Jaqueline on her homeward way. 
 
 " How many days has it been ? " turning a smiling face 
 to him. " I have sold all my tickets, and I had meant to 
 keep two for you. Come home to supper with me. Of 
 course you know what has happened! Patty acts as if 
 no girl ever had a lover before. It is amusing." 
 
 Her light tone angered him. 
 
 " Walk a little ways with me. I have something to 
 say to you." 
 
 He drew her hand through his arm and strode on. 
 She braced herself for a storm. 
 
 " What down to the marsh ? The frost is coming out 
 of the ground, and we shall be swamped." 
 
 That was true enough. He turned suddenly. 
 
 " Let us go home. It looks like rain. I believe I felt 
 a drop on my face," she began. 
 
 " Not until I have said my say," in a resolute tone of 
 voice. " Jaqueline, I cannot have this manner of going 
 on. It is very unjust to me, and you will not be the 
 more respected by parading Lieutenant Ralston's devo 
 tion to you when you have an acknowledged lover." 
 
 " His devotion to me ? Why, everybody knows at 
 least, we all know " 
 
 " That figment is only a cover for flirting." 
 
 " But he is your friend." Her tone was quite re 
 sentful, and her temper was rising. 
 
 "Was!" with emphasis. "But this shall no longer 
 
 191
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 be a cover for you. You choose between us. If you 
 like him so much better " 
 
 " Roger, he has never uttered a word of love to me." 
 She stopped short in indignation. 
 
 " Oh, no ! He has some lingering remnant of honor. 
 But you will see how soon he will ask you to marry him 
 when I have given you up." 
 
 Given her up! There was a white line about her 
 mouth, and her eyes seemed to hold the depth of mid 
 night. 
 
 He had not meant to utter the words, though they had 
 been in his mind for days. At the first inception of such 
 a suspicion he had said he would never give her her lib 
 erty and see her married to another man, and then as he 
 had seen her dispensing her smiles to a group of young 
 men and bending her dainty head first to one and then to 
 another, as if what the present speaker was saying was 
 of the utmost moment, a curious revulsion of feeling 
 swept over him. Yes, let Ralston take her, with all her 
 love for the admiration of everybody! Perhaps he did 
 not care for one supreme love. 
 
 She was silent from sheer amazement. That any man 
 who was her real lover should talk of such a possibility 
 stung her to the quick. 
 
 " Jaqueline, I cannot go on this way," and his voice 
 dropped to a softer key. " I want all the tenderness of 
 the woman I love, and some of the attention, I must con 
 fess. If she cares for me I do not see how she can be 
 continually occupied with others. You give me just the 
 fragments. You make engagements, you go out without 
 the least thought that I might have something in view ; 
 you have put off our marriage from time to time, and 
 now you must decide. If you love me well enough to 
 marry me " 
 
 " Out of hand ! " She gave a scornful little laugh. " I 
 
 192
 
 JAQUELINE. 
 
 thought it was a girl's prerogative to appoint her own 
 wedding-day. I will not be hurried and ordered about 
 as if I had no mind of my own. I will be no one's slave ! 
 I will not be watched and suspected and lectured, and 
 shut up for fear someone will see me ! " 
 
 " Jaqueline ! " 
 
 She was very angry now, and it seemed to her as if 
 she had a curiously clear conscience. She had not ex 
 pected to stay at the Bradfords' until just after dinner, 
 but there were still some points to settle, then someone 
 proposed the ride. Ralston had not remained to dinner, 
 and had not gone out to Mount Pleasant with them, but 
 a servant had been sent in with several invitations for 
 gentlemen. Impromptu parties were of no infrequent 
 occurrence among young people. Jaqueline did not 
 know of the invitations until after the messenger had been 
 sent ; and from some oversight no one had mentioned Mr. 
 Camngton. 
 
 She could have explained this. But when she glanced 
 at the erect figure, the steady eyes, the set lip, he looked 
 so masterful. She was used to her father's easy-going 
 ways, and Ralston's persistence in the matter of Marian 
 had a heroic aspect to her. If Roger was so arbitrary be 
 forehand, what would he be as a husband! She forgot 
 how many times she had persuaded him from the very 
 desire of his heart. 
 
 " It is just this, Jaqueline I am tired of trifling. If 
 you do not care to marry me, say so. I sometimes think 
 you do not, that you care for lovers only, admirers who 
 hover about continually, glad of a crumb from a pretty 
 girl. I am not one of them. You take me and let my 
 attentions suffice, or you leave me " 
 
 She had an ideal of what a lover should be, and he 
 looked most unlike it in this determined mood. Why, he 
 was almost as arbitrary as grandfather!
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " Suppose I do not care to be hurried by a fit of anger 
 on your part? If you had asked an explanation like a 
 gentleman " 
 
 " I do not want explanations. You take me or leave 
 me. I have danced attendance on you long enough to 
 no purpose." 
 
 " I certainly shall not take you in this dreadful tem 
 per ! " 
 
 " Very well." He turned slowly. If he really cared 
 for her he would not go. She stood dignified and 
 haughty. Of course he would come around, for if he 
 truly loved her he could not face the future without her. 
 But the door shut between them. 
 
 It was very ungenerous for him to be jealous of Ral 
 ston, and foolish of him not to like her part in the little 
 play. She was not the heroine who had two lovers ador 
 ing her, but a pretty maid who had made her election and 
 was pestered by someone she did not care for, and the 
 story turned on her quick wit in extricating her mistress 
 from a dilemma. Ralston was the lover to whom her sym 
 pathies went, and the one her mistress secretly favored. 
 
 Mrs. Carrington came over that day to take the girls 
 out for a drive and to try to persuade them to come over 
 for a Sunday visit. She congratulated Patricia warmly 
 on her prospects. 
 
 " Perhaps we shall have a double wedding," with a 
 soft, motherly smile. 
 
 " Oh, don't plan for that ! " ejaculated the elder girl 
 with a shiver. " Grandmamma did, you know, and such 
 misfortunes happened." 
 
 " But it would be lovely ! " Patricia exclaimed long 
 ingly, wondering at her sister's vehemence. 
 
 " And you think you cannot come ? " Mrs. Carrington 
 said as they drove back to Mrs. Jettson's. " It would be 
 such a great pleasure to us all ! " 
 
 194
 
 JAQUELINE. 
 
 " We have a Saturday-night engagement at the Ham- 
 iltons'," Patricia replied. " And Sunday there are to be 
 some guests to dinner." 
 
 " And the play Monday evening," added Jaqueline in 
 a voice she tried to keep steady. 
 
 " I don't wonder you two girls have delightful times 
 and are full of engagements," said the elder woman with 
 a smile of admiration. " But my turn will come pres 
 ently. Good-by, my dears." 
 
 Jaqueline felt confident she should meet her lover at the 
 Hamiltons', but she did not Sunday passed without him. 
 
 " Whatever is the matter ? " inquired Patty. 
 
 " A little lovers' tiff," and Jaqueline gave an airy toss 
 of the head, with a rather disdainful smile. 
 
 " You never do mean to quarrel with Roger Carring- 
 ton ! " exclaimed Patty in surprise. 
 
 " It was of his own making." 
 
 " Jack, now that I have a lover of my very own, I don't 
 see how you can be so fond of of other men. You 
 haven't treated Roger at all well." 
 
 " I won't be called that detestable Jack ! And I am not 
 man-crazy ! " 
 
 " No, they are crazy about you. I shouldn't think 
 Roger would like it. No lover would stand it." 
 
 Jaqueline made no reply. 
 
 Monday there was a rehearsal, and Jaqueline remained 
 to tea. There was a very enthusiastic audience, and the 
 play was charmingly acted. Of course Roger was there, 
 and chatted with Patricia and the doctor. Jaqueline in 
 her heart acted for him alone. She was so eager and 
 interested in furthering Margaret Bradford's love for 
 Lieutenant Ralston that she thought he must see how 
 frankly and freely she could relinquish him. But Roger, 
 knowing that Margaret Bradford had a real lover, looked 
 at it from a different point of view. 
 
 195
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 "Will you give my congratulations to your sister?" 
 he said to Patricia, rising, as the curtain fell for the last 
 time. " There is some important business at Mr. Mon 
 roe's, and I am to be there at ten." 
 
 " Are you not going to stay to the supper ? " Patty cried 
 in surprise. " I know Jaqueline expects you." 
 
 If she had sent ever such a little note to bid him come ! 
 But she had made no sign. 
 
 Then Jaqueline Mason was very angry. She would 
 not believe any man actually in love could so hold aloof. 
 It was an insult! And while her passion was at white 
 heat the next morning she penned a sharp note of dis 
 missal. He should not plume himself upon having given 
 her up. 
 
 Mr. Mason came to Washington according to agree 
 ment, and was very well satisfied with his prospective 
 son-in-law. 
 
 " But do not go on too fast," he advised. " Mat 
 ters look squally ahead. And if we should have 
 war " 
 
 " It will hardly invade us, when there are more impor 
 tant cities open to attack. And I cannot really think it. 
 As the capital of the nation we must plan and build for 
 the future. L'Enfant planned magnificently ; it is for us 
 to carry it out. And we younger men, who have not had 
 our tempers so tried with all the disputes, will continue it 
 with greater enthusiasm. It must be the grandest place 
 in the whole country." 
 
 Mr. Mason smiled thoughtfully. 
 
 " I hope it may be. We had a hard fight for it 
 in the beginning. I want the wisdom of our choice 
 apparent." 
 
 " It will be the city of my adoption, and I shall bend all 
 my energies, and whatever money I can spare, to its ad 
 vancement. Having won my wife here, it will always 
 
 196
 
 JAQUELINE. 
 
 keep a charm for me. I should like to be married as 
 soon as is convenient. Patricia will be very happy here, 
 I am sure." 
 
 Patricia was a fortunate girl, her father thought. 
 Fathers had their daughters' interests at heart in those 
 days, when there was time to live. 
 
 " What is this? " he asked of Jaqueline on the morning 
 of their departure, holding a brief note before her eyes. 
 " You don't mean that you have dismissed Mr. Carring- 
 ton?" 
 
 Jaqueline flushed deeply, then turned pale. For a mo 
 ment it seemed as if her tongue was numb with terror. 
 Had he really accepted her desire without a protest? 
 Was it her desire? 
 
 " There was oh, I cannot tell you now ! Wait until 
 we get home," she pleaded. 
 
 " But he says it is your wish ! Jaqueline, my child, 
 you never could have been so foolish as to throw over a 
 man like that ! " 
 
 " Oh, papa don't, don't ! When you hear all " 
 
 and she clasped her arms about his neck. 
 
 " I can't imagine him doing an ungentlemanly act. 
 And if you have learned anything to his detriment there 
 are malicious tongues, you know. Yet I cannot bear to 
 think you were to blame." 
 
 The girl was silent, and swallowed hard over the lump 
 of condemnation in her throat. For she had thought he 
 would offer her some opportunity to rehabilitate her 
 self. She could not believe she had given such bitter 
 offense. It seemed to her that she would have forgiven 
 almost anything to Roger. Suppose he had wanted to 
 take part in a play with a girl she had not liked? But, 
 then, he and Ralston had been warm friends. Roger 
 went to places where she was not acquainted, at the 
 houses of some of the senators. The Monroes invited 
 
 197
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 him. Yes, he met some very charming women at din 
 ners. But she knew she held his inmost heart, as far as 
 other women were concerned. And why could he not 
 have the same trust in her? 
 
 Dr. Collaston treated it as a mere lovers' tiff. " They 
 will make up again," he said to Patricia. " And no doubt 
 we'll be married at the same time. Carrington is a fine 
 fellow." 
 
 For the first day Patricia's affairs occupied everybody, 
 to the farthest slave cabin. Big and little wanted a peep 
 at Miss Patty's lover. Comparisons were drawn between 
 him and Mr. Carrington, and a doctor was looked upon 
 as something rather uncanny. But he soon made himself 
 a favorite. 
 
 Mrs. Mason was consulted about the wedding. 
 
 " What are Jaqueline's plans ? " she asked. 
 
 " I must get to the bottom of that matter," the father 
 remarked with a sigh. " Something has happened be 
 tween them." 
 
 " And we all like Roger so much." 
 
 It was a fine day in early spring, with the breath of new 
 growing things making the air fragrant. Jaqueline was 
 walking with Annis and telling over the pretty ways and 
 whims of the Jettson baby, and how fond the boys were 
 of their little sister. 
 
 " Jaqueline ! " called her father. 
 
 " No, don't come with me, dear. I'll be back in a few 
 moments." 
 
 Annis sat down on a flat stone where a bit of trailing 
 moss dropped from a tree, swinging to and fro. She 
 amused herself trying to catch it. And then she heard a 
 voice raised in tones that were not pleasant. 
 
 Without exactly meaning to make it harder for her 
 sister, Patricia had admitted that Roger had some cause 
 to find fault. Jacky had been very much admired, and she 
 
 193
 
 JAQUELINE. 
 
 had not paid due attention to Roger. There had been 
 something about the play, but she didn't think Jaqueline 
 cared any more for Ralston than for half a dozen others. 
 From it all Mr. Mason gathered that his daughter had 
 not been blameless. 
 
 To break an engagement without excellent reasons was 
 considered very reprehensible. A girl might have lovers 
 by the score; and though she might lay herself open to 
 the accusation of flirting this was easily forgiven. 
 But when one's word had once been passed, it was the 
 sacred honor of womanhood, and to break it left a stigma 
 not easily overcome. 
 
 To Mr. Mason, with his strict sense of justice, this 
 was a severe blow. He had been proud of Jaqueline go 
 ing back into the Carrington family, and her warm wel 
 come from both ladies. Dr. Collaston had a much larger 
 fortune and was of good family, but the Carringtons had 
 some of the proudest Maryland and Virginian blood in 
 their veins, heroes who had made their mark, women 
 both brave and beautiful. And there was no doubt but 
 that Roger would make some sort of a high record and 
 be called upon to fill an important position. 
 
 " You have been a foolish and wicked girl ! " he said 
 angrily to his daughter. " You have disgraced yourself 
 and us, and broken up a lifelong friendship just to gratify 
 a silly vanity and a spirit of contumacy that is despicable 
 in a woman! I am sure Roger had some rights in the 
 case. If he had come to me I should have appointed a 
 wedding-day at once. And now you will be the laugh 
 ing-stock of the county." 
 
 That was the mortifying point. Patricia would be mar 
 ried before her, with a great flourish of trumpets. She 
 felt almost as if she would make some effort to recall 
 Roger. But that brief note to her father, explaining that 
 he had given her her liberty because she wished it, be- 
 
 199
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 ing quite convinced it was better for them to separate, 
 seemed to cut off every avenue of promise. 
 
 " Father is awful mad at Jaqueline," said Varina to 
 Annis. " He's scolded her like fun ! And she isn't go 
 ing to marry Roger. The slaves say when the eldest lets 
 her sister get married first that she will have to go and 
 dance in the pigpen. Do you suppose she will ? " 
 
 " No, she won't ! " exclaimed Annis indignantly. " And 
 I'm sorry. Poor Jaqueline ! " 
 
 " Oh, you needn't be sorry ! Jack can get ever 
 so many lovers. But I'd like them both to be married. 
 They're always saying, ' Run away, Rene/ or ' Go get this 
 and that/ when they know you can't find it. And Patty 
 is going to live in a beautiful big house in Washington, 
 ever so much bigger than Aunt Jane's, and she will give 
 balls and parties and go to Mrs. Madison's every day. I 
 mean to coax papa to let me live with her." 
 
 That was all very grand. Annis liked Dr. Collaston, 
 too. Patty had grown curiously sweet, and everybody 
 was coming to wish her happiness. 
 
 Jaqueline was evidently in disgrace. Even grand 
 mother, who came down to spend a few days and hear 
 the plans, read her a severe lecture. Mrs. Mason was 
 sorry, for she felt in her heart that Jaqueline cared more 
 for Roger than she admitted. 
 
 But the sympathy from little Annis was the sweetest. 
 She had a way of patting Jaqueline's hand and pressing 
 it to her soft cheek, of glancing up with such tender eyes 
 that it moved the elder's heart inexpressibly. 
 
 There was a world of excitement on the old plantation. 
 Madam Floyd had been married there in grand state and 
 dignity, but " Miss Cassy " had missed a wedding in her 
 youth, and now that one of the household, born under the 
 roof-tree and reared among them all, one of the true 
 " chillen at de big house," was to be wedded with a gay 
 
 200
 
 JAQUELINE. 
 
 bevy of bridesmaids and an evening of dancing to bridal 
 music, the whole place was astir. Dr. Collaston would 
 wait no later than June. 
 
 " After all," declared Patty, " much of the work can 
 be done afterward. The house will not be finished until 
 August; meanwhile we shall stay wherever we can, and 
 spend a month at Bladensburg. So there need be no 
 hurry about anything but gowns." The doctor had 
 ordered some things abroad, for, although duties were 
 high and the risks great, vessels came and went in com 
 parative safety. 
 
 Immediately upon the adjournment of Congress Mr. 
 Monroe decided upon a visit to New York, ostensibly on 
 his wife's account, who had been the famous Miss Kort- 
 wright of that city. Political matters were kept in the 
 background. It was known that there was an undercur 
 rent at work for De Witt Clinton as the next occupant 
 of the Presidential chair. Mr. Monroe determined to 
 visit several of the larger cities, and Roger Carrington 
 was glad of the opportunity to go away. Ralston had 
 been sent with a corps of engineers to examine the de 
 fenses of several important points. 
 
 Jaqueline was relieved, and yet strangely disappointed. 
 Did Ralston know that he had been considered a sort of 
 marplot? Yet when Carrington went carefully over the 
 ground, he thought if there was any fault between them 
 it really was Jaqueline's appropriation of the young man. 
 
 Mrs. Carrington had been deeply disappointed; but, 
 mother-like, she blamed Jaqueline for the trouble. The 
 answer to Patricia's wedding invitation had been a brief 
 note in which Madam and Ralph joined her in con 
 gratulations. The elder lady was now quite an invalid, 
 so it would not be possible for them to leave home. 
 
 Jaqueline felt curiously bewildered in those days. At 
 times she decided that she really hated Roger for his jeal- 
 
 201
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 cms, overbearing disposition, and was thankful she was 
 not to be his wife. Then a wave of the old love and long 
 ing would sweep over her. Would a line from her bring 
 him back? But he was quite wrong about Ralston. 
 
 So there was a grand wedding, and young and old were 
 invited, with numerous guests from Washington. Annis 
 and Varina brought up the rear of the bridesmaids, with 
 Charles and a neighboring lad, dressed in the pretty 
 French-court style. 
 
 " You are more beautiful than the bride," said Charles 
 gallantly. " When you are married you must be dressed 
 just that way." 
 
 It was a summer of gayety, and there were times when 
 everyone allowed Jaqueline to forget her naughtiness, 
 and she almost forgot it herself. Louis came home 
 crowned with honors and very proud of his success, and 
 pleased Patricia by his admiration of her husband. 
 
 " How tall and pretty Annis is growing ! " he said to 
 her mother. " But try to keep her a little girl, and let 
 Rene have full swing first and marry off. Though I shall 
 rather pity her husband, her temper is so capricious. 
 Annis is sweetness itself. She seems to be the peace 
 maker always." 
 
 " Don't flatter her too extravagantly. I think you all 
 torment Varina so much that it makes her irritable." 
 
 " Varina and Charles bicker constantly. Charles must 
 go to school next year and get the nonsense shaken out of 
 him. Varina ought to try it too. There is a very ex 
 cellent girls' school at Williamsburg, and a little of Aunt 
 Catharine's discipline would do her good. We are a 
 rather lawless set, and you have been very kind to us." 
 
 " I have not found any of you troublesome," and the 
 stepmother smiled upon her tall son. " Charles is anx 
 ious to go away now." 
 
 " He is a smart, queer chap, and will be a professor of 
 
 202
 
 JAQUELINE. 
 
 some kind. At present he is simply omnivorous; it 
 makes little difference what, so long as he learns. And I 
 really did not like to study." 
 
 " You have given your father a great deal of pleas 
 ure by your perseverance," she said sweetly. 
 
 Varina was jealous that both brothers should haunt 
 Annis so continually and be so ready to plan pleasures for 
 her. She quite decided now that Annis might marry 
 Charles. 
 
 " And if no one marries me I shall go and keep house 
 for Louis in Washington," she announced. 
 
 There was a houseful of grown people one afternoon, 
 when Annis took her sewing and went down to the creek 
 to a shady spot the children were very fond of. Louis 
 had made a kind of swinging seat with a wild grapevine, 
 and it was a favorite haunt of hers, though when she 
 found Varina in it she never disturbed her or disputed her 
 claim. Charles often sat and read to her. 
 
 " Do, Rene, go away or find something to do ! " ex 
 claimed Jaqueline presently, when the younger had been 
 especially tormenting. " You are worse than a gadfly ! " 
 
 " There's no one to amuse me. I don't care for those 
 folks on the porch talking politics." 
 
 " Then go down to the quarters and set the darkies to 
 dancing or order up Hornet." 
 
 " I don't want to ride alone. It was mean in Charles 
 to go off without saying a word." 
 
 " Papa sent him over to the Crears' on an errand." 
 
 " I wouldn't have spoiled the errand." 
 
 " I am going down to listen to the politics, and learn 
 who will be next President." 
 
 " Then I'll hunt up Annis." 
 
 Jaqueline hoped Annis had gone wandering in the 
 woods. But Varina went straight to the retreat. Yes, 
 there was Annis swinging in her shady nook with a very 
 
 203
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD .WASHINGTON. 
 
 slow movement that did not hinder her from sewing on 
 her strip of gay embroidery. And Charles sat on his 
 horse in his delicate, high-bred manner. They all said 
 he resembled the old courtier in the parlor. 
 
 The little creek purled over the stones, crooning its way 
 along. The air was sweet with innumerable fragrances, 
 the sunshine veiled with a soft haze that deepened the 
 shadows all about. Charles enjoyed the brooding atmos 
 phere and the picture Annis made. His horse had taken 
 a few steps in the creek and quenched his thirst, and 
 now seemed enjoying the fine prospect. 
 
 Varina made her complaint at once. 
 
 " I didn't want you to go with me," he answered. 
 " Papa had nothing to do with it." 
 
 " Oh, you might have made me Jack at a pinch, if 
 Annis could not go." 
 
 " I didn't ask Annis. And I didn't want any pinches,'' 
 laughingly. 
 
 Varina roamed up and down, interrupting the talk. 
 Charles had stumbled over his brother's copy of Shaks- 
 pere, that had opened a new world to him. Louis 
 laughed a little at his enthusiasm, but Annis never 
 laughed. 
 
 " I mean some day to go and see all these places," 
 he was saying. " You know, they are real places, 
 and some of the people were real people. Perhaps 
 they all were. Varina, don't you splash the water over 
 Annis." 
 
 Varina had picked up a slender dead branch, and was 
 beating up waves in the little creek. The spray went 
 quite a distance. 
 
 " No matter," said Annis. " A little water doesn't 
 hurt. But tell me, did they really put out Prince Ar 
 thur's eyes ? How could they be so cruel ? " 
 
 " I don't see how you can take an interest in such 
 204
 
 JAQUELINE. 
 
 people. You're always talking about wars and all man 
 ner of terrible things." 
 
 Varina brought her stick down with emphasis. Sam 
 had been stepping softly about the edge of the creek, the 
 cool water laving his hoofs. He had not minded the 
 sprinkling on his sides, but this gave him a drench in the 
 face. He threw up his head and turned to walk out. 
 Charles had dropped the bridle rein, but Sam was gentle 
 enough. As he reached the edge he stepped on a rolling 
 stone, stumbled, tried to regain his poise, but both horse 
 and boy went over. Sam righted himself in a moment, 
 but Charles lay quite still. 
 
 " Oh, if you have killed him ! " cried Annis. 
 
 Varina was white with an awful fear, too much alarmed 
 to make a sound. It was Annis who flew to his side. 
 She bathed his face and head with her handkerchief. 
 Sam came and looked on with a human expression in his 
 eyes. Charles stirred and sighed. 
 
 " Oh, he isn't dead ! " cried Annis joyfully. 
 
 " No, I'm not dead." Charles sat up, wincing a little. 
 " What happened ? " 
 
 Varina pushed Annis aside and knelt down with her 
 arms around him. " I'm so sorry ! " she began. " But 
 that little douse didn't make Sam stumble. What can I 
 do ? Shall I run up to the house for anything ? " 
 
 " Just help me up. No, I haven't any broken bones. 
 Be thankful for that, Rene," and the boy tried every 
 limb. There were twinges in his back and a queer, 
 half-dizzy feeling in his head. " I'll be all right in a 
 moment." 
 
 Sam seemed to feel reassured, and went to cropping 
 the sedgy grass. 
 
 " There, don't cry, Rene. It wasn't all your fault. 
 Sam trod on something that rolled a stone, I think." 
 
 " And I do love you so ever so much more than you 
 205
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 love me! And it gives me a heartache to see you all 
 take in Annis and crowd me out." 
 
 Varina began to sob. 
 
 " I don't mean to crowd anyone out," declared Annis in 
 a tone that sounded as if it came over tears. " And you 
 all have a part of my own mamma." 
 
 " Annis is so good and sweet, and ready to give up any 
 point, and you want always to take things whether or no. 
 Perhaps you'll grow up like Jaqueline or Patty, and Pat 
 ty's awful sweet to everybody since she's had a husband. 
 There, don't cry any more; I'm not killed. I'll sit 
 here and rest a little. And, Rene, if you would only 
 give over tormenting people when they tell you to 
 stop!" 
 
 Varina was still a good deal alarmed. She could see 
 Charles' white face without a bit of color in the lips as 
 he lay on the ground. He was pale still, as he leaned 
 back in the swing. 
 
 " And, Rene, you will never, never get a husband un 
 less you do change. You'll be a cross and queer old maid, 
 and not one of us will be willing to have you about. And 
 you can be real nice." 
 
 " Oh, don't scold her so ! " Annis went and clasped 
 her arms about Varina's neck. " She is going to be 
 sweet and good because nothing dreadful did happen. 
 God, you know, kept it from happening. And when one 
 is very grateful one tries hard to do one's best. Some 
 times I think you don't love Rene enough, and it makes 
 her hurt and sore." 
 
 Then the children made resolves all around, and 
 Charles walked between the girls up to the house. If 
 the making up could only last! 
 
 " Don't say a word about it," he cautioned them. 
 " Father would make a fuss." Then he turned and kissed 
 Yarina, a caress he seldom offered her. 
 
 206
 
 A SMALL HERO. 
 
 " I'm going to try, I really am. But it is so hard not 
 to be loved." 
 
