Mary Baldwin College - Bluestocking Yearbook (Staunton, VA)

Text from Pages 1 - 80 of the 1893 volume:

9 luniista Ipiniiiani V. ' :tc 4c 4: «  STAUNTON, VSROINIA, MAY, iS93- Table of Contents. Page The Love of Nature in Eiiglisli Poetry, 1 Natural Scenery in The Idylls of The King, 4 Friends in Shakspere, Shakspere ' s Fairies, i) Tliackeray, as Reflected in The Engli.sli Humorists, . . 13 Pa ;toral Sketches — I, 15 Pastoral Sketches — II, IT A Visit to China-Town, 21 A Day in and al)Out a Tropical City, 23 Leaves from j Iy Diary, 26 Themes from Our Blue Books — 1. Uncle Jack, 30 2. Old Aunt Mary, 31 3. Miss Bettie Jones, 32 4. Aunt Miamy, 33 5. Tan, 34 H. In Haste to Breakfast, 35 7. A Cracker Wedding, 35 The Seminary in War Times, 37 Reminiscences, ; 41 French Compositions — Mes Yieilles Lettres, 47 Le Rouet de Ma Grand ' m re, 48 Un Village Morave, 50 La Petite Goutte de Pluie, 51 Note Editorial, . 53 Marriages, 55 Items of News from The Old Girls, 56 In Memoriam, 59 Seminary Notes, 60 J. p. Bell Co., Printers, Lynchburg, Va. THE AUGUSTA Seminary Annual. Vol. III. Staunton, Va., May, 1893. No. 1. The Love of Nature in English Poetry : Its Beginning in Chaucee, Its Culmination in Wordsworth. IN Chaucer we find the childhood of the love of Xature — a love which, becoming then for the first time a distinct element in English poetry, grew and strengthened with the growth of the nation. It was almost lost sight of, it is true, in Shakespeare ' s time, when man and his passions became the all-absorbing theme ; and, in Queen Anne ' s age, when striving after artistic form, the poets abandoned every higher aim. But still living and develop- ing, though little noticed, this love of ISTature existed, and in Wordsworth we find its serene and perfect maturity. There is a frankness and a freshness in Chaucer not found else- where. He takes a true dehght in the new green of the leaves and the return of the birds. Whan that the month of May Is comen, and that I here the foules singe, And that the floures ginnen for to springe, Farwel my book, and my devocioun, he says, and, as we follow him through the woods and meadows and see his light-hearted, wholly unconscious joy, we need not to have him tell us : As for mine entent, The birddes song was more convenient, And more pleasaunt to me by many fold, Than meat or drinke, or any other thing. 2 The Augusta Seminary Annual. He reminds us of his own Canace, for we feel when he heard the birds sing, that right anon, he wiste what they ment, Right by hir song, and knew all hir entent. We expect him to say — So was I with the song Thorow ravished, that till late and longe Ne wist I in what place I was, ne where. Rejoicing mth a happy, childish joy, he does not stop to analyze his feelings or muse upon the influences of Xature ; he gives only the direct impression made upon the eye and ear ; he knows noth- ing of the burthen of the mystery Of all this unintelligible world. To him the cuckoo was a bird making glad the spring-tiuie, not an invisible thing, A voice, a mystery. It told to him no tale of visionary hours ; to him the daisy brought a smile, not thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears. All about him is the freshness of a dream, all around him trail the clouds of glory ; the shades of the prison-house have not yet begun to close upon the growing boy; he simply revels in the sunshine while he sings a song as joyous and unpre- meditated as- that of the birds themselves. Chaucer belongs to the spring, to the Maytime of English poetry, but we tiirn the leaves of history and our eyes rest upon another who has learned to look on Xature not as in the hour of thought- less youth, upon one to whose ears comes oftentimes The still sad music of humanity, Nor harsh nor grating, though of ample power To chasten and subdue. It is in Wordsworth that we find the maturity of the love whose childhood we have seen in Chaucer. Wordsworth does not paint Mature, but arrests and interprets its impressions. He is not, says Hutton, specifically the poet of Nature, nor the poet of Man, nor the poet of Truth, nor the poet of Religion ; he is the poet of all separate, living emanations The Augusta Seminary Annual. 3. from Nature, or from JVIan, or from God. Hence, when we study AVordsworth we must turn with him to Those obstinate questionings of sense and outward things, Fallings from us, vanishings; Blank misgivings of a creature Moving about in worlds not realized. High instincts before which our mortal nature Did tremble like a guilty thing surprised. He nev6r humanized, as did Cliaucer, the spirits of natural ob- jects ; no fairy bands pass before him in tlie forest, some wearing the badge of the flower, others of the leaf ; no nymphs ai-e in his rivers, no dryads in his trees. It is true His daily teachers had been woods and rills. The silence that is in the starry sky, The sleep that is among the lonely hills; But, having felt the deep emotions caused by these outward things, he studies out their meaning, and there comes a sense sublime Of something far more deeply interfused Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns, And the round ocean, and the living air, And the blue sky, and in the mind of man : A motion and a spirit. If we wish to follow him we must learn to look on Natm ' e with that inward eye, which is the bliss of solitude, for in him was fulfilled the prophesy he made of his sister, his wild ecstacies were matured into a sober pleasm-e, his mind was a mansion for all lovely forms, his memory had become a dwelling-place for all sweet sounds and harmonies. Elizabeth T. Xewman. The Augusta Seminary Annual. Natural Scenery in The Idylls of The King. AS the painter mingles his colors in forming the background of a pictm ' e, here deepening the shadows, there lightening the gloom, so Tennyson has made the natural scenery in his Idylls of the King a background for the legends of the Round Table. See how dark and heavy hang the clouds over the dim land of Cameliard. The wild beasts in the damp woods slink fearfully away, dreading they know not what, and the gray-crested waves break restlessly on the rocky shore ; but at last the sky breaks forth in flame, a child is borne from out the glow, and Merlin the Wizard cries : The King. The pleasant fields are spangled with daisies, the stream flows merrily between its green banks, and the bees hover eagerly over their flowery treasures, when Gareth, the gallant son of King Lot, follows the fairy Lynette through the tangled woods and through the open fields, till he comes to the silver, gleaming river, on the banks of which stand the silken tents of the four giants, the last of whom he overthrows as the east is dimpled with the flush of the rising sun and as the dew glistens upon the grass. Listen ! the birds are singing on branch and twig ; the fish dart in and out between the little islets gennned with flowers, and the mowers in the field are swinging their long scythes, wlieu gentle Enid, in her faded silk, comes riding by mth tear-dimmed eyes and heavy heart. The rain falls fast and fierce, the trees ci-eak and groan, while the lurid lightning I3lays round the huge old oak in whose hollow the Avily Vivien and Merlin the far-famed Wizard cower. x bove the rumbling of the thunder, Vivien is heard shrilly pleading for the secret of his power. At last she gains her end, and hi the heart of the time-worn oak old Merlin lies as dead, And lost to life and use and name and fame. Hark ! the poplars are soughing, sighing, and the wind moans sadly through the boughs. Elaine, the maid of Astolat, is dead, The Augusta Seminary Annual. 5 and the stream moves slowly under its burden of grief, while the breezes gently stir the long, golden tresses of her whose true love has been her death. But, see ! red lights are flashing on the distant mountain peaks and glowing in the sleeping valleys ; and softly, as a benediction, the light brightens, till on a long, quivering beam, the Holy Grail descends, and pure Sir Clalahad, having seen it, vanishes away to be crowned king far in the sj iritual city. Deep in the shadows of the fern-dell walled round by stately beeches lies the newly-knighted Pelleas on a bed of velvet moss, when, looking through tlie leaves, he sees her to whom his heart goes out in the cry, I love thee, tliough I know thee not. And he wins the title of Queen of Beauty for the proud Ettare, but, alas ! in vain ; at last, driven to despair, he wildly rides on and ever on. Softly, sadly through the latticed window creeps the red flush of the sun, slowly dying on the distant hills, and, as if dreading the coming evil, the wind sobs mournfully among the leaves. With love-kindled eyes Tristram swings the ruby carcanet in the waning light, then clasps it round Isolt ' s warm, white neck ; but behind him rises a shadow, and a voice cries ' tis false Mark ' s wa} ' , and Tristram sleeps the sleep that knows no waking. Alas I the bright moon veils her face in misty white, as if ashamed, and refuses to glimmer fortli upon the cloister as of old, for those convent walls shelter the guilty Queen, a traitor to her lord and king. Tlii ' ough the dark forests and over the wild meres has she fled, l)ut the cold wind sighs ' ' too late, the ill-omened raven croaks too late, and echo answers echo too late. But, like the golden glimmer of a star from out the gloomy night, there comes the promise of the king for hope in her despair : Peichauce, and so thou purify thy soul, And so thou lean on our fair father, Christ, Hereafter in that world wliere all are pure. We too may wait before high God. How cold the northern lights shuie on the winter sea ; how shrill the sea-wind slirieks, like the voice of false Gawain, crying, Hollow, hollow, hollow all delight ! the ripple washes in the reeds, and the wild water laps upon tlie crags when King 6 The Augusta Seminary Annual. Artliiir leaves the fatal battle-field and sails down upon the silent stream — To the island valley of Avilion Where falls not hail or rain or any snow, Nor ever wind blows loudly ; but it lies Deep-meadowed, happy, fair with orchard lawns And bowery hollows, crowned with summer sea. Margaret Lane. Friends in Shakspere. FRIENDSHIP, the purest and noblest of all the benevolent affections, is shown by Shakspere in every phase. The richest, the poorest, master and slave, man and woman, alike feel its power. The plays naturally assumed a different character as the poet ' s sphere of observation w idened and his experience deepened, gaining in his mature years a depth and pathos not to be found in his ealier works. In The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Valentine is the example of a true friend. With what confidence he speaks of Proteus to Sylvia as one complete in feature and in mind with all good grace to grace a gentleman ! Even when Proteus has proved faithless by causing his banishment, Valentine does not lay the slightest suspicion upon his friend and his eyes alone could persuade him of his friend ' s treachery. Yet at the end, when Proteus repents, Valentine forgives, making his penance but to hear the story of his love discovered. The unselfish devotion of Rosalind and Celia in As You Like It forms a beautiful and touching picture. The entire difference in the two characters heightens its beauty, Rosalind being bright and gay, with natural tenderness, Celia quiet and retiring. After Frederick has dismissed Rosalind from his house, Celia determines to leave too, for, like Juno ' s swans, they had always gone together and could not live apart. Their journey The Augusta Seminary Annual. 