CHAPTER VI.
A TOUCH OF NATURE.
There had been a breath of spring in the air for a day or two, and allnature welcomed the softness, with the numerous sounds of awakeninglife. Wild bees were out foraging. The catkins of the alders hadswelled to bursting, the maples were showing red, tufts of grasswere assuming the peculiar hazy, suggestive green through the furzydeadness of winter, while here and there a field of grain displayed thebrilliance of a velvet carpet. The trees had that dreamy purplish tintof springtime, and waved their leafless branches with wooing softness.
The road ran alongside of the brook and was in fair order for the timeof 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 withoverhanging rocks, where a multitude of crows were holding council, andsuddenly wheeled off, making a dark shadow over the path.
"A month later it will be beautiful," Roger Carrington said. "But Isuppose you have a surfeit over the Potomac?" nodding his head to thesouthward. "Or perhaps you would have liked it better about Georgetown.I fancied my mother had shown you everything worth seeing. Few peopleknow how fine the road is up this way."
He looked a little doubtfully at his companion. Perhaps she was tooyoung to appreciate it.
"I have never been this way before. We were out on the Potomac lastsummer when we were visiting my sister, the first time we came toWashington. Regulation philosophy considers home the best place forchildren," and she smiled archly.
"I like large families. You can't think how your father interested usin 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. Thereis 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 politicallife, but his present desire runs the way of pleasure and fun. Thecollege boys are quite adepts at mischief."
"You were down there?"
"My aunt married and went to Williamsburg, you know. And Uncle Conwayis connected with the college. Yes, I had a good, gay time. And Ilike--fun."
She looked it, with the sparkle in her eye and the changing color onher cheek. She was very pretty, but an eager child.
"And if we had some girls to make merry! Real girls, I mean, likePatty, who is charming to have about. Suppose we keep her for the nextyear or two?"
"You will have to settle that with Patty and father. And Patty has away of breaking out of bounds that might startle you. She is on herbest behavior now."
"And we cannot always keep up to the mark--is that what you mean me toinfer?"
"I couldn't, I am sure, if the mark was set high," and she laughed. "Itis, 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 tothe plantation. But grandpapa is very strict and of the old--there'sa French word I ought to use," and she blushed. "My French will notalways 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 ofWashington and Mr. John Adams. Oh, do you truly think the country willgo to ruin and split up into fragments?"
"No, I really do not. Young countries, like young people, makemistakes. Well, older countries do likewise. There have been manychanges in the policies of all governments, many rulers. I've quitedecided this will last my time out."
"I don't understand about the Non-Intercourse Act and all that. Fatherthinks it would be good for the women not to get so much finery fromabroad. But, then, if we sell tobacco and other things to England andFrance--why, it seems to me it is a good thing, a sort of give andtake. And grandpapa thinks Mr. Madison will finish what Mr. Jeffersonbegan, and that England will get hold of us again. Are you to go to thelevee?"
"Oh, yes."
"I am so glad! I am to make a real bow to Mrs. Madison. Oh, no; Isuppose it is a courtesy. I like to see people dressed up in prettyclothes, and I have not been to the White House yet. And to see all thegrand men nearby, not simply in a jostling crowd. Don't you sometimesfeel a little afraid of them?"
There was a charming half-curiosity in her eyes, and a pretty smilequivered about her red lips. What a child she was! If he was to ask herto marry him both mother and grandmother would be quite content. As forhim--well, he had no drawing toward matrimony, but that innate chivalryand admiration for all women so common in the men of that day, who weretrained to pay the highest respect to their mothers.
"I find myself wishing I was as wise and as experienced, and had theclear insight that some of our best men have had, nay, have to-day. Butthat 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 roundnessof the young cheek and the graceful curve where it softly lost itselfin 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 picturebeyond. Nay, there is nothing to fear."
The frowning rocks and overhanging trees on both sides almost shutout the daylight. It did quite in summer when the foliage was thick.Then it lightened, and the clear whistle of a bird rang out as ifheralding the end. The break was almost a level. The creek broadenedout here. The westward sun struck it and made beautiful reflections onthe undulating stretches of land. The leafless trees showed golden andbrown-red tints through the dun haze, the birches wore a rosy silverlight. Back of it the hills rose with the mysterious suggestiveness ofcoming spring, full of quivering lights as the wind made perceptiblewaves in the air.
"It is wonderful!" she said softly. "It is like those emotions one cannever describe, that penetrate every nerve, that make you feel halfawed. Oh, the world is beautiful!"