 " But we do love you," declared both in a breath. 
 
 The trouble was they loved each other as well. And 
 she wanted to be loved best. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 A SMALL HERO. 
 
 P)R. COLL ASTON and his wife opened their new 
 house early in September with quite a grand gather 
 ing of friends. It was really very handsome for the 
 times, and the young wife was considered quite an ac 
 quisition to society, which was rather fluctuating. Louis 
 Mason esteemed himself very fortunate to obtain a place 
 in the office of Judge Todd of the Supreme Court. 
 Charles and Varina went to Williamsburg to school, and 
 Annis had her mother all to herself once more, for Jaque- 
 line was in great demand at her sister's. 
 
 She was not long in meeting Roger Carrington, but 
 they might have been the merest acquaintances. And as 
 if to help the family get over the disappointment, Ralph 
 married a daughter of one of the neighbors, an amiable, 
 home-loving girl, an excellent housekeeper, and quite up 
 in the demands of the society of the day. She came 
 home to live, and Mrs. Carrington had her coveted daugh 
 ter, who was entirely satisfied with her position. 
 
 " We were all very sorry when the difference .hap 
 pened between you and Roger," Mrs. Carrington said 
 gently to Jaqueline the first time they met. " But it 
 was better to learn then that you could not agree than to 
 have to live unhappy afterward. Still, I hope we shall 
 remain friends, and I want a visit from your parents very 
 much." 
 
 207
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 Jaqueline thanked her gracefully. Truly, it seemed 
 to make little difference. Roger looked older and more 
 dignified, and was in great demand with the inner circle 
 of both men and women. 
 
 There were many pressing questions, both in the City 
 and country. The Napoleonic conquests had shaken 
 Europe to its very center, and the first disaster to the 
 man regarded as invincible produced a thrilling sensa 
 tion. Mr. Barlow, author of some quite important pam 
 phlets, was sent to France to observe affairs, which were 
 in a rather critical state. The party clamoring for war 
 with England made itself heard more loudly. The right 
 of search, the interference of trade, the insolent and 
 overbearing manner of England roused the whole 
 country. 
 
 Through all the turmoil Mrs. Madison moved serenely, 
 and if her heart quaked with forebodings, it was not al 
 lowed to disturb her efforts at making Washington a so 
 cial center. Then her pretty widowed sister, Mrs. Wash 
 ington, married Judge Todd, and so became permanently 
 settled in the City. Every year saw a little improvement 
 made in the Capitol and the President's mansion. Streets 
 began to have a more finished appearance. 
 
 Jaqueline was not less a belle than she had been the 
 previous winter. Arthur Jettson was prospering, and 
 Jane was bright and gay in spite of three babies ; so be 
 tween the two homes and the outside world she was kept 
 full of engagements. 
 
 She was rather surprised when Lieutenant Ralston 
 made her a proposal of marriage. The friendly feeling 
 had been so strong, and on her part so unlike love, that 
 there could be but one answer. He did not seem deeply 
 disappointed, but begged that they might remain friends. 
 
 Only a few days after she received a note from her 
 mother. They had been up to the Pineries, for grand- 
 
 208
 
 A SMALL HERO. 
 
 mother was quite poorly and went downstairs only to her 
 dinner. 
 
 " She misses the stir and activity of being mistress of 
 the house, and her son's ideas are different in many re 
 spects from hers. But there comes a time when the old 
 must give way and step aside for the young. Marian is 
 devoted to her. I do not know now what your grand 
 mother would do without her. Did you hear that poor 
 Mr. Greaves is dead at last? But it has been a living 
 death for six months or more ; indeed, he has never had 
 his mind and memory clearly since the first stroke, and 
 now for weeks he has been barely conscious. He must 
 have had an iron constitution. I think your grandmother 
 is very thankful that this happened before the marriage 
 rather than afterward. Miss Greaves wants to close the 
 house, dispose of the slaves by hire or leasing, and go to 
 England to educate the children. Brandon is as bitterly 
 opposed to war as ever his father could have been. 
 Marian is sweet and kindly, but has fallen into an apa 
 thetic state. Dolly is prospering, and from all accounts 
 very gay. She has written repeatedly to Marian. I wish 
 the poor girl could make the visit. It is sad to see her 
 youth fading away." 
 
 " Poor Marian ! Oh, Patty, do you remember our first 
 visit here? It seems ages ago, doesn't it? and so much 
 has happened. What girls we were ! " 
 
 " And Mr. Madison was inaugurated ! You went to a 
 levee. How I did envy you ! Now I curtsey to Mrs. 
 Madison every day or two, and gossip with Mrs. Cutts, 
 and am asked to meet this one and that one. Well, we're 
 the Virginian part of the Capital," laughing. " And how 
 you schemed for Marian! Jaqueline, you don't mean to 
 marry Lieutenant Ralston yourself, after all? Jane was 
 so afraid you might attract him." 
 
 " Oh, no ! He seems just like a brother." But she 
 209
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 did not confess she had answered the momentous ques 
 tion. She gave a great throb of thankfulness. True, he 
 insisted that Marian had never really loved him, and a 
 man would be foolish enough to go mooning about such 
 a woman. 
 
 It was June of that year, after a stormy session of Con 
 gress, that the word spread like wildfire through every 
 State, first announced in the National Intelligencer, that 
 war had been declared against Great Britain. And on 
 June 21 the strongest naval force the country could 
 muster, a squadron of four warships, was fitting out at 
 Norfolk. Charleston was astir; New York, Boston, and 
 Salem were busy transforming merchant vessels that had 
 lain idly at the wharves into fighting ships. Young 
 men hurried to Annapolis and placed themselves in 
 training, for the war must be largely fought out on the 
 seas. 
 
 The efforts of England to harass and break up the 
 commerce between the United States and other countries, 
 notably France, had exasperated the pride and sense of 
 justice of the country. The war-cry was taken up : " Free 
 trade and the rights of sailors. America must protect 
 her own." And although times had been hard and trade 
 poor, out of it had grown a knowledge of the young 
 country's power and possibilities. Now the nation was 
 compact and had a centralized government. There had 
 been many improvements since old Revolutionary times, 
 and the population had nearly doubled. 
 
 Not that the country was a unit on this subject. The 
 Federalists were extremely bitter, and denounced the war 
 as unnecessary and suicidal. England, out of one war, 
 was ready with her ripened experience to sweep us from 
 the seas. And what then? 
 
 On the frontier the campaign opened badly. At the 
 disgraceful surrender of Hull at Detroit not only was the 
 
 219
 
 A SMALL HERO. 
 
 commander blamed for treachery and cowardice, but the 
 Cabinet and the President held up to execration. 
 
 As an offset, naval victories suddenly roused the wan 
 ing enthusiasm: the Wasp and the Frolic, the Hor 
 net and the Peacock, and the Constitution's splendid es 
 cape from the Guerriere, that was to drive the " insolent 
 rag of bunting " from the seas, the chase from New York 
 to Boston, the brief fight of an hour and a half, when the 
 bunting was left to wave over the wreck, and Captain 
 Dacres and the part of his crew not in a watery grave 
 made prisoners. No wonder Boston had a day of re 
 joicing ! 
 
 This was followed by other victories. The country 
 began to draw a free breath, and the conquest on the lakes 
 crowned it with new courage and rejoicing. 
 
 But in the Capital a fierce battle was raging. Whether 
 Madison should again be the candidate and succeed him 
 self was a hotly disputed question. But if the President 
 came in for so much animadversion, it was admitted 
 that Mrs. Madison bore herself with steady courage and 
 cheerfulness. There was no distinction made between 
 parties at her receptions. No one was treated with cool 
 ness because he had reviled the administration. Perhaps 
 it was the charming courtesy that upheld Mr. Madison 
 through the stress of the times. 
 
 Then Jaqueline and Dr. Collaston were summoned sud 
 denly to Cedar Grove. Charles had been brought home 
 in a rather alarming condition. There had been spells of 
 fainting and headaches that were thought to come from 
 overstudy, and at last Uncle Conway was seriously 
 alarmed, and sent the boy home in the care of a trusty 
 slave and an old mammy. He was very much exhausted 
 by the journey, and Dr. Collaston saw at once that it was 
 something more serious than overwork. 
 
 " But I'll be sure to get well, won't I ? " he asked wist- 
 
 211
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 fully. " There is so much going on, and so much to do 
 and to learn in this big world. How grand it is ! And 
 if we should beat England again, wouldn't it be magnifi 
 cent ? Do you feel sure that we will ? " 
 
 " Never mind the war. Tell me when the headaches 
 began. And the pain in your back. You used to be 
 such a bright, healthy little lad. Did you take enough 
 exercise ? " 
 
 There was a faint flush creeping over the pale face, and 
 the eyes looked out on the distance as if taxing his 
 memory, but instead he was trying to elude a curious 
 consciousness. 
 
 " The headaches ? Oh, I used to have them sometimes 
 at home. They're girlish things, and it doesn't seem as 
 if boys ought to fret over them," with a touch of dis 
 dain. 
 
 " And you haven't been trying your strength leaping 
 over five-barred gates or jumping ditches, or perhaps 
 riding too much ? " 
 
 " I had my pony, you know, but I didn't ride very 
 much. And latterly it seemed to take away my strength. 
 Aunt Catharine was sure it hurt me, and then I didn't 
 ride at all. So I left it for the children and Varina. 
 Aunt Catharine was wonderfully kind, but she isn't quite 
 like mamma, and father is so good and strong. I'm 
 going to get well now. I think I was homesick too, and 
 that's babyish for a great boy. How Louis would laugh 
 at me!" 
 
 But no one laughed. Everybody spoke hopefully, to 
 be sure, and treated the matter lightly. Annis read to 
 him, but he sometimes stopped her and said : " Tell me 
 about your visit to Patty. Doesn't it seem funny to have 
 Patty among the big people and going to the White 
 House to dinner? Why do you suppose Jacky didn't 
 marry Mr. Carrington? I like him so much." 
 
 212
 
 A SMALL HERO. 
 
 Then it was the old Froissart, with the queer pic 
 tures, or the war news. The young people around came 
 in, the boys ruddy, laughing, and sunburned. The little 
 darkies did their funniest tricks and sang songs for young 
 mas'r; but though he seemed a little stronger, he did not 
 get well. It had not been altogether the hard study. 
 
 " You are quite sure you can't remember any fall 
 down there at Williamsburg ? " the doctor queried. 
 
 " Oh, I might have had little tumbles ; boys often do," 
 he said with an air of indifference. " But nothing to 
 hurt." 
 
 He caught a look on the face of Annis, who was stand 
 ing by the window idly drumming with her fingers on the 
 sill, and frowned. 
 
 "What was that for?" The doctor intercepted the 
 glance, and looked from one to the other. 
 
 " Please don't drum, Annis," he said gently. " Did 
 I frown ? " to the doctor. 
 
 Dr. Collaston studied him sharply. 
 
 "If you young people have any secret that bears on 
 the case, you'd better reveal it. Working in the dark 
 isn't always advisable. Annis, why do you change 
 color?" 
 
 Annis flushed deeply now, and her eyelids quivered as 
 if tears were not far away. 
 
 " Let Annis alone," said the boy in as gruff a tone 
 as so gentle a voice could assume. " I suppose we 
 did both think of one thing when you so insisted 
 upon a fall. It was a long while ago, before I 
 went to school. We were down by the creek. I 
 was on Sam, who had been drinking and wad 
 ing in the stream. He turned to step out, and a 
 stone rolled and he stumbled. I went over his head, as 
 I didn't have the rein in my hand. It knocked the breath 
 out of me for a moment. But I had been tumbled off be- 
 
 313
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 fore, when I was learning to ride, and that really didn't 
 wasn't of much account, only Annis was so frightened. 
 Now shall I go further back and tell you of all the down 
 falls I have had? I wasn't very daring Annis, wasn't 
 I something of a babyish boy ? " 
 
 " No, you were not." Annis smiled a little then. 
 
 "How did he fall?" 
 
 Annis could not recall that. 
 
 "After a little I walked home. No, I wasn't much 
 hurt. I had a lame thumb, I remember; but afterward 
 there used to come what Phillis calls a ' misery ' in my 
 back. The headaches did not come until in the 
 winter." 
 
 The doctor nodded. 
 
 " But I'm bound to get well," added the boy. " I don't 
 want to die. I should have to be dead such a long, long 
 while." 
 
 The doctor laughed. " No, we're not going to have 
 you die. That is the least of the trouble. But you may 
 be an invalid quite a while." 
 
 " I shouldn't even mind that, if I could study some. I 
 hate to fall behind. And, you see, father is so proud of 
 Louis that I couldn't bear people saying about me ' Poor 
 Charles ! ' in a pitying way." 
 
 " We won't even have them saying that," was the con 
 fident answer, as he went out to add a note to the memo 
 randa he had made of the case. 
 
 Charles held out his hand to Annis, who came over and 
 gave it a little convulsive clasp. 
 
 " Girls are queer," he said in a soft, slow tone that 
 had no reproach in it. " And Dr. Collaston turned you 
 inside out. I do suppose doctors know pretty generally 
 what is going on inside of your body, and sometimes they 
 guess what is in your brain, or your mind, or whatever 
 thinks. I was so afraid he'd get it all out of you ! " 
 
 214
 
 A SMALL HERO. 
 
 " Oh, do you think it was that? " Annis' eyes over 
 flowed, and he could feel the quiver of her fingers. 
 
 " There don't cry. It wasn't your fault. It wasn't 
 even Varina's fault. Sam would have turned and gone 
 out, anyhow. And you can't think how nice Varina is 
 growing pretty, too. I am sure it vexed her a good 
 deal to think she was not as pretty as the older girls, or 
 even you. You're so fair and sweet, with your clouds 
 of light hair and your skin that looks like transparent 
 pearl. You know she was very sorry." 
 
 " Oh, we both thought you were dead ! " Annis tried 
 hard not to sob. 
 
 " Boys take a good deal of killing. You see, I wasn't 
 anywhere near dead. But I did give my back a hard 
 wrench, and I felt it for a week or two, then it all went 
 away ; and it was somewhere about the holidays we were 
 getting greens for the church, and I fainted dead away. 
 After that the ache came back. It's dull and aggravat 
 ing, not a sharp pain that makes you feel as if you could 
 get up and fight, but sometimes you are wild to run away, 
 to the very ends of the earth ! Then it would creep up 
 to my head like some stealthy thing you couldn't put 
 your finger on. Aunt Catharine was good, but she fussed 
 so much, and she's always saying, ' Now, don't you think 
 you ought to do this, or give up doing that? I'm sure it 
 hurts you.' And wanting to find out the cause of every 
 thing and settle it on some particular point. It's queer 
 that Rene should get along so well ; you know she has a 
 fractious temper ! But the little girls just adore her, and 
 at home she was teased a good deal." 
 
 He leaned back on the pillow, and his face was very 
 white. 
 
 " Oh, you are so tired ! " cried Annis. 
 
 " Yes. I have just a little bit to say, then you may 
 read to me. I don't want anything said about Varina. 
 
 215
 
 'A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 She would be almost killed if she thought she was to 
 blame for it. And she wasn't, you know. That little 
 splash in Sam's face wasn't anything. He enjoyed hav 
 ing a bucket of water thrown over him. He's almost a 
 water dog," laughing. 
 
 Annis tried to be convinced. If Varina had not per 
 sisted when Charles asked her to stop ! But, then, Sam 
 had stepped on a rolling stone. 
 
 " That's just a little bit between ourselves, not to be 
 talked about, for it can't do any good, and would make 
 Rene so very unhappy, now when she's growing sweeter. 
 I've thought I ought to tell the doctor, but I didn't want 
 to believe the fall had anything to do with it. Whatever 
 happens, you will always love me, Annis ? " 
 
 " Yes," bending over to kiss the white forehead, her 
 heart full of sympathy and dread for an unknown future. 
 
 " And Jack's so lovely ! Only I'm awful sorry she 
 didn't marry Mr. Carrington. Patty and her husband 
 are so happy, so are mother and father. There, I . am 
 tired. Get a book and read. That about Uncle Toby, 
 who had such a big, sweet, foolish heart." 
 
 The children had a great way of picking out parts they 
 liked and skipping the rest. 
 
 Then Dr. Collaston had to go up to Washington for a 
 week or two, and sent for Jaqueline also. For Patty had 
 a little baby girl, and they all laughed merrily about be 
 ing uncles and aunts. What was happening to the coun 
 try was a minor consideration. 
 
 When the doctor came down again he had a well-di 
 gested plan. 
 
 " If it wasn't for running the risk on the ocean I should 
 say take the boy over to London at once and have the 
 best medical skill there. But there are some excellent 
 physicians in Philadelphia and New York. Old Dr. 
 Rush does little in practicing now, but he is still ready 
 
 216
 
 A SMALL HERO. 
 
 and generous with advice. You know, I am young in 
 the profession, and as yet we cannot boast much medical 
 talent in our young city. Let Mrs. Mason stay with him 
 three months or so, and have the best treatment. I think 
 it quite a serious matter." 
 
 Mr. Mason was aghast at first. 
 
 " He is so young now, and the injury may not be as bad 
 as I anticipated; but it will need excellent skill to take 
 him through without leaving permanent marks and much 
 suffering. So it had better be attended to at once." 
 
 Jaqueline was alarmed at the seriousness of the case. 
 If she could go 
 
 " No ; it must be some person of experience, and one 
 whom Charles loves and trusts and would obey. He will 
 make a good patient, for he is anxious to get well; and 
 though he does not whisper such a thing, he has an awful 
 fear of deformity " 
 
 " Oh, you do not think " in a tremulous tone. 
 
 " Hush ! I have mentioned it to no one but your par 
 ents. It is not to be discussed. It is a spinal trouble, 
 and that covers the ground. And he must have immedi 
 ate care. You and Annis will come with us, for it would 
 be too lonely to have you here on the plantation, even if 
 your father is back and forth." 
 
 Mrs. Mason discussed the plans with Jaqueline at once, 
 and the girl was full of the warmest sympathy. 
 
 " If we could take Annis ! but the doctor thinks it 
 would be bad for the child, and an added care." 
 
 " Oh, mamma, you may trust her with me ! I am not 
 as gay and volatile as I was a year ago, nor so frivolous." 
 
 " She ought to go to school ! Perhaps in the fall " 
 
 " Mamma, that suggests something. A Madame 
 Badeau, a very charming French refugee, has started a 
 school for children and young ladies just a short distance 
 from the doctor's. She is trying to get scholars enough 
 
 217
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 to insure her support. And she teaches the pianoforte. 
 It is quite coming into vogue since Mrs. Madison makes 
 so much of the grand one at the White House, where 
 ladies are often asked to play. Annis is such a little 
 home girl that she would be very unhappy away. We all 
 love her so dearly. And I will look after her clothes, 
 and the doctor after her health, and Patty and the baby 
 will be so much entertainment. Patty is making a very 
 charming woman, and much admired," said the elder sis 
 ter heartily. 
 
 " That is an admirable plan, and you are kind to take 
 so much interest in the child. It relieves me of consid 
 erable anxiety, and she has run wild long enough, though 
 she has picked up an odd conglomeration of knowledge 
 from Charles. I know your father will be glad and 
 thankful." 
 
 " To let you go quite away to stay ! " ejaculated An 
 nis, when she heard of the plan. " Mamma, I have given 
 up part of you a good many times, but I can't give up 
 all," and the soft lips quivered. " Why can I not go ? I 
 will be very good, and not make any trouble. And I 
 could help you with Charles, and read to him. He is so 
 fond of me." 
 
 " It would not be possible to take you, dear," she re 
 plied tenderly. " You would add to my care. The doc 
 tor thinks this plan the best, the only one." 
 
 Annis clung to her mother. " Philadelphia is ever so 
 much farther than Baltimore ! " she cried despairingly. 
 " And you are my mother ! " 
 
 " But, if Charles should be ill a long while ! And think 
 how lonesome he would be with just a nurse! You can 
 write quite well, and you can send me letters about every 
 thing. Jaqueline knows of a delightful school you can 
 go to. It is time you were learning something, as well as 
 Varina. There, dear, don't make it harder for me." 
 
 218
 
 IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 Annis was crying on her mother's shoulder. She had 
 thought a three- or four-days' separation very hard 
 how would she stand weeks and months? To be sure, 
 they all loved her mother, and Charles was especially 
 fond of her ; but, after all, she was her mother. 
 
 Then Mr. Mason came in, but for once she would not 
 sit on his knee nor listen to his bright predictions. 
 
 At first Charles refused utterly to go without Annis. 
 He was sure she couldn't be in the way. He loved 
 mamma very much, but he had found it lonely at school 
 without Annis to tell things over to. She was different 
 from the other girls and, then, they were grown women, 
 except Varina; and he could not stand it without her. 
 
 " I want to get well and grow up to manhood, and then 
 none of you shall take her away from me ! " he cried. 
 
 Mrs. Mason gave a soft sigh, hoping he would have no 
 greater heartache in the days to come. 
 
 Dr. Collaston finally persuaded him that this would be 
 the best arrangement, as quiet and a darkened room 
 might be necessary. " And it would be like keeping her 
 a prisoner," he said. " Her mother could not take her 
 out, and she could not go about a strange city alone, so it 
 would be rather selfish to ask so much of her." 
 
 " And I don't mean to be selfish. If you all think so, 
 it must be right ; but I am sorry, all the same." 
 
 " You may get home by Christmas," the doctor said 
 hopefully. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 '""pHERE were many arrangements to make. Only Mr. 
 
 and Mrs. Mason knew how really serious the case 
 
 might be, and Mrs. Mason felt that she could not accept 
 
 219
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 the responsibility alone. Dixon, the overseer, was a 
 good manager and a trusty man, and his wife a very 
 efficient woman. Indeed, the older house slaves could 
 have run the place without supervision, but it was well to 
 have a responsible head. Louis would come down now 
 and then and inspect the financial affairs, and bring Jaque- 
 line occasionally. It would not be quite like going to 
 London, and Mr. Mason might return if really needed. 
 
 So they packed up and put things in order, and went up 
 to Washington to settle Annis. Charles seemed really 
 stronger, but the doctor knew it was only excitement. 
 Patty's house was so pretty and the office so handy, the 
 boy did not see why he could not remain with her. 
 
 The house was quite fine for the times. Land was 
 abundant, and houses did not have to crowd. There 
 were spacious rooms, for people were hospitably inclined. 
 Southern women made charming hostesses. In an ell 
 part the doctor had an office, for he was quite ambitious 
 in his profession, if he had one eye on the advance 
 ment of the City. He had rented one of his houses, and 
 another was likely to be sold. 
 
 There were people who shook their heads dubiously 
 and feared an invasion ; others reasoned there was so 
 little prospect of booty in Washington compared to the 
 commercial cities, there could be no possible danger. 
 
 Jaqueline had a pretty corner room. Opening into it 
 was a smaller one devoted to Annis, with its dainty bed 
 curtained with white muslin and fringe that nodded in 
 the slightest breeze. The floor was painted, and a rug 
 made by the slaves at home lay at the bedside. Grand 
 mother had sent Patty the mahogany furnishing of one 
 room that she had brought from the Mason house when 
 she was married, and it was quite an heirloom. This 
 was in Jaqueline's room. 
 
 The baby went far toward reconciling Annis. A 
 
 220
 
 IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 pretty, plump little thing, with great dark eyes and a 
 fringe of dark hair over a white forehead, she looked 
 like a picture. Judy, one of the slaves from home, was 
 her nurse. 
 
 Yet the parting was very hard for Annis. The doc 
 tor had taken Charles in his own carriage. They were 
 to go to Baltimore and rest a day or two and visit some 
 of the connections. 
 
 Annis felt at first as if she must be visiting. 
 
 " And do you remember we came up to Mr. Madison's 
 inauguration and went to the Capitol ? It seems as if it 
 must have been years and years ago, so many things have 
 happened since then. And everybody seems grown up 
 except Charles and I." 
 
 " You were a tiny little girl then. I hope you will not 
 be very homesick ; there are so many things to see. And 
 when the horses are sent up we can take beautiful rides." 
 
 Annis swallowed over a lump in her throat. 
 
 " The baby will grow and be very cunning. And every 
 week you are to write to mamma." 
 
 " And to Charles. I am not to mind not getting an 
 swers from him; it makes his head ache to write." 
 
 " And, then, there are the children at Aunt Jane's. 
 Her baby talks everything in the funniest crooked fash 
 ion. To-morrow we will call on Madame Badeau. I 
 hope you will like school. It is only in the morning." 
 
 " I am fond of learning things if they are not too 
 hard." 
 
 " Some of us have to learn quite hard lessons," and 
 Jaqueline sighed. 
 
 Madame Badeau lived in a rather shabby-looking rough 
 stone house, quite small in the front, but plenty large 
 enough for her and a serving-man and maid, and run 
 ning back to a pretty garden, where she cultivated all 
 manner of beautiful flowers, and such roses that lovers 
 
 221
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD .WASHINGTON. 
 
 of them were always begging a slip or piece of root. 
 There was a parlor in the front filled with the relics of 
 better days, and draped with faded Oriental fabrics that 
 were the envy of some richer people. There was always 
 a curiously fragrant perfume in it. Next was the school 
 room, entered by a side door, where there were small 
 tables in lieu of desks, wooden chairs, and a painted floor 
 that the maid mopped up freshly every afternoon when 
 the children were gone. Back of this were the living 
 room and a very tiny kitchen, while upstairs were two 
 rooms under the peaked roof, where Madame and Bath- 
 sheba slept. 
 
 Madame was small, with a fair skin full of fine wrin 
 kles. She w r ore a row of curls across her forehead, 
 a loosely wound, soft white turban that gave her a curi 
 ous dignity, and very high heels that made a little click 
 as she went around. She was quite delicate, and had ex 
 quisite hands, and wore several curious rings. Her voice 
 was so finely modulated that it was like a strain of music, 
 and she still used a good many French words. She had 
 been at the French court and seen the great Franklin 
 and many other notables, and had to fly in the Reign 
 of Terror, with the loss of friends and most of her 
 fortune. 
 
 Bathsheba, the maid, was nearly six feet tall, and proud 
 of some Indian blood that gave her straight hair and an 
 almost Grecian nose. She was proud of her mistress too, 
 and was in herself a bodyguard when Madame went out. 
 The old man who kept the garden clean and did outside 
 work was a slave too old for severe labor, and was 
 hired out for a trifle. At night he went home to sleep at 
 the cabin of a grandchild. 
 