7 through the Forest of Arden with the clownish Touchstone to protect and cheer them is sprightly, graceful and exquisite. Many times Celia lags behind so worn out as to be unable to go further, but never once regretting her choice. The true devo- tion of a servant for his master is well expressed in the same play when Adam offers all he has to Orlando and is content to depend upon Him who doth the ravens feed to comfort his old age; and full as well does Orlando show the return of this love, as entering the presence of the banished dukes he l)ears the weary servant upon his shoulders, just as JEneas of old bore the aged Anchises. Happiness and contentment pervade the assemblage of Lords around the banished Duke far away from the flattery, the painted pomp, and the peril of the envious court. In The Merchant of Yenice there is more tragic interest, and we are brought to confront the dreadful, actual presence of human anguish. Antonio offers his purse, his person, even all that his credit can do in Yenice to his friend, Bassanio, to assist him in his suit of Portia. Shylock, however, will not lend except for the forfeit of a pound of his fair flesh cut from whatever part of the body it may please the villain Jew. This in jest being agreed to, Antonio dismisses his friend with Slubber not business for my sake, Bassanio, but stay the very riping of the time. Soon in the midst of Bassanio ' s joy comes the letter from Antonio saying the ships on which he was depending were all lost, and he longs to see his friend once more. Bassanio puts all thought of self aside, leaving even his bride, to seek his friend. Nothing could be more tender than the farewell scene, when Antonio begs Bassanio not to grieve that he has fallen for him, for in this fortune has shown herself most kind ; and Bassanio answers that life itself, his wife, and all the world, were not esteemed above Antonio ' s life. All the comfort in the life of Hamlet came from his friend, Horatio. He was his helpmate in every trial, one whom Hamlet wore in his heart ' s core, ay in his heart of hearts. So unselfish, so true, so noble in every action and yet so unobtrusive is Horatio that unless we pay especial attention he might entirely escape our notice. In Julius Csesar we see both the falsity and fidelity of friends. 8 The Augusta Seminary Annual. Brutus heads the conspiracy against Caesar, his benefactor and greatest personal friend. In this case, however, it seems more misplaced virtue than falsity of nature ; for it was not that he loved Caesar less but that he loved Rome more. Though no two characters could be more widely different, the most ardent affec- tion exists between Brutus and Cassius. A¥ith reverence Cassius looks up to Brutus and yields, but unwillingl} ' ' , every point, though he himself is always in the right. Nowhere can there be found a better illustration of the pain and grief caused by the estrange- ment of friends than in the quarrel scene. Shakspere makes us love both Brutus and Cassius the better for those little wrongs which bring such tender love to light. With sorrow Cassius cries, Brutus hath rived my heart ; A friend should bear his friend ' s infirmities, But Brutus makes mine greater than they are, then fervently they pledge their reconciliation, and while their hearts are thus closely drawn comes the sorrowful confession, Portia is dead ! Kent, the most perfect of all friends, we liave left for the last ; for nowhere can we find a clearer, intenser manifestation of loyal manhood. We are conscious of a gradual change taking place in all these characters which were drawn in the different periods of Shakspere ' s life. We feel that he has penetrated further and further into the deep realities of life and has found facts more to rouse and kindle and sustain the heart. We see a more awful and more mysterious darkness and also a more intense and lovely hght. There is something grand in Antonio when he stakes his life for Bassanio ; but mth Kent it reaches the sublime. He shows always a passionate, irrepressible devotion to Lear — a loyalty which persists in spite of appearances. Disguised, he perils his life for his enemy king and docs him service improper for a slave. Yet when the deepest gratitude is expressed for such fidelity he replies — To be acknowledg ' d, madam, is o ' erpaid. All my reports go with the modest truth ; Nor more nor clipp ' d, but so. Berta Macatee. The Augusta Seminary Annual. Shakspere ' s Fairies. THE fact that there is found scattered all through his plays frequent and familiar reference to elves, goblins, fairies and witches, proves that the supernatunil was a subject of especial in- terest to Shakspere. He abounds in folk-lore and delights in fairy tales, so he founded tlie elfin world on the prettiest of the peo- ple ' s traditions, and clothed it in the ever-living flowers of his own exuberant fancy, and as a result we have in A Midsummer- Night ' s Dream a perfect revel of fairies. In this play the whole fairy world is laid open before us — a world of airy creatures, who dance and frisk and play pranks like children of the earth, but who, on occasion, can lay plans and dis- cuss ways and means as soberly and as thoughtfully as people of a larger growth. Oh that we might have seen all the world of f au-y-f oik on A Mid- summer ' s Night scattered through the old Athenian forest, the busy elves flitting about with tapers cropped from the thigh of humble-bees, and lighted At the fiery glow-worm ' s eyes ; Will-o ' -the-wisp dancing, like a golden star, through the mist of swamp and marsh, and every merry sprite bent on fun and frolic ! Great preparations must be made for Queen Titania — How now, spirit ! whither wander you ? demands Puck of a fairy, and I serve the fairy queen To dew her orbs upon the green, is the answer. I must go seek some dew-drops here And hang a pearl in every cowslip ' s ear. Oberon with his love-charm, Titania with her maidens, and that shrewd and knavish sprite, called Robin Goodfellow, are the principal characters in the play ; and l)etween Oberon and his attendant such confusion is wrought, every one plays at such 10 The Augusta Seminary Annual. cross purposes with every one else, that mischievous Puck in high glee is moved to cry — Lord, what fools these mortals be ! It is this lob of spirits, merry, mischievous, tormenting Puck, Oberon ' s tnisty messenger and the mocking imp, dreaded and propitiated by all the simple villagers, who is the s aftest of all the fairy tribe. One fairy indeed claims — I do wonder everywhere Swifter than the moon ' s sphere, and Titania and Oberon compass the globe, Swifter than the wandering moon, but what is this to Puck ' s casual offer to Put a girdle round about the earth In forty minutes. Titania alone with her fairies frolics like a care-free child, but when, in lier rambles through Grove or green, By fountain clear or spangled starlight sheen, she meets Oberon, she is changed at once into a dignified, stately little queen, who turns a deaf ear to all the lordly Oberon ' s threats, entreaties and promises. She will not give up her change- line; boy, no, not for thy fairy kingdom, she tells him. All of these delicious fairies are very tiny ; Titania, for all her lofty speeches to her lord, creeps frightened into an acorn sliell at the approach of an intruder. To Oberon and Titania, Peasblos- som, Moth, Cobweb and Mustardseed and all the fairy tribe, noth- ing appears small ; a mushroom or an oak-leaf is a mighty canopy under which whole tribes of fays take refuge from the summer showers, and woe to the adventurous sprite who, running una- wares into a col)web, is ent%vined within its mighty meshes or deluged in the imprisoned drops of dew. Imagine an army of the tiny folk sallying forth to make war upon a snail, who but thnists forth two gigantic horns and routs the valiant crew. As Titania sleeps for the third part of a minute on A bank where the wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine, The Augusta Seininary Annual. 11 she appoints one aloof to stand sentinel over his sleeping queen, while the others roam the wood, Some to kill cankers in the musk-rose bud, Some to war with rear-mice fur their leathern wings To make my small elves coats ; and some keep back The claiuurous owl that nightly hoots and wonders At o ur quaint spirits. And, lo ! while she slumbers, Lulled in these flowers with dances and delight, comes jealous Oberon and drops upon her slumbering eyelids the juice of a little western flower, which Will make man or woman madly dote I ' pon the next live object that it sees. Under its influence Titania meekly gives up her changeling to Oberon, who, not wishing to be outdone in kindness, releases the fairy queen from the spell by which she is bound, and bids her Be as thou wast wont to be ; See as thou wast wont to see ; Dian ' s bud o ' er Cupid ' s flower Hath such force and blessed power. Then the revels of A Midsummer ' s I ight are over, and, as they hear the morning lark, Oberon says : Then my queen in silence sad Trip we after the night ' s shade. We the globe can compass soon, Swifter than the wandering moon. Now the lark uprising has startled the dull night ; The eastern gate all fiery red is tlIro m open to the king of day, and all is quiet and deserted in the forest ' s depths. All of a long summer ' s day no elf or fay is seen or heard, but vat the first shades of evening they come in troops and take possession of Theseus ' house. From room to room they flit, round and round they whirl and dance and sing, weav- ing their fairy charms for the protection of their patron ' s home, until at last when the moon has poured her silver beams into every recess and cranny of the forest, Oberon dismisses to HiUs, brooks, standing lakes and groves 12 Tlie Augusta Seminary Annual, his merry crew, with Trip away, Make no stay, Meet me all by break of day. Another kmd of fairy is dainty Ariel, hght as thistle-down and inyisible as air, who flies to and fro at Prospero ' s bidding. One thinks of music in connection with Ariel, of fleecy clouds, of morning mists, of all things that are light and joyous and, above all, free. Like Titania and her maidens, Prospero ' s tricksy sprite is very small ; his bed is the cup of a cowslip bell, and he seeks shelter from rain Under the blossom that hangs on the bough. The Httle people of A Midsummer ' s ]S ight are the fairies of childhood, the creations of one who, living in the world, as yet has looked only upon the surface of life, but Ai-iel is the produc- tion of a mature man, who has sounded life ' s profoundest depths and scaled its loftiest peaks, and now, from the heights above the clouds, is able to conceive as a crowaiing glory the Tempest, with all its soul and tenderness embodied in the person of dainty, faultless Anel. With the Tempest Shakspere ' s Hterary career came to a close. It is thought to be his last work, and it may be that the breaking of Prospero ' s rod, by which Ariel ' s soul was set free from its long bondage, symbolizes the laying aside of that magic wand which, vielded by the master ' s hand, after a lapse of nearly three centu- ries, still weaves around men ' s hearts, with all its fonner potency, its magic charms of wonder and delight. Cabeie Pbeston Bell. The Augusta Serninm y Aimual. 13 Thackeray, as Reflected in The English Humorists. IT is amusing as well as interesting to see the mirrored like- nesses of the literary men where they have been unconsciously reflected in their own works. The candid admiration, the wit and humor, the unerring penetration, and above all that touch of sympathy which makes the whole world kin, shows us the nature of the man infinitely better than the most polished and correct biography ever could. Who that has read Macaulay ' s great Third Chapter has not felt the force of the man ' s intellect ' { Hifi repeated images, like so many dazzling lights, make the eyes of less gifted mortals bUnk at their brilliancy. Who has not felt the gentleness, the wit and the humor of Lowell in reading his Essays, and, charmed by his grace, involuntarily wished to make him a bosom friend :• Is there one of us who does not feel the rugged manliness of Carlyle on reading his ' ' Essay on John- son, of whom he says, He was nowise a Clothes-horse or a Patent- digester, but a genuine man ? If we see in their writings the characters of Macaulay, of Low- ell and of Carlyle, far more plainly do we trace the outlines of Thackeray in his English Humorists. What could be more generous than the words in which he commends to us the dear parson in the tie-wig : When this man looks from the world, whose weaknesses he has so benevolently described, up to the Heaven which shines over us all, I can hardly fancy a human face lighted up with a more serene rapture, a human intellect thrilling with a purer love and adoration than Joseph Addison ' s, There could hardly be sweeter praise, there could hardly be words which would betray Thackeray ' s own benevolence, humanity and piety more plainly than those in which he himself describes another. The society and the lives of these lordly, laughing, careless wits, hide not a secret from this great reader of the mind and heart. He has di ' ined them all, and when we read of them as he has portrayed them, we can almost see his blue eyes twinkle 14 The Augusta Seminary Annual. with amusement at each new discovery of a weakness or pet sin, and soften with pity at each newly revealed misfortune or hidden skeleton. The