eclaring that there must be something
marvellously strengthening in the atmosphere of our much abused city; while
Alice, hearing that Walter Lee was mixing in all the gayeties of Richmond,
already began to question her attachment to him, and thinking of Arthur's
long-continued and devoted affection, trembled lest she should have cast
away the love of his generous heart.

Mr. Weston often felt the time hang heavily upon him, though he saw many
valued friends. He would not have exchanged the life of a country gentleman
for all the honors that politics could offer to her favorite votary; and
for the ordinary amusements which charmed Alice and Ellen, even in
advance, the time had come for him to say, "I have no pleasure in them."
But thinking of Alice's health only, and, above all, anxious that her
marriage with his son should be consummated during his lifetime, no
sacrifice appeared to him too great to make.

The weather was still delightful, and as the soirees, assemblies, and
matinees had not yet commenced, a party was formed to go to Mount Vernon.
The day fixed upon was a brilliant one, in the latter part of November. A
number of very agreeable persons boarding in the hotel were to accompany
them. Bacchus was exceedingly well pleased at the prospect. "'Deed, Miss
Alice," he said, "I is anxious to see de old gentleman's grave; he was a
fine rider; the only man as ever I seed could beat master in de saddle."
Mark objected to his carriage and horses being used over such rough roads,
so a large omnibus was engaged to carry the whole party, Mark and Bacchus
going as outriders, and a man in a little sort of a carry-all having charge
of all the eatables, dishes, plates, &c., which would be required. The
company were in good spirits, but they found traveling in the State of
Virginia was not moving over beds of roses. Where are such roads to be
found? Except in crossing a corduroy road in the West, where can one hope
to be so thoroughly shaken up? I answer, nowhere! And have I not a right to
insist, for my native State, upon all that truth will permit? Am I not a
daughter of the Old Dominion, a member of one of the F.F.V's? Did not my
grandfather ride races with General Washington? Did not my father wear
crape on his hat at his funeral? Let that man or woman inclined to deny me
this privilege, go, as I have, in a four-horse omnibus to Mount Vernon. Let
him rock and twist over gullies and mud-holes; let him be tumbled and
jostled