 Annis was attracted at once by the soft voice that ended 
 a sentence with a sort of caressing cadence. And when 
 Jaqueline wrote her name in full Madame said : 
 
 222
 
 IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " Bouvier. That is French. Your mamma's maiden 
 name, perhaps ? " 
 
 " No," returned Annis, with a little color. " It was 
 my own papa, who is dead. And he could read and talk 
 French. I knew a little, but I was so young when he 
 died." 
 
 " And our father married Mrs. Bouvier some years 
 ago," said Jaqueline, " so Annis and five of us Mason chil 
 dren constitute the family. Mrs. Bouvier was cousin to 
 our own mother." 
 
 " I shall take great pleasure in teaching you French. 
 Poor France has had much to suffer. And now that de 
 testable Corsican is on the throne, with no drop of royal 
 blood in his veins ! but you can tell what he thinks of it 
 when he divorces a good and honorable woman that his 
 son may inherit his rank. But my nation did not take 
 kindly to a republic. They are not like you," shaking her 
 turbaned head. 
 
 The distance to school was not great, so in fair weather 
 it was a nice walk. Now the place is all squares and cir 
 cles and rows of beautiful houses, but then people almost 
 wondered at the venturesomeness of Dr. Collaston and 
 Mr. Jettson building houses in country ways; for al 
 though streets were laid out and named, there was little 
 paving. The Mason tract was on Virginia Avenue, but 
 the others had gone back of the Executive Mansion, on 
 high ground, and had a fine view of the whole country; 
 and Georgetown being already attractive, it seemed pos 
 sible the space between would soon be in great demand. 
 
 Out beyond them were some fine old mansions be 
 longing to the time of plantations and country settle 
 ments. The very last of the preceding century the Con 
 vent of the Visitation had been erected, for so many of 
 the Maryland gentry were Roman Catholics. There was 
 a school for girls here, mostly boarding scholars. 
 
 223
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 Then Rock Creek stretched way up on the heights, 
 threading its path in and out of plantations where fields 
 were dotted with slaves at their work, often singing 
 songs with the soft monotonous refrain that suggested the 
 rhythm of the distant ocean. Occasionally you met a 
 silvery lake that bosomed waving shadows; then 
 stretches of gigantic oaks, somber pines, and hemlocks; 
 and now and then a little nest of Indian wigwams whose 
 inhabitants preferred quasi-civilization. 
 
 To the southeast, on the Anacostia River, was the navy 
 yard, active enough now. And there was Duddington 
 Manor, with its high wall and stately trees overtopping 
 it, built by Charles Carroll, to be for a long while a 
 famous landmark in solitary grandeur. But the Van 
 Ness mansion, nearer the Potomac, was always alight, 
 and often strains of music floated out on the night air to 
 the enjoyment of the passer-by. 
 
 Annis had been living in a kind of old world, peopled 
 with the heroes of Homer, the knights of Arthur, and the 
 pilgrims of Chaucer, as well as Spenser's " Faerie 
 Queene." She had a confused idea that Pope's garden 
 was in some of these enchanted countries, and that Ben 
 Jonson and Shakspere were among the pilgrims who 
 sang songs and told tales as they traveled on, or stopped 
 at the roadside and acted a play. Charles had learned 
 where to place his heroes and who of them all were real. 
 
 Annis left the realm of imagination and fancy and 
 came down to actual study. At first she did not like it. 
 
 *' But you must know something about modern events," 
 declared Jaqueline, " to read well and write a nice letter ; 
 and to understand the history of our own country, which 
 is all real. And to keep accounts every housekeeper 
 ought to be able to do that. Grandmamma had to look 
 after the big plantation until papa came of age ; and wo 
 men have to do a good many different things." 
 
 224
 
 IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " I think I shall like learning them, or most of them," 
 and Annis' eyes shone. 
 
 " There is dancing, too ; you must go in a class next 
 winter. You can embroider nicely, so you needn't bother 
 about that. And I have been in a painting class where 
 there were some quite small girls. Some ladies paint 
 fans and flower pieces beautifully. And Patty thinks she 
 will have a pianoforte, which would be delightful. Sing 
 ing classes are in vogue, too." 
 
 " Oh, dear, can one learn so much ? " and the child 
 looked perplexed. 
 
 " You do not have to learn it all at once," returned the 
 elder with a smile. 
 
 Very few people had any thought of vacations then. 
 True, Washington had a dull spell when Congress was 
 not in session, and some of the people retired to country 
 places or went to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, or to 
 Bladensburg to drink medicated waters. But Madame 
 Badeau kept her school going from eight to twelve for 
 the children's classes. They were all composed of girls, 
 for while Madame admired well-bred young men very 
 much, she could not tolerate growing boys. The after 
 noons were devoted to what were called fancy branches. 
 Young women came to learn embroidery and lace-making, 
 the duties on foreign goods were so high, and now the 
 risk of importing was so great. 
 
 There began to be a different feeling about educa 
 tion. Intelligent women were coming to the fore. To 
 be sure, science was considered unwomanly, but hand 
 some and well-bred Mrs. Gallatin knew enough on many 
 subjects to entertain her husband's guests charmingly. 
 Everybody would have been horrified at the thought of a 
 woman's college, and if a woman's convention had been 
 announced it would have created more indignation than 
 the war was raising. 
 
 225
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 Yet women with but few early advantages went to 
 Madame Badeau to be trained in conversation and the art 
 of writing polite notes, and some who had a facility for 
 verse-making to learn how an acrostic was put together, 
 or an anagram, and the proper fashion for congratula 
 tory verses. A few women poets had appeared, but the 
 French " blue stockings " were quoted in derision. Still, 
 it had occurred to other women beside Mrs. Adams that 
 the mothers of sons trained for perilous times needed to 
 be intelligent, at least. 
 
 For the first time Annis was thrown with a variety of 
 girls near her own age. None of them were like Varina 
 but, then, they were not like each other. How strange 
 there should be so many different kinds of people in the 
 world! It amazed her. 
 
 Jaqueline was much interested in her unfolding. There 
 was a delicious quaintness about her that contact with 
 Madame Badeau brought out. She had some very clear 
 ideas too, and there was so much to write about. 
 
 " I shall have to send a letter to mamma one week and 
 to Charles the next," she said sagely. " Then I shall not 
 tell the same things over." 
 
 " That is an excellent idea. You are a bright little 
 girl," returned Jaqueline with a smile. 
 
 " And it will save my own time. Jaqueline, can't we 
 go to Washington some time and really see it? One 
 of the girls called me a country lass because I did not 
 know about the streets and the way everything ran. And 
 how queer they should be named after the letters and 
 numbers! What will they do when the letters are ex 
 hausted? and there are but twenty-six." 
 
 " There are the numbers, you know." 
 
 " But the numbers run criss-cross. Do you suppose 
 they will go on as we work a sampler, make little letters 
 and then Old-English text ? One girl has the most beau- 
 
 226
 
 IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 tiful Old-English alphabet worked in red silk, but it is 
 very hard to tell the letters." 
 
 Jaqueline laughed. " No ! I think they will take names 
 then." 
 
 " They make up parties and go to Analostan Island. 
 And, do you know, there are beautiful falls up the Po 
 tomac, ever so far ! " 
 
 " Yes ; they are beautiful, indeed ; and we will get the 
 doctor to take us up some time." 
 
 " Everything is so " glancing around for a word 
 " so interesting. And there are so many people. I like 
 it very much. Only if we could have mamma and Charles 
 and papa! Then, it would be mean to crowd out 
 Varina." 
 
 " We'll have the whole household at Christmas." 
 
 Louis was very much interested in the surprise and 
 pleasure over everything, and he found Annis quite a 
 delightful companion for walks. She was so eager to 
 hear about the founding of the City. 
 
 " It has only come of age," said Louis. " For the cor 
 nerstone was laid in 1793." 
 
 " And there are cities in Europe over a thousand years 
 old ! Oh, what an old world it must be ! " 
 
 " But we are a new country altogether. Then, we have 
 much older cities." 
 
 " After all," she said reflectively, " the ground was 
 here. And some of the houses and the people." 
 
 They were still working on the Capitol. Stonecutters 
 and marble-dressers in their little sheds were a common 
 sight. 
 
 A great many people went to Christ Church, which had 
 been erected soon after the laying out of the City. Then 
 there was old St. Paul's, that had stood nearly a century, 
 built, as many other places were, of brick brought from 
 England. Since that day many a secret had been learned, 
 
 227
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 and during the last three years the United States had 
 manufactured largely, though many people sighed for 
 foreign goods. 
 
 There were two weeks in August when Madame Ba- 
 deau went away for a little rest and change of air. Mrs. 
 Collaston decided to spend a fortnight at Bladensburg, 
 and though Aunt Jane cheerfully offered to keep Annis, 
 Jaqueline insisted upon adding her to the party. Little 
 Elizabeth Patricia, commonly called Bessie, and by her 
 father Queen Bess, was thriving wonderfully. 
 
 Jaqueline had changed a good deal, but she was a 
 greater favorite than ever, it seemed, and had no end of 
 admirers. One of them, a very popular and well-to-do 
 gentleman, made her an offer of marriage. 
 
 " Are you really going to stay single forever ? " ex 
 claimed her sister. " I wouldn't take Roger Carrington 
 now if he asked me again. A man who cannot overlook 
 a little tiff though you did flirt shamefully, Jaqueline! 
 But it doesn't much matter. I observe the men are just 
 as ready to be flirted with again. Only don't wait too 
 long, and don't pass by the good chances." 
 
 Having made an excellent marriage herself, she con 
 sidered that her counsel and advice were worth a good 
 deal to her unmarried friends. 
 
 Roger Carrington seemed to have passed out of Jaque- 
 line's radius, whether purposely or not. Ralston spent 
 much of his time out of Washington, inspecting and 
 planning fortifications. Jaqueline kept up a friendly, oc 
 casional correspondence with him, and he had been 
 strongly interested about Charles' mishap. 
 
 She was much too proud to allow herself to think she 
 still cared for Roger, yet she admitted in her secret heart 
 she had seen no one to put in his place, though there 
 might be men quite as worthy. 
 
 Dr. Collaston went up to Philadelphia for a few days, 
 228
 
 IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 and learned that his worst fears in regard to Charles had 
 been realized. The most celebrated surgeon at that time, 
 who bade fair to do quite as much for the advancement of 
 medicine as Dr. Benjamin Rush had done in his day, a 
 Dr. Physic, had been noting the case carefully, and de 
 cided that only an operation could prevent a settled de 
 formity. Charles was growing stronger in some re 
 spects, and when the weather became cooler this would be 
 undertaken. 
 
 He told the elders, but they kept Annis in ignorance. 
 She went back to school ; and, though she had been small 
 for her age, seemed suddenly to shoot up and outgrow 
 everything. 
 
 " And I shall not be little Annis any longer. I suppose 
 everybody does grow taller and older. And now I am 
 past thirteen. When shall I be old enough to curtsey to 
 Mrs. Madison? " 
 
 " Oh, you can do that at any time. And since Varina 
 has gone to Charleston to visit Dolly Floyd, you ought 
 to have some indulgence. She has been to a reception at 
 the Governor's." 
 
 The election of Madison for a second term had been 
 largely the result of the victories that had thrilled the 
 nation. The navy was springing into existence as if by 
 magic. Some fine English ships had been captured and 
 graced by the Stars and Stripes, and were doing brilliant 
 work under their new colors. 
 
 The Constellation came up the Potomac, gayly deco 
 rated with flags and bunting, and Captain Stewart gave 
 a grand dinner, at which the President and his wife and 
 Mrs. Madison's son, then a handsome and elegantly bred 
 young man, were among the most distinguished guests. 
 Louis had obtained cards for himself and lady through 
 Judge Todd. 
 
 " You look pretty enough to be married," said Annis 
 229
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 when she saw Jaqueline in her pretty pink gauze gown, 
 the lace on it run with silver threads, and her dainty 
 slippers with silver buckles set with brilliants that cer 
 tainly did twinkle. The dinner was spread with every 
 luxury the season afforded, and enhanced by the bril 
 liant lights and profusion of cut-glass with its sparkling 
 points. While the elders sat on the quarterdeck sur 
 rounded by some of the chief men of the nation, beneath 
 an awning of red, white, and blue danced the belles and 
 beaus. 
 
 Lieutenant Ralston had come late, but he was in time 
 for the dancing. When he caught sight of Jaqueline 
 he made his way over to her. 
 
 " It has been so long since I have seen you ! " he ex 
 claimed. " And I really had not thought of meeting you 
 to-night, but I shall be in Washington for a fortnight or 
 more. And gay, pretty Patty has settled into a pattern 
 wife and mother ! Does she read you lectures ? " 
 
 " Sometimes," returned Jaqueline, smiling. 
 
 " Tell me about all the others. It seems an age since 
 I have heard of any of you." 
 
 " Then if you make such a little account of my letters 
 I shall not write you any more." 
 
 " Nay, do not be so cruel. You can hardly call them 
 letters, they are so brief. Still, I am glad to get them, 
 and feel anxious about the poor little boy. You think he 
 will recover? " 
 
 " Dr. Physic holds out hopes of a successful termina 
 tion. But it will be very slow." 
 
 " And that dainty little Annis ? You are mothering 
 her? Do you know, your charming solicitude made me 
 smile. Was she much homesick after her mother? " 
 
 " Only a little at first. She goes to school and is won 
 derfully interested." 
 
 " And Varina ? Our little wasp ? " laughingly. 
 230
 
 IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " Varina is spending the winter with Dolly. You 
 know she married a Floyd connection. He has been 
 elected a member of the State legislature this winter. 
 Varina is quite a young lady. We Masons have a trick 
 of growing up soon." 
 
 " And your grandmother ? How fares it with her ? " 
 
 Jaqueline smiled inwardly at this mark of respect, and 
 retailed the little happenings at the Pineries. He listened 
 attentively when Marian's name was mentioned, and made 
 no bitter comment. Was it utter indifference? 
 
 " This is our dance," he said, offering his hand ; and 
 they glided down the polished deck. Then someone else 
 came for her, and she saw very little more of him until 
 he marched up to bid her good-by and assure her he 
 should call speedily. 
 
 " What a fine fellow Ralston has made ! " Louis said 
 as they were returning home. " He has half a mind to 
 go in the navy, he tells me. They are winning all the 
 glory. But he is very cage?" about the defenses of Wash 
 ington. I do wonder if there is any real danger ? " 
 
 " Oh, I hope not ! " anxiously. 
 
 " No ; we do not want the war brought to our door." 
 
 " New York or Boston will offer greater attractions. 
 The enemy is raging over the loss of the Guerriere, and 
 threatens desperate revenge. Oh, we are safe enough ! " 
 
 Annis was eager to hear all about the ball. Was it 
 prettier because it was on a ship? And wasn't Jaqueline 
 glad to see Lieutenant Ralston again? Did anyone have 
 a more beautiful frock? * 
 
 " Oh, yes ! " laughed Jaqueline. 
 
 " But no one was any prettier, I am sure," she said 
 confidently. 
 
 The enthusiasm over the victories was running high. 
 The news came of Commodore Decatur's famous victory 
 off the Canary Islands, when he captured the Macedonian 
 
 231
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 after an hour and a half of terrific fighting, with the loss 
 of only five men killed and seven wounded. The United 
 States brought her prize into New York amid great re 
 joicing. 
 
 The news was hailed in Washington with the utmost 
 enthusiasm. It so happened that the evening had been 
 selected for a brilliant naval ball, to celebrate the two 
 other victories, and as a compliment to Captain Stewart. 
 Ralston had been in a few days before with invitations for 
 the Collaston household. 
 
 " I almost wish I was grown up," said Annis wistfully. 
 "Can't little girls ever see anything?" 
 
 " Why, she ought to go," declared Ralston. " There 
 may not be such another event until peace is declared, and 
 if we go on this way, it must be, ere long. But it will be 
 a great thing to remember in years to come Think of the 
 old ladies who saw our beloved Washington and the 
 heroes of the Revolution, how glad they are to talk it all 
 over ! Oh, Annis must go, by all means ! " 
 
 " But such a mere child ! " said Patty. 
 
 " Well, she has eyes and ears. I will take her myself. 
 Mistress Annis Mason, may I have the pleasure of es 
 corting you to the grand naval ball? It will give me a 
 great deal of pleasure, I assure you. I am a bachelor, 
 fancy free, so no one's heart will be broken." 
 
 He rose as he said this, and crossed the room to where 
 Annis was sitting, leaning her arm on Jaqueline's knee. 
 
 The child colored and glanced up in a puzzled manner. 
 
 "Well why do you not answer?" said Patty in 
 amusement. " Madame Badeau ought to train you in 
 polite deportment." 
 
 " Can I say just what I should like? " a little timidly, 
 glancing from one sister to the other. 
 
 "Yes," answered Patty laughingly, "Yes," said 
 Jaqueline a little more gravely. 
 
 233
 
 IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 Annis rose and made a formal little courtesy, holding 
 the side of her skirt with charming grace. 
 
 " It will afford me the greatest pleasure to accept your 
 invitation, Lieutenant Ralston," she said in a stately and 
 dignified manner. 
 
 " Thank you ! That is very handsomely done. After 
 this show of proper and ceremonious behavior you can 
 not refuse her permission ? " turning to the elders. 
 
 " We are vanquished, certainly," admitted Patty. 
 " Now you may be good enough, perhaps, to tell us 
 what she must wear." 
 
 He glanced her over. " Some simple white frock," he 
 said. " Then you might tie a red ribbon in her hair, 
 and put on her a blue sash, and she will be the national 
 colors." 
 
 " Luckily her hair isn't golden or red or black, so we 
 shall not startle anyone." 
 
 " Now, remember there is no white feather to be 
 shown," said the lieutenant. " You may be a soldier's 
 wife some day." 
 
 Annis blushed. 
 
 Later, when she was alone with Jaqueline, she put her 
 arms about the elder's neck. 
 
 " Dear Jaqueline," she said with a tender accent, " do 
 you think you will like my going to the ball ? If it isn't 
 quite right I will stay at home. And -are you sure the 
 lieutenant was in earnest ? " 
 
 " There is no reason why you should not go, except 
 that children are not generally taken to balls. And it 
 will be a grand thing for you to remember." 
 
 Annis kissed her, much relieved. 
 
 " I do so want to go," she returned after a little pause. 
 
 And that morning the news was announced by an ex 
 tra from the office of the National Intelligencer. People 
 went about in high spirits. As soon as the twilight ap- 
 
 233
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 peared illuminations sprang up at many important points. 
 Private houses were aglow from every window, and more 
 than one flag waved. Washington was full of gayety and 
 rejoicing. And some who did not go to the ball had 
 strains of patriotic music to cheer the passer-by. 
 
 Entertainments began early. Tomlinson's Hotel was 
 soon filled with guests, the beauty and fashion of the city. 
 The captured flags of the Alert and Guerriere were ar 
 ranged over a sort of dais where Mrs. Madison and the 
 Cabinet ladies sat, while the secretaries stood about them. 
 There was a host of military and naval men. Gold lace 
 and epaulettes and swords gleamed with every move 
 ment, while women were lovely in satins and velvets and 
 laces. Mrs. Madison wore a handsome gray velvet, 
 trimmed with yellow satin and lace, and on her head a 
 filmy sort of turban with some short white plumes. A 
 neckerchief of fine soft lace rested lightly on her shoul 
 ders, but displayed the still beautiful throat and neck. 
 The little curls across her forehead were still jet-black, 
 and though women powdered and rouged, she was one of 
 the few who " wore a natural complexion," said a news 
 paper correspondent. 
 
 One and another made a bow to her and passed on. Dr. 
 Collaston and his wife, Jaqueline and a handsome young 
 naval officer, and then Lieutenant Ralston and his young 
 charge. Annis was a little bewildered. She had seen 
 Mrs. Madison in the carriage, and at times walking about 
 the grounds at the White House; but this really awed 
 her, and a rush of color came to her fair face. Mrs. 
 Madison held out her hand, and gave her a kindly 
 greeting. 
 
 " What a pretty child ! " she said to one of the ladies. 
 " The American colors, too. How proud the lieutenant 
 was of her! I remember now that Miss Jaqueline Ma 
 son is quite a belle. Perhaps it is her sister." 
 
 234
 
 IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " That was beautifully done, Annis," whispered the 
 lieutenant. " Now there is a friend of mine, a young 
 midshipman, that you must meet. Will it be out of order 
 for you to dance, I wonder? And there is Captain Hull 
 You must see all the heroes, so you can tell the story 
 over your grandchildren." 
 
 It seemed to Annis that everyone must be a hero. 
 There was the young middy, a Mr. Yardley, who did not 
 look over sixteen, and who was going out on his first 
 cruise next week. 
 
 " Has Miss Mason any relatives in the war? " 
 
 How queer " Miss Mason " sounded ! She looked 
 about to see who was meant. The young man compli 
 mented her on her colors. He had a brother, a lieutenant 
 on the Constitution, and two cousins in the army on the 
 frontier. We should gain the victory again, as we did 
 in the Revolution. As a boy he used to be sorry he had 
 not lived then, but this made amends. Only, nothing 
 could compensate for not having seen Washington, the 
 hero of them all. 
 
 Presently the dancing began. Mrs. Collaston and 
 Jaqueline were both engaged, but Jaqueline put Annis in 
 charge of a charming middle-aged woman whose daugh 
 ters were dancing, and who, being a Virginian and resid 
 ing at Yorktown, could recall all the particulars of the 
 surrender of Lord Cornwallis. 
 
 Then Annis had her promised dance with the lieu 
 tenant. It was like a bit of fairyland. She thought Cin 
 derella could not have been any happier with the prince. 
 Afterward Mr. Yardley came, though by this time the 
 floor was pretty well crowded. He was about to lead her 
 back to Jaqueline, who was talking with Mrs. Todd, when 
 she stopped suddenly and put out her hand. 
 
 " Oh ! " she cried, then turned rosy-red. 
 
 " Is it why, it is little Annis Bouvier ! Child, how 
 
 235
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 you have grown ! Do they let you go to balls as young as 
 this?" 
 
 " I wanted to so much. And it is beautiful ! They are 
 all here " 
 
 There was a sudden commotion. Half a dozen gentle 
 men cut off their retreat. Then a whisper went round 
 the room, growing louder and louder, and cheers sounded 
 in the hallway. 
 
 " Ensign Hamilton with the captured flag ! " 
 
 Secretary Hamilton rose, and the throng made way 
 for him. Just at the doorway they met, the son with 
 dispatches from Commodore Decatur and the captured 
 colors of the Macedonian. A cheer almost rent the room. 
 And as he advanced his mother met him with a clasp of 
 wordless joy. 
 
 The President had been detained on some important 
 business. But the procession made its way to the dais 
 where the ladies were sitting, and the trophy of victory 
 was unfurled amid loud acclamations. The band played 
 " Hail, Columbia ! " and when it ceased the young man 
 modestly made a brief speech. The dispatches were for 
 the President; the flag he laid at Mrs. Madison's feet 
 the flag that was next of kin to that of the Guerriere. 
 
 The enthusiasm was so great that the dancing stopped. 
 The flag was raised to a place beside that of the other 
 two trophies. Old veterans wiped their eyes, the ladies 
 waved their handkerchiefs, and more than one voice had 
 a break in it. 
 
 Annis stood breathless. Mr. Carrington towered 
 above her, and he could barely see ; but he had heard the 
 story in the hall, and was repeating it. The clasp of her 
 soft hand touched him. 
 
 " If you want to go nearer," he said to Mr. Yardley, " I 
 will take care of Miss Annis. I am an old friend of the 
 family." 
 
 236
 
 IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " It would be hopeless to think of getting her to her 
 sister's just now. Yes I should like to see young Ham 
 ilton." 
 
 " That is excuse enough for anyone," and Carrington 
 smiled, bowing a polite dismissal. 
 
 " I am so glad to find you ! " Annis said with childlike 
 simplicity. " We have missed you so much. Where have 
 you been all this long time ? " 
 
 " We ? Who ? " He bowed his head a little. 
 
 " Charles and I. And do you know Charles is ill and 
 in the doctor's hands at Philadelphia ? " 
 
 " No ; I have been away three months up on the north 
 ern frontier and in Boston. Poor Charles ! Is he likely 
 to recover ? " 
 
 " He was to come home at Christmas, but he can't 
 now," and she sighed a little. " And papa too," ir 
 relevantly thinking of his earlier question. " We were 
 all sorry." 
 
 " I don't think everybody could have been," after a 
 little pause. 
 
 She raised her soft, beseeching eyes. " Are you still 
 angry with Jaqueline ? " she asked. " I am sure she is 
 sorry. Patty teases her and says she will be an old maid 
 because " 
 
 Then Annis hung her pretty head. 
 
 " What makes you think she was sorry ? " 
 
 He looked down into the eyes with an infinite per 
 suasion, and his voice had an accent hard to resist. 
 
 " Oh ! because she was sometimes so sad and sweet, 
 and used to go walking by herself in the twilight. Oc 
 casionally she would let me come. I can't quite tell 
 there are some things you feel. And it isn't right to keep 
 angry forever." 
 
 The child's tone was more assured. She was on firmer 
 moral ground. 
 
 237
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD .WASHINGTON. 
 
 " Then you think I have been angry long enough ? " 
 It had seemed years to him. 
 
 " Papa was very angry and scolded Jaqueline, but didn't 
 keep angry. Charles and I have been so sorry ! Oh, you 
 will make up friends ? " 
 
 " You love Charles as much as ever, then ? Happy 
 Charles! When you have love you have all the best of 
 life." 
 
 :< Then why don't you ask Jaqueline to love you again ? 
 Oh, I am sure she would ! " 
 
 There was a sweet seriousness in the face and the tone, 
 the innocence of the child. 
 
 " And why didn't you go to Philadelphia ? " he asked 
 presently. 
 
 " I wanted to. Don't you think it hard for a little girl 
 to be giving up her mother continually? But if it is 
 
 best They could not take me, and Jaqueline said 
 
 she would be like mamma, and love me and care for me. 
 She is ever so sweet. And Patty and the baby are de 
 lightful. I like Dr. Collaston too. And I am going to 
 school to a queer, delightful little French woman, 
 Madame Badeau. And the French I used to know out 
 in Kentucky all comes back to me." 
 
 " Yes," smilingly. " I have seen Madame Badeau." 
 The throng was beginning to move. " Suppose we go 
 up and have a look at this wonderful flag? I think war 
 terrible; but it is good to be on the winning side, and 
 certainly our poor sailors have suffered long enough. 
 When we are a terror to our enemies they will learn to 
 respect us. But, thank Heaven, you know nothing about 
 the terrible side here ! May God keep you safely ! " 
 
 She raised her eyes with a grave half-smile as if to 
 thank him for his benison. 
 