periwig seems never so ridiculous; the coffee- house never so full of bustle, wine and wit; the doubtful gal- lantries of these merry men never so extravagant or fascinating as when shown by Thackeray. But the heart of the writer appears under all this account of frivolity in the words, Ah ! it is a weary feast, that banquet of wit where no love is. He pen- etrates into the cavern of Swift ' s gloomy heart and finds even in its dim recesses some fitful gleams of tenderness. There is still a lock of Stella ' s hair in existence wrapped in a paper on which is inscribed in Swift ' s own hand, Only a woman ' s hair. Some critics have denounced this little phrase as a desire of Swift ' s to veil his feelings under a cynical mask of indifference, but Thack- eray sees only a pathetic shrinking from the cold eyes of the world, a remorseful shuddering over the grave of a tender victim whom he had not the heart to see die. In his impartial judg- ment of this lonely giant, he shows his hatred of meanness, his hori ' or of skepticism, and his thorough knowledge of life. It is in his Essay on Steele that his geniality, his philosophy, his tenderness, his sympathy, are displayed most. He takes us to Dick Steele ' s house where the Christian Hero is hastily excusing his departure to his wife, then down to The Rose, where the young Captain cuts quite a smart figure and where Dick bragged not a little ; but with all his swagger we love him every step of the way, seeing with tlie charitable eyes and feeling with the kind heart of Thackeray. His wit sparkles through all his essays. Perhaps it is shown at its brightest in his Essay on Congreve. His description of the Phoebus Apollo of the Mall and Spring Gardens is fairly ablaze. But even while Congreve ' s comic feast, which is set before us, flares with lights and while we are yet dazzled by its brilhancy, the heart of Thackeray cries to us that A touch of Steele ' s ten- derness is worth all this finery — a flash of Swift ' s lightning — a beam of Addison ' s pure ray, and this tawdry playhouse taper is invisible. It is in this mirror of his OAvn workmanship, this portrayal of The English Humorists, that the image of Thackeray is reflected, The Augusta Seminary Annual. 15 keen, Immorous, penetrative, but softened by a halo of sympa- thetic love and real tenderness ; here he is not the cxmc. bnt the magician who wins us to his very self by showing us in a thousand artless ways all that is in his own great heart. M. L. Street. Pastoral Sketches — I. IN Piedmont Virginia, close to the Southwest Mountains and looking out upon the more distant Blue Ridge, lies my grand- father ' s farm — the farm whose every hill and vale and meadow, whose every stream and deep and shady wood is linked with recol- lections of my childhood. And as I now recall those days many a picture of the mind revives again, and again I watch the laborers at the various occupations on the farm. Now it is Ma ' time and they are busy with the sheep-shearing. The very words bring to my mind a bright spring morning and a grove of large old oaks, tall poplars and spreading chestnut trees — a grove which, from matchless depth of- shade, is chosen for the shearers ' covert from the sun. There the flock is driven into a pen around the sides of which are built rough plank tables, where the shearers stand. The sheep are tied down to the boards to pre- vent their struggles, and, though nnich frightened at first, they soon become quiet, only lifting their heads from time to time, and turning their soft eyes to the shearer, as if to ask, Must I wait much longer? The lambs outside of the pen for a while bleat piteously, but as they see the sheep set free one by one they seem to understand what is going on, and bound off to their play. Xear the shearing-pen is a large table on which the fleeces are spread, and around this the women and boys stand to pick the burrs out of the wool before it is weighed and packed into the large sack standing near. How many happy hours we children used to spend ; now lean- ing on the fence and watching the shears flash in and out of the snowy wool ; now helping to pick the burrs or guessing what the 16 The Augusta Seminary Annual. fleece would weigh ; now listening to the stories Uncle Simon told of shearin ' times fo ' de war, when Mars James kep ' de long wool sheep ; and now straying off to gather violets, or to trun our hats with the hawthorn blossoms, to rob the bees of the honey in the poplar blooms, or to peep into the sparrow ' s nest, gently rocked in the swaying eglantine. Spring passes into summer and the busy harvest time has come. While the birds are still singing their morning song and the dew is still sparkling on the grass, the voice of the farmer is heard giving directions to the men. Some harness the horses to the binder, while others whet their cradles. Soon all is ready and they go forth to the field. Down on the low grounds the clatter- ing binder goes back and forth cutting the wheat, binding it into sheaves and tossing it to the little boys, who place it in heaps at short distances and convenient to the shocker. Up on the hill, too steep for the binder, the reapers, forming a long line, swing their cradles and sing their weu ' d, plaintive songs. Kow and then there is a lull in the music as the workers rest for a mo- ment and then begin again with redoubled energy. They are fol- lowed by women who, binding and shocking the grain, remind one of Kuth as she gleaned among the sheaves in the field of Boaz long ago. Now here, now there, the happy children chase the little rab- bits, driven from their beds by the reapers, or hunt for the par- tridge ' s nest full of the pretty white eggs, or, at last, tired of play, throw themselves on the grass beneath the shady old walnut tree. Harvest is past, and the farmer ' s eyes are now turned towards the vineyard. lie watches the grapes with care, as, from day to day, the blush becomes more rosy until it deepens into a red or purple. Then the merry laborers, carrying boxes and scissors, go to the sunny hillsides where the luscious fruit hangs in clusters from the trellised dnes. First each boy and girl chooses a row, and then the work begins in earnest. Clip, clip, clip, go the scis- sors until the boxes are full, and then they are carried home where, under the dense shade of the osage-orange and the locust, the busy workers, their broad-brimmed hats pushed back on their heads or thrown upon the grass beside them, form a picturesque group as they sit on benches, chairs, and stools in reach of the The Augusta Seminary Annual. 17 boxes of fruit, for now the culling ])egins. As bunch after bunch is carofully held up by the stoiu so as not Xu injure the bloom in cutting oiF the imperfect grajjcs, the merrv chattering of the young folks mingles with the thoughts of wiser heads. And the little tuddlcr, who lias been spending the time in going from one to another with the ap})eal • peas div me some dwapes, claims the office of handing the empty baskets to the packers, whose deft lingers fly so rapidly that, though the cullers do all they can, ever and anon there comes the cry of more grapes. At a little distance the small boy, with an air of the greatest importance, is busily labeling the tops and putting them on the baskets ready for market. At last all is done, and as the wagon drives towards the station I often think how much more would be the pleasure of the purchaser if the grapes could tell their history ; how, in hours of weariness, he would owe to them sensations sweet if, in lonely rooms and ' mid the din of towns and cities, the grapes could carry with them a picture of the vineyard and the laborers. Elizabeth Xewmax. Pastoral Sketches — H. IT is an April morning on a Yii ' ginia farm, and all out of doors is astir. From the tield come the whistle and song of the corn planters ; from the meadows, the soft low of the cattle and the bleating of the  ;hecp ; from the orchard, the hum of the busy bees, while the birds work and warble everywhere ; only the light smoke, as it rises lazily on the perfumed air, seems idle. The little ones of the home have caught unconsciously the inspiration and have formed their plans for a whole day ' s work. Who could refuse them as they stand anxiously awaiting an answer to their petition for gardens of their own ? Certainly father can not, and he yields with a smile that each of the little faces reflects, as the four children scamper away to take possession of the plots assigned them. 18 The Augusta Seminary Annual. How rapidly tlie eager lingers pull up weeds, pick out the stoues, break up the clods and mark out the boundaries of their several territories, while the busy tongues chatter merrily. At length the ground is ready, and once more father is appealed to ; this time with the requests, Please, papa, just a handful of peas, Just six cabbage plants, Just a teensy-weensy bit of lettuce seed. The gardens are planted at last, the resting place of each seed is marked by a tiny stick, and each young owner is at leisure to view his own work with satisfaction, and to criticise that of his neighbor. How the three older children laugh, as the l)aby tells, in her baby way, of how she put all her seeds together and covered them up ; and the heap of earth in the middle of her plot verifies her story. Long they linger, gazing with pride upon the work of tlieir hands until birds and bees have ceased their work ; and then the mother comes and calls her weary children in to dream of their gardens until the morning. On a farm in the Valley of Virginia, one of the great events of the season is the apple-butter boiling, which usually takes place some time during the months of Septeml)er and October, the apples being then sufficiently matured. It is a two days task, and one the older and more experienced members of the family look forward to with anything but pleasure, but which the younger people liail with delight. The day comes at last, merry voices from the orchard tell that busy hands are rapidly filling the sacks with the fallen fruit, and every one knows that the careful housekeeper is just as busily, though more quietly, attending to the cleaning of barrels, crocks, and of the huge copper kettle. By dinner time the apples have been loaded upon t he wagon, together with tubs, barrels and buckets ; the horses have been harnessed up, and then comes the ride to the cider press. After the apples have been thoroughly washed, they are placed in the hopper and the great crank begins to turn. The mill screeches and groans, while with a most unpleasant crunch, The Augusta Seminary Annual. 19 eniMcli, cinuu ' li, the .ipples are slowly ground. Then the piiin- mies are placed in the trough, the lieavy beam falls upon them, and when it rises every particle of juice has been pressed out. In the meantime at home the tire has been kindled in the husje fireplace, an abundant su})ply of wood has been brought in, and when the wagon returns with the cider, tlie kettle is tilled and hunij in the midst of the llames. By this time night has come, and, provided with knives and plates, all gather around the cheerful blaze and make an attack upon the tub of apples placed before them. The kettle bubbles on in a most satisfactory way ; the firelight flashes over the happy faces, and stories follow one after another until the last apple is peeled and the jars of white quarters are set away to be cooked in to-morrow. It is late, and all go to rest except the one who stays to attend the kettle, and as fast as the cider becomes strong, to take it out and put more in. IVIorning usually dawns before this task is finished; then the kettle is half -filled with the strong cider, and as many quarters are added as the vessel will hold. The stirrer is then put in — a fiat, broad piece of wood attached to a long handle and in shape resembling a hoe. All day long the stirrer goes the rou nds of the kettle, never sto])ping for a single instant, while the one who guides it watches that the flames do not grow too hot. By three or four in the afternoon the butter is sufficiently cooked for the spices to be put in. Shortly after the steaming mass is removed, from the fire, the crocks are cautiously fiUed, and, after they have been allowed to cool, are carefully covered and stored away for the winter ' s use. The shortening days and cooler nights of earl} ' October remind the farmer that it is time to gather his apple crop, and just as the sun is rising from ])ehind the autumn woods the pickei ' s go forth to their work. Here and there they scatter through the orchard, each carrying a bag under his arm and dragging a step-ladder after him. Hav- ing placed their ladders in position, the men fasten the bags over their shoulders and begin to rob the trees. 