The eager, yet chastened, expression of her face moved him. She sat herhorse finely, girl as she was, her head proudly erect, her shouldersin the velvet coat shaped exquisitely, the sleeve showing the arm'sperfect 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 ofvision gratified him.
"It is my favorite prospect," he said. "I have watched it many a timejust at this hour in the afternoon. From early spring to midwinter thesun makes a picture of it. We are rich in beautiful scenery, and whenwe 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 ofit before."
"That is genius, I suppose. Now, here is a nice clear bit of road. Letus have a sharp canter out to that bend in the creek and back, then wemust hasten home before the evening dampness sets in."
Daphne threw up her head at the touch of the whip, and was off likea flash. Roger Carrington allowed her to reach the bend first, to thediscomfiture of Ajax. Jaqueline turned her bright, rosy face, full ofsmiling triumph.
"I accept," nodding with gallantry. "We should have been timed to asecond. You are an excellent rider."
"Seeing that I have been trained from babyhood it would be disgracefulif I were not. Oh, what crazy things we have done--Louis and I! Andthen we would bind ourselves by a solemn promise not to betray eachother. 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. Thegown 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 thi
s dismal glade? Think of Indianslying 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 Capitalloomed up; the scattered houses made quite a show, after all.
That evening Roger and she were partners at whist against his motherand grandmother, and the ladies won.
The next day the girls went over to Washington.
"I wish your visit could have been longer," Mrs. Carrington said. "Ishould have enjoyed asking in the young people about here and having adance."
Patricia was very sorry. She had been on the extreme confines ofyoung-ladyhood.
"It was just delightful!" Jaqueline explained to Mrs. Jettson. "Bothladies 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 arejust crazy over girls--no, you cannot imagine such stately ladies beingcrazy 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!" interrupted the younger."I saw you run down the garden walk, and Mr. Ralph said----" making asudden halt.
"Well, _what_ did he say?"
Patty paused, for she recalled the fact that Mr. Ralph's comment hadbeen distinctly complimentary.
"Don't dispute, girls. Patty, you are nothing but a child, if you aretall, and you know you wouldn't like to give up racing and climbing anddancing to old Sam's fiddle. 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 oldmaid couldn't be any queerer. But then Mr. Madison is said to be veryindulgent to his wife, and I'm sure he treats her like a prince. Andfather seems to be just as bitter against him as he was against Mr.Jefferson. It seems to me the world goes around just the same, nomatter who is President. Mr. Ralston came in this morning and beggedme to send for Marian. I couldn't tell him exactly _why_; and I'm sureI wish Mrs. Greaves was back again, and there wouldn't be any look forMarian."
"Lieutenant Ralston was over to the Carringtons' a while last evening,"said Jaqueline, and somehow she flushed in a quick manner thatsurprised herself, then added--"Mr. Carrington will be at the levee."
"Oh, of course. It will be a fine affair. And Congress will adjourn sosoon, I doubt if there will be another. There are to be state dinnersto the Cabinet and the diplomats, but next winter there will no doubtbe many gayeties. Jaqueline, you must run to bed and get your beautysleep, there is no knowing how late we will be up to-morrow night."
"I think Jane might feel a little sorry that I can't go," said Pattylugubriously, as they were preparing for bed. "It's Marian all thetime."
"You don't understand, Patty----"
"Yes I do. That handsome young Mr. Ralston is in love with her, andgrandpapa is going to make her marry that old Mr. Greaves because hehas 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 wereasked," 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 indulgedin only on great occasions. And though rouge was used, Mrs. Jettson hadenough color of her own, and Jaqueline was resplendent with youth andhealth.
This affair was in the state drawing room, which had grown rathershabby. Congress was considering an appropriation of five thousanddollars for refurnishing. The sofas were stiff, faded, and wornthreadbare, and the window hangings were limp and had lost their color.But the light from the numerous candles softened and relieved theimpairment of time.
Mrs. Madison was in the yellow velvet; new gowns were not considerednecessary for every occasion. Her beautiful neck and arms, which stillkept the roundness of early womanhood, were adorned with strings ofpearls, the short puffed sleeves rendered still prettier by a fall ofexquisite lace. The skirt was drawn aside and displayed a white satinpetticoat embroidered with gold thread, and her slippers were adornedwith buckles that almost covered her dainty feet.
About her were arranged the members of the official family, the ladieson 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 uphome comforts to spend a winter in Washington had already met Mrs.Madison; indeed, by this time there were not many among the strangerswho had not been presented.