 The President had come in now. The band was play 
 ing patriotic tunes, several inspiriting Scotch pieces, for 
 
 238
 
 IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 just now no one seemed anxious to dance. Ensign Ham 
 ilton was one of the heroes of the occasion, and the pretty 
 women were saying all manner of complimentary things 
 to him. There in the throng stood Lieutenant Ralston 
 and Midshipman Yardley, and, yes, there were Dr. and 
 Mrs. Collaston. 
 
 Jaqueline was out of the group, listening to a vivid ac 
 count of the taking of the Guerriere and the gala time 
 there had been in old Boston Town. 
 
 Patricia turned and espied Annis, who held her head 
 up proudly and looked as if she were used to going to 
 balls every week of her life. 
 
 " Oh, Mr. Carrington ! " reaching over a cordial hand. 
 " What a stranger you are ! I felt I ought to go in search 
 of Annis, but I knew she was in good hands. Thank 
 you for your care of her. Wasn't it all grand ? Are you 
 not proud of your country ? " 
 
 " We have worked wonders on the sea, considering how 
 unprepared we were and the strength of the enemy. I am 
 no croaker, but we are not through yet. Heaven grant 
 that we may be successful to the end ! After all, 
 we are a young nation ; and we have fought in almost a 
 new cause, the enlightenment of the people, not the glory 
 or gain of kings." 
 
 " Annis, come and curtsey to some of these heroes. 
 She is over-young for such a place as this, but it will be 
 a proud thing to remember." 
 
 The throng shifted again. Ralston stepped aside and 
 encountered Mr. Carrington. 
 
 " Roger, old fellow," and though his tone was low it 
 had a cordial heartiness, " in this time of gratulation 
 private feuds ought to be buried. You were wrong in 
 your surmise, as I told you then. Between myself and 
 Miss Mason there has never been anything but the sin- 
 cerest friendliness. Still, I asked her to marry me and 
 
 239
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 she declined. Hearts are not so easily caught in the re 
 bound, after all. And though she has many admirers 
 she has not been won. Let us be friends again in her 
 honor, for her sake." 
 
 " For our own sake, Ralston. If we are ever to make 
 a grand country we must be united man to man. There 
 is need enough of it. A scene like this will go far to 
 ward healing many dissensions, public and private. And 
 I beg you to pardon what I said out of a sore and des 
 perate heart." 
 
 " Friends ! " repeated Ralston joyously. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 THE FLAG OF VICTORY. 
 
 IT was true that the victories did go far toward healing 
 dissensions. While the indignation against England 
 had run high, there was a bitter opposition in some quar 
 ters to every act of the administration. There was jar 
 ring in the Cabinet as well as outside. The larger cities 
 had never cordially approved of the Capital at Washing 
 ton. They had had rejoicing over successes, and now it 
 was the turn of the newer city. 
 
 Mrs. Madison's drawing room always presented a gay 
 and beautiful aspect. Many strangers came to the city. 
 Washington Irving paid a second visit, and was most 
 graciously received and became a great favorite. So 
 ciety took on a finer aspect. Poets appeared, mostly pa 
 triotic ones ; and though to-day we may smile over them, 
 their sincerity moved the hearts of their readers and won 
 applause, inspired enthusiasm. 
 
 Jaqueline Mason had taken another ramble around the 
 room when she saw Roger Carrington talking to her 
 
 240
 
 THE FLAG OF VICTORY. 
 
 sister. The band played a grand march, and everybody 
 fell into line, as this seemed to befit the occasion. Then 
 some of the guests began to disperse, as the President, 
 who looked very weary, and his smiling, affable wife, with 
 so many more years of youth on her side, set the example. 
 
 Carrington loitered with the Collaston party, debating 
 whether he should meet Jaqueline. It would break the 
 ice, perhaps. Patty had been so cordial. She had taken 
 on so many pretty married airs that were charming. She 
 talked about her house and her lovely baby, how Annis 
 had grown, and how sweet it was of her to be content 
 without her mother, and how sad it was about Charles. 
 Louis joined them, full of enthusiasm. And at last 
 Jaqueline and her escort came up. 
 
 " We thought we should have to go home without you," 
 Patty said gayly. " Come ; it is late. The carriage has 
 been here waiting ever so long." 
 
 Jaqueline bowed to her old lover. Major Day, in his 
 military trappings, was quite an imposing figure, and how 
 beautiful she was! She had been a pretty young girl 
 when he first met her ; she was young still, in that early 
 dawn of womanhood before the bud had quite unfolded. 
 Had he expected to see her faded and worn in this brief 
 period? 
 
 They all wished each other good-night. 
 
 Why did he not " ask Jaqueline to love him again " ? 
 He was not as sure as Annis had been. And now every 
 thing was different. Patty was already quite a figure in 
 society, and Jaqueline could have her choice of lovers, 
 husbands. 
 
 Annis longed to tell over her little episode of the meet 
 ing, but there seemed no time. Jaqueline was always 
 going out and having company. Louis teased Annis 
 when he saw her. 
 
 " Two conquests in one night for a little girl ! " he ex- 
 24!
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD .WASHINGTON. 
 
 claimed. " Oh, I saw you dancing with the young mid 
 shipman, and then on high parade with Mr. Carrington, 
 who looked grave and grand, as if he was escorting about 
 a lady of high degree. I am afraid Madame Badeau will 
 make a woman of you too fast. Do you not think it would 
 be better to send her over to the convent to steady her, 
 Patty?" 
 
 " Oh, I don't want to be shut up ! I should run away. 
 And I like the girls so much. The convent looks dreary. 
 And they can walk only in that high-walled garden. I 
 want the whole big outside world." 
 
 Louis laughed and pinched her cheek. 
 
 If Mr. Carrington wouldn't come and ask Jaqueline 
 again, no one could do anything. Annis sighed in her 
 tender heart, and felt that it was better not to retail the 
 confidence. 
 
 Mrs. Madison's dinners were quite the events of the 
 winter, and her levees were delightful entertainments. 
 All parties began to harmonize more warmly ; perhaps it 
 was the gracious tact and affability of the hostess. The 
 National Intelligencer espoused the cause of the Madisons 
 enthusiastically, and congratulated the nation on his re 
 election. Roger Carrington began to haunt the entertain 
 ments he had so long shunned, or at the utmost merely 
 devoted a few moments to them. Of course he met 
 Jaqueline, who was simply indifferent, a much harder 
 condition to overcome than if she had shown hauteur or 
 resentment. And, then in a worldly point of view she 
 could do better. 
 
 For Washington, in a certain way, was prospering in 
 spite of the war and privations. There was a feeling of 
 permanence, as if the Capital really would be great some 
 day. Houses were springing up, streets lengthening out, 
 mudholes being filled up, pavements placed, and every 
 year a little was added to the home of the nation. 
 
 243
 
 THE FLAG OF VICTORY. 
 
 The time ran gayly around. The winter had seemed 
 unusually brief. March came in again, and with it the 
 second inauguration of James Madison, when the Capi 
 tol grounds were thronged as never before. The Presi 
 dent was paler and thinner, and though it had been a 
 triumph for his party, he sighed often for the quiet and 
 rest of Montpellier. 
 
 Mrs. Madison, in rose-colored satin and ermine, looked 
 " every inch a queen," said the papers of the day. And 
 happier than some of the queens off or on European 
 thrones, even if she had carried a great burden the last 
 two years. And the ladies of the republican court cer 
 tainly were not lacking in beauty or grace. The for 
 eign ministers and their wives, in all their brave array, 
 hardly excelled them; and the army and navy were in 
 force. 
 
 Annis went to the levee. It was quite a crush, but a 
 pleasure to the child to see the brilliant throng. Louis 
 was her escort, and he was proud of her refined and lady 
 like manners. The French grace in her nature had been 
 assiduously cultivated by the woman who still thought 
 there was no place like France. 
 
 " We will go home early," Patty said. " Jaqueline is 
 to stay and help entertain. She's getting to be such a 
 grand lady that I suppose she will be marrying a senator 
 or a secretary next, and perhaps be Mrs. President her 
 self. She and Mrs. Seaton are hand and glove." Mrs. 
 Seaton was the pretty wife of the editor of the National 
 Intelligencer. " But I am tired, and the doctor will be 
 out all night, so we will get some beauty sleep." 
 
 She sent the servant for the carriage. One of the 
 guests escorted them through the spacious hall and out 
 on the portico. A merry party were coming up, and An 
 nis, turning aside for them, slipped, landing in a little 
 heap on the stone pavement. Patty uttered a cry. 
 
 243
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 A gentleman at the foot of the steps picked her up be 
 fore Patty or Mr. Fenton could reach her. 
 
 " Oh, Mr. Carrington ! " cried Patty ; and now the 
 other guests ran down to see what injury they had done, 
 quite alarmed at the incident. 
 
 Annis drew a long sigh and flung her arms about her 
 rescuer's neck, quite ignorant who it might be, but still 
 frightened. 
 
 " No, I do not think I am hurt," in a shaken voice. 
 
 " Take her to the carriage, please," entreated Patty. 
 " And, Mr. Fenton, do not mention it to my sister nor my 
 brother, if you see them. Good-night, and thanks." 
 
 Mr. Carrington carried her to the edge of the walk and 
 then put her down. 
 
 " I feel shaky," she began, with a tremulous laugh. 
 " But I am quite sure I have not broken any bones." 
 
 Patty stepped in first. Mr. Carrington assisted Annis, 
 and then studied the pale face. 
 
 " Do you not think I had better accompany you ? " he 
 asked solicitously. 
 
 " But you were just going in to pay your respects to 
 Mrs. Madison " declared Patty. 
 
 " I shall have four years more to do it in," he returned. 
 " Where is the doctor ? Yes, I had better be sure of your 
 safety." 
 
 " He is out on business. Really, he is getting to be 
 quite hard-worked. And if you would not mind. I 
 should take it as a favor. Then we can see if Annis is 
 really injured." 
 
 He sprang in, and the coachman closed the door. 
 
 " It was very funny to take that flying leap, as if I 
 were a bird," and Annis could not forbear laughing. 
 " What did I look like, dropping at your feet ? I was so 
 bundled up that I couldn't save myself. There is a bump 
 swelling up on my forehead." 
 
 244
 
 THE FLAG OF VICTORY. 
 
 " Lucky if there is nothing worse," responded Patty. 
 
 Annis was carried up the steps and deposited on the 
 drawing-room sofa. Patty took off her wraps, and 
 made her stand up and try all her limbs. She began 
 to feel quite natural and over her fright. There was a 
 lump on her forehead, but her hood had protected the 
 skin. 
 
 " I am delighted to think it is no worse," the gentle 
 man said. 
 
 " And it is a pity to have disturbed you. But the doc 
 tor being out, I felt nervous ; and a friend is so good at 
 such a time. I am sure we are much indebted for your 
 kindness." 
 
 Annis put out her hand and clasped his. " I am glad 
 it was you," she said with simple thankfulness. 
 
 Then they talked of Charles. He had been put in a 
 plaster jacket. Dr. Collaston was quite sure the best 
 was being done, but it would be spring before he could be 
 brought home. 
 
 Patty was very cordial at the parting, and invited him 
 to call. 
 
 " And see what happens to me next," said Annis. 
 
 " You may be sure I shall want to know." 
 
 He did not go back to the levee. Jaqueline was there, 
 being admired and flattered. Now and then he heard 
 complimentary things said about her, and young men sent 
 her verses, quite an ordinary event at that time. She had 
 forgotten, and he remembered only too well. Annis must 
 have been wrong, yet he had hugged the child's innocent 
 prattle to his heart. He knew now he had not ceased to 
 love her, yet he had thought in his pride that if she could 
 love Ralston he would not stand in the way. His jeal 
 ousy had been of the larger, finer type. 
 
 With all these opportunities she had accepted no lover. 
 Her attractions were of a more refined kind than when 
 
 245
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 she had made her first plunge into gayety. Was there 
 
 something No, he hardly dared believe it. He had 
 
 been imperious and arbitrary. 
 
 He had not the courage to go the next day and inquire 
 after Annis. He knew it was a polite duty. He walked 
 down past Madame Badeau's little gray house when 
 school was being dismissed. There was no Annis among 
 the girls. What if she had been injured more than they 
 thought! He would stop and inquire at the office. 
 There were several men talking eagerly with the doctor, 
 so he strolled around the corner. Yes, that was Jaque- 
 line sitting with her face turned from the window, chat 
 ting to someone. The proud poise of the head, the shin 
 ing dark curls just shadowing her white neck, the pink 
 ear like a pearly sea shell, and then her slim white hand 
 held up in some gesticulation, and the smile that made a 
 dainty dimple. No, he would not interrupt her; so he 
 walked on. If she had turned her head but she did 
 not. 
 
 He was very busy the next day. When he left the office 
 a carriage full of young girls passed him. Some of them 
 nodded; he was not quite sure whether she did or not. 
 Now was his opportunity. 
 
 The day had been rather raw, with a fitful sunshine, but 
 now it was clouding over. He walked briskly, and held 
 his head erect, although he felt rather cowardly at heart. 
 Why should he not put his fate to the touch, like a man, 
 or dismiss her from his mind ? He sauntered up the stoop 
 and touched the knocker lightly so lightly, indeed, that 
 Julius, amid the clatter of Dinah's pots and pans, did not 
 hear it. 
 
 The carriage stopped. It was rather dusky now, and a 
 tree hid the figure at the door until Jaqueline was coming 
 up the steps. His heart beat furiously. He turned, and 
 they faced each other. 
 
 246
 
 THE FLAG OF VICTORY. 
 
 Her hat, with the great bow on the top, was tied under 
 her chin with rose-colored ribbons. A satin collar edged 
 with swan's down stood up around her throat and almost 
 touched the pink cheeks. The great soft, dark eyes 
 glanced out in surprise they could flame in anger too, he 
 knew that. 
 
 He had thought more than once how gradually he 
 would lead up to that old time, and learn if she still loved 
 him. And she had resolved upon a becoming humility 
 on his part. He should admit that he had misjudged her, 
 that he had been selfish, arbitrary, suspicious, jealous, 
 and oh, how many faults she had counted upon her white 
 fingers ! 
 
 " Jaqueline," he said almost under his breath " Jaque- 
 line ! " and it seemed as if his voice had never been so 
 sweet, a fragrant shower falling on a long-parched heart. 
 He was trying to find her hand; did it come out of the 
 great muff quite as broad as her slim figure, all soft and 
 warm, to be pressed to his lips ? 
 
 " Are you very angry still ? " she inquired in the dear 
 est, most beseeching tone. 
 
 " Angry ? " He had forgotten all about it. He had 
 been fatuous, senseless, to think of such a thing ! 
 
 " Because " in a fascinating cadence of pardon. 
 
 " I have not had a happy moment." His voice was 
 husky with emotion, with the love that he had told him 
 self a hundred times was dead, and a hundred times had 
 disbelieved. 
 
 " I had given you up. Not that I had ceased to care. 
 And that night of the ball, when the flags came, I was 
 quite sure you loved me no longer." 
 
 " I shall love you always. I was mad, foolish, jeal 
 ous " 
 
 " And I did flirt. Oh, I was such a vain little thing 
 then ! I am better now. I do not think it so fine to have 
 
 247
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 a host of men making love to you. Only you were wrong 
 about " 
 
 "Ralston? Yes." 
 
 " But you must know, he did ask me to marry him. I 
 do not think it was for love." 
 
 " I am glad it was not. I told him he owed you an 
 offer of marriage." 
 
 " But he did not. There had never been any foolish 
 softness between us. A Virginian girl may flirt, but she 
 doesn't give away the sweetness that only a lover is en 
 titled to. And what if I had loved him ? " 
 
 " If you had loved him I should have wished you God 
 speed, after a while." 
 
 " But you couldn't have done it at first ? " 
 " No, I couldn't." The hearty tone was convincing. 
 
 It was quite dark now. He put his arm about her and 
 drew her nearer, nearer, and ceased to kiss her hand. 
 
 " Oh, my darling ; here I am keeping you out in the 
 cold! Are you almost frozen? And I came to hear 
 about Annis. I have been wondering if I should ever 
 meet you where I could say a word " 
 
 "Annis is your very good friend. So was Charles. 
 And papa was fearfully angry at my folly. They were 
 all on your side." 
 
 " And now you are on my side ? " 
 
 " Yes," with a soft, happy little laugh. 
 
 Then he knocked again. This time Julius heard, and 
 answered. 
 
 Annis was sitting on the floor, playing with the baby, 
 who was laughing and cooing. 
 
 " I thought you wouldn't come ever ! " she said 
 vehemently. " I had a headache yesterday, and Patty 
 wouldn't let me go to school, but the doctor said it didn't 
 amount to anything. It was funny, though. Jaque- 
 line, where did you find him ? " 
 
 248
 
 THE FLAG OF VICTORY. 
 
 " On the stoop," and Jaqueline gave a queer little laugh. 
 How soft and shining her eyes were, and her cheeks were 
 like pink roses just in bloom. Annis felt something mys 
 terious stirring in the air. Then Jaqueline ran away. 
 
 " Did you ask her?." Annis raised her clear eyes with 
 a sweet, solemn light. 
 
 " Yes. Annis, you are to be my little sister." 
 
 " I shall grow big, more's the pity," she said senten- 
 tiously. " And I hate to be big ! " 
 
 He laughed at that. 
 
 The doctor had taken his wife over to Arlington, for he 
 disliked to ride alone except when he was in great haste ; 
 and just as Dinah had begun to fume about supper they 
 came in. Mr. Carrington had a warm welcome from 
 them, and they all laughed over Annis' mishap. But 
 when Jaqueline entered the story was told, as love stories 
 always are; and they kept Roger to tea. No one came, 
 for a cold, drizzling rain set in, and he had Jaqueline to 
 himself. 
 
 " Still, she might have done a great deal better," said 
 Dr. Collaston. " Jaqueline ought to go to some foreign 
 court as the wife of a minister, she is so elegant. Or the 
 wife of a secretary of state." 
 
 He had his desire years afterward, when Jaqueline and 
 her husband went to the French court. Napoleon had 
 been swept away by the hand of fate, and royalty sat on 
 the throne. 
 
 Roger said they must go over and tell his mother the 
 joyful news. Ralph's wife was a sweet home body, and 
 she had a thriving son that was his great-grandmother's 
 pride. But the mother's heart was strongly centered in 
 her firstborn, and she had suffered keenly in his sorrows, 
 though they had never talked them over. They had been 
 too deep, too sacred. 
 
 " Only love him, my dear," she said to Jaqueline. 
 249
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " There are some people who think you can love a per 
 son too much ; but when they have gone beyond your ken 
 you are most glad of the times you gave them overflowing 
 measure." The young girl knew then she was forgiven. 
 
 Jaqueline was not less a favorite in society because she 
 was an engaged young lady, but she was more circum 
 spect; and certainly now Roger had nothing to complain 
 of. Only life seemed too short ever to make up the lost 
 months. 
 
 Annis was as happy as the lovers themselves. She was 
 very companionable and never in the way. There was a 
 curious ingrained delicacy about her. Dr. Collaston de 
 clared he was jealous. He and little Bessy ought to out 
 weigh the regard for Mr. Carrington. 
 
 " But I knew him first. It's the longest friendship," 
 glancing up archly. 
 
 " I have taken you to my heart and home doesn't that 
 count? And Mr. Carrington has no home." 
 
 Annis was not prepared for that argument. She could 
 not seem ungrateful. 
 
 Spring came on apace. What a lovely season it was! 
 Beautiful wild flowers sprang up at the roadsides, the trees 
 and shrubbery put on infinite tints of green. The river, 
 really majestic then, making a broad lake after its conflu 
 ence with the eastern branch ; the marshy shores, dotted 
 with curious aquatic plants that had leave to grow 
 undisturbed and bloom in countless varieties, if 
 not so beautiful; the heights of Arlington, with the 
 massive pines, hemlocks, and oaks, and flowering trees 
 that shook great branches of bloom out on the air like 
 flocks of flying birds, and filled every nook and corner 
 with fragrance. And as the season advanced the apri 
 cot, pear, and peach came out, some of them still in a com 
 paratively wild state, finer as to bloom than fruit. 
 
 There lay pretty Alexandria, with the leisurely aspect 
 250
 
 THE FLAG OF VICTORY. 
 
 all towns wore at that day. Great cultivated fields 
 stretched out as far as the eye could see. Diversified 
 reaches in hill and woodland broke the surface into a 
 series of beguiling pictures, as if one could wander on 
 for ever and ever. 
 
 And then, at the bend of the river, Mount Vernon in its 
 peaceful silence ; a place for pilgrimages even at that time, 
 and destined, like Arlington, to become more famous as 
 the years rolled on. But while the former was shrouded 
 in reverent quiet, Arlington was the scene of many a gay 
 gathering. If Mrs. Madison sometimes wearied of the 
 whirl of pleasure so different from her Quaker girlhood 
 and early married life, the ease with which she laid 
 down the trappings and ceremonies of state and adapted 
 herself to the retirement of Montpellier showed that she 
 had not been wedded to the glitter and adulation, and 
 that the ease and comfort of country life were not distaste 
 ful to her. While not a strongely intellectual woman, nor 
 the mother of heroes, there is something exquisitely 
 touching in her devotion to her husband's mother in her 
 old age, and then to her husband through the years of 
 invalidism. It seems a fitting end to a well-used life that 
 in her last years she should come back to the dear friends 
 of middle-life, still ready to pay her homage, and to the 
 new city that had run through one brief career, to be as 
 great a favorite as ever. 
 
 And now, when balls and assemblies began to pall on 
 the pleasure-seekers, and one wonders, in the stress of 
 the war, how so much money could have been spent on 
 pleasure and fine-dressing, excursions up the Potomac 
 to the falls, so beautiful at that time, were greatly in 
 vogue. Carriages and equestrians thronged the road, fol 
 lowed by great clumsy covered wagons and a regiment of 
 slaves, who built fires and cooked viands that were best 
 hot, or made delicious drinks, hot and cold. 
 
 251
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 About fifteen miles above were the Great Falls. In the 
 early season, when spring freshets gathered strength and 
 power in the mountain range of the Alleghanies, the river 
 swelled by the affluents in its course, and bursting through 
 the Blue Mountains at Harper's Ferry, swept onward 
 with resistless force until it came to this natural gorge, 
 where it fell over a declivity of some thirty to forty feet. 
 Indeed, this was one of the great natural curiosities of the 
 time, and foreigners made the pilgrimage with perhaps as 
 much admiration as Niagara elicits from more jaded 
 senses. 
 
 Nearer the City, and convenient for an afternoon drive, 
 were the Cascades, some five or six miles above George 
 town a series of rushing streams divided by rocks, tum 
 bling, leaping, quivering in the sunshine, and sending out 
 showers of spray full of iridescent gleams and bits of 
 rainbows that danced around like fays in gorgeous robes. 
 Here merry parties laughed and chatted, ate, and drank 
 each other's healths, and tripped lightly to the inspiriting 
 music of black fiddlers, who threw their very souls as 
 well as their swaying bodies into the gay tunes. 
 
 Others, lovers most frequently, rambled about in the 
 shady dells and exchanged vows gave promises that were 
 much oftener kept than broken, to their credit be it 
 said. Though at that time there was much merry badi 
 nage and keen encounters of wits. Reading was not so 
 greatly in vogue; women spent no time at clubs or over 
 learned essays. " A new-fashioned skirt of emerald- 
 green sarcenet faced with flutings of white satin with pip 
 ings of green, and a fine white mull tunic trimmed with 
 fringes of British silk, with green satin half-boots and 
 long white gloves stitched with green," filled many souls 
 with envy at one of the assemblies, says an old journal. 
 
 Patterns were borrowed, and poor maids sometimes 
 were at their wits' ends to copy them. Most households 
 
 252
 
 had two or three women who were deft with the needle, 
 and who were kept pretty busy attending to their mis 
 tresses' wardrobes. Occasionally a happy blunder 
 brought in a new style. Privateers sometimes captured 
 cargoes of finery and smuggled them into some unguarded 
 port, and already manufacturers were beginning to copy 
 foreign goods with tolerable success. 
 
 As for the living, there was an abundance of every 
 thing in the more southern provinces. Fruits of all kinds 
 seemed to grow spontaneously, crops were simply mag 
 nificent, poultry, game, fish, and oysters were used with 
 out stint. They were wise, these people who had not 
 drifted to the bleak New England shores, where the liv 
 ing was wrested from the soil and consciences were not 
 yet sufficiently free to unite happiness with goodness. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 OF MANY THINGS. 
 
 , where is mamma?" cried Annis, as she was 
 clasped in Mr. Mason's arms one morning. 
 
 " Can't you give me mamma's welcome also ? " inquired 
 the kindly voice. " Why, Annis, what a large girl you 
 are ! It seems as if we must have been away an age for 
 you to change so." 
 
 " Am I changed ? " She laughed cheerfully. " Isn't 
 it time I grew ? Varina said in her last letter that she was 
 five feet four inches. And I am not five feet yet. And 
 Rene has been to assemblies, in long gowns. I went to 
 two balls, and that of the flags was magnificent." 
 
 "I shall have to look after my flock more sharply. 
 You will all run wild." 
 
 " But mamma ? " 
 
 Then he told her that although the operations had been 
 253
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD .WASHINGTON. 
 
 a success, and there was now no danger of Charles grow 
 ing crooked , he was still in a very delicate state of health, 
 and the doctor had ordered him a cool climate for the 
 summer. They were to go farther north and travel about 
 a bit. A sea voyage was supposed to be the best, but that 
 was quite impossible in the present state of affairs and 
 the dangers of the ocean. 
 
 " Oh, I thought you were sure to come home ! " she 
 exclaimed disappointedly. 
 
 " We are sure of nothing, it seems. Are you very 
 homesick ? " 
 
 A quick rift of color flashed up in her face. " I'm not 
 homesick at all. I like Washington so much. There are 
 so many beautiful places, and the sails on the rivers and 
 queer nooks where the Indians used to live, and the Capi 
 tol and the Senate where the great men talk, and so many 
 lovely people in fine clothes, and the officers, and the 
 French minister's carriage that spins along like a great 
 butterfly, and handsome Mrs. Madison and the grand 
 ladies " 
 
 " You will hardly want to go back to the plantation." 
 
 " Jaqueline is going to live in Washington," she said, 
 evading the question. 
 
 " I am afraid you are getting off with the old love," 
 half reproachfully. 
 
 " Not mamma, not oh, I love you all just the same! " 
 clasping his arm vehemently. 
 
 Her cheeks were very bright. She experienced a curi 
 ous feeling about Charles. Perhaps it was because she 
 had seen these grown lovers so much, and she herself was 
 growing out of childish things. 
 