20 The Augusta Seminary Annual. Everything is still now save tlie rustling of tlie brandies and the occasional thnd of a falling apple. Sometimes a shrill whistle is heard or a snatch of song, which sends the startled hirds away in terror from the swaying treetops and from the new inhabitants who have taken possession there. Now and then a picker descends his ladder and goes to empty his load of fragrant frnit in the boxes in the cellar. When the snn is high in the heavens, and the air is no longer frosty, the children are permitted to come and watch the work. Now they gather np the fallen ap])les and vie with one another in making the largest heaps, chattering meanwhile like magpies, guessing how many bushels the Belleflower box M ' ill hold; wondering ' ' bout how Ions; it nll take John to finish the ' Wine- saps. ' Xow they play hide and seek behind the trees and scream with laughter as an apple falls alraoston some unccjvered head. Busy all day long are the pickers and the children, and wlien night has come their work is done; while the satisfied farmer turns his key upcjn the well-lilled apple cellai-. First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear is the thought that comes into the mind as one looks across the ripening corniields. The tassels tliat floated so gaily a few short weeks before are brown and I ' igid, and the blades, which waved gently in the breezes of early summer, clash harshly as tlie strong !Se})tember wind rus- tles through them. Around lie the brown stubble lields, the tields plowed for the autumn sowing, and beyond the forest just tinged bv the earlv frost, where the wilv crows caw lazilv, their eyes lixed upon the corn fields awaiting the time when the corn is to be cut. Nor need they wait long. From the far end of the field comes the sound of voices, and as they draw neai-er and nearer one may hear tlie strokes of the cutters ' blades and see the heads of the tall stalks as they trend le and disappear. And now the ends of the rows are reached and the cutters come into view, their wrists and necks well protected, for the corn does not yield vitliout a struggle, and its dry, rough Idades know how to wound. The line of workers turns, and, as they go back across the field, their voices and the rustling of the fodder die The Augusta Seminary Annual. 21 away togetlier. Scattered here and tliere over tlie field lie tlie yellow jniinpkins and streaked kershaws wliicli have grown unseen aniontjst tlie corn, and when tlie day is over the o;reat farm wa oii, with its load of merry chihlren, rumbles in through the hars to carry them homo, iany and swift are the hands that gather them, and soon the h(. rst ' S are turned home, the burdened wagon rolls slowly away and leaves deseited the field where the shocks appear like dusky wigwams in the light of the harvest moon. Ruth See. A Visit to China=Town. NO visit to San Francisco is complete without a sight of Cliina- T( wn by midnight, for it is then that the Chinese may best be seen in their gambling and opium dens, their shoi)s and tem- ples. About eleven o ' clock our guide took us by cable-car to this little Chinese city of thirty or forty thousand inhal)itants. His tongue never stopped ; he knew everything, at least in his own estimation. We first entered a china and curiosity shop where everything, from back-scratchers and chop-sticks to the most beautiful china, might be bought. The old proprietor understood English well, and told us that he had been in San Francisco twenty-seven years, during which time he had made three visits to his native country. Then we entered a Chinese drug store, and here we saw curious preparations of herljs ; pills as large as birds ' eggs, and dried frogs prescribed fV r rheumatism. As we went through the streets we saw these curious people in all their occupations and employments ' , in their grocery stores with pressed ducks and frogs brought all the way from China ; in their dirty, narrow homes filled with boys in queer caps and red trousers, and i)oor little girls with their tiny feet in cruel, wooden shoes ; in their gambling-dens, crowded at that time of night. These gandjling holes are strictly against the law, and watchmen were stationed at every corner ; if a policeman came in sight they 22 The Augusta Seminary Annual. would give a peculiar signal, and heavy iron doors were pulled to ; when the policeman passed, the scrambling and shrill chattering of a few minutes ago was hushed into silence, and no sign of gambling-den was visible. Their temples of worship are perhaps the most interesting spots in China-Town, On one side of a large room three huge and hid- eous images were sitting upon a platform, and before each god was a little bowl of tea which might have stood there for a week. Our loquacious guide showed us how they worshipped their idols and burned incense before them, and called our attention to two large blocks of light- wood on one side of the room, representing battle scenes, most delicately carved with only a small knife. From the temple we were led down some dark, narrow, under- ground steps ; the smell of opium grew stronger as we descended until it almost suffocated us. This underground hole was divided into many little cell-like rooms, and peeping into one of them we saw two men lying on a dirty couch with a little lighted lamp be- tween them, each smoking a long-handled opium pipe. The air was so offensive that we soon saw enough of opium- smoking, and we next made a brief visit to the Chinese opera- house, a rude, unsightly affair, whose greatest objects of interest were the highly colored and exquisitely woven garments of the actors ; then we went to a beautiful restaurant, witli hard-wood floors, flnely carved walls and handsome ebony chairs inlaid with ivory ; here we were served with delicious tea and cake. Then we took a car for our hotel just as a faint light Ijegan to glimmer in the east. Ida Ijell Gossom. The Aiignsta Seminary Annual. 23 A Day in and about a Tropical City. IT is a warm, bri i:lit morning, and we find our wide straw hats very agreeable as we start out on an ex])edition through the city. AVe walk slowly, for we find the scenes of a I ' razilian town novel and interesting to us. The streets are crowded, for it is market day, and the people hurry l)y in never-ceasing streams. Here comes the water-carrier with his big barrel on wheels, while the water leaks out through its cracks and trickles down upon the pavement. Then follows the mo- lasses man, with his tin cans rattling noisily in the rickety cart, while now and then one sees the mischievous black eyes of a sable urchin peering over the sides of the wagon. And now comes the bird- seller with his numerous cages, in which the yellow canaries twitter, the parrakeets croak, and the scissor bii ' ds utter their rasping tweet-tweet. One by one come in quick succession milk wagons, fruit wagons, vegetable wagons, beggars on foot and beggars on horseback, pmnpkin-laden donkeys and tame goats which take possession of the sidewalks and leave the street to peddlers and to other pedestrians, snake-sellers, charm-sellers and many more, all of whom press their wares eagerly upon you. Now the sun shines down more fiercely and the bustle subsides into lazy inactivity. The shopkeepers mount on their counters and sluml)er peacefully, their wives take out their lacework and swiftly draw out the threads as they gossip, while the goats and dogs stretch themselves out on the sidewalk to bask in the sun. Here is the market place, and tempted by the delicious fruits we pass in through the wide gates. Here are busy housekeepers seeking something for dinner, children spending their few pemiies on ginger-bread men and candy animals, while now and then one sees a pretty Italian maiden in her scarlet bodice, merrily barter- ing for a string of coral with which to ornament her slender neck. Kear the entrance sits an old woman whose bare neck and arms are gorgeously decked in necklaces and bracelets of colored beads. Spread around her on the floor are her wares : bunches of bananas, huge cabbage-heads, and withered herbs sure cures for all diseases. 24 The Augusta Seminary Annual. A little further on stands a Turkish peddler with his pack. One by one he takes np his rings and gaudy breastpins and tries to induce you to buy them, now and then holding up a little coral hand which he assures you will keep off the evil eye. Still further on is the coffee talkie, where all the beggars in rags and tatters assemble to get their cup of coffee before setting out on their morning rounds. Then comes the sugar-cane stall, tilled with long, yellow, jointed stalks. The sun flickers in pleasantly on the varied scene and we linger long, rather reluctant to leave, but at last we stroll off to rest under the shade in the neighboring srpiare. Merrily the water gushes out from the dragon mouths of the fountains upon the stones below and dances along under the spreading mimosa trees spangled over with crimson blossoms, then rushes down into the green meadow, gently rocking the purple water-lilies resting on its bosom. What a busy throng gathers around — mothers, maidens and children — and the sound of happy voices iioats out upon the air. Some work Imsily and silently as they whirl the clothes around their lieads and strike them on the broad, flat rocks, while others chatter gaily as they lazily swing their garments in the murmuring rivulet. At last the work is done and the little group scatters, some to wander down the stream in search of their truant children, others to seat themselves on the grass and rest. One maiden reclining on the green bank and playing with the ripples of the brook dreamily gazes up through the delicate, fluttering leaves of the mimosas into the fair, blue sky. Is she thinking of her home among the Umbrian hills of far distant Italy ; are her thoughts travelling back to the golden, summer days and to the twilight evenings when the shadoAvs begin to fall from the mountain heights, or does memory fondly bring back to her the little cottage nestling among the hills where her little brothers play on the banks of the stream and send down upon its waves their boats of orange skin ? But see ! they are rested now and the women jiile up the clothes in great, white rolls in their baskets, pick up and carry home the babies who are lying on the grass trying to catch the sunbeams which steal through the leaves into their little hands. We hasten on, the music of the fountain growing fainter in our ears. Now we are at the gate of the park, and we hear the merry The Augusta Seminary Annual. 