And so Miss Jaqueline Mason made her bow to the first lady of the landand glancing up with a quick rift of color caught the cordial smilethat came with a warm clasp of the hand.
"You have a good old Virginian name," she said. "Many of us are proudto 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 possible. She steppedaside in a little confusion.
"Ah, here is Mr. Carrington. Shall I commend this young lady to yourcare? 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 wifeof one of the more recent senators, and they were having a littlechat, as it was that lady's first visit to Washington to attend theinauguration. So Roger slipped the fair hand within his arm, and theybegan a tour of the still unfurnished White House, though much nearercompletion and in a better state than Abigail Adams had found it in herbrief sojourn.
Mrs. Madison's tact and grace had brought about a more congenial stateof affairs even while wife of the secretary of state. There was inthe conduct of both men and women a trifle of formality verging to acertain grandeur, yet gracious and truly courteous. There was no madrush then for the first places.
Presently the company broke up into chatty little groups. Jaquelinefound herself quite a center in the midst of other centers. Here weretwo or three elderly men who had known her father. She saw a youngneighbor in the throng whose eyes expressed so much amazement that shecould not help smiling. Lieutenant Ralston had come in his soldiertrappings, and there was quite a sprinkling of military men, withothers in the Continental costume that gave such a picturesque aspect.
Jaqueline had a fresh, girlish charm, and to-night she certainlylooked lovely. Women and girls, when they were admitted to society,were expected to make themselves agreeable. No abstruse learning wasrequired, and though they might have strong political preferences theywere delicately veiled. Mrs. Madison had gone through four years ofunusual stress, and the few enemies she had made were only those whoenvied her popularity. She had been discretion itself outwardly, andher opinions, her conferences, and her advice had been lodged only inher husband's bosom.
Jaqueline had no care, no experience to conceal, and she had alreadytried her prentice hand on the students at Williamsburg. And thatnatural art of making men pleased with themselves, that charmingdeference, so great a factor in that day, was hers in an eminentdegree. Roger Carrington watched her as she caught up the merrybadinage and returned it with gay sparkles, and the pretty air thatwas half girlish demureness, the other half the indefinable charm ofbudding womanhood.
Lieutenant Ralston took her in to the refreshment table set in thelarge dining room.
"I wonder when you will see Miss Floyd?" he began in a low tone. "Ihoped to the last moment that Mrs. Jettson could persuade her parentsto let her sister come for a few days. You go to the Pineries quiteoften?"
"Why, yes--some of us. Father has a truly fervent regard forgrandmamma, and the girls come down frequently. They like be
tter tocome 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 avisit?" hesitatingly.
"She might--if we sent her the word."
"I wonder if you will ever feel friendly enough to invite me? Ilike your father extremely. I was very glad to have the opportunityof meeting him. And your mother. You know we are all interested inKentucky just now."
"I think my parents would give you a very pleasant visit," Jaquelinesaid with a grave yet encouraging smile. The sort of conspiracyinterested her. It was quite tempting to be able to hold out a hand ofencouragement to Marian, who hated the dull life at the Pineries anddid so enjoy amusement. Then, a real love affair thrilled Jaquelinewith a delightful sensation.
He was considering how to obtain the invitation honorably, when shefurnished the key.
"I think you would like my brother Louis," she remarked with a becomingshade of diffidence that went to his heart, it wore such a charmingair of innocence. "He will be home in the early summer, and he alwayscomes up to Mrs. Jettson's at once. Arthur takes a great interest inhim. He is to study law and the science of government, if there is sucha 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, Ishall find trailing arbutus."
"They are spring indications."
"You are hard to satisfy."
"Am I? Well, I would rather have that reputation than one of beingpleased with trifles."
"Sometimes the trifles prove very agreeable."
Mr. and Mrs. Cutts, Mrs. Madison's favorite sister, came saunteringslowly down with a bevy of friends, greeting many of the guests.She paused and glanced at Jaqueline. There was some of the charmingaffability 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 quitecatch it when she was introduced," Mrs. Cutts said in a tone that wascomplimentary in itself.
Lieutenant Ralston presented his companion, who in turn was presentedto several other notables.
"Mason," she repeated. "Yes, I should guess you were a Virginian. Mysister, you know, adores her home at Montpellier. Are you anywhere inher vicinity? That is, when she is in her true home? Though we haveboth become endeared to this ugly, unfinished Washington that we allhave to look at by the eye of faith, and not only that, but make ourfriends see through the same lenses. Lieutenant Ralston, shall we everhave a Capital worthy of the nation?"