 Mr. Mason was on his way to the plantation, and then 
 to the Pineries. His mother had missed his visits very 
 much through the winter, and she was becoming more 
 feeble. 
 
 254
 
 OF MANY THINGS. 
 
 They all felt disappointed that Charles was not really 
 well. 
 
 " It is probably the best thing you can do," said Dr. 
 Collaston. " He needs bracing up after this trying or 
 deal. I was afraid he would sink under it." 
 
 " The doctors consider it quite wonderful. When I 
 think how narrow his escape has been from lifelong de 
 formity " 
 
 The father's voice broke a little. Not an hour ago he 
 had been talking to Louis, straight, tall, vigorous, with 
 clear eyes and skin pink with the rich blood coursing 
 through his veins; and the contrast between him and 
 the poor pale lad had been great indeed. 
 
 " It will be all right. Surgery is making rapid strides. 
 So is everything. I am glad not to be any older, and I 
 hope to live to see a great and grand country. Why, I 
 may reasonably count on fifty years ! " laughing light- 
 heartedly. 
 
 Yet he would have been shocked if he could have 
 looked at Washington fifty years from then with a gift 
 of prescience. 
 
 Mr. Mason was gratified to meet Roger Carrington 
 again in the relationship to which he had once so cor 
 dially welcomed him. Jaqueline was sweet and tender and 
 very happy. But what a fine young woman she had be 
 come! And Patty was as matronly and motherly as if 
 she had been married half a century. But Randolph 
 Mason gave a little sigh as he thought how children grow 
 up and out of the old home nest. 
 
 The plantation was in good shape. There had been 
 some unimportant deaths, a number of marriages, and 
 many births. Virginia slaves were a prolific race, and 
 added to the wealth of the master. They were all over 
 joyed to see him, and full of regret that " missus " wasn't 
 with him. 
 
 255
 
 'A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " 'Pears laik everybody been daid and buried but Mas'r 
 Louis," said old Chloe. 
 
 At the Pineries nothing seemed changed. Brandon 
 Floyd was beginning to look like his father, and was 
 taking on the same important airs. He was very bitter 
 about " Madison's war, that no doubt would last as long 
 as the other war, by the looks of things, and leave us in 
 the same plight." 
 
 When Mr. Mason thought of his own blooming girls 
 his heart really ached for Marian. After all, there was 
 nothing like a home of her own and a love of her own for 
 a woman. He was glad Jaqueline had come back to hers. 
 
 But it brought about a rather perplexing point, not so 
 easily settled, it would seem. Mr. Carrington impor 
 tuned for an early marriage. Jaqueline had bidden him 
 wait until her father came. 
 
 The lover pleaded his cause so well that the father 
 could hardly say him nay. 
 
 " What do you most desire ? " to Jaqueline. " We may 
 not be back until quite in the autumn. I have been 
 seized with a strong inclination to see a little of our own 
 big land," laughingly. " We are proud of our share in 
 the old war, but other States had a hand in it as well. It 
 makes a man feel more a citizen of the whole country 
 and a grand place it is. So we shall not hurry." 
 
 He gave her a wistful glance, as if to read her wish 
 in the matter. 
 
 " I would quite as lief wait. Everything would have to 
 be so different. But," blushing, " it was the rock on 
 which we went to pieces before." 
 
 Her father nodded. 
 
 " There would be great disappointment on the old place. 
 But you might go down and stay a week or so. Varina 
 is so in love with Dolly and Charleston that we settled 
 she should remain until autumn, when Dolly and her 
 
 256
 
 OF MANY THINGS. 
 
 husband are coming up for a visit. That young Floyd 
 seems to be quite somebody. I always thought Dolly 
 flighty, but she appears to have some common sense, after 
 all." 
 
 " And Varina is quite a woman. I hope she won't be 
 utterly spoiled. Of course," tentatively, " it would be 
 a quiet wedding. I think I would like it in church." 
 
 Then, she had really considered it. 
 
 " Why not ? " said Patty. " So many of the girls 
 around home are married and gone, and unless you could 
 have a crowd it would be dismal. Then, you have so 
 many friends in Washington. To be sure, it would be 
 queer for a girl to be married without all her family about 
 her. Mamma and Charles and Varina! Well, we've 
 one more than half of them. Jaqueline, if you hadn't 
 made that fuss before " 
 
 " Yes," returned Jaqueline meekly. 
 
 Mrs. Jettson added her voice in favor v>f the marriage. 
 It had to be so speedily arranged. There were friends 
 ready enough to be bridesmaids ; indeed, the subject was 
 taken up in such earnest that Jaqueline was likely to be 
 married out of hand. All that was really needed was a 
 wedding gown and an appearing-out dress; all the rest 
 could be done afterward, and there was her mother's 
 bridal gown waiting for her. 
 
 When it came to the point, instead of a simple wedding 
 it was a very grand one. One of the Cabinet ladies sent 
 her a veil to wear because it was luck to be married in 
 something borrowed, and the veil had been worn at the 
 coronation of King George. Mrs. Sweeny worked night 
 and day altering over the wedding gown, which was a 
 mass of satin, sheer gauze, and lace, with a train carried 
 by a daintily attired p'age. Annis held her prayer book 
 and her glove when the ring was put on her finger. 
 Christ Church was crowded with the elite of Washington, 
 
 257
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 said a journal of the day. Mrs. Madison graced the 
 scene, and Mrs. Cutts, with whom Jaqueline was a great 
 favorite, while Judge and Mrs. Todd were warm in con 
 gratulations. It was really quite an event, and Roger 
 felt almost as if he had married a princess of the blood 
 royal. Such parties and dinners as were showered upon 
 the young couple, and such compliments as the hand 
 some bride received, were almost enough to turn one's 
 head. 
 
 Annis was kept busy writing journal-like letters to 
 mamma and Charles. And what treasures the old jour 
 nals and letters are to-day ! How Mrs. Carrington went 
 to Christ Church Sunday morning in " a violet satin gown 
 trimmed with fine silk ruffles edged with lace, and a white 
 satin petticoat with embroideries in violet silk and gold 
 thread. A fine-wrought lace scarf that her own mother 
 had brought from Paris, white satin boots with gold lac 
 ings, long white silk gloves embroidered in lavender, and 
 a white Neapolitan hat with a wide fluted rim, trimmed 
 with a drawn silk lining and rows of piping, and a great 
 cluster of lilies and violets and ostrich plumes." 
 
 The wedding veil was returned. Annis was to wear 
 the wedding gown later on, and at a very modern enter 
 tainment quite late in the century Jaqueline's grand 
 daughter won no end of admiration in it. 
 
 So when Randolph Mason had given his eldest 
 daughter away, and kissed her good-by with a thousand 
 tender wishes, he went back to the pale little son and his 
 dear nurse, as if he had had some sort of a gala dream 
 mixed up with a whirlwind. 
 
 " I wish Jacky had waited," said Charles with a sigh. 
 " I should like to have seen it." 
 
 " It wouldn't have been half so grand at home. Wash 
 ington is a fine place for such a thing." 
 
 "Finer than Philadelphia?" 
 258
 
 OF MANY THINGS. 
 
 " Oh, no ! " Mr. Mason smiled, remembering the sim 
 ple church. There were grander ones here. And, except 
 the Capitol, the White House, and parts of several 
 public buildings, there was nothing so very grand. But 
 the concourse of people could hardly have been matched. 
 
 " Didn't Annis want to come with you ? " 
 
 " She did at first. Then the wedding drove all other 
 desires out of her mind. I was afraid she would make a 
 time when I started. But everything was in such a 
 bustle!" 
 
 " Couldn't she have come here for a week or two, be 
 fore we start ? " 
 
 " How would we have sent her back ? " 
 
 " We wouldn't have sent her back then," said the boy 
 triumphantly. 
 
 His father smiled. " She has grown so, and changed 
 some way. Her hair is not quite so light. And she 
 can chatter in French like a native. Patty thinks her 
 very smart." 
 
 " And I have not grown any ! " he subjoined in a dis 
 consolate tone. " I am not allowed to study. She will 
 get way ahead of me. But she doesn't know Latin, and 
 she can't go to college." 
 
 And perhaps he could marry her. He was not so sure 
 of that now. Perhaps he would never marry anyone. 
 But he was glad Roger Carrington had Jaqueline. 
 
 Annis tried very hard to be sorry at not seeing her 
 mother. She was frightened because she did not want 
 to cry over it as she had at first. She had given up 
 mamma to Charles, and to be sorry and want her back 
 was selfish. Then there were so many things to do, and 
 so many pleasures. There was not time enough to run 
 over to Aunt Jane's every day, yet the children were so 
 fond of her. She knew some girls, too, who were asking 
 her to supper every few days, or to join some party to the 
 
 259
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 woods, or to sail up or down the river. It was such a 
 lovely thing to be alive and well ! When that came into 
 her mind her very heart melted in pity for Charles. 
 
 Then, it was queer, but Louis had taken to calling her 
 his little girl. He teased her sometimes, but he came to 
 take her riding when she had any spare hours. She could 
 hardly decide which was the handsomer, Louis or Mr. 
 Carrington, and she thought it rather disloyal. Jaqueline 
 said Roger was, by far. 
 
 And then came the plans for housekeeping. Roger 
 and she inspected some houses. It would be more con 
 venient in Washington, but Georgetown was much pret 
 tier. And there were suburban districts. 
 
 " But think of the winter nights in the rain and the 
 mud, and sometimes sleet, and the time wasted going back 
 and forth. Isn't it a bit of patriotism to want to build up 
 one's own city? We are a small people as yet, compared 
 to some other places. If we don't increase and multiply 
 and spread out, and fill up our vacant squares, our honor 
 may be taken from us." 
 
 " After so noble an argument I shall have to agree with 
 you that it is our bounden duty to remain," replied Jaque 
 line with an arch smile. 
 
 " Mother would like us at Georgetown, but she has 
 Ralph and his wife." 
 
 " Oh, do stay ! " cried Annis. " I like Washington so 
 much ! " 
 
 " The casting vote. We remain. Annis, you are to 
 come with us. We couldn't give you up now." 
 
 " Until mamma comes home. Of course I belong to 
 her." 
 
 They went down to the old plantation, and the house 
 slaves made a big feast ; the field hands had an illumina 
 tion of lanterns and big pine knots. But Annis thought 
 x the great house lonely. Then she recalled what her 
 
 260
 
 OF MANY THINGS. 
 
 father once said when all the children were married she 
 would stay there with her mother and him. Jaqueline 
 and Patty and Varina would have husbands and children, 
 and Annis shivered at a strange consciousness of solitude. 
 
 Jaqueline had been instructed to take her outfit, and 
 anything she wanted, her father said. Chloe knew all 
 about the bed and table linen : didn't she bleach it up every 
 spring in May dew? Such a packing, such a rejoicing 
 time over missy's husband " that she got at last," which 
 meant nothing derogatory nor that she had made a great 
 effort; only most of the slaves had great faith in first 
 loves for white folks, and a happy ending to an engage 
 ment. 
 
 There was the house to put in order and the " house- 
 warming " to give, a grand dinner for married friends 
 and a dance for the young people, when Louis was mas 
 ter of ceremonies, and bright eyes grew still brighter with 
 pleasure at his notice. 
 
 Almost before one had noted, there were cool nights 
 and ripening foliage, house-cleaning, and preparation 
 for winter. Ah, how lovely the banks of the Potomac 
 were, and Rock Creak ! Jaqueline begged that they 
 should take their first ride over again. There were vari 
 ous first things to do. The mother over at Georgetown 
 claimed them frequently. Ralph's wife was very nice and 
 sweet, but Jaqueline brought a curious stir and dazzle in 
 the house, and an atmosphere as of a spring morning. 
 
 Charles had improved wonderfully. There were some 
 remarkable springs up the Hudson that had wonderful 
 health-giving properties. And when they came back to 
 New York he was so taken with the advantages that he 
 begged to remain. The doctor in whose charge he had 
 been, promised to watch over him and not allow him to 
 study too severely, and a nice boarding place had been 
 found for him with a charming motherly woman. 
 
 261
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " Oh, Annis ! " cried her mother, holding her off after 
 the first fond embrace, " let me look at you. I have lost 
 my little girl ! " 
 
 " Mamma, I couldn't stay little always. But the part 
 that loves and thinks doesn't change, and I have tried 
 very hard sometimes not to want you when I knew Charles 
 needed you. I am so glad to get you back ! Oh, you do 
 believe that? But there is a queer thing I don't under 
 stand. When we first came to Virginia it was very hard 
 to try to love the others when they took so much atten 
 tion." 
 
 She was studying her mother with large, earnest, lus 
 trous eyes. 
 
 " Yes," said Mrs. Mason, with a fond embrace. 
 
 " And now I love them all so much. I'm not quite sure 
 about Varina I have not seen her in so long. But I 
 love you the best." 
 
 The mother kissed her fondly. No one, not even her 
 husband, who was so grateful for the sacrifice she had 
 made, knew how hard a trial it had been to her. 
 
 Just as they were considering whether they could 
 leave Annis at school and do without her, word came from 
 the Pineries. Mrs. Floyd had a sudden stroke, not so 
 very severe, but at her time of life a serious matter. 
 
 Young Mrs. Floyd and her husband and Varina came 
 North a few days after this. There was a month of slow 
 wasting away. Mrs. Brandon Floyd had a new baby, 
 Marian was almost worn out, and Mrs. Mason found her 
 self the comforter again, and much needed. Then grand 
 mamma slipped out of life, and was laid by the side of 
 Mr. Floyd ; and Mr. Mason, seconded warmly by his wife, 
 insisted that Marian should spend the winter with them 
 and rest, perhaps make it her future home. 
 
 Varina was a tall, rather distinguished-looking girl who 
 had blossomed somewhat prematurely into womanhood. 
 
 262
 
 OF MANY THINGS. 
 
 Annis was still a little girl beside her. She was gay and 
 bright, and full of her own good times. Jaqueline's mar 
 riage was delightful ; they had enjoyed the account in the 
 paper. Charles was well again, but what a sad time it 
 had been for him! As for herself, she and Dolly were 
 the dearest of sisters, and had had the best of times. She 
 should coax papa to let her return to Charleston. She 
 knew so many people there, and it would be just horrid to 
 go back to the old plantation. There were all the others, 
 and surely papa could spare her. 
 
 Dolly was very exigent as well. Mr. Mason realized 
 that it would be dull for a young girl, with the household 
 in mourning, and Marian half an invalid and dispirited. 
 But he insisted upon a family gathering at Christmas, as 
 Charles was to come home. 
 
 Mrs. Carrington would fain have had Roger a,nd his 
 wife, and Mr. Brandon Floyd sent a formal invitation for 
 Jane and her family at the Pineries, but she chose the 
 Masons instead. Marian was pale and grave, but im 
 proving under the fostering care of Mrs. Mason, who 
 was the kindest of sisters. Bessy Collaston had a new lit 
 tle brother ; and, with Dolly's one and Mrs. Jettson's four, 
 there was quite an array of children. 
 
 But the most joyous of all was the welcome to Charles. 
 Now he showed his real improvement. He had some 
 color in his cheeks and his eyes were bright and lustrous ; 
 his voice rang with a clear sound. 
 
 Curiously enough, he seemed almost a stranger to An 
 nis, and not the little boy with whom she had poured over 
 Froissart. She had outgrown him; and as for Varina, 
 she patronized him in a most uncomfortable fashion. 
 They were all so glad to see him well once more that no 
 one thought of teasing him, even when he aired his new 
 found knowledge unduly. Perhaps he was most flattered 
 by the friendliness of his big brother-in-law Roger. 
 
 263
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 Then followed the dispersion. It was best that Annis 
 should stay at school the coming year, and Jaqueline 
 declared she could not do without her. Truth to tell, 
 what with her school friends and her various amusements, 
 Annis began to feel as if Washington was her real home, 
 and the plantation a place to visit. Her mother had so 
 many long-neglected duties to take up, and Marian to 
 nurse back to health and better spirits. She had done 
 without her little girl so long, and clearly this was to the 
 child's advantage. 
 
 Meanwhile the war had gone on with varying fortunes, 
 but the navy of the country had gained various acces 
 sions by capture from the British and alterations from the 
 merchant vessels. None of the coast cities had been at 
 tacked. Boston, New York, and Philadelphia had been 
 making their defenses more secure. There was a fine fort 
 at Baltimore. But Washington made no advances. Con 
 gress wrangled over a hundred points. The country at 
 large was losing faith in the administration. There was a 
 growing party in favor of suing for peace on the best 
 terms we could get ; another clique were quite certain we 
 would wear out England, as, after all, she had made no 
 real gains, and we had become quite formidable on the 
 high seas. 
 
 General Armstrong, secretary of war, was confident 
 Washington would not be attacked; and though he ad 
 mitted that defenses should be strengthened, very little 
 was done. 
 
 The downfall of Napoleon and his abdication, and the 
 peace with France, had released the flower of the British 
 army, and many warships. It was supposed Bermuda 
 was their objective point, but they were ready to harass 
 the coast line from Florida to Maine, and filled many of 
 the towns with apprehension. 
 
 264
 
 IN THE MIDST OF WAR. 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 IN THE MIDST OF WAR. 
 
 '"PHE summer of 1813 was destined to rouse the legisla 
 tors at Washington from their supineness. Some 
 fishermen discovered a large fleet of sail sweeping in be 
 tween the royal capes and settling at anchor, as if unde 
 termined what course to pursue. They gave the alarm; 
 and as the ships sailed up the Chesapeake, Baltimore was 
 believed to be the objective point. 
 
 Commodore Barney's little fleet was chased up the 
 Patuxent. General Armstrong's orders were to burn it 
 if there was danger of its falling into the hands of the 
 enemy. Then with his men he was to join General 
 Winder for the defense of Washington. The vessels 
 were fired without a single blow, and the men made a 
 forced march across the peninsula. 
 
 There were no forts for protection, and only a few hun 
 dred regulars and several militia companies. With fatu 
 ous obstinacy it was still believed Baltimore would take 
 the brunt of the attack, giving time to rally the troops to 
 the defense of Bladensburg if there should be an inland 
 march. All the adverse opinions and counsel delayed 
 what might have been done for the protection of the City. 
 
 But that August night, when the intentions of the 
 enemy were beyond all doubt, a courier spurred post 
 haste over the heavy, sandy roads and through long 
 stretches of somber pines and giant oaks, a very prophet 
 of evil. At the little post-towns of Nottingham and 
 Marlborough the stentorian tones roused the people from 
 their sleep. " The British have landed at Benedict and 
 are marching inland. To arms ! to arms ! " 
 
 At Bladensburg he stopped at the ancient tavern, and 
 265
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD .WASHINGTON. 
 
 the quiet town was thrown into a panic. Everybody was 
 called out for defense. Then on to Washington, and the 
 startled rulers looked into each other's faces in dismay. 
 And then Colonel Monroe admitted that though there 
 were no great treasures in Washington, the moral effect 
 of capturing the enemy's capital would be equivalent to 
 a greater victory. There were state papers that must be 
 at once sent to a place of safety, and those who had valu 
 ables had better fly with them. 
 
 General Armstrong still believed no large army would 
 march forty miles from its base of supplies and run the 
 risk of being cut off, since Admiral Cockburn could not 
 know how well able the City was to defend itself. 
 
 All was wildest panic. Everything in the shape of cart 
 or wagon was loaded with cherished possessions, and the 
 road to Georgetown looked like a universal moving day. 
 
 It was decided to meet the enemy at Bladensburg and 
 oppose the march into Washington, if that was their ob 
 ject. Everybody a motley throng, indeed was hurried 
 to the front, the women and children left to the care of 
 servants. 
 
 The Carrington household had for days been in the 
 deepest anxiety. A fortnight before Jaqueline's little 
 son had been born, to the great joy of them all. Mrs. Ma 
 son and Marian had come up to the City the first time 
 Marian had visited the place since her joyous girlish win 
 ter and its ill-fated consequences. 
 
 All had gone on well, when a sudden and utterly unex 
 pected turn had filled them with alarm. A fever had set 
 in, and for several days it had been a fierce fight between 
 disease and skill, but there had grown up a faint hope in 
 the night, to be met with tidings of such terrible im 
 port. 
 
 Mrs. Jettson had come, wild with affright. 
 
 " We are going at once," she said. " What can the 
 266
 
 IN THE MIDST OF WAR. 
 
 wretched little army do against four thousand trained 
 British soldiers? And Admiral Cockburn, it is said, has 
 sworn to be revenged for the treatment of the English 
 minister, and that he will compel Mrs. Madison to enter 
 tain him and his staff at the White House. Can Jaque- 
 line be moved ? " 
 
 " Only at the risk of her life," said Dr. Collaston. " All 
 the news has been kept from her, though she could not 
 have taken it in. I have sent Patty and the children 
 and some valuables over to Arlington. We must stay 
 here." 
 
 " But Marian and Annis can they not join us? " en 
 treated Jane. 
 
 " Annis will not leave her mother. Marian may be of 
 great service. She is a most excellent nurse. Even the 
 servants are panic-stricken, and cannot be depended on." 
 
 "Where is Roger?" 
 
 " At the capital. We men may be needed to defend 
 our homes. Admiral Cockburn is said to be ruthless. 
 General Winder has started for Bladensburg. Heaven 
 grant the battle may be decided there! But you had 
 better go at once, for the children's sake." 
 
 " Oh, poor dear Jaqueline ! " 
 
 " We can only trust the very slender reed," and the 
 doctor's voice was husky with emotion. 
 
 " If I could do anything " 
 
 " No, you cannot. Thank you for all your kindness 
 in the past." 
 
 Mrs. Madison has been handed down by history as the 
 one serene figure in the turmoil and danger. She moved 
 quietly to and fro, securing valuables and state papers 
 and sending them away by trusty servants. The Presi 
 dent and several members of the Cabinet had started for 
 the scene of action. 
 
 Mrs. Mason and Marian watched by the bedside with 
 267
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 minutest instructions, while the doctor went out on some 
 pressing business. 
 
 " A soger gemmen say he must see Miss Annis," an 
 nounced the new. butler, who had been but a month in his 
 place. " I jus' done fergit de name. Dar's flustration 
 in de berry air." 
 
 " To see me? " asked the child in surprise. 
 
 " He want de doctor awful much. Den he say send 
 Miss Annis." 
 
 Annis held out her hand to Marian. " Come with 
 me ! " she exclaimed. " We will not disturb mamma." 
 
 They went down together. The man in the hall was 
 covered with dust and grime, and purple-red with the 
 heat. A soldier, sure enough ; but the first moment Annis 
 drew back. 
 
 " Oh, little Annis, don't be afraid ! " and she knew the 
 voice. " Marian " 
 
 And so the two met who had just touched their lips to 
 the cup of joy in the spring of youth. A grave woman 
 half a dozen years older, a man whose life might be ended 
 this very day. All these years he had been bitter and re 
 sentful, but if he were dying 
 
 " Can you not fly at once ? The battle has been dis 
 graceful, but what could such an army do against over 
 whelming odds. The whole thing has been a piece of 
 shameful imbecility in our rulers. The British are 
 marching into Washington." 
 
 " Then you have not heard " 
 
 Something in Marian's tremulous voice awed him. He 
 wiped the sweat and grime from his face. 
 
 " I have not been in Washington for three months." 
 
 " Mrs. Carrington is lying at the point of death." 
 
 Annis began to cry, and caught his hand. 
 
 " Then Heaven help you ! No one can tell what the 
 end will be. Now I must away to warn all who can fly, 
 
 268
 
 IN THE MIDST OF WAR. 
 
 and then do the best we can to protect those who remain. 
 If possible, I will send a guard. Little Annis, good-by, 
 if I should never see you again." 
 
 She threw her arms about his neck with a convulsive 
 sob. He held out his hand to Marian, but neither spoke. 
 Then he rushed away. There was not a moment to lose. 
 He strode over to the White House, where all was still 
 uncertain, and Mrs. Madison had given orders for the 
 dinner. To procure wagons was a labor of love and 
 infinite persuasion, to say nothing of money. 
 
 Then the messenger came shouting that General Arm 
 strong had ordered a retreat. Daniel Carroll had sent 
 his carriage, but Mrs. Madison refused to go until the 
 President arrived. 
 
 " It will not do for you to fall into the hands of the 
 British," declared an officer. " That would crown the 
 triumph." 
 
 Pale and weary from his fruitless journey, the Presi 
 dent and his wife stepped into the carriage to be driven 
 across to Georgetown, where further difficulties awaited 
 them. The opposition journals made merry over the 
 undignified flight, yet there is no doubt but that it was the 
 aim of both the Admiral and General Ross to crown their 
 victory by the capture of the most conspicuous figures of 
 the Capital. 
 
 The British marched steadily on the heels of the flying 
 foe, leaving their dead and wounded exposed to the piti 
 less sun, and proceeded at once to the Capitol, which 
 they ransacked and then set on fire, striking down anyone 
 who dared to raise a voice in its behalf. Then they 
 marched along Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, 
 chagrined to discover only a few servants left, but grati 
 fied to find a banquet awaiting them. There had been 
 covers laid for forty guests. Dishes of all kinds were 
 ready in the kitchen to be served. Wines were in the 
 
 269
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 cooler, handsome cut-glass and silver trays of delicious 
 fruit stood on the sideboard. The hungry officers and 
 men, scorning ceremony, feasted until the place became 
 the scene of the wildest orgie. The wine cellar was 
 broken open and its contents passed around, rooms were 
 ransacked and combustibles piled up ; and as they found 
 little worth carrying off, the match was applied, and the 
 house that had been the scene of so many joyous occasions 
 was soon in flames. 
 
 From thence to the Treasury Department, and then to 
 the office of the National Intelligencer, whose editor had 
 denounced Cockburn unsparingly for his acts of van 
 dalism on the coast and among defenseless towns ; and the 
 houses of some of the more noted citizens were added to 
 the conflagration. Women flying for refuge were in 
 sulted, wagons stopped and despoiled of their goods. 
 The few regiments could make no stand against the wan 
 ton destruction. 
 
 Suddenly there came a strange darkness over the city. 
 From the far-off hills the wind began to roar like another 
 ravening army. There were sullen mutterings of thun 
 der. The order was given to retreat, and by the lurid 
 light the ranks re-formed, though many, wearied out, 
 straggled behind. The red blaze was made visible a mo 
 ment by the lightning, when the town seemed in a molten 
 glow, and then dense smoky blackness. 
 
 As if this was not enough, a frightful tornado seemed 
 hurled from the hills on the doomed City. 
 
 The roar of the elements was terrific. Trees were up 
 rooted and houses blown from their foundations, crashing 
 down in the general ruin. 
 