25 voices of cliildrcn. What a happy time tlie little ones are hav- ing! One little girl swings contentedly on the clustering vines, some of the children run in and out the narrow lanes playing hide and seek, while others pet the soft-eyed deer who follow at their call. But the sun is declining in the heavens and its rays gently slanting through the foliage of the trees only make the shadows which slip in and out between the dark, gnarled roots more weird and strange, and the nurses hurry home their charges ever and again glancing fearfully hack at the shades which seem to follow them. On the lake a gaily painted boat still skims swiftly over the cloud-tinted waves, while in its wake follow the swans iishing up the crumbs which the young girl throws to them. Stay ! we hear the sound of music and the quivering tones of the violin float out upon the air, and as we listen- to the music our thoughts go back to the purple hills and sunset scenes of our own native land, and the tears come to our eyes, until at last the low, sad notes of the wordless song die away in one long, tremulous sigh. Many a penny falls into the outstretched hand of the little musician, as we pass out the gates, and silence reigns once more in the de- serted park. We must hurry now or we shall get to the coffee plantation too late. Here we are, however, and we hasten out to the coffee fields. Far as the eye can reach stretch the long, straight rows of trees with their graceful branches growing outward in oval shape, while their crimson berries peep out from between the dark, glossy leaves. Skillfully the dusky slaves hi their picturesque garments and gay-colored turbans strip the trees of their scarlet treasures, while now and then one sees a hungry little fellow slyly take from the great l)asket a handful of the bei ries and devour them with broad smiles and twinkling eyes. All along the road leading to the house we see the slave women carrjnng on their well-poised heads the heavily laden baskets, while others pass them hurrying back, singing as they come a strange dirge-like song. The busy day draws to a close at last, and as the setting sun sinks beneath the horizon, casting its lingering, golden light on the scene, the weary laborers pick up their burdens and wend their way homeward. Some hasten on with eager thought of the hot meal awaiting them, others linger behind enjoying the cooling 26 The Augusta Seminary Annual. breeze, while many a mother trudges on slowly, bent under the doul)le weight of her baby and her basket. One by one they file into the courtyard aud pour the coft ' ee out upon tlie stone pave- ment to dry, then saunter carelessly off to their quarters to dream of f i-agrant coifee and steaming hominy ; and we homeward go, while the twilight shades are deepening and the moonbeams dance upon our path. Margaret Lane. Leaves from My Diary. JUlSrE 15th, 1892. — How good it is to be at home again after two long years at boarding school ! How different from the long row of class rooms, the towering heights of Sky-high, the black top of the Covered way, was the scene from my window this morning. A large garden divided into borders bright with flowers and shaded by tall oleanders lay before me. In the centre of it was a fountain reflecting in its silvery spray tlie golden sunshine, while a little bird sat on the side taking its morjiing shower-l)ath and sending forth praises to its maker in sweetest song. Scarcely had the little warbler ceased ' when the voices of happy children were heard, and Tom, who thinks himself quite a man in his new knickerbockers, entered the garden, followed by Elsie dragging her doll in a wheelbarrow. I ' se gohi ' to see if my beans hasn ' t come up yet, said the little fellow, going over to where a small mound of dirt was heaped. The beans, planted only the day before, had not come up, so he proceeded to dig them up to see what was de matter wif dose fings. Wliile he was excavating the beans, three-year-old Yiolet entered crying as if her heart would break; she hugged to her breast a little dead cliicken and sobbed, Dat howid old wooster bit his head wight off, and I isn ' t got any more ' ittle chickies. Never you mind, said brother Tom, leaving his beans to dry the little one ' s eyes, we ' ll bury him and beat the old rooster too, The Augusta Seminatn Annual. 27 The rest of the chikh ' en were called and the preparations for tlie funeral began. First a little hole was dug with Mammy ' s kitchen knife dexterously stolen by Master Tom, and then the linal resting place of the unfortunate chicken was lined with gray moss and rose leaves. The coffin, a large match box, was almost filled with pink oleanders and orange blossoms, and a little pile ( f j)opinax served for a pillow. To Violet was given the honoi- of placing the deceased, arrayed in Dolly ' s best dress, in the coffin. It was hard for the dear little thing to keep Ijack her tears while her pet was being covered with Howers, but the funeral was not over yet, so she listened with dignity while Tom conducted the serN-ice with his most serious air, and after joining in the mourn- ful dirge she burst into tears and ran in to Mannna, leaving the chicken to rest in peace, and the children to iinish their play. June IGth, 189-2. — I have just returned from a visit to Mammy and she gave me as warm a welcome as if I had never given her any trouble in my life. She has been a nnrse in tlie family ever since Man una was a baby, and one would think from the way she bosses us children that she owned the place. But now, as she tells me, sence folks is got sech newfangled idees ' boiit raisin chillun, she has resigned her position and retired to a cabin in the yard to enjoy a comfortable old age as a lady of leisure. I saw her this morning sitting on a low stool in front of her door enjoying the golden sunshine. She was bent low over her knitthig; her white woolly head was bound with a bandanna handkerchief, and the white kerchief round her neck was caught in at the Avaist b} a green gingham a])ron. By her side was her pet cat purring lazily, while the old w oman kept time with her bare foot to the words sung in a melancholy strain : I ' m gwine to rise, I ' m gwine to rise, Fm gwine to rise at de cummin day, I ' m gwine to rise. As I crossed the yard for my first visit I saw Violet stealthily approaching, and wondered what mischief she was planning. Vio- let ' s shout of glee and poor Mammy ' s indignant, I gwine tell Mars Jeems jes soon es he git in de gate ; you jes see if I don ' t! showed that Violet ' s grasshopper had been successfully applied. There was anger on one side and a promise on the othei-; in a 28 lite Augusta Seminary Annual. twinkling peace Avas restored and Yiolet, at lier feet, was listening to those dear old stories which Mammy tells in her peculiarly soft voice of those mystic times fo de war, when all dis nigger had to do was jes to keep Miss Ellen ' s close straight ' The children have told me that since I have been away at school my faults, seen through the softening veil of absence, have assumed to Mammy ' s eyes the shape of virtues, and that she has often entertained tliem with stories of her heretofore scapegi-ace protege, saying with great pride, Miss Marion is olf to boding school gifting her edufercashing. I approached just as she was mingling me with her fo de war joys, and heard myself used to point a nir:)ral of correction to little Violet. My old pranks are indeed forgotten I She received me with a shower of welcomes, and holding me at arm ' s length wliile she scanned me from head to foot, she exclaimed, Bless de chile, how she is growedl and how she do frizzle her hyar! Monday, June 21, 1892. — Going to church at home is such a deliji ' htful chane:e from walkiny; in a column of one hundred and lifty girls, that j-esterda} , in sj)ite of Mamma ' s warnings, I resolved to take Violet to church for the first time in her life. Now Violet, being the baby, is not a little spoiled, and perhaps her being a preacher ' s daughter does not lessen her badness. I thought as it was only an afternoon service and Papa ' s lecture was to be very short, I could manage her, so olf we started. For a while after we got to church she sat very still, looking with wondering eyes at the strange faces. Soon the organ began to play, and cuddling close to me she whispered, Sister, is dat de bears growlin X and when Papa entered the chancel she wanted to know why Papa wore such a big white aju-on and hollered at her so loud. As soon as I had answered the questions to her satisfaction she grew more at ease and Ijegan to turn over the leaves in the prayer book, but soon she became restless again, asking repeatedly how long before church would be over. I was kneeling at the second prayer when I heard a smothered giggle from a little boy who had been vatclling Violet ' s move- ments very closely; and, looking up, I found that my young charge had climbed up on the seat, and, as she counted them, was The Augusta Seminary Animal. 29 emolliiig the tiowei ' ri on iiij hat. Very much luurtitiecl to find that several people had seen this perforinanee, I began to scold, but she soon put a stoj) to this by crying. Then I promised a cake Avhen we got home, but all in vain. She wriggled and twisted, got up and down, till at last, in sheer despair, I determined to let her alone. The next thing she did was to cross the aisle and swing to and fro the op])osite pew door. She was just out of my reach and would give a most })rovokingly sweet smile when I tried to get her back. 1 knew if I attempted to take her out she would cry, and Papa, in the midst of his lecture, was already very nervous, so I sat there utterly wretched and entirely in her power. Presently an idea struck me. I held out my watch, a treasure long- forbidden to her mischievous little fin ' ers. She came at once, and grasping it tightly, she sat quite still the rest of the time, while I, holding her fast by the sash, resolved that my young sister might be a heathen before I would ever bring her to church again. Mary A. White. 30 The Augusta Seminary Annual. Themes from Our Blue Books. I. Uncle Jack. f ' HILE, ran ax your Ma to g-imme a piece of brade. _ Tliiis were we children always accosted by Uncle Jack and immediately dispatched to onr Ma for something, and to such an extent did he carry his begging that the children nicknamed him Run ax your Ma. But Uncle Jack did ii ' t know this nick- name, no indeed. We were all privately afraid of him. When he would tilt his chair 1 ack against the wall, take his pipe out of his mouth and shake his woolly head so threateningly at us, we would fly to obey him. Sometimes when the axing expeditions were very numerous we would demur a little, but his If you don ' t go this minute I gwine box yore two eyes into one would send us off in a hurry. Uncle Jack was dignified by the name of gardener, but he never lifted his hoe to do anything. In the summer he liung about the back porch or lay under the apple trees and ate apples by the peck ; and in winter Ijy the kitchen tire, with a child on each knee, he told us of the pranks he played when a mischievous little darkey befo de war. A little while ago the old man went to live with his daughter, but his demands on us are just as frecpient as of yore. The other day, wlien out in state making calls with a friend, I saw Uncle Jack coming and tried to escape him. But no, his sharp eye was on me, and with the air of one sui-e of his prize he called out jovially : Missis, when you go home ax your Ma if she aint got a old pyar jmnts of your Pa ' s for me. We gave him the trousers the next day and congratulated ourselves on being rid of the old l)eggar for two weeks at least. Vain hope ! Ex- actly two days later he shuffled his rickety old figure through the back gate and smilingly took his seat on the back porch. Well, Uncle Jack, what is it now ? was our inhospitable greeting. Ax your Ma if she aint got a old coat. No, she hasn ' t any coat and besides that is a very good one you have on. The Augusta Seminary Annual. 31 Law eliile, don ' t 1)C so particularlike; I borrowed this yere coat to war u}) here ; go ax your Ma. She hasn ' t any coat, Uncle Jack. You go ax your Ma, I tell you. But, Uncle Jack . You-go-ax-your-Ma. Thus forced, a search was made for Mother, who, much to our chagrin, did succeed in finding a coat. What I done tole you; I knowed your Ma had one for me, and sidling up to Mother the old rascal said : Misses, aint you got ten cents you could gimme ; fo ' de Lord, Misses, you might not believe it, but I aint made a ten cent for five years. Mother handed him the sum, assuring him she could readily believe he had not made a dime in ten years. Kate St. Clare May. 2. Old Aunt Mary. E YERY one in the little town of Coalburg knows Aunt Mary. She is a queer old negro woman, as honest as can be, and a universal favorite among the children. AYhenever the small folks of the neighborhood see her coming they run and ask : Aunt Mary, when are you going to shout ? To this she replies : When- eber de spirit mobe me, honey. On Sunday mornings of the big Baptist meetings the spirit tells her to dike in her best clothes, so she dons an old silk dress that belonged to her ante-bellum mistress, her l)est striped stockings, an old silk mantilla, long, lieavy l)rass ear-rings and a sunbonnet, then catching up her clothes nearly to her knees, she sallies forth to church. She is a Baptist to the backbone, and walks majestically up the steps to the gallery, where the negroes sit. The preacher has prepared his discourse wdth much care and is confident that his remarks will have great weight with his hearers. When he comes to one of his most eloquent passages a loud groan is heard in the gallery. He continues, and Aunt Mary 32 The Augusta Seminary Annual. echoes all he says with O Lordj ; then the preacher tries bj loud talking to drown her voice. Now comes the exciting time. Aunt Mary rises from her seat, takes off her bonnet and begins to shake her head, then she prays, then she bounds up with the cry of Lord hab mercy. All the while she manages to display her ear-rings to her admirers. She raises her hands and screams ; the congregation mean diile are tittering and the preacher becomes enraged and calls ont in his wrath : Will one of the deacons please remove the disturber of worship? Then Aunt Mary quiets down. After church she goes home shaking her head and muttering, Dat am no good preacher ; de spirit am gwine ter pay him back fur speechif}4ng ginst dis nigger. Bessie White. 