"That knowledge is not quite in my line," he returned laughingly."If war should come it will be my business to fight for it. And youcan recall the old adage that Rome was not built in a day. Is it ahistorical fact or a Shaksperean apothegm? If the fact, we can takecourage 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 emperordemolished so much that his predecessor had done. There must have beena good deal to start with."
"And we started with nothing. I wonder anyone had the courage toleave lovely, refined, and gay Philadelphia for this desert! Now, ifthe tent had even been pitched in Baltimore it would have been moreappropriate."
"But, you see, when we built a country we wanted to try our hand atbuilding 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 citycannot be jealous of another."
"Miss Mason, this young man bewilders me and leads me astray. See whatit is to be a soldier and a patriot. Now I am going to carry you offand introduce you to some girls. Are you going to stay long enough togo to a ball? Every Virginia girl dances."
She was so bright and pretty that Mrs. Cutts was oddly interested inher.
"Oh, I adore dancing and riding! But I am afraid--my father is to sendfor me in a few days. If he were coming himself I might beg off. Yoursuggestion is so tempting."
"Perhaps you can. Now, here are some young people you must know," andturning away from the elders she introduced Jaqueline to a merry group.
"Miss Mason and I are old friends," declared Roger Carrington with asmile. "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. Wedid have a charming visit. I am afraid we shall be so spoiled that ourVirginia wilds will prove desert wastes."
"Mr. Carrington, you must manage to keep Miss Mason over. The Dearbornsare to give the young people a ball. We want it to be the event ofthe season, and that will soon be ended, alas! And we must gather thebeauty and the chivalry."
There was quite a gay little whirl for some moments and more merrybadinage. More than one envious eye was cast upon the young girl, forRoger Carrington was considered one of the prizes in the matrimonialmarket. Sir Augustus Foster, who was secretary of the English Legationsome years before, had said there was no lack of handsome women, andthat he never saw prettier girls anywhere, and that the City was one ofthe most marrying places on the whole continent.
"We missed you so very much," Roger began, when he had detached her alittle from the group. "I had half a mind to come and confiscate one ofyou."
"Patty would have been glad enough."
"But _you_ were full of pleasure! Perhaps we seemed dull to you? We arerather quiet folk."
He uttered the pronoun quite decisively, so much so that it brought thecolor 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? Motherliked you both so much. You will find it delightful at the Dearborns'.And I shall claim some dances."
"You will hardly be crowded out, in that happy event," she returnedbrightly.
Then there were some other introductions to noted people. ColonelMonroe 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; "andthat we shall see you frequently. I am very fond of young people."
"I felt as if I ought to kiss her hand," Jaqueline whispered, witha scarlet face, to her companion. "That is the obeisance people areexpected to pay to a queen."
"Not in a republic. And every lady is a queen to a man at some periodof 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 mycommand?"
He looked very handsome and winning at that moment.
The company was breaking up. People came and went early on theseoccasions. 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 withRalston and Mr. Carrington. Poor Marian! It is a shame she couldn'thave been here. And, Jaqueline, please don't forget that LieutenantRalston 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," Jaquelinereplied after a moment.
The well-trained maid helped them on with their wraps, and the footmanfound their carriage.
Yes, Jaqueline was a pretty girl, Jane ruminated; but so much attentionwould soon turn her head. She was proud of her, and yet a littlejealous 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 inWashington on Mon
day, and Tuesday morning they must be ready to starthome with him. It was too late to get word back, and Jane took it forgranted that they must go. Jaqueline gave a sigh and was minded to sheda few tears, but on Saturday Mrs. Carrington drove over for the girlsto spend the Sunday with them.
"Try and not be too coquettish, Jaqueline. It makes a young girl seemvery forward," Mrs. Jettson advised.
"Jane is growing unpleasant," Jaqueline thought to herself. "She wantsMarian in everything."
However, after the ball and one more levee there was not much gayetyin the City. Congress adjourned, senators and representatives went hometo consider at their leisure the grave questions pending. Mrs. Madisonwas much engrossed in the judicious use of the grant Congress had made.There were some new mirrors set, some dining-room furniture and china,new curtains and hangings, and upholstery done in gorgeous brocadedyellow satin. Still further, there was added a pianoforte; and thePresident ordered a chariot in Philadelphia for his wife, and the twohorses were increased to four. The White House was to make a characterfor itself.