 All day they had watched between hope and fear. 
 Jaqueline's fever had abated, and she lay half unconscious. 
 After the soldiers marched into the City, and he had seen 
 Mrs. Madison started on her perilous journey, Roger 
 
 270
 
 IN THE MIDST OF WAR. 
 
 felt he could be of no farther service. The enemy would 
 wreak his vengeance unopposed. He found there was 
 a guard in citizens' clothes keeping watch over his house 
 in an inconspicuous manner. But when the flames started 
 at the Capitol his anxiety was harrowing. What if they, 
 should continue their work of devastation in this direc 
 tion? 
 
 " Oh, do you think we shall all be burned up ? " cried 
 Annis in terror, dreading the sight and yet running from 
 window to window. 
 
 No one could guess the power or purpose of the enemy. 
 And no one could measure nature's devastation. 
 
 Dr. Collaston was in and out. Jaqueline lay, unheeding 
 the tumult and danger. 
 
 " She does not really lose," he said. " Ross has gone 
 over to the White House. Oh, the poor doomed City! 
 And relief is needed for the wounded at Bladensburg. 
 Half the women are crazy at their husbands being 
 sent to the front. And all this might have been 
 avoided ! " 
 
 Indeed, it transpired afterward that Mrs. Madison 
 had been refused shelter by a shrieking virago because 
 her husband had been enrolled for the defense of the 
 City. 
 
 " They are going to the White House. Perhaps they 
 may not molest us, after all." 
 
 This proved true. The ravages were continued over 
 eastward. They watched one building after another. 
 The public rope-walk was devoted to the flames. The 
 dockyards and arsenal and naval stores, powder maga 
 zine, and a fine frigate just ready to be launched were 
 fed to the devouring element that roared in devastating 
 hunger. 
 
 But that seemed nothing to the tornado. Annis flew 
 to her mother's arms, and could not be pacified. Marian 
 
 271
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 and Mrs. Mason would not go to bed, and Annis drowsed 
 with her head on her mother's shoulder, asking now and 
 then if morning had come. 
 
 It dawned presently over the ruined City. Rock Creek 
 was a rushing torrent. The Potomac had overflowed its 
 banks. Tiber Creek was swollen out of bounds. Cellars 
 were submerged, boxes and bales and furniture floated 
 out. 
 
 The British left their wounded behind, and when they 
 reached Bladensburg there were more than could be cared 
 for. Heartlessly trusting them to the mercy of the beaten 
 enemy, they marched on, striking terror to the smaller 
 towns through which they passed, and then attacking 
 Baltimore, the heroic defense of which is a matter of his 
 tory. General Ross was killed in the first skirmish, and 
 Admiral Cockburn forced to withdraw, and was con 
 demned even by his own government for his ruthless van 
 dalism, which had won nothing. 
 
 But the attack on Fort McHenry gave us one of our 
 most beautiful and deathless songs, and indeed seemed 
 the turning-point of misfortunes in a campaign that had 
 been conducted with so little foresight and sagacity. But 
 even this disaster may have been needed to bring the war 
 ring factions together, and convince them that to keep a 
 country intact the strength of all is the salvation of each 
 one, of every home. 
 
 Dr. Collaston could hardly call it hope in the morn 
 ing, but Jaqueline had not lost anything through the ter 
 rible night. Roger was nearly worn out with anxiety 
 and the work that had devolved upon him. Wounded 
 men were lying in the streets, and had been brought in 
 from Bladensburg. 
 
 " I must get a message over to Patty," the doctor said. 
 " The end of the bridge is burned, but there are some 
 boats. Something must be done for the relief of our poor 
 
 373
 
 IN THE MIDST OF WAR. 
 
 men who turned out so bravely for the defense of our 
 homes." 
 
 Certainly it was a ruined city. Twenty years of labor 
 and interest and expenditure laid waste, many of the in 
 habitants homeless, some lying wounded, not a few dead. 
 A deserted place, indeed ; and it was not until the British 
 were before Baltimore that the panic really subsided. 
 
 The President and Mrs. Madison were among the earli 
 est to return. Mrs. Cutts opened her house, for the 
 White House was a charred and blackened ruin. Every 
 body vied with attentions. The Tayloe mansion, called 
 The Octagon, on New York Avenue, and built in the 
 latter part of the preceding century, by a wealthy planter 
 of Mount Airy, was chosen for the present home. 
 Indeed, Mrs. Madison was never to go back to the White 
 House as its mistress, but she made a not less notable 
 center elsewhere. 
 
 Slowly people returned with their goods and stores. 
 The inhabitants of the adjacent towns were generous with 
 assistance. For a month or more Washington had a 
 continual moving-day. 
 
 Meanwhile the victories at Plattsburg and the sur 
 render of the fleet on Lake Champlain, as well as the sig 
 nal victory at Fort Bowyer, put heart into the Americans, 
 and England seemed not indisposed to discuss terms of 
 peace, convinced perhaps a second time that here was an 
 indomitable people, whose friendship was possible, but 
 whose conquest could never be achieved. 
 
 Slowly Jaqueline Carrington came back to life. The 
 intense heat had given way to cooling breezes, the sun was 
 often veiled by drifting clouds. For a week there were 
 alternations, then a steady improvement. 
 
 Temporary hospitals had been secured. Some of the 
 wounded had found shelter within their own homes or 
 those of friends. 
 
 273
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 Louis came in one morning. He had been among the 
 volunteers so hastily enrolled, taken prisoner, and then 
 allowed to go, as General Ross did not want to be ham 
 pered. 
 
 " Collaston, has anything been heard of Ralston ? He 
 came into Washington the morning of the battle. Now 
 that things are cleared up a little, he is reported missing. 
 The British did not stop to bury their dead, and he cer 
 tainly would have been noted." 
 
 " I thought it strange we did not hear. We must make 
 inquiries at once. We have been most fortunate, except 
 for pecuniary losses, and since Jaqueline is likely to be 
 restored to us we have no right to complain. I must set 
 out to find Ralston, though. The country has need of 
 such men." 
 
 It was true that Arthur Jettsqn and the doctor were 
 likely to be considerable losers by the misfortunes that 
 had overtaken Washington. But they were young, and 
 could recover. Patty and the two babies returned, and 
 she declared the losses were really not worth thinking of, 
 since everybody had been spared. 
 
 When Jaqueline was well enough to sit up a little, she 
 insisted on being taken to her favorite window, which 
 commanded a fine view of tne City. 
 
 " While you have had one trouble, you have escaped 
 another," said her husband gravely. " Our beautiful 
 Washington for it had grown beautiful to us, partly by 
 the eye of faith, I suppose is no more. We have had 
 war and devastation of the elements, and must begin over 
 again. We can tell our children about Old Washington, 
 if she was not ancient in years ; but a new one must arise 
 on its ruins." 
 
 " War ! " Jaqueline cried in amazement. And then she 
 glanced at the destruction, bursting into tears. 
 
 " Never mind, my darling wife. We have you and the 
 
 274
 
 IN THE MIDST OF WAR. 
 
 boy, thanks to your mother and Marian and Dr. Collas- 
 ton's skill. He was faithfulness itself through all that 
 trying time. When you are stronger you shall hear the 
 whole story." 
 
 "And Louis is everybody safe? ' 
 
 " Louis shouldered a musket and marched like a trained 
 soldier. Oh, we have some brave men left, I assure you ! 
 The enemy came; and what we were unable to do the 
 storm did forced them to retreat before we had been laid 
 quite in ruins." 
 
 " It is terrible ! " said Annis. " I have been driving 
 about with the doctor. The beautiful White House is 
 gone, and ever so many places. And the storm was ter 
 rific. Oh, dear! what a horrible time it was! I sat up 
 all night long with mamma and Marian." 
 
 " Dear Marian ! How good you have been to me ! 
 You and mother have taken such excellent care of my 
 baby." 
 
 Marian glanced up with a grave smile. 
 
 " And no dear ones are lost ? I suppose Lieutenant 
 Ralston was in the thick of the fight ? " 
 
 " Yes," answered her husband, " like many another 
 brave man. I think we owe him something also." 
 
 Everything was so changed. Marian often mused over 
 it. She felt like quite an old woman. She was hardly 
 likely to marry now. She had put her candle out, she re 
 membered. But her heart gave a quick gasp when she 
 thought of Ralston. " Evangeline " had not yet been 
 written, but daily she felt moved to enact the romance, 
 to go in search of him. Somehow she felt sure she could 
 find him. And if he was among the dead she would have 
 a right to cherish his memory, and that happy episode, the 
 one brief romance of her life. 
 
 Dr. Collaston came in. Yes, his patient was doing 
 nicely. When she could be moved with safety, the air 
 
 275
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 of the old plantation, with its rich autumnal fragrance and 
 ripeness, would do her good. Patty should go with her 
 for a holiday. 
 
 Annis was hanging to the doctor's arm. 
 
 " Won't you take me out with you ? " she said coax- 
 ingly. " I like so to go with you, there are so many things 
 to see." 
 
 " I am going to take Roger out on a little business, if 
 everybody can spare him. Your turn may come to 
 morrow." 
 
 She nodded good-humoredly. 
 
 Carrington followed his friend downstairs. " We have 
 news about Ralston," the doctor said. " There is a mes 
 senger here with tidings. There is no time to lose. You 
 can hear the story as we go along." 
 
 A pale, large-eyed young fellow with an anxious face 
 was awaiting them; and as they were driving over the 
 old road that had been traversed many a time in pleasure, 
 and was to be historic, Carrington listened to the young 
 man's tale. A British soldier, he had been wounded and 
 left on the field, and someone had paused to give him a 
 drink of water, when the stranger had been struck by a 
 stray shot and wounded in the leg. They had made their 
 way slowly to a deserted negro hut, where he had fainted. 
 His new friend had dressed his wound, which was more 
 painful than serious, but both were weak from exhaustion 
 and loss of blood. The storm coming on, they had 
 been glad of shelter. The next day his new-found 
 friend could not walk, and his leg was terribly swollen. 
 They waited in the hope that someone would find 
 them out. But on the third day the American was ill 
 and delirious. A negro woman had discovered them, 
 and visited them daily with food, and had attended to both 
 their wounds as well as she knew how. Now his com 
 panion had come to his right mind, and he was a 
 
 276
 
 IN THE MIDST OF WAR. 
 
 Lieutenant Ralston. He had begged him, Eustace Staf 
 ford, to find his way into the City and hunt up a certain 
 Dr. Collaston and tell him the story. 
 
 " He is still very ill," declared Stafford. " And he must 
 be taken out of that wretched hole at once. Still, we have 
 been very glad of the shelter." 
 
 " You look ill yourself " 
 
 " You should have seen this young fellow half an hour 
 ago," declared the doctor. " You would have thought 
 him a ghost. He has a bad wound in his shoulder that 
 has not been properly treated, and healed up on the out 
 side too soon. I have a carriage here at the door. When 
 Patty heard the story she insisted that I should bring Ral 
 ston home at once. We have plenty of room, and, after 
 all, have not been so hard hit." 
 
 Young Stafford, they found, had a cousin who was a 
 major in the English army. He had been quite enamored 
 of a soldier's life, had been attached to the staff, and was 
 a sort of private secretary to his cousin. But the ro 
 mance of war had been driven from his youthful brain by 
 his first battle, that of Bladensburg. 
 
 " But you must have better soldiers than those raw 
 recruits," he exclaimed, " when you have done such won 
 derful things ! Still, everything is so strange " 
 
 He glanced furtively at the two men, not knowing how 
 far it was safe to confess one's feelings. The ruin at 
 Washington had filled him with shame and dismay, 
 and he did not wonder that people on every hand were ex 
 ecrating the British. Even the old negro woman had de 
 nounced them bitterly. 
 
 " Most of our real soldiers were elsewhere. There is 
 a great stretch of country to protect. We have the In 
 dians for enemies, the French occasionally, but we shall 
 come out victorious in the end," said the doctor confi 
 dently. 
 
 277
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " Where are the Admiral and General Ross ? " asked 
 Stafford. 
 
 " At Baltimore now, where there is a prospect of their 
 being defeated. We were not prepared as we should 
 have been, to our shame be it said." 
 
 Then they lapsed into silence. 
 
 " I am afraid I have forgotten my way," the youth ad 
 mitted as they passed a partly overgrown branch road, 
 used mostly for the convenience of farmers. " I tried 
 to mark it by some sign. There was a tree that had been 
 struck by lightning. And a clump of oaks." 
 
 " There is a clump of oaks farther on." 
 
 " You see, that day it was horrible with the groans of 
 the wounded and dying. And the awful heat ! I tried to 
 crawl to a little stream, but fainted. And this soldier 
 came along presently, when I begged him for a drink." 
 
 " These are the oaks, I think," said the doctor, who 
 knew the road well. 
 
 " Then it is a little further on." 
 
 They turned into a cart-path. In a sort of opening 
 stood a blackened pine that had been grand in its day. 
 After several curves they left this road and soon found 
 the hut. 
 
 Lieutenant Ralston was in a bad condition, indeed 
 emaciated to a degree, his eyes sunken, his voice tremu 
 lous, his whole physique so reduced that he could not 
 stand up. Stafford had made a bed of fir and hemlock 
 branches, and the little place was fragrant, if otherwise 
 dreary. 
 
 " We will not stop for explanations ! " exclaimed the 
 doctor briskly. " The best thing is to get you to some 
 civilized place and attend to you." 
 
 " And the lad, too. I should have died without him 
 and poor old Judy. She will think the wolves have eaten 
 us, only she won't find any bones." 
 
 278
 
 IN THE MIDST OF WAR. 
 
 He was lifted carefully into the carriage, and they 
 journeyed homeward as rapidly as circumstances would 
 permit. Patty had cleared the sitting room on the lower 
 floor, and a cot had been spread for Ralston. They laid 
 the fainting man upon it, and the doctor proceeded to 
 examine his injuries. 
 
 The bone in the leg had been splintered, and a jagged 
 wound made. Judy's simples had kept it from becoming 
 necessarily fatal, but the fever and the days that had 
 elapsed rendered it very critical. 
 
 " I only hope he won't have to lose his leg," said Roger. 
 " That would be terrible to him." 
 
 " We will try our utmost." 
 
 It was a painful operation, but at last it was over. 
 Then Stafford's shoulder was looked after, and had to be 
 probed. Roger proved an invaluable assistant. 
 
 " We may as well have a hospital ward, and let the 
 enemy and the patriot lie side by side. They can't fight, 
 and I do not believe either of them has the vigor "for a 
 quarrel." So another cot was brought in. Patty was 
 quite important, and full of sympathy for Ralston. 
 
 It was mid-afternoon when Carrington returned, and 
 they were all anxious to hear the story. For Jaqueline's 
 sake he made as light of it as possible, dwelling con 
 siderably upon the heroism of both men, " although the 
 English lad is a mere boy, not twenty yet. What distorted 
 ideas they get over the water ! " nodding his head. " As 
 if we had not been of one race in the beginning, equally 
 courageous, equally proud and resolute, and animated by 
 the same love of liberty. Think how they have waged 
 war with tyrants and wrested rights from kings ! " 
 
 Marian waylaid him in the hall. 
 
 " I was listening inwardly to what you did not say," she 
 began tremulously. " Does the doctor think he will re 
 cover ? " 
 
 279
 
 A UTTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " He is in a bad way, of course. But the leg is the 
 worst feature. Oh, let us all hope! Things have gone 
 so well with us that I am filled with gratitude, and cannot 
 despair." 
 
 Marian's eyes were downcast, her face pink to the very 
 roots of her hair ; and her lips quivered. 
 
 That evening Roger was sitting beside his wife 
 alone, caressing the thin hand that returned the fond 
 pressure. 
 
 " Marian is in love with Philip Ralston," he began 
 abruptly. " Jaqueline, can't you think of the magic 
 touch that will bring these two together? You found it 
 easy enough before." 
 
 " And bungled and made no end of trouble," she re 
 turned with a sad smile. 
 
 " It was old Mr. Floyd who made the trouble. Why 
 couldn't he have given his daughter to the young fellow 
 who loved her ? What I am afraid of now is that he has 
 ceased to care. Still, he has been a favorite with women, 
 and no one has captured him. An attractive man has to 
 quite run the gauntlet. And when he thinks a woman's 
 love has failed " 
 
 " Do you speak from experience ? " inquired Jaqueline 
 archly, her eyes in a tender glow. 
 
 " Yes." There was a rising color and a half-smile hov 
 ering over his face. " It is true that hearts are caught in 
 the rebound." 
 
 " But no one caught you." 
 
 " Because, month after month, I waited. I said at first, 
 ' She will marry Ralston.' Then there were other admir 
 ers you know there were a host of them more attractive 
 than I, but I could have forgiven you for marrying Ral 
 ston. If it had been someone else I should have turned 
 bitter, and that would have been the danger-point. I 
 might have wanted to convince you 
 
 280
 
 IN THE MIDST OF WAR. 
 
 " That, Miss Jacky Mason, 
 I care as little as ye care for me," 
 
 paraphrasing an old ballad and substituting her own 
 name, while she glanced up laughingly. 
 
 " Since we found the making-up process so delightful," 
 returned Jaqueline, " we are anxious to pass it around. 
 You see, now, Marian has no interest in life but to play 
 the part of maiden aunt. Jane will absorb a good deal 
 of her with the most generous intentions. She is a lovely 
 nurse, and I think grandpa's and Mr. Greaves' influence 
 has mostly died out. They were both so narrow and 
 dogmatic about women that they reduced her to a 
 sort of slavery. Mamma has brought her out to a 
 sense of freedom. Single women may be heroic, yet, 
 as I remember, the Revolutionary heroines were married 
 and mothers, most of them, and it is the wife and mother 
 who has the most exquisite happiness." 
 
 " What a long speech ! We will try and get Ralston 
 well, and then trust good-fortune. There will be no one 
 to interfere this time." 
 
 While Ralston lay tossing on a bed of pain, his leg 
 in splints and bandages, events moved on rapidly. The 
 bold exploits and undying courage that had won such 
 brilliant successes on the seas had settled the question of 
 sailors' rights. England virtually admitted this while 
 still haggling with commissioners. And from having no 
 position among nations, from being considered feeble and 
 disunited, and possessing no innate right to establish a 
 commerce of her own, the United States had won the re 
 spect of the countries abroad, and to a great degree har 
 monized the jarring factions at home. 
 
 The crowning battle of the war was that of New Or 
 leans, with Jackson's brilliant victory, though some of the 
 preliminaries had been settled before this. 
 
 And one day a messenger came rushing into town, 
 281
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 swinging his three-cornered hat in one hand and holding 
 the bridle-rein in the other, and cried out in stentorian 
 tones, " Peace ! peace ! Peace has been declared ! Mr. 
 Carroll, American messenger, has arrived with the Treaty 
 of Peace ! " 
 
 In spite of blackened ruins and heaps of debris, there 
 was a great time in Old Washington. For, indeed, it 
 seemed old now, since it could boast of ruins. Flags 
 were hung out. Neighbors called to one another. Then 
 a coach came thundering along the avenue, another and 
 yet another, and stopped at the Octagon House. Con 
 gress presented themselves, at least all who could be gath 
 ered on a short notice, to take the news to the President, 
 who had suffered considerably from the exposure and fa 
 tigue, and perhaps from the mortification of having been 
 a fugitive flying from the enemy. 
 
 The circular vestibule, the white winding stairway 
 that was open to the top, and the drawing room to the 
 right were crowded with guests, felicitating their chief 
 and one another. Animosity, coldness, and blame were 
 forgotten. Peace! peace! like the refrain of some sweet 
 music, went floating around all the space, and Mrs. Madi 
 son was much moved with emotion. Strong men thanked 
 God with softened hearts. The conflict was over, and 
 now they knew the bitterness of war. 
 
 For this year young Daniel Webster was in the House, 
 and Clay and Calhoun and men who were to have much 
 to do with the nation's destinies later on. 
 
 Houses were illuminated, tar barrels were burned, and 
 the streets seemed fairly alive with people. Voices rang 
 with joy. 
 
 True, the Treaty was to be discussed and signed, the 
 British troops were to go home, the news to be carried 
 about on the high seas. Ports were to be opened, and 
 " Madison's nightcaps " barrels that had been hung to 
 
 282
 
 THE OLD STORY EVER NEW. 
 
 protect the rigging of ships were removed with shouts 
 of joy. 
 
 There was a lull in Europe. Prussia drew a long 
 breath. Russia plumed herself on giving the famous 
 Corsican his first blow, while the Battle of Waterloo was 
 the last. France had a king of royal blood again. Spain 
 was repairing her fortunes ; while England was counting 
 up her losses and gains, and preparing to shake hands in 
 amity with the young country across the ocean and grow 
 into friendship with it. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 THE OLD STORY EVER NEW. 
 
 T AQUELINE CARRINGTON'S heart ached the first 
 J time she was taken out to drive, when destruction met 
 her on every side. There was another sorrowful aspect. 
 Men were getting about on crutches, sitting on the Capitol 
 steps sunning themselves. There was an empty coat- 
 sleeve, some scarred faces, others pale and wan. Yes, 
 they had all escaped marvelously. 
 
 She thought herself the happiest woman in the world. 
 No one, she was quite sure, had such a tender and devoted 
 husband or splendid baby. Mother Carrington found 
 her affections quite divided, and the days when Jaqueline 
 came over to Georgetown were gala days. 
 
 True, Preston Floyd had been already talked of as a 
 member of the House of Representatives. Roger Car 
 rington had been appointed to an excellent position in the 
 Treasury Department, though he was still a great favor 
 ite with Mr. Monroe, and Jaqueline was not jealous. 
 Arthur Jettson had come to be consulting architect, and 
 had still greater plans for the new city. Annis had re 
 sumed her school, but she was quite an important little 
 
 283
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 body, and sometimes her mother felt almost as if she had 
 lost her. 
 
 Lieutenant Ralston found himself an admired hero. 
 He had been cool and level-headed through those days of 
 the panic ; and it was admitted that many of his plans for 
 the defense of the City would have been excellent. A 
 new commission was made out, bearing the name of 
 Captain Ralston; and a position was ready for him, 
 when he could fill it, where his genius would have full 
 scope. 
 
 There were many anxious days over his leg. One of 
 the doctors said the wound would never heal, and that 
 presently it would be amputation or his life, and con 
 sidered the delay a great risk. 
 
 " Oh, Collaston," he begged, " don't have me going 
 around on a wooden stump ! If I was an admiral, now, I 
 shouldn't mind it, as it would add to the glory. But a 
 poor fellow who can't retire on his fortune " 
 
 " We'll fight to the very last, Phil. If you could have 
 been found sooner ! " 
 
 " And some poor fellows were found altogether too 
 late. Well, the country has learned a lesson, and per 
 haps with Paul Jones we have taught other nations a les 
 son, not to tread on us ! Do your very best." 
 
 The doctor did it in fear and trembling. For if he cost 
 his patient his life, he knew it would be a great blow to his 
 reputation. 
 
 As for the young lad, he soon began to improve. He 
 seemed quite stranded, for his cousin's regiment had re- 
 embarked and was coasting southward. No inquiries 
 had been made about him indeed, he knew afterward 
 that the cousin had written home that he had been killed 
 at the Battle of Bladensburg and buried on the aeld. He 
 was a stranger in a strange land. 
 
 Ralston had grown very fond of him, and he proved 
 284
 
 THE OLD STORY EVER NEW. 
 
 himself an excellent companion. He was one of quite a 
 large household, and his father was a baronet, Sir Morton 
 Stafford. One brother was in the army at home, one in 
 the Church, two sisters were married, and there were four 
 younger than himself to provide for. As soon as he 
 could use his arm he wrote to his father, and Dr. Collaston 
 said cordially, " Consider my house your home until you 
 hear." 
 
 " You are very good to take in a stranger this way," he 
 returned with emotion. 
 
 Marian remained with Jaqueline when Mrs. Mason 
 went home. 
 
 " I have been such a gadabout of late years," Mrs. 
 Mason said, " that father hardly knows whether he has 
 a wife and a home. I must think a little of him." 
 
 " I wish you could stay, mamma ! " pleaded Annis. 
 " Why can't you move up to Washington ? I like it ever 
 so much better. There is so much to see and to do, and 
 we are all together here." 
 
 "There is Charles. And Varina." 
 
 " But Patty and Jaqueline and the babies seem like a 
 great many more. And the rides and drives " 
 
 " But you have your pony. And papa would take you 
 any time with him." 
 
 " I like the crowds of people, and the pretty ladies in 
 their carriages, and the foreign ministers are so fine, and 
 to hear the men when they talk in the House, and the girls 
 give little parties. Oh, mamma, I love you, and I want 
 you here, but " 
 
 Her mother smiled. Yes, life on the plantation was 
 dull. And the jealous little girl was being weaned away. 
 
 " We are losing our children fast," she said to her 
 husband. 
 
 Marian and Jaqueline by slow degrees slipped into the 
 interchange of thought that real friendship uses. It had 
 
 285
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 not the girlish giddiness of youth ; both had learned more 
 of the realities of life. 
 
 " But did you ever love Mr. Greaves, Marian ? " Jaque- 
 line ventured one afternoon, as she sat with her baby on 
 her lap. He was so lovely that she envied the cradle 
 when she put him in it, and liked to feel his soft warm 
 body on her knees. 
 
 " I didn't at first. Oh, Jaqueline, brother Randolph is 
 so different from father ! We never begged or teased or 
 coaxed things out of him as you children used to. And 
 mother expected us to obey the instant we were spoken 
 to. Then I did not know that Lieutenant Ralston had 
 been up until some time afterward. Dolly found out that 
 he had been insultingly dismissed. Papa questioned me 
 about the acquaintance and my visit to brother's, and was 
 awfully angry. Jack, did you plan it?" 
 
 " I put things in train, simply. I did not know how 
 they would come out." 
 
 " Papa accepted Mr. Greaves for me. I meant to tell 
 him the story and decline his hand. But it was quite im 
 possible. I could never talk freely to him. He did not 
 ask me if I loved him. He had certain ideas about wives. 
 But he was gentlemanly and kind, and I had no liberty at 
 home. I began to think it would be nice to be free, to go 
 out without watching, to write a letter, to have some time 
 of my very own. I had said to papa that I would never 
 marry him, and he replied that I should never marry any 
 body, then. Suddenly I gave in. I begged papa's pardon 
 for all the dreadful things I had said, and accepted Mr. 
 Greaves as my future husband. But I felt as if I had 
 been turned into stone, as if it was not really my own self. 
 That self seemed dead. I went round as usual, and tried 
 to take an interest in everything, but nothing really mat 
 tered. Did you think me queer and strange that Christ 
 mas?" 
 