3. Miss Bettie Jones. A ISS BETTIE JONES was an eccentric old spinster who lived not far from my father ' s house in the country. Although Miss Bettie had some property and had built for her- iself a good frame house, she would never live in it, Ijut shut it up and lived in a log hut near by. Whenever she appeared in public she created a sensation by her remarkable costume. It really was wonderful how she could manage to get together so many colors of ri1)bon with which to adorn herself. Her slippei ' s Avere usually ornamented with breast- pins, and she liad all sorts of furl)elows and jewelry wherever she could hnd a place for them. Miss Bettie ' s special delight was in going to funerals. She always rode a gray horse, to whose bridle she attached sleigh-l)ells ; and whoever saw her thought of Banliury Cross and The old woman on the white horse, With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes She shall have music wherever she goes. On one occasion of this kind she preseiifed such a funny picture when she came in and took her seat among the pall-bearers and The Augusta Seminary Annual. 33 raonrners tlmt even the preacher witli rlifficulty restrained himself from laiigliinjT aloud at the most solemn point in his service, and a smile was seen on the woe-begone faces of the mourners. So interested was she in funerals that she had a full-dress rehearsal of her own long before she died. She dressed herself in her shroud, lay down in her coffin and called for a mirror in order to see how she would look when dead. Julia G. Aunspacgh. 4. Aunt niamy. SEVERAL years ago, in the neighborhood of Fernville, there lived a queer old character by the naine of Aunt Miamy. Fo de war she belonged to one of the best Virginia families, and when the slaves were set free she still remained faithful to her Old Mistis. At her liouse Aunt Miamy made her head- quarters, but in many respects she resembled the Wandering Jew, as she roamed about from one house to another according to her fancy. Her dress was most curious. In winter she wore a man ' s long coat and boots, with a short skirt and an old felt hat. At Easter she always wore white. Her one great delight was to attend funerals. To be present she would trudge along mile after mile, no matter the wind, no matter the weather. A black dress, red or yellow ribbons on her hat and around her waist, a large i)alm- leaf fan in her hand and a small switch in case flies were trouble- some, constituted her array upon such an occasion. Often, if the deceased had been a particular friend, she obtained for herself a seat of honor on the back of the family carriage, and if this place were occupied she took her seat with the driver on top of the hearse. All during the week, when there were no funerals, she was busy cleaning up for Sunday, ' so she said, and when this day came she would get things straight for Monday. She never stopped working from one day to another, and when spoken with 34: The Augusta Seminary Annual. upon the subject of dying -would always say she bad no time to die, that there was too much work to do. When her last illness came she was tenderly nursed by the people among whom she had lived and worked for nearly one hundred and two years, and when she died more than one invol- untarily looked around for her at the funeral, forgetting that she who had sat beside so many coffins was now lying within one. The impression existed that she carried a bag of money con- cealed on her person, and after death an examination revealed the following articles tied up in sheepskin : Four old coins, a rabbit foot, a buckeye, a brass ring, a string of glass beads, two large teeth, and last but not least, a shining black curl tied up in paper yellowed with age. Maggie Bell Roller. Tan. TAN is a little negro girl who once lived on our place ; her real name is Saphronia Elizabeth. My little sister, who was Tan ' s particular object of admiration, was taking music lessons, and Tan would stand beside her and listen in rapture while she was practicing. Finally one day when Bertha w as at the piano Tan walked up to Mamma and said in entreating tones : Miss Bessie, let me pick the piano. Nothing daunted her. One day, vishing to have ear-rings, she pushed pins through her ears and bent them down, very proud of her ornaments. My little sister once attempted to teach her a Sunday School lesson and repeated the iSrst commandment to Tan several times, and then asked her to repeat it. The child promptly replied : Thou shalt not have nary nother God before me. Bessie Clabk Bbawnee. The Augusta Seminainj Annual. 35 In Haste to Breakfast. AT tlie camp meeting the people had l)uilt many sheds whicli served for dining-rooms below and sleeping apartments above. On the second day of the meeting a small party were break- fasting in one of these rustic dining-rooms, when they were sud- denly friglitened by a large object falling in the middle of tlie table from the room above. A great crash followed and the dishes flew in every direction. The people in a few seconds realized what liad happened, and they too scattered in every direction — to laugh. The cause of this sudden interruption was the unceremonious arrival of tardy Mr, Lent. He had been suddenly awakened on hearing the noise at the breakfast table, and jumping out of bed stepped on a loose plank and down he went to breakfast. Julia G. Aunspaugh. 7. A Cracker Wedding. THE little church which stands in the heart of a pine wood, and does not hold over fifty people, is crowded to its utmost on this bright Sunday, for as soon as the preacher finishes his sermon there is to be a wedding. A wedding here is considered a great event, but this one is no common affair, for the bridegroom is one of the best young men in them parts and the bride is the belle of the community. Moreover the bridegroom owns a little orange grove and a log cabin where he is going to take his bonnie bride, while Becky has two bright chromos, a pair of vases bought by her father on one of his rare visits to the neighboring village, a sam- 36 The Augusta Seminary Antiual. pier and a motto with God bless our home in bright, red letters, and altogether this is an extraordinary match. While the preacher is preaching the fortunate couple sit out in an open-topped buggy sucking oranges and whispering happily. A little boy is fiuall}- sent out to tell them that the last hymn is to be sung. They climb out of their buggy, the bride, smoothing down her nicely ironed rutHes and putting on her white cotton gloves, takes oft her hat and leaves it behind, while the bridegroom self-consciously walks along carrying his whip. When they reach the door some one starts the hymn On Jordan ' s stormy banks I stand, and all join in the linked sweetness long di-awn out. Everything would have gone well, but the bride ' s attention is so given to smiling and courtesying to her numerous adndrers that Asdien the bridegroom stops to let her catch up with him she bumps him vigorously. This brings her to her senses and she grasps him by the left arm. When tliey get to the pulpit the preacher is not pleased with the way they are standing. They try to change, both turning iirst to the right and then to the left. Finally they get their proper places. The ceremony proceeds. The preacher manages to pronounce the words after spelling them all to himself, and the knot is tied. Nellie Louise Bkadford. The Augusta Seminai ' y Anmial. 37 The Seminary in War Times. IT was in the fall of ' 62, midst the cannon ' s opening roar and the traiu]), tramp, tramp of the .soldier hoys, that our cour- ageous [)rincipal started her hold undertaking — opening school with thirty boarders and one hundred and twenty day pupils. We in these latter days can scarcely appreciate the difficulties attending such an enterprise. To provide fo jd and fuel for so great a number at a time when tiour sold at twenty-five dollars a barrel and bacon at a dollai- a pound was a problem not easily Bolved. All the long summer days were spent in laying in sup- plies, and by dint of unceasing perseverance, together with the aid of kindly friends, when autumn turned a sufficient store had been collected to keep the wolf from the door for a time at least. Her trouble, though, did not end here. The provisions were noAv in possession, but how to keep them so? Staunton in those days was a great depot for army supplies and was consequently alive with soldiers wearing both the blue and the gray. The former ' s proclivities for appropriating all the goods and chattels of their Southern friends, especially the con- tents of the larder, was a fact thoroughly within the grasp of a school-girl ' s mind. Accordingly when that dread cry, The Yankees, went forth, down dropped every book and out rushed eveiy girl. The woodpile, then just outside the present parlor vindow, there being no other back yard, claimed attention fu st — a soldier ' s weakness in that line being proverbial. Two girls would seize upon a log of wood, put an end on each shoulder, and off they ' d go to deposit it in the dark and hidden precincts of the cellar. Many hands make quick work, and soon there was no trace of that woodpile save a few scattered chips. By stratagems which would have rendered a general famous forty barrels of flour had been jjrocured, and deep and anxious were the debates as to the safest hiding place for the precious possession. At the suggestion of a bnght-eyed little maiden, each girl draped a barrel in one of her white skirts — crinolines 38 The Augusta Seminary Annual. were tlieii in favor — making tlius a dainty dressing-table for every room. But alas ! there were more barrels than rooms. Accord- ingly the contents of the remaining ones was sewed up in a tick and did duty as a bed. When the tramp of the blue-coats was heard, the thinnest girl in school — and it is said she was the only thin one — chalked her cheeks to a ghastly white and got into her bed of flour. As Miss Baldwin ushered a Federal oflicer into the room to make the usual search, this ghostly figure suddenly rose up in the bed as if wakened from sleep. The startled officer backed out of the room with a murnmred apology for disturbing a girl so ill. The pretty dressers aroused no suspicions, hence the flour was saved to furnish food not only for hungry school-girls, but for many a wounded soldier lying sick and suffering in the hospital. On another occasion when the Federal soldiers were in town the girls hid hams in every desk of the big school-room — not our present chapel, for that w as the Presbyterian church, but the present office and the adjoining hall then one room — even the stove had been duly filled, and there was just time for each girl to grab a book when the searching party entered. A studious company they appeared, notwithstanding the fact that many of their books were upside down. A little taken aback that the young ladies should show such indifference to their presence, the soldiers after a casual glance about the room, marched out, one of them remarking that the girls didn ' t seem much afraid. To which he received the prompt reply from a pert little miss near the door, What ' s in you to be afraid of? Yet not always were their little schemes so successful, as when some of the girls attempted to roll a barrel of sorghum up the dining-room stairs and the head came out. They had this conso- lation, however, if they could not eat that sorghum neither could the Yankees. A favorite plan, when there was something valuable to be saved, was for the principal to show the search officers about; ushering them graciously into rooms and halls, iqj stairs and down, in and out, she took them through that endless maze of crooks and turns, until the poor men were completely bewildered and went off not a whit the wiser for their pains, and at one time leaving a dozen barrels of flour in the hall wliere they had not bee n taken. The Augusta Seminary Annual. ?i9 r iit let UN not [)ass over tlie cow, that troa.suru of treasures upon wliicli lmn ; tlie hopes of thirty hungry girls for butter once a day, Eacli of tliosc tliirty jjirls resolved in her inmost heart that no Yank should have that cow. Therefore when danijer threat- ened they formed themselves into detachments of tM-o, with a relief every two hours, to watch