 286
 
 THE OLD STORY EVER NEW. 
 
 " You certainly were cold, apathetical." 
 
 " That is just the word. Papa was formal and dog 
 matic and arbitrary, poor papa ! it is unfilial to say these 
 things about him, but mamma always seemed to get 
 along. Mr. Greaves was more gentle, and used to ask 
 what I would like; and I do believe he loved me; pitied 
 me; and I couldn't help feeling grateful. Then when 
 he had the first stroke papa said it would be dis 
 honorable to withdraw, and he should be very angry if 
 I contemplated such a thing. Dolly's marriage was on 
 the carpet. She seemed so young, so yes, silly," and 
 Marian half hid her blushing face. " Could I ever have 
 been so silly, Jaqueline ? " 
 
 " We all go through the rose-path of sweetness when 
 we are in love," returned Jaqueline. " I'm silly myself 
 at times. Marian, did you know that Mr. Ralston wrote 
 again ? " 
 
 " Wrote again then he did not forget ? " She raised 
 her soft eyes, suffused with exquisite surprise. 
 
 " He wrote when he thought you were free again. I 
 always felt sure you did not get the letter. He took some 
 precautions, and was confident you must have had it, 
 though grandpa returned it without a word ! " 
 
 " I never heard from him. Jane said when your 
 
 engagement was broken " Marian paused and 
 
 flushed. 
 
 " That he would marry me." 
 
 Marian nodded. It had given her a heartache, she re 
 membered. So long as he married no one he did not 
 seem so completely cut off that she must cast him utterly 
 out of her life. 
 
 " Well, you see he did not. I think now I could not 
 have married anyone but Roger, if I had waited ten 
 years." 
 
 " Then, you know, came Mr. Greaves' death and 
 287
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 father's, and mother's failing health. I feel quite like an 
 old woman." 
 
 " At five-and-twenty ! Nonsense ! See how young 
 mamma is ! " 
 
 " She is lovely, Jaqueline ! " with enthusiasm. 
 
 " I don't know what papa would do without her." 
 
 What a beautiful thing it was to be so dear to anyone 
 that he or she could not do without you ! 
 
 "You saw Ralston that dreadful morning?" 
 
 " Yes." Marian buried her face in her hands. Some 
 feeling of unknown power connected with her youth shook 
 her, thrilled her ; yet she strove to put it aside. " I 
 prayed I might not go back to that time," and her voice 
 was tremulous ; " then when we all thought him dead 
 I I let myself go. It is shameful for a woman when a 
 man has forgotten her." 
 
 " He has made tremendous efforts to forget I know 
 that," and the sound like a smile in her voice made Mari 
 an's face crimson again. " But I am sure he has not 
 succeeded any better than Roger did. And if he should 
 be unfortunate for life " 
 
 " Then I should want to go to him. No one has any 
 right to order my life now. Would it be very unwom 
 anly?" 
 
 " No. And you must go to Patty's. She thinks it so 
 queer, but I said you hated to leave me. Marian, if it 
 comes a second time you will not refuse ? " 
 
 " I think I hadn't the courage to really refuse the first 
 time," and she smiled. 
 
 Jaqueline had more delicacy than to repeat what Annis 
 had said, and had forbidden her to carry anything like 
 gossip, " for a little girl who gossips will surely be an old 
 maid. And you will want a nice husband, I am certain." 
 
 " Oh, yes ! " cried Annis. " And a lot of pretty babies." 
 
 " Then never carry tales." 
 288
 
 THE OLD STORY EVER NEW. 
 
 " But he is always asking me about Marian, and why 
 she doesn't come ? " 
 
 So they sent word they might be expected on a cer 
 tain day, and baby and nurse and Annis, as soon as school 
 closed. 
 
 How many times, lying here, Philip Ralston had lived 
 over that sweet, foolish, incomprehensible love episode 
 the obstinate regard, the indignation that had followed it, 
 the hard thrusts with which he had pushed her out of his 
 memory. She had gone only momentarily. Her sweet 
 youth had been spent in devotion to her self-indulgent, 
 inexorable father, he knew how acrimonious Mr. Floyd 
 could be, and, then, her stern, rigid mother. Had they 
 taken all her sweetness? He had half looked for some 
 sign when she had finished all her duties. Mrs. Jettson 
 had outlived the romance of it, and lost patience with 
 Marian. Besides, she was absorbed with her own family. 
 There were so many pretty girls, and Marian was getting 
 to be quite an old maid, in the days when girls married so 
 young. 
 
 And when he had met her that eventful morning he 
 had probable death before him, and was tongue-tied. 
 Did she think he had forgotten all ? 
 
 They trooped in together, Patty leading the procession ; 
 Jaqueline, still a little pale, but lovelier than ever, with her 
 boy in her arms, and Marian with the lost youth back of 
 her. She was too sincere to affect astonishment; and 
 he had improved was neither so gaunt nor so ghastly as 
 when he first came. She took his hand did she make a 
 confession in the pressure? He felt suddenly self-con 
 demned, as if he had misjudged her some way, and hum 
 ble, as if he had nothing good enough to offer her. But 
 he glanced up in the soft eyes her life had not been 
 very joyous, she was by no means a rich woman, and if 
 
 she cared most for home and happiness 
 
 289
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 She did not hear what they were saying at first. There 
 was a sound as of rushing water in her ears. 
 
 " Oh, yes ! " he answered, with an hysterical laugh, " I 
 am to keep my own two legs to go upon. I owe it all to 
 Collaston, who stood between me and surgeons' knives, 
 and brandished his war club until they retreated. I shall 
 lie here in supreme content until he bids me arise and 
 walk." 
 
 What was it went over Marian's face. Not disap 
 pointment, but an inexplicable tenderness, as if she could 
 have taken up the burden cheerfully, as if she were almost 
 casting about for some other burden. 
 
 " Poor girl ! " he said to himself ; " she has devoted her 
 sweetest years to others, and someone ought to pay her 
 back in love's own coin." 
 
 Stafford had improved greatly and gained flesh. He 
 had a fair, rather ruddy English complexion and light 
 hair, with the unusual accompaniment of dark-brown 
 eyes ; and, though rather unformed, had a fine physique, 
 which was as yet largely in the bone, but would some day 
 have muscle and flesh. 
 
 The loss and ruin of Washington had been news to 
 Ralston, though he had known the march of the van 
 dals was inevitable. Annis interested and amused him in 
 her talk. She was a very pronounced patriot in these days. 
 
 Eustace Stafford seemed quite bewitched with her. He 
 came over every afternoon to bring word of Ralston, and 
 perhaps to have an encounter of words with Annis. This 
 day, while there were so many to entertain his friend, he 
 stole off to school to walk home with her, though there 
 was not a cloud in the sky that could give him a shadow 
 of excuse. 
 
 She was going to walk some distance with one of her 
 mates. " Perhaps it would tire you," she said mis 
 chievously. 
 
 290
 
 THE OLD STORY EVER NEW. 
 
 " I have been in the house all the morning," was the 
 reply. 
 
 " Did they bring the baby ? It's the most beautiful 
 baby in the world, isn't it ? " 
 
 " I haven't seen all the babies in the world " a 
 
 little awkwardly. 
 
 " But he ought to be able to tell whether one is pretty 
 or not, oughtn't he, Eliza ? " 
 
 Eliza, thus appealed to, hung her head and said, " Per 
 haps " frightened and yet delighted to comment on 
 
 a young man's taste. 
 
 " Perhaps British babies are different," was Annis' 
 rather teasing comment. 
 
 " I think babies are a good deal alike " 
 
 " No, they are not," and she put on a pretty show 
 of indignation. " I think you are not capable of 
 judging." 
 
 " I am sure I am not," he said with alacrity. " They're 
 kept in a nursery at home, you know, and have a play 
 ground out of the way somewheres." 
 
 " I am very glad I am not an English child, aren't you, 
 Eliza ? Poor things ! to be stuck out in a back yard ! " 
 
 " My aunt and cousin are going to England as soon as 
 traveling is safe," said Eliza, with a benevolent inten 
 tion of pouring oil upon the troubled waters. " He is 
 going to some college." 
 
 " There are fine colleges in England. There are very 
 few here." 
 
 " We haven't so many people. Charles that's my 
 brother went through Harvard, which is splendid, when 
 he was spending some time in Boston. And he may 
 go to Columbia. That's in New York, where he is at 
 school." 
 
 " New York is a large city. The English held it in 
 the Revolutionary War." 
 
 291
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " But they had to march out of it," said the patriot. 
 " And they had to march away from Baltimore. And 
 now they will have to march away from the whole United 
 States, after they have done all the harm they could and 
 killed off the people and almost murdered poor Lieutenant 
 Ralston." 
 
 " But that is war. I'm sorry there should ever be war. 
 I wouldn't have it if I was a king. But your people de 
 clared war," remembering that. 
 
 " How could we help it, when our poor sailors were 
 snatched from their own vessels and made to fight against 
 us or be beaten to death ? Do you suppose we can stand 
 everything? We were altogether in the right, weren't 
 we, Eliza ? " 
 
 Eliza glanced furtively at the very good-looking face, 
 scarlet with anger and mortification, and wondered how 
 Annis could get in such a temper with him. 
 
 " I don't know about the causes of war," she said hesi 
 tatingly. " Some people blame Mr. Madison " 
 
 " There are Tories always. I've heard papa tell how 
 many there were in the Revolutionary War. But, you 
 see, we wouldn't have won if we had not had right on our 
 side," she added triumphantly. 
 
 " But Napoleon won in a great many battles," Stafford 
 ventured. 
 
 " Perhaps he was right then," with emphasis. 
 
 This casuistry nonplussed the English boy. If Annis 
 wasn't so sweet and pretty ' 
 
 Eliza had to say good-by reluctantly. 
 
 " Let us go this way," proposed Annis. 
 
 " This way " brought them to the defaced and injured 
 Capitol. Annis' scarlet lip curled. 
 
 " It is a shame," he acknowledged. " And if it will 
 do you any good, I'm awfully sorry that I came over to 
 fight. But, you see, we don't understand. So many peo- 
 
 292
 
 THE OLD STORY EVER NEW. 
 
 pie think that after all England did for the Colonies, they 
 had no right to rebel, and that she still has some 
 claims " 
 
 " All she did ! " exclaimed the fiery censor. " She per 
 secuted the Puritans, and they came over to a horrid wil 
 derness. She took New York away from the Dutch. 
 And she sent shiploads of convicts over to Virginia to be 
 a great trouble to the nice people who had grants of land. 
 And she said we shouldn't trade anywhere " 
 
 " If the heads of government could understand ; or if 
 the people could see how fine and heroic and noble the 
 Americans are, I think they would refuse to come over 
 and fight them. I am glad they are going away. And 
 when I get home I shall tell everybody how brave they 
 are, and of the splendid homes they have made. And per 
 haps if Captain Ralston hadn't stopped to give me a 
 drink and bandage my wound he might have found a bet 
 ter place of refuge. I know my father will be grateful, 
 for I think he saved my life, and came mighty near los 
 ing his own. I shall always be glad I didn't really 
 fight. I was struck before I fired my musket. And Dr. 
 Collaston is just like a brother. I like you all so. I shall 
 hate to go away." The words poured out with confused 
 rapidity. 
 
 " I hope you will have the courage to tell the truth," 
 she replied severely. " I have heard that some of the 
 English think we are black, like the slaves they brought 
 over to us. And, do you know, they have been stealing 
 them again and carrying them off to the Bermudas. Or 
 they believe we have turned into wild Indians." 
 
 " They don't know," he said again weakly. 
 
 " Wasn't Mr. Adams over there a long while and the 
 great Mr. Benjamin Franklin, and Mr. Jay, and ever so 
 many others? We send a minister to them not a real 
 preacher," in a gracious, explanatory way that made her 
 
 293
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 more fascinating than ever, " but to discuss affairs ; so 
 they ought to know whether we are black or white." 
 
 " Oh, they do at court ! If I could make you under 
 stand " his boyish face full of perplexity. 
 
 " I think I do understand when I see Washington in 
 ruins. And I shall be glad when every Englishman goes 
 back. We don't go over to England and burn and de 
 stroy." 
 
 He had a vague idea there was something to be said for 
 his side, but he did not just know what. It seemed rather 
 ungrateful, too, as he was a pensioner on the hospitality 
 of her brother-in-law. It was extremely mortifying, 
 since his cousin had been intrusted with money for him. 
 So he was silent, but that did not suit the little lady, who 
 enjoyed the warfare like a born soldier. 
 
 She was always " saving up " disgraceful incidents she 
 heard, to tell him. 
 
 " You are pretty hard on the young fellow," Roger 
 said to her one day. " We must forgive him a good deal 
 for his devotion to Ralston." 
 
 " But think how you and doctor brother went out and 
 gathered up the wounded, and there were some British 
 among them as well. He ought to be very grateful." 
 
 " I think he is. And he is a nice lad." 
 
 Their skirmishes were very amusing to the family. 
 Patty really admired the young fellow, he seemed 
 such a big, innocent-hearted boy; but she enjoyed post 
 ing Annis as to her side of the argument. 
 
 "Are you going?" Captain Ralston said to Marian 
 as they were making preparations for departure. 
 
 " You you do not need me," she murmured as, hold 
 ing her hand, he drew her down nearer, the pillow. 
 
 " I suppose everybody else does," he declared pettishly. 
 " You never considered me. You did not really 
 
 care " 
 
 294
 
 THE OLD STORY EVER NEW. 
 
 There were tears in her eyes as she tried to turn away. 
 
 " Perhaps when the others are all dead and gone, and I 
 am an old man, you may remember what you confessed 
 those two blessed days. Or you may recall it over my 
 grave." 
 
 " I deserve it all," she returned meekly. " I tried 
 oh, yes, I did; but I was weak " 
 
 " Is it too late to go back ? " 
 
 " Come, Polly ! " cried Jaqueline. Sukey, the general 
 factotum at the Carringtons', called Marian " Miss 
 Polly." " Can't be boddered wid no sech outlandish name 
 as Miss Ma'yan dat kinks my tongue up like a bit a 
 ' yalum,' " she declared. 
 
 " Polly you will come to-morrow ? " 
 
 " Yes yes," with a scarlet face. " If you want me." 
 
 " I want you. I have a great deal to say to you." 
 
 But it took many to-morrows to get it all said. There 
 were rough places and doubts, intensified by the experi 
 ences Ralston had gone through, and the nervous strain 
 of not only the long illness, but the almost certainty there 
 had been at one time of his losing his leg. That danger 
 was really over, but a great deal of carefulness had to be 
 observed. And few indeed can bring back the sparkle 
 to the cup of youth, when the freshness is no longer there. 
 
 Marian grew more girlish, as if the hands of time were 
 running the other way. The force that had impelled her 
 to middle life was removed. She had gained a certain 
 experience, quite different from the man who had been 
 mixing with the world. But what mattered when they 
 came back to the level of love? 
 
 Congress held its session at Blodgett's Hotel. It is true 
 there were heated discussions on the terms of peace, con 
 tradictions, and dogmatic assertions. Perhaps the meet 
 ings at the Octagon House, and the sweet, affable mis 
 tress had much to do with softening asperities. Every- 
 
 295
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 body, it seemed, came, and it was conceded that we had 
 gained a good deal in the respect of foreign nations. 
 Commerce took on a brisk aspect. War vessels came into 
 port, and though they did not lay aside all their defenses, 
 for the high seas were still infested with privateers, 
 they took on the cargoes of industry instead of muni 
 tions of war. It was found now that we had made strides 
 in manufacturing ordinary goods, though women were 
 delighted with the thought of once more procuring silks, 
 satins, velvets, and lace without extraordinary risks. 
 
 Eustace Stafford spent much of his time exploring 
 Washington, taking long walks and numerous drives with 
 the doctor. The beautiful Potomac, the towns along its 
 edge, the falls that in a cold spell had just enough ice to 
 make them wonderful and fairy-like, Port Tobacco that 
 had once been a thriving place, the inlets and creeks and 
 the fine and varied Virginia shore, and the magnificent 
 Chesapeake dotted with islands. And there was Annapo 
 lis, destined to grow more famous as years went on. 
 
 He had not half explored the country when word 
 came from his father, inclosing a draft to bring him home 
 and reimburse the friends who had sheltered him with 
 such cordiality. 
 
 " I am sorry enough to leave you," he said with deep 
 emotion. " I feel like becoming an out-and-out Ameri 
 can, but I shall never be a soldier." 
 
 " Not in case of necessity ? " said Patty with charming 
 archness. 
 
 " Of course if I had a home here I should defend it 
 to the last drop of blood in my veins yes, even against 
 my own kindred," and he blushed with a feeling akin to 
 ardent patriotism that surprised himself. " I think we 
 only need to understand each other's governments better 
 to be good friends. There is something grand here. It 
 may be the largeness of everything, and the aspirations, 
 
 296
 
 THE OLD STORY EVER NEW. 
 
 the sense of freedom, and well, that certain equality. 
 You are not bound about by rigid limits." 
 
 Mr. Carrington said Stafford must go to one levee, 
 though that there were such throngs now that it was 
 hardly comfortable. Ralston insisted that he also must 
 pay his respects to Mrs. Madison, for now he could get 
 about on crutches, but it was not considered safe to bear 
 any great weight upon his injured limb as yet. 
 
 It was quite a fine scene, Stafford admitted. There was 
 a great variety in dress, the older men keeping to the Con 
 tinental style largely, with flowing frills to their shirt 
 fronts and lace ruffles at their wrists, velvet smallclothes 
 and silk stockings, and hair tied with a black ribbon or 
 fastened in a small silk bag. 
 
 Some of the younger men wore their hair curling over 
 their shoulders. There were gorgeous waistcoats, the 
 upper part flowered satin, and then a finishing of scarlet 
 that came halfway to the knee, the coats turned back and 
 faced with bright colors. Mrs. Madison was resplendent 
 in her red turban, with nodding ostrich plumes, and the 
 row of short black curls across her white forehead, and 
 her gown of cream satin, of so deep a tint as to be almost 
 yellow, with its abundant trimming of scarlet velvet. 
 
 Ralston was quite a hero for his misfortunes and his 
 counsels, which had averted some disaster and would have 
 saved much more if they had been followed. Everybody 
 could see the blunders and the supineness that had 
 really invited such a catastrophe. But peace had softened 
 many of the animadversions, and the charming sweetness 
 of the first lady of the land healed many differences. 
 It was true that the two later years of the administration 
 went far toward redeeming the mistakes of the earlier 
 part. 
 
 Annis had plead hard to go, but Jaqueline had not 
 thought it best. 
 
 297
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 " You and Mr. Stafford will be sure to get in a quarrel," 
 she said laughingly. " There will be plenty of levees for 
 you to attend when you are older. And the Octagon 
 House has not the room of the poor burned mansion. It 
 is always crowded." 
 
 Then Eustace Stafford said good-by with great grief to 
 the people he had come to fight, and found among them 
 the warmest of friends. He had not been alone in his ex 
 perience. 
 
 Before Congress adjourned a bomb was thrown into 
 the camp. Since Washington was a heap of ruins and 
 would have to be rebuilt, why not remove it to some more 
 advantageous location? 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 ANNIS. 
 
 LJOW near the Capital City came to be handed down 
 in history as Old Washington its denizens of to-day 
 will never know. There were many cogent reasons for 
 changing it. It had grown so slowly; it would require 
 an immense amount of money to rebuild it; the place 
 had never taken root in the affections of the whole 
 country. 
 
 But, then, it was the city of Washington and the old 
 worthies who had made the country. There was Florida 
 for the southern point, as well as Maine for the north 
 eastern; there were the great Mississippi and Louisiana, 
 as well as the lake countries. Was it not nearly the 
 center ? 
 
 Men like Arthur Jettson set about retrieving their for 
 tunes and showing their faith in the place. Mrs. Madi 
 son made it as agreeable as possible to foreign ministers 
 and their wives, and guests from the more important 
 
 298
 
 ANNIS. 
 
 cities. Colonel and Mrs. Monroe added to the attrac 
 tions. The Capitol was repaired slowly, but it was two 
 years before the White House was undertaken. 
 
 The scars were all healed long ago. The broad ave 
 nues stretch out with handsome residences, and the 
 streets that little Annis thought so funny because they 
 were " like the A B C of the spelling book one way, and 
 the first lesson in the arithmetic the other way," have 
 filled up the vacant spaces with rows of houses. Tiber 
 Creek is no more, and Rock Creek, which rushed and 
 brawled and overflowed its banks in a freshet, is a dull 
 little meandering stream. Where the Lees and Custises 
 held sway and entertained in a princely manner there is 
 a grave, decorous silence and a City of Heroes, who, hav 
 ing done their duty for liberty and country, sleep well 
 under the green turf. Georgetown has enlarged her bor 
 ders, and is beautiful. Mount Vernon, with its two hun 
 dred years of history, is the nation's heritage. Old Wash 
 ington is almost forgotten, with here and there a relic 
 and a few old maps one can pore over in the grand Con 
 gressional Library. And now it is indeed the City of 
 the Nation, with its many treasures, even if they are mod 
 ern, its handsome legations, its beautiful circles to com 
 memorate the heroes of later times. And Dolly Madison 
 lived to see many of the improvements, and to be the his 
 toric link between the old and the new. 
 
 As for Annis Mason, she found it undeniably dull when 
 Eustace Stafford had gone. Even knowledge seemed to 
 lose its charm, and the babies grew commonplace. But, 
 then, in the spring Miss Polly and her lover were married 
 and set up a cozy little home of their own, and really 
 wanted Annis in it. 
 
 Then Varina came home a tall, slim girl, quite viva 
 cious and ever so much better tempered than in her 
 youth; and really rather patronized Annis, who was not 
 
 299
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 a year younger, but quite a little girl, not come to trains 
 nor a great pile of hair on the top of her head, and a 
 cascade of puffs in front, and a comb so big it had to be 
 carried in a bag when you went out of an evening. 
 
 Then she had a lover, too a fine young South Caro 
 linian, who had an immense plantation and no end of 
 slaves, and was going into the new industry of raising 
 cotton. 
 
 There was a very general demur. Varina was so 
 young, if she was tall. But, then, Southern girls grew up 
 soon, and many of them were wives at fifteen. 
 
 " There must be a year's engagement," her father said. 
 Varina must learn how to manage a household; and 
 girls had a good deal of instruction in housewifely arts in 
 those days, even if there was a regiment of slaves to do 
 everything. 
 
 " I'll coax off six months," Varina declared to her 
 lover, and he went away with that comfort. 
 
 She was surprised and amused at Annis' book-learning, 
 and teased her considerably. Did she mean to be a 
 schoolmistress ? 
 
 Charles returned in capital health and spirits and full 
 of ambitious plans. He had not quite decided what he 
 would be, either a chief justice or a minister abroad. He 
 was not sure now that he wanted to be President. 
 
 " For people do say such dreadful things about you. 
 And you don't seem to suit anyone. I don't wonder Mr. 
 Madison looks old and thin and careworn." 
 
 " Do you remember," said Varina laughingly, " that 
 I used to oppose a marriage between you and Annis? I 
 wasn't going to let her have everything. I used to con 
 sider that you belonged to me." 
 
 " You had a great way of appropriating everybody." 
 
 " What a ridiculous thing I was ! And now I have 
 made up my mind that you are just suited to each other. 
 
 300
 
 ANNIS. 
 
 You can still sit on the window ledge and pore over the 
 same book." 
 
 " Annis is well enough, but I am sure she wouldn't 
 find Latin and Greek interesting. And by the time 
 I want to marry, Annis will be well, quite an old 
 woman." 
 
 " If you don't marry until you are forty-nine she will 
 have turned the half-century. That would be rather old. 
 I shall be a grandmother before that time." 
 
 " All you girls think about is getting married," returned 
 the youth disdainfully. 
 
 " We think to some purpose, too, don't we? I wouldn't 
 be an old maid for a fortune ! " 
 
 Annis was not sure she liked the defection on Charles' 
 part. He assumed a rather lofty air. Louis said he was 
 still a prig, that all the nonsense had not been knocked 
 out of him. But he was a very nice boy, for all that 
 gentlemanly, refined, and extravagantly fond of his step 
 mother. There were times when Annis felt inclined to 
 jealousy. 
 
 He was going to enter college at Williamsburg. 
 
 " It ought to make me proud of my own State, as well 
 as the whole country," he explained impressively to An 
 nis. " And then I shall go to Oxford maybe, or some of 
 the old English places that have the years of antiquity 
 back of them, and stand for all that is highest in knowl 
 edge, that have romance and story and grandeur woven 
 into their very stones. Cloistered shades! Think how 
 beautiful they must be. And all the riches of Europe at 
 one's command ! " 
 
 " If you like that kind of riches," disdainfully. " Wars 
 and bloodshed, rapine and cruelty, grasping and per 
 secution " Annis paused, out of breath from indig 
 nation. 
 
 " That's like a girl ! You can't distinguish between 
 301
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 physical and intellectual progress. All nations have be 
 gun on the low round. It is the capability of ascending 
 in the scale that gives them the real grandeur." 
 
 " I think they have not ascended very much in the 
 scale," returned Annis rather haughtily, the blackened 
 ruins of the beloved Washington and the day and night 
 of terror before her eyes. 
 
 " You are not capable of judging. It is what nations 
 have done in the aggregate. A thousand years have wit 
 nessed marvels." 
 
 " Still, we haven't gone back to ' Solomon in all his 
 glory.' And Job, you know, had the names of the stars, 
 and understood almost everything." 
 
 She had been reading the book of Job aloud to her step 
 father, who was always interested in the historical parts 
 of the Bible. 
 
 " No one has really settled as to who Job was," said the 
 youth with calm superiority. 
 
 " Well, the knowledge is all there," returned Annis. 
 " Some day, thousands of years hence, someone may ex 
 press doubts about Columbus and John Smith and Wash 
 ington, but the country will be here." 
 
 Girls were not made for argument, and if you went 
 on forever they would have the last word, no matter how 
 inane it might be. Charles thought Annis much changed 
 for the worse, just like other girls, because she no longer 
 hung on his words and paid him a loving deference. Her 
 worship had been something new to the boy, for Varina 
 claimed by force, and was the superior power herself. 
 The others simply petted him. Annis understood and 
 appreciated. But he had outgrown the boyish fervor, and 
 she no longer paid homage to him. 
 
 He was too young to know that it was simply lack of 
 admiration, and vanity crying out with the wound. 
 
 Annis had quaffed the sweets of admiration herself. 
 303
 
 ANNIS. 
 
 A nature less fine an'd wholesome would have been spoiled 
 by the warm and fond approval of her brothers-in-law, 
 and the preference of others she had met. She was 
 coming to have the dawning self-appropriation of woman 
 hood, and no longer offered her choicest gifts, but felt they 
 must be sought with a certain humility. And there was 
 no humility at all about Charles at that period. They 
 were both too near parallel lines. 
 
 Yet it was a busy, happy, engrossing time. Varina 
 took possession of Louis, who was developing much of 
 his father's easy-going nature, but with the ambitions of 
 the new generation and the times; then, his associations 
 had been cast on different lines. It was whispered, too, 
 that a friend of Patty's with whom Annis was a great 
 favorite had cast a glamour over the young lawyer. 
 
 Annis solaced herself with the thought that Varina 
 would marry and go away, but all the others would be 
 left, and her dearly beloved Washington. Roger said 
 she would do for an archaeologist, she was so fond of 
 exploring ruins. She insisted that Marian and Captain 
 Ralston should make pilgrimages to the little old hut 
 where he had so nearly died, and they found many marks 
 of the battle, that if it had been an ignominous rout, still 
 had in it the better part of valor, when the enemy were 
 overwhelming. Baltimore was glorying in her splendid 
 defense of Fort McHenry, and a girl who could not sing 
 " The Star-spangled Banner " was considered half a 
 Tory. 
 
 Though Annis was so young, hardly fifteen, she and 
 Varina had so many invitations to Washington that Mr. 
 Mason suggested they should engage board by the month. 
 Varina was making the best of her time, for she had 
 " coaxed off " six months of the engagement, and her 
 lover was to come soon after Christmas. In the spring 
 Louis was to set up a home of his own. 
 
 303
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 Varina's marriage was in the old home, which was 
 crowded with relatives and guests. Her mother's wed 
 ding gown did duty again, and then it went to Jaqueline 
 as an heirloom. Mr. Woodford was tall and really fine- 
 looking, with a good deal of character in his face, and of 
 good family, ten years older than Varina, which brought 
 him to the prime of young manhood. 
 
 " Really ! " exclaimed Patty, " I do not see what re 
 markable grace or virtue in Varina captured so substan 
 tial and devoted a lover though she has improved in 
 temper, and is better-looking; but she will never have 
 the Verney beauty hardly the Mason. Well, one can't 
 explain half the queer happenings in this world." 
 
 Besides the cotton, Mr. Woodford had extensive rice 
 fields. Long ago rice had been brought from Madagascar. 
 In both the Carolinas many industries had been estab 
 lished. Seventy years before, General Oglethorpe had 
 carried to England from Georgia eight pounds of silk 
 to be made into a dress for the queen. It was no wonder 
 England hated to lose her promising colonies. 
 
 Varina's marriage was extremely satisfactory. Patri 
 cia's had been just a little shadowed by Jaqueline's broken 
 engagement, and the half-superstitious feeling that it 
 brought the best luck to the house for the eldest girl to 
 be married first. But Miss Jaqueline had her own true 
 lover after all, and was happy as a queen. 
 
 So Varina took her portion and the family blessing, 
 even that of Aunt Catharine, who was growing stout and 
 felt that she had the burden of half the world on her 
 shoulders, and William and Mary College thrown 
 in. She didn't see how anything could go on without 
 her. 
 
 Perhaps to feel of use is one of the great incentives to 
 earnest living. 
 
 " And you are to come and make me a long visit, An- 
 304
 
 ANNIS. 
 
 nis," Varina said cordially. " I shall be sorry for you, 
 left all alone here ; and I'll write and tell you everything. 
 And there's Dolly, too, who has the gayest of gay times ! 
 They are quite certain to nominate Cousin Preston for 
 representative next year. You see we are getting to be 
 rather famous people." 
 
 It was very lonely when they all went away. And now 
 Annis had her mother all to herself. No, not all that 
 could never be again. For now that there were no chil 
 dren whose future must be considered, and Charles had 
 planned out his own, Randolph Mason, who had always 
 been easy-going, dropped into the softened and indolent 
 ways of prosperous elderly life, and became his wife's 
 shadow. 
 
 True, his heart was large enough to take in Annis at 
 every step. But he had grown stout, and was not such 
 an enthusiastic horseman, though the yearly races in 
 spired all Virginians to keep some fine horses. He liked 
 the carriage better, with his wife beside him; and then 
 Annis was alone on the back seat. Of course he had the 
 best right, Annis recognized that. 
 
 She sewed and did drawn work and made lace, worked 
 embroidery in gold and silver thread, and helped with 
 her " fitting out." 
 
 " But if I should never marry ? " she said to her 
 mother. 
 
 " Girls do, mostly," was the mother's quiet reply. 
 " And your father insists you shall have as much as the 
 other girls." 
 
 So there was spinning, and weaving in the loom room, 
 and bleaching to be considered in the spring, as May dew 
 was esteemed a wonderful whitener of linens and cot 
 tons, though they were mostly woven in the Eastern 
 towns. Now and then came gossipy notes from Varina. 
 Charles wrote dutiful letters to his mother, and sent love
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 to Annis. But the Washington households were begging 
 for Annis continually. 
 
 " Yes, I would go," said her mother. " It is dull for 
 one girl alone here on the plantation." 
 
 "Mamma don't you want me?" There was a lus- 
 trousness like tears in her eyes. 
 
 " My dear ! " Her mother kissed her fondly. " Of 
 course I want you. But I have so many cares and oc 
 cupations, and father takes a good deal of my time, and 
 you have so few amusements. It is the difference, dear, 
 between young people and old people. I want your young 
 life to be pleasant." 
 
 " I wish we lived in Washington. Why can't papa 
 build on Virginia Avenue, and have a nice garden, and 
 
 keep horses, and " What else was there for him to 
 
 do? 
 
 " He has become settled in this life. He was born and 
 reared here, and has his friends and neighbors about him. 
 It would make him unhappy to go away. The slaves are 
 all fond of him, and it is his pride to be a good master. 
 No ; he couldn't leave everything. It is the young people 
 who go out and settle in new homes. And that is the way 
 the Lord has ordered it. ' For this cause ' that is, love 
 ' shall a man leave father and mother, and cleave unto his 
 wife.' And the wife does the same thing." 
 
 " Mamma," with a faint tint of color, " I do not think 
 I shall ever be married." 
 
 Her mother gave a soft little smile. 
 
 " You know Varina was always planning, and Patty 
 used to say ' When I am married,' but I feel curious, and 
 alone. Perhaps I shall stay with you and father al 
 ways," and she gave a tender little sigh. " Would you 
 want an old maid ? " 
 
 " Perhaps I shall need you to take care of me, as 
 grandma did Marian." 
 
 306
 
 ANNIS. 
 
 " But I don't want you to die." She clasped her arms 
 about her mother's neck convulsively. 
 
 " Dear, that would give us thirty-odd years. And 
 grandmother was not a very old woman. A great many 
 things may happen in that time. I think you are a little 
 out of spirits and lonesome. You had better go up to 
 Jaqueline's to-morrow. Cato and Jim are going up with 
 a load. Cato can escort you, and they can take a port 
 manteau in the wagon. Captain Ralston complains that 
 you have quite deserted him." 
 
 " And desert you ! " half reproachfully. 
 
 " I shall have papa. Yes, little girlie, you must go 
 and have a nice time. I shall think of all the pleasure 
 you are enjoying. And we may come up for a few 
 days." 
 
 " Oh, mamma if you will ! It would be strange to 
 love anyone better than one's own mother." 
 
 But such things had been heard of in the history of 
 womankind. 
 
 Annis went up to her beloved Washington. Three 
 homes opened their hospitable doors, and Louis took her 
 to see his new house, just above the ruined pile that was 
 full of storied incident already. 
 
 " They are sure to rebuild it," he said. " There is a 
 grant being considered. We have had to fight against 
 considerable odds, but we shall keep our own Washington. 
 Forty or fifty years from this I shall be telling my grand 
 children how men flew to arms in her defense, whether 
 they were soldiers or not. And though the treaty has 
 omitted some things, we shall take them and keep them. 
 France is our good ally again. And John Quincy Adams 
 has gone to St. Petersburg to make friends of the Rus 
 sians." 
 
 " Oh, that's the man Charles talks about, who went 
 abroad with his father when he was such a little lad, and 
 
 307
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 had such a hard time, and studied and studied, and went 
 to Holland and everywhere." 
 
 " And is a fine diplomat. For a young country we 
 have raised a magnificent crop of men ! I hope to be chief 
 justice myself some day." 
 
 "And not President?" 
 
 " I'll leave that for Charles. A chief justice is ap 
 pointed for life, and stands on his good behavior. Do 
 you think they will be likely to discharge me, Annis ? " 
 
 " Oh, I know they won't ! " laughingly. 
 
 The house was being built only to half of the plan. 
 The rest of the ground was to remain a garden until Louis 
 had increased in wealth. But it was very nice, with spa 
 cious rooms. Miss Marcia Ellicot was something of an 
 heiress. 
 
 Annis found a difficulty in dividing herself around. 
 
 " There ought to be two or three of me," she said. 
 
 " And you are not to give me the cold shoulder," de 
 clared Mrs. Jettson. " I do believe I was the first one 
 to take a real fancy to you; and do you remember how 
 Rene quarreled with you about the babies? Arthur and 
 Floyd are such big boys now." 
 
 A new boy had been added to the household. Babies 
 were warmly welcomed in those days. 
 
 She liked Marian's quiet home. Captain Ralston was 
 very fond of her. He had discarded his crutches, but still 
 used a cane. 
 
 " And what do you think, Annis ? " he said, his eyes 
 alight with amusement. " I've had a letter from some 
 one just guess ! " 
 
 " You know so many people," returned Annis with a 
 curious heat in her cheeks. 
 
 " Someone you know, too. Your old enemy. My good 
 nurse and friend." 
 
 "Oh, that young Englishman who came over here 
 
 308
 
 ANNIS. . 
 
 to fight us," she answered with an indifferent air, though 
 she had been certain in her mind when he first told her to 
 guess. 
 
 " Yes ; Stafford. He is coming over here to settle. He 
 was converted at the Battle of Bladensburg, and is a rant 
 ing, tearing, out-and-out American. Why, you never 
 knew a more ardent patriot ! He is going to take the oath 
 of allegiance at once, and find something to do, and do it 
 bravely, earnestly. That is the kind of citizens we want. 
 I think he has had something of a time to convince his 
 people, but his father has given him a small sum of money 
 to start him in life nothing to what it would cost his 
 father if he stayed at home, he says. Strange how these 
 men keep their sons at home, thinking trade disgraceful, 
 when England would swoop up all the commerce of the 
 earth, forgetting what manner of men make commerce 
 possible." 
 
 Annis was silent, yet there was a little heart-beat of ex 
 ultation. Why she could not have told. 
 
 " Well will you bid him welcome and Godspeed ? " 
 
 " Why, it is nothing to me," with a pretty air of indif 
 ference. 
 
 She did not see the dainty flush on Marian's cheek, that 
 came in moments of embarrassment, as if she were still 
 sixteen. 
 
 " But, then, you have your country's good at heart ? " 
 
 " I wish the country well," and she made a pretentious 
 courtesy, drawing up her brows. 
 
 Marian had read all the letter. It was proud and 
 manly, but a pretty girl had inspired a part of the re 
 solve. 
 
 " I shall take him in hand. He is ready for work if 
 he has a long line of ancestors with titles." 
 
 " Yes." Annis gave a provoking laugh. * You know 
 he does not like fighting." 
 
 309
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 There was pleasure enough to make her forget all about 
 him, but now and then she caught herself wondering. 
 
 Jaqueline was quite restored to health and beauty, and 
 was a favorite with society. Roger was certainly a ris 
 ing man. The undercurrent of political feeling was that 
 Mr. Monroe would succeed his chief, who would be quite 
 as glad to resign his honors and the flood of criticisms as 
 Mr. Jefferson had been. And though the conduct of the 
 war was caviled at, it was admitted on all sides that it 
 had raised the country in the rank of nations. 
 
 So Annis flitted back and forth like a dainty bird, that 
 did not forget the home nest. She did her hair high on 
 her head and had a fringe of fascinating little curls ; she 
 wore French heels to her slippers, and a train on grand oc 
 casions. She was not handsome, as the elder Mason girls 
 had been, not tall or stately, but sweet and pretty, with 
 just enough of the coquette to make her arch and win 
 some. 
 
 One night at an assembly, where naval men were out 
 in force, someone caught her hand in the change of part 
 ners. A young officer, a first lieutenant, she saw by his 
 insignia of rank. 
 
 " Oh ! " he cried, " you have forgotten me, but I remem 
 ber you. I saw you across the room, but I was engaged 
 for this dance. I was coming immediately after. It was 
 at the naval ball when Ensign Hamilton came in with the 
 flag. What a night it was! And I was Midshipman 
 Yardley, going out on my first cruise. There the next 
 figure is waiting." 
 
 He handed her gallantly to her new partner. 
 
 She went back to Jaqueline. " Oh, Roger ! " she cried, 
 " do you remember the young midshipman at the naval 
 ball when there was such an excitement? He is here 
 to-night. I have just been dancing with him. There he 
 is, coming hither." 
 
 310
 
 ANNIS. 
 
 The smiling young fellow was glad to see Mr. and 
 Mrs. Carrington. Annis excused herself from her next 
 partner, she was so eager to hear him talk. Perhaps he 
 would not have lent dignity to the position of an admiral, 
 for he was not tall nor imposing, but bright and eager 
 and full of spirit and ambition. " After all, it has been 
 a glorious war," he declared. He had been in a number 
 of victories, and quite distinguished himself, they heard 
 afterward; and one sad defeat, when he had been taken 
 prisoner with some other men and made a daring escape, 
 landing on the coast of France, and worked and begged 
 his way home. Now he was stationed at Annapolis for 
 some time. 
 
 Annis had to go and dance in the middle of the story, 
 and then he begged the honor. Was she staying with her 
 sister ? He should be in town a few days. Could he not 
 call on her? 
 
 Jaqueline gave him the invitation. 
 
 Captain Ralston was eager to see him, as well. There 
 were so many things to talk over. Such wonderful vic 
 tories, some such sad defeats, many brave men who had 
 given their lives and left imperishable names behind them. 
 How proud the young fellow was of his country! 
 
 And they had to tell the story of Washington with the 
 verve that people do who have lived through an event. 
 
 They looked at the ruins, they rode up the Potomac, 
 they went again to Bladensburg. Everything was so 
 near, so vivid. 
 
 Lieutenant Yardley decided that Annis was the most 
 charming young girl he had ever met. 
 
 " I am a little afraid of most women," he admitted. 
 " You can't always tell just what to say, and sometimes 
 when they praise you you feel silly all over. And some 
 women never rouse to patriotism. But we find so much 
 to say to each other. Oh, I wish I were going to stay in 
 
 311
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 Washington a month! Won't you make some of your 
 relatives bring you over to Annapolis ? You have such a 
 splendid lot. Only, do you know, I like your own name, 
 Annis Bouvier, better than I do Annis Mason. It just 
 suits you." 
 
 She blushed a little. What a pretty way he had of say 
 ing Annis! 
 
 But alas! the delight came to an end, and for sev 
 eral days Annis thought Washington as dull as the plan 
 tation. 
 
 " I am afraid my poor fellow won't stand any chance," 
 said Ralston, with a slow shake of the head. " The lieu 
 tenant is delightful, certainly quite dangerous enough to 
 turn any girl's brain." 
 
 The " poor fellow " reached Washington one morn 
 ing, having landed at New York, and spent half a lifetime 
 on the post-roads, he declared. They were all a little 
 startled. It seemed as if he must have grown, he was so 
 tall and manly and fine-looking, and so overjoyed to see 
 them again, so happy at the thought of being an American 
 citizen. 
 
 " It is as I said when I was here before the people do 
 not understand each other. When they come to a time 
 that they can work side by side in anything, you will see 
 something grand accomplished. There is a fine, free air 
 over here that inspirits one. You can begin without be 
 ing hampered by a thousand petty restrictions. And I 
 am going to prove myself a man." 
 
 Dr. Collaston and Patty gave him the warmest wel 
 come, quite as cordial as that of Ralston. But it was 
 queer that when he went there Annis had gone to Jaque- 
 line's; and finally Ralston asked her boldly to come to 
 tea and give Eustace Stafford a word of welcome. 
 
 " There isn't anything left for me to say," and the rosy 
 lips pouted as if offended. " You have all been so so 
 
 312
 
 ANNIS. 
 
 extravagant or is it exuberant? in your demonstra 
 tions, that I shall seem tame. And why should I be so 
 desperately glad? He would have killed you, Philip, 
 or anyone else, if he hadn't been wounded at once. I'd 
 like you to go and thank the soldier who did it." 
 
 " You are a briery little body where he is concerned, 
 Annis. Why, peace would never have been signed if both 
 parties had held out as you do ! I think it fine in him to 
 come out so frankly and own he was on the wrong side. 
 Even if you have no Indian blood in your veins, you might 
 come and smoke a figurative pipe of peace that is, drink 
 a cup of tea and wish him well." 
 
 " You know I don't like tea. I should think they 
 would have wanted to throw it overboard. Another of 
 England's tyrannies ! " 
 
 " I thought you had a tender place in your heart for 
 Marian and me." 
 
 " Oh, I can come ! " she said pettishly. " I am not 
 afraid of your Englishman." 
 
 " I began to think you were," teasingly. 
 
 And so she came. But when she greeted Mr. Stafford, 
 who had nothing of the boy left about him, but who met 
 her eyes steadily until hers fell, and whose voice had lost 
 the old deprecating, beseeching tone, a sudden half-terror 
 took possession of her, an indefinable fear that made her 
 angry and yet disarmed her. Oh, she was sure she liked 
 Lieutenant Yardley a hundred times better! 
 
 Afterward she said she was tired of all the gayeties, 
 and wanted to go home. The plantation was at its love 
 liest, and there would be such rides with papa, and she 
 was sure her mother was longing to see her. 
 
 But when bees once get a taste for the sweetest honey 
 flowers, they haunt the spot. And Annis Bouvier was 
 no longer a little girl. She felt the strange solemn capa 
 bilities within her. Sometimes she clung to her mother, 
 
 313
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 as if not daring to meet them. The mother knew what it 
 meant, and gave her the wordless comfort mothers can 
 give, in a kiss or a clasp of the hand, as one crosses the 
 bridge to womanhood. 
 
 Neighboring young men began to haunt the house. 
 The Mason girls had always been favorites. And then 
 down came the young Englishman, who resolved not to 
 lose the prize if earnest wooing could avail. They were 
 both so young. True, he had his fortune to make, but 
 some of the noblest Virginian families had sprung from 
 penniless young sons who had come to the new coun 
 tries and won not only wealth, but fame. Captain Ral 
 ston had found a place for him, and he should live in fair 
 sight of everybody. If he did not make the sort of man 
 they could approve, he should never blame them for re 
 fusing him their treasure. All he asked for was time and 
 a fair field. 
 
 " He has the making of a man in him," the father con 
 ceded to himself, but aloud he said a little weakly: 
 " Annis is too young to decide. In the end it will be as 
 she desires." 
 
 " And I can come now and then as a friend ? " 
 
 " It may make trouble for Annis later on, but I could 
 not refuse," he said to his wife afterward. 
 
 Annis came and sat on his knee in the soft Virginian 
 twilight, dusky sooner than that farther north. The 
 whip-poor-wills called to each other, the mocking bird 
 flung out a note now and then as if he said saucily, " Did 
 you think I was asleep ? " and the frogs in the marsh were 
 far enough off to send a strain of quivering music. She 
 put her arms about his neck, and her soft warm cheek 
 touched his. 
 
 " Were you very cross and stern, papa ? " in the most 
 coaxing of tones. 
 
 " No, dear. He is a fine fellow." 
 314
 
 ANNIS. 
 
 " But he came to fight against us." 
 
 " Yes. It was a great crime." 
 
 " He was sent, and he didn't know any better. Some 
 day we shall know a good deal more about each other." 
 
 " Annis, do you love him ? Child, don't make a mis 
 take ! And don't trifle with him." 
 
 " No, I don't love him. We quarreled dreadfully at 
 first. I can't help liking and admiring him. He is so 
 strong and earnest. There are a good many grand men 
 in the world, are there not? And some of them have 
 been poor and have had hard times. I didn't want him 
 to think it was because he was poor." 
 
 " No, dear," as she waited for some reply. 
 
 " And you know I can't help meeting him at Marian's, 
 and Patty likes him so much, too. It would be very dis 
 agreeable to be bad friends ? " 
 
 " Yes," assented the elder. 
 
 " So we are going to be just friends until well, until I 
 am twenty, perhaps." 
 
 " Yes if you will wait until then." 
 
 Annis kissed him. 
 
 But that was not the end of love affairs. Lieutenant 
 Yardley insisted upon telling his story. He had carried 
 about with him a child's sweet face, and resolved that if 
 he should survive the deadly strife he would come home 
 and find her. He thought his claim far the best. Had 
 he not fought for the country, her country ? 
 
 She liked him too. It was hard to decide. And then 
 the lieutenant, being rather fiery, went at his rival in a 
 fierce manner. Dueling was still in vogue. 
 
 Annis was alarmed. She sent for the big Englishman. 
 It was curious, but she knew she could make him obey 
 her slightest behest, big and strong as he was. 
 
 " You are not to quarrel about me," she began with 
 wonderful dignity. " I do not think I shall marry either 
 
 315
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 of you, or anybody. But if there was a dispute, and you 
 did anything reprehensible, I should never, never see you 
 or speak to you again. Lieutenant Yardley is one of the 
 country's heroes, and you " How should she put it? 
 
 " I am here on sufferance, until I earn the right. Yes, 
 I understand." 
 
 She flushed scarlet. 
 
 " You are bound over to keep the peace." 
 
 " Here is my hand in token of it. I shall never do any 
 thing to make you sorry or ashamed of me." 
 
 " Papa," she said in a plaintive tone a day or two after 
 Stafford's visit, " should you be very sorry if I were to 
 stay single always ? " 
 
 " Why, no, dear," and he smiled. " Don't you remem 
 ber, when Louis and Charles used to dispute about you, I 
 said we would marry off the others, and you should stay 
 here with mother and me ? " 
 
 " I must be very naughty, to have people disputing 
 about me," and she sighed in a delicious sort of manner. 
 " But I have quite resolved that I will not marry any 
 body." 
 
 They all went up to Washington to attend the wedding 
 of the eldest son. There was only one lover present, and 
 Annis was sincerely glad. 
 
 There was much going back and forth, as there always 
 is when families branch out and set up new homes. And 
 presently Charles came home, quite a tall boy, but still 
 delicate-looking, and so much improved that Annis in 
 sensibly went back to her old regard for him. He 
 was broader-minded, and took a livelier interest in 
 everything. 
 
 He soon found that Annis was a great favorite with all 
 the young people. She wasn't as handsome as Jaqueline, 
 nor as bright and overflowing with fun as Patty ; indeed, 
 he could not decide what the charm was. He heard about 
 
 316
 
 ANNIS. 
 
 the two real lovers, and met them both. Secretly he fav 
 ored Stafford and felt sorry for the lieutenant. 
 
 One day they were lounging in the old nook by the 
 creek. He was telling over his plans. He was not anx 
 ious now to be President, or even a minister abroad, but 
 he was eager for all the knowledge he could grasp, for 
 all the discoveries that were looming up on the horizon. 
 Uncle Conway had advised him to enter an English uni 
 versity after the coming year. 
 
 She was in the low swing, which was a tangle of vines 
 now, and he was curled up in the grass at her feet, as they 
 talked over the past and the future. Then there was a 
 long, sw/eet silence, such as comes nowhere but in country 
 nooks. 
 
 " Annis," he exclaimed regretfully, resignedly, " I do 
 not suppose you ever could marry me ? " 
 
 She started in surprise. " Oh, Charles ! " she cried in 
 pain, " I thought that foolishness was at an end." 
 
 " Has it been foolishness ? Annis, I don't believe you 
 could understand that boyish passion. I don't under 
 stand it myself. You fitted into my life. You liked my 
 old heroes. You never laughed or teased me about them. 
 They were my life then. That was the country I always 
 lived in. And it was very sweet to have you. How jeal 
 ous I was of Louis ! Some of the great intellectual heroes 
 have had just such a love. Last summer I was half 
 ashamed of it; I was growing out of childhood. And 
 now I have gone back to it again." 
 
 " Oh, Charles, I am so sorry ! " There was anguish in 
 her tone. " You see, I am older, and you will have four 
 
 or five years abroad, and grow and develop as men 
 j 
 
 " Yes. I couldn't ask so much of you. And maybe, 
 then, we wouldn't suit. Don't you know how the old 
 slave women put pieces of gowns in their best quilts and 
 
 317
 
 A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON. 
 
 cherish them because this was young missy's, and this 
 someone else's? And I'd like to be the piece that you'd 
 go back to in memory, and think how sweet the old times 
 were, even when you have a husband, proud and strong, 
 and that you loved devotedly. And how you bade me hope 
 through all that trying time, and gave me your mother 
 when you loved her so, and kept my little secret, for we 
 never can think it was Varina's fault." 
 
 She bent over. Their arms were about each other's 
 necks, and both were crying tender, loving tears. 
 
 The ensuing winter in Washington was one long talked 
 about. The President removed to a place forming part 
 of the notable "Seven Buildings," which had been fitted 
 up for its greater spaciousness. It was the last winter of 
 Mrs. Madison's reign, as in March Colonel Monroe was 
 to be inaugurated. There was a great stir and intellec 
 tual activity, a broadening of political life ; and as we look 
 back it seems as if there were giants in those days. 
 Thither came the hero of the Battle of New Orleans, Gen 
 eral Jackson, with his wife, and many another worthy; 
 even curious visitors from abroad, who acknowledged the 
 grace of Mrs. Madison's brilliant hospitality. 
 
 Thenceforward it was to be a new Washington, more 
 truly American perhaps, crystallizing around the points 
 that gave strength and dignity, and proving false many an 
 evil prophecy. 
 
 A few, very few, of the old places are left. But the 
 Capitol is the nucleus of a great nation, and the White 
 House reared on the old superstructure holds many mem 
 ories the country will always cherish. 
 
 I suppose I hardly need tell you that after a while An- 
 nis broke her resolve and married the man of her choice, 
 living a long and happy life in the newer Washington. 
 That when her sons were grown there was nothing they 
 enjoyed more than visiting the commander at Fortress 
 
 318
 
 ANNIS. 
 
 Monroe and listening to the stirring events of 1812. He 
 thought there never could be such battles and victories 
 again. But the girls were most fond of their delightful 
 bachelor uncle Charles, whose pen was making a name 
 and fame in the intellectual world. 
 
 THE END. 
 
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