over the precious (piadruped. And if by chance that cow did happen to stray, such shrieks as rent the air, The cowl the cow! and out turned the whole school to search until the missing animal was found. Among other things there w as a scarcity (and I believe there has never been an abundance) of men in the Seminary — in fact not a single being of the male persuasion dwelt within these walls. As a consequence, numerous apparitions, always clothed in male attire, were seen, and .many were the midnight processions of white-robed figures that marched down the back gallery armed with pokers, tongs, shovels and other offensive and defensive weapons in search of the dreadful man, who was never found but once. That once marks an epoch in the annals of the Seminary, The usual cry of A man ! a man ! had been given, and the usual procession of trembling girls, with Miss Baldwin at their head, was advancing down the gallery, when there, crouching against the fence, oh horror of horrors ! was a man. The crisis had come, but our principal, ever equal to an emergency, drew herself up, brandished her poker, and in thrilling tones exclaimed, If you don ' t go away I ' ll shoot you. The terrified man made a wild leap for life and was lost to view over the fence. It is needless to say that very little sleep was in store for the frightened girls that night, and the kind old Grandmother, Mrs. McClung, had her hands full to soothe their fears, for, as if there were protec- tion in her gentle presence, they had all gathered into her room, spreading their cots upon the floor. This was their haven of refuge in times of trouble. Whenever the Yankees were in town here they fled and here stayed, sometimes as many as thirty in the room, until perchance Jackson would come marching down the valley ; then the blue-coats went fast enough. And what good times followed ! such a singing and playing, practicing up for the soiree that was always given to our owti soldiers. How those girlish hearts beat at the entrance of the gallant 40 The Augusta Seminary Annual. lads in gray, whose tarnished braid and battered buttons seemed far brighter in their eyes than all the gilded glory of the blue. Who knows what destruction the little winged god worked among so many susceptible hearts ? Thus, with a never failing fund of cheerfulness, the girls bore their many deprivations, enjoying on that account their little diversions two-fold, and the year passed pleasantly enough. Friends, as I have said, were very kind and sent contributions of every sort. The dinner-table presented a queer appearance, set as it was with odds and ends gathered from everywhere, no two cups and saucers alike, here a kitchen knife and there a silver one, while a stately cutglass goblet was arranged alongside of a heavy China mug; but young appetites are not fastidious, and our girls grew strong and hearty, no matter if butter and gravy never appeared at the same meal, or if their coffee was made from rye and sweetened with sorghum. Sometimes these contributions from kind friends proved Avhite elephants. As for instance, one day while Miss Baldwin was busily teaching a his- tory lesson — she taught herself in those days eight hours a day — a loud rap came at the door and a voice called out: Miss, here ' s some cakes a lady sent yer, or what sounded like that. A hearty clap greeted this announcement and all rushed out of the door to view the delicacies, when, to their consternation, the little negress opened a bag and out crawled several large cats. The lady had sent a l)ag of cats, hearing that the rats were bad in school. As there was no means of providing for an increased household the cats were returned M ' ith thanks. The furniture of the rooms, like that of the dinner-table, was collected here and there, no two pieces being alike. As a gen- eral rule these little makeshifts gave the girls no concern, but in one case there was cause of discontent. Human nature, and especially school-girl nature, does not change much. A mirror had by great exertions been procured for every room but one, and the unfortunate inmates of that room were doomed to make their toilets without that very necessary aid. Patience at last ceased to be a virtue, and with almost tearful entreaty they begged Miss B. to try yet once again ; they had looked at themselves in the water-bowl until they were tired, and they did want a looking-glass. The Augusta Seminar]] Annual. 41 Miss HaUlwiii sot out and returned triumpliant, l)rincrin tlic panel of an old-fasliioned clock in which was set a mirror. A friend to whom she told her troubles had unearthed it from the dust and col) webs of her pjarret. Xo plate-f ;lass mirror was ever received with such joyful acclamations. Yet with all their interruptionR and iiiconveniences these young girls steadily trod the path of learning. What cared they if every girl in the arithmetic class did have a different text-book, so long as they had teachers capa- ble of surmounting the diiticulty ? And what mattered it if their new pieces, the present glory of the music pupil, were leaves torn from an old song book, so long as they were sung into the admiring ears of our handsome soldier-boys? GUSSIE BUMGARDNER. Reminiscences. AS we look back over the last six years, the life of the Sem- inary comes before us in such various shapes and hues that we are reminded of the ever changing figures of a kaleidoscope. Here we miss a loved one once making more lovely her circle, there we see another tilling her place and daily growing dearer ; tilling the place, but not erasing the memory of the one that is gone. Xot only have new friends taken the places of the old in the halls and class-rooms, but the buildings, staunch and strong, are changed. Miss Nannie ' s Room, once sacred to the sunny- faced little day scholars, is now divided into five music rooms and is daily desecrated by nmscle exercises or by the melodious peals of si-oh-ah sent forth with untiring energy by some am- bitious vocalist. Miss Xannie now occupies the lower floor of Xew House, and the partitions of the first three rooms having Ijeen removed she has a much larger and lighter room. The Calesthenic Hall is now given up to mail call and dancing vith the exception of a few classes there in the morning. Elo- cution and calesthenics are taught in the new Gymnasium, which ♦Pictures of the new Gymnasium and of the Studio were in last year ' s Annual, a few of which are still remaining. — Editors. 42 Tlie Augusta Seminary Annual. lias been added to the upper side of New House. The addition is carried up to the third story, in this way making the Studio much larger and adding four new rooms to Sky High. This aerie is now well protected by three teachers instead of one. Miss Wright still has her snug room in the southeast end. Miss Fairchild occupies the eastern corner of the new part and Miss Metz the room next. Miss Weimar has Miss Fairchild ' s old room in the lower story, Miss W. ' s room being given up to girls — only to good ones, however, as the street is so temptingly near. In ' 91 Mile. Jacot went to Norfolk. Her place was supplied during the session of ' 91 and ' 92 by Madame Gamier, whose memory is still dear both as a thorough teacher and a kind friend. She added to her French work lectures on physiology which were interestiuff as well as instructive. Unfortunatelv on her return from Europe last September slie was quaranthied on board the Normania, and after so long a delay in the midst of cholera did not return to the Seminary for fear of bringing to us the dreaded disease. At the French table now presides Mile. Metz, who has successfully carried on the classes, and thanks to Madame ' s thorough beginning last year she has been able to keep up the compositions — a new task to the French girls. Not only the Senior and Third year classes are writing them, but also the Second year class, and no doubt the Juniors will soon be following in their footsteps. ] Iiss Short has taken the place filled for three years by Miss Bledsoe. To Miss Short ' s interest and enthusiasm we owe the Girl ' s Missionary Society, which meets the first Sunday evening of every month. Miss Bledsoe married in ' 91, but scarcely a year had passed l)efore she left the earthly for the heavenly home. Miss Douglas has been succeeded by Mrs. Darrow, a former graduate of the Seminary, both in music and in the literary department, and a daughter of Mrs. Crawford, who is so tenderly remembered by many of the old girls. The Seminary is no longer without a child to vary its dull monotony, for now we frequently hear merry peals of laughter resounding up the back gallery from Master Baldwin Darrow when he ha succeeded in tripping up his latest antagonist. •Since his mother ' s death, little Baldwin has gone to Murfreesboro, Tenn., to make his home with his uncle, Mr. Ueorge Darrow.— Editors. The Augusta Seminary Annual. 43 The vocal room is now what wan once the Guest Chamber. (We wonder if Roselle M. renieinl)ers tlie screen in tliat sacred apartment ?) When Mr. Lane died in Brazil in March of ' 92, (how well we remember his pleasant talks) Miss Baldwin invited Mrs. Lane to make her home with us, and she, with lier two daughters, occu- pies Miss Douglass ' room in Brick house. When we look back on the past years we wonder how things went on w ithout Mrs. Lane, wlio is now at every turn witli an encouraging word for the downcast and a tender and sympathetic one for the sick and sorrowful. The session of ' 91 and ' 92 was an unusually trying one ; for there were three deaths in the Seminary. On the 9th of Novem- ber our hearts were first saddened by the death of Mr. Heiskel, and only a month did his sweet, aged wife survive him. In April the cruel reaper, whose name is death, cut down one of our fairest flowers, and since then the name of Mamie Davis has been a sacred one to us, spoken only in an undertone and with tender recollec- tions. All of last year ' s girls remember Pattie Alexander ' s bright face and the expressive eyes which looked as though they had just gathered in a fresh sujjply of sunshine, and we all know how fond she was of what we Seminary girls call fun. Sad it is to think for how short a time she was spared to brighten the lives of those around her. In December she was stricken down with what the doctors called grippe, but it proved more fatal, and on the 27th of February Yiolet and Julia were summoned to her deathbed. They reached home only in time to see her breathe her last, and one more of this earth ' s garden flowers has been ti ' ansplanted. Alas I how many of those we have known and loved have gone to the upper home. There is delicate Mary Woods who was with us in school but a few months, left us before Christmas and died in February; Dr. McFarland, whom we have learned to love as a personal friend ; Mrs. Ilavenel, whom some of us knew four or five years ago when she taught china painting in the Seminar}-. Miss Matoon, whom we all remember so pleasantly, left in SS, and, with her usual enthusiasm over all good works, she is now ♦Mrs. Lane sailed for Brazil May 1st. With her go our best wishes and most earnest prayers for a safe journey and an early return.— Editoks. 44 The Augusta Seminary Annual. much interested in missions. On account of ill health she can- not offer herself to go to foreign lands, l)ut she is doing what she can at home. Miss Haughwout was here from ' 88 until ' 92, and no heart but felt a pang of regret at her departure. None but pleasant mem- ories are connected with her, and her beautiful soirees come up before us as oases in the desert of Seminary life ; and thougli we go, it will be good to know that she is back again in her old place, for here she is to return next September. Elocution has this year been taught by Miss Roberts, whom to know is to love and to whom the Seminary is not new, as she was here some years ago. Miss Riddle is back again after her year of rest. Past times live to us in the inspiration and delight of her teaching. Miss Firor, who took her place, is, we hear, living with her sister in Cattletsburg. Mrs. Sellers, who so long superintended the Infirmary with iron rule and skilful liand, went to Roanoke in ' 91, and the excuses are now written, and the sick are cared for by Mrs. Williamson, our kindest and our best friend. It is to Miss Williamson that we now call when we are in trouble on Chapel Hall, (for Miss Riddle has moved to the end room on little chapel hall) and it is Miss Williamson who suppresses undue excitement there, who takes us to the dressmakers and is our stand-by and our friend on all occasions. Mr. Thomson, whose red blanket was so gracefully scolloped for the sake of the girls ' memoirs, no longer escorts timid maidens to Hill-top with his Yes, Miss and To be sure, Miss, but the Seminary now-a-days is guarded from all intruders by Mr. Lickliter, whose dignity is so imposing that we pass him by in silent awe. There are no longer any Darlings. One can now with perfect composure walk down the back gallery from nine to half-past, even on Saturday nights, for there is no longei any danger of interi-upting these dear creatures. Their departure has been slow and almost as imperceptible as inexplicable. Though slow it is nevertheless sure, for the cases ' of the year could be counted on one hand. The German was banished early in ' 82, and Tackey Balls The Avgiista Seminary Annual. 45 only exist as a fond memory of tlie past. Three of tlie old land- marks have thus passed away. Some remember our delifijht over our Holiday and the suppose l election oi Cleveland in ' 88, and also Miss IJaldwin ' s (•ha 2;rin when she found that we had been rejoicing over a false re})ort. At the last election she resolved to make assurance doubly sure. Report followed report of Cleveland ' s election until it became an established fact, and each morning we anxiously listened for the sinnmons to rejoice, only however to be daily disappointed. At last, a week after the election, we were given half holiday on the evening of the rally in Staunton. We hear some one ask if Miss B. ' s ])atriotism is failing, but we answer stoiitly No! for we had holiday in honor of Robert E. Lee ' s birthday, something never known before, but which we hope, for the sake of those that follow us, will become an established institution. We had no holiday on Columbus day, but we of the Senior Literature class will long remember our celebration, our reading of Irving, of Winsor ' s new book, of Lowell ' s poem ; our visitors, flowers, flags and pictures, our march around cha])el and our patriotic song. As a Literature Class we are growing daily prouder of our little library, of our new case with its glass doors, that Miss Baldwin gave us in the fall, and the fine array of books that we may take to our rooms. Many have come and gone in six years, and many faces are lost in the maze, but some, by their prominence while here, still retain prominence in the memory. As faithful workers at the library table we remember Virginia Lucas and Sue Stribling, whose work was always rewarded, for they carried off all the honors. Some names ai-e still mentioned in tlie class for the excellence of the work they did, and the new girls are likely to think there were giants in those days as they hear of Jacqueline Epes and Edna Baer, of Elizabeth McMillan and Fannie Ogier. Roselle Mer- •cier ' s wit is missed, but we hear often of it as charming others. Lucille Foster no longer graces our stage with her beautiful reci- tations, nor does Fannie Colbert ' s faiuiliar voice resound through the Chapel. But Aunt Sarah is still on the back gallery and always willing to tell you that Maybe Miss Baldwin ' s in 46 The Augusta Seminary Annual. the office, or if slie aiiit there she ' s iu her room, or maybe she ' s gone down street. Uncle Chess, too feeble to look after Miss Mary ' s things any more, is living with his daughter in Staunton. Six years is a long Seminary life. Does life always get dearer as it grows older? Can no one give it up without casting one longing, lingering look behind ? Like every other girl who comes in September, we were sure by l ovember that nothing would tempt us to return, yet six returning Septembers have found us each time more glad to come back to the sheltering home and kind friends we have made here. We are homesick now as we think of other faces gathering about the library table, other hands pulling out the books, other voices singing the morning hymns, other ears listening to the teaching ; homesick almost as we think of others intruding themselves and finding fault with the rough floor in the Calesthenic room, the barbed wire in the back yard, and the lack of magazines in the library. We have learned to feel it our sole prerogative to find fault, for we love so much that we forgive much. All know that life here is full of work, and it is often monotonous, yet we learn to love the work and to pity ourselves as we think of the time when there will be no one to tell us what to read, when all the days will be holidays, and we can ' t say over, the compositions all written, and a holiday announced — • And though fatigued wi ' close employment, A blink o ' rest ' s a sweet enjoyment. We leave dear faces and warm friends. Who will ever give us more pleasant cheer than Mr. King, or wiser counsel than Mr. Murray? Who will ever set us such an example of beautiful self-sacrifice as Mrs. Williamson, of unflinching devotion to duty as Miss Weimer, of persistent work as all our teachers, of triumph over difficulties as our dear Principal ? Where will the hills be bluer, the grass be greener, the songs of the birds be sweeter, or the fall of water more musical than just here at the Seminary. Ethel Gibbs. Sadie Anderson. The AxiguHta Seminary Annual. 47 Mes Vieilles Lettres. dE suis assise sur uii grand fauteuil pr s de ma fenetre, et mon esprit erre avec mes yeux dans les cliamps oii j ' ai jou6 pen- dant mon enfance. Au loin je peux voir la Seine conrant lente- ment entre ses rives verdoyantes, les grands bois oii les ombres se poursiiivent les uiies les autres, les eliamps fleuris de marguerites, et j ' entends les chansons des oiseaux, pendant que les rayons du soleil entrent doucement par la fenetre. Demain je serai loin d ' ici et mon nom ne sera plus Blanche de la Roche. Ma robe de fiancee est sur le lit et toutes les malles sont prates pour partir. • Mais avant d ' entrer dans la vie nouvelle, je veux jeter un re- gard sur celle qui vient de s ' couler. J ' ai ici, entre mes mains, une petite bolte rcmplie de lettres que j ' ai re9ues pendant que j ' tais en pension. Je detache le ruban bleu fan6 qui les entoure, et avec chacune que je touche, je touche lin chainon bris6 dans la chaine de ma vie, raais avec quelle difference ! Voici I ' ecriture tortue d ' un enfant. Ma soeur, je veux tant te voir. Ah I combien la petite lettre touche mon coeur, et comme un souvenir sacr6 je garde la memoire des grands yeux bruns et des boucles dor§s de mon petit frSre. Car trop tot le cable d ' argent se dechaina et le vase d ' or se d6bonda. Et maintenant viennent plusieurs lettres de mes parents, me donnant de bons conseils pour ma premiere ann e en pension. Blanchette, nous te regrettons si tendrement, mais la separa- tion est pour ton bien. Yoici un petit billet de Julie, ma plus intime amie de pension. Veux-tu me pardonner, Blanche ? Je ne voulais pas t ' offenser. Ch6re Julie, combien je me sens triste quand je vois qu ' il faut avouer que le cours des ann6es a calm6 I ' ardeur de notre amitie, et que Julie, la Comtesse d ' Arbleu, dont je lis le nom dans les journaux, n ' est plus la Julie que je connaissais en pension. Puis viennent plusieurs lettres, chores cause des souvenirs qui s ' y attachent. Une est de ma gouvernante, maintenant marine et vivant en Angleterre, une autre de mon fr re am6, consul aux 48 The Augusta Seminary Annual. £tats-Unis, et encore uiie autre ecrite par iiion oncle Pierre pen- dant son voyage aux Indes. Mais voici la derniere lettre et la plus pr cieuse, pr cieuse parce qu ' elle contenait la reponse a mes prieres. Nous nous etions querelles — Henri et moi, et il m ' avait dit : Je ne vous pardon- nerai jamais. Mais il me pardonna quand meme et les larmes qui tombaient ce jour-la, lorsque je reyus cette lettre, furent vite remplac6es par les sourires. Deja les ombres de la nuit commencent a tomber et T toile du soir etincelle a I ' ouest ; je vais partir, mais j ' emporterai dans men coeur le doux murmure de la riviere, I ' odeur fragrante des violettes que le vent m ' apporte, et enfin le souvenir de ma petite chambre ou I ' heureuse insouciance de mon enfance et le jojeux enthousi- asme de ma jeunesse ont maintenant cede la place a la gravite de la femme. Margaret Lane. Le Rouet de Ma Grand ' mere. BEAUCOUP de souvenirs d ' enfance se concentrent autour du rouet de ma grand ' m re. II me semble que je peux la voir maintenant, telle que je I ' ai vue dans ces jours ecoules, avec ses cheveux blancs caches sous son bonnet, et ses yeux bleus et doux qui nous souriaieiit toujours. C ' etait dans sa cliambre que j ' aimais aller quand les nuages couvraient le ciel, et les vents d ' automne annon9aient I ' approche des longues soirees d ' hiver. Cette cliambre etait un monde a part : elle etait meublee la mode de sa jeunesse ; le lit tres grand, tres liaut ; le secretaire aux lignes droites ; le canape au coin du feu, et I ' liorloge monumentale, qui avait un tic-tac tout particulier. Quelques vieux portraits semblaient lui tenir societe, et la flamme vacillante dans la cheminee rendait im air de vie a ces t tes venerables. II y regnait una douce tiedeur, et le bourdonnement du rouet formait I ' accom- pagnement discret de nos bonnes causeries. Sa main sur le rouet, elle me parlait de sa jeunesse, des amis qu ' elle aimait dans ces The Augusta Semina t ' y Annual. 49 joni ' fi-lil, et cleH joies et des cliagriiiH (ju ' ils partageaient si fidSle- nieiit. Je me sonvicns qu ' uii soir la broehe se detacha et toinba snr le planclier. Ma graiurm re soupira en la rainassant, et murinura : Ah, nion rouet, nous deux avons vieilli ensemble ! (Trand ' mferc, demandai-je, ])()ur Tattirer dans une liistoire, depuis conibien de tein]).s as-tu dej ce rouet? II y a bien longtemjxs, ma petite, repliqua-t-elle. Peut-§tre as-tu etudie dans ton oours d ' liistoire la guerre de 1812. C ' etait pendant les derniers mois de cette guerre, et je n ' avais que treize ans. lon p re et mes trois freres etaient a I ' armee, et ma mfere, mon grand- p re, et moi-m6me, nous restions cliez nous avec les esclaves. Get hiver-lfl etait ti-§s rigoureux, et tout le nionde etait oecupe k faire des habits ehauds pour les soldats, et a tricoter des chaussettes pour eux. Les jeunes negresses et les jeunes negres mC ' nie savaient tiicoter, et c ' etait moi qui dirigeais leur ti ' avail, et filais toute la laine necessaire. Mais j ' avais un grand desavantage. Mon rouet etait vieux et en mauvais etat, le til se cassait souvent et cela re- tardait beaucoup mon ouvrage ; niais h ce moment-1 c ' etait im- possible d ' en obtenir un autre. Un jour, (pie la neige tombait, et que les vents I ' empilaient autour de la maison, un homme h. cheval s ' arreta devant notre porte. C ' etait un jeune officier anglais, qui, blesse et souflFrant, avait perdu son chemin ; il avait enfin trouve notre maison, et demandait d ' etre re9u pour I ' amour de Dieu. Mon grand-p6re hesita un instant, mais j ' entendis ma mire lui dire tout bas: Pensez nos chers garjons, mon p6re, et n ' a-t-il pas dit ' pour I ' amour de Dieu ' ? Si le jeune homme avait ete un de nos braves soldats, la bonte que ma mire lui montra n ' aurait pu Itre plus grande. Les bles- sures de 1 ' officier etaient tris serieuses, et bien des semaines se pas- slrent avant qu ' il iiit capable de quitter notre maison. Pendant sa convalescence il venait en clochant passer les aprls- midi dans la chambre commune, et nous parlait de sa maison en Angleterre, de son pere et de sa mire, et quelquefois de la petite soeur qu ' il venait de perdre. Puis mon grand-pere parlait de la France, son pays bien-aime, d ' oi i il avait dii fuir, lui, le huguenot, par amour pour sa religion. Et ma mire et moi nous ecoutions, pendant que son aiguille volait, et que mon rouet chantait. 50 The Augusta Seminary Annual. Eiifin line lettre vint, informant le jenne homme qu ' iin navire partirait bient6t pour I ' Angleterre, et le lendeniain il nous quitta. En nous disant adieu, il se tourna vers moi et s ' ecria, Vous serez ma petite soeur americaine, n ' est-ee pas ? et avant que j ' eusse pu repondre, il s ' en etait alle. Apres quelques jours, un joli rouet arriva, accompagne d ' un billet: Pour £lise, de la part de son frere anglais, et c ' est le m6me rouet que tu vois la. En ce moment, le til se rompit, et lorsque ma grand ' mfere se baissa pour le renouer, une larme tomba sur la laine. Mais, grand ' mere, n ' as-tu jamais revu le jeune homme ? Que devint-it ? C ' est son portrait, ma chfere, au-dessus de la cheminee, et puis le silence se repandit dans la chambre ; la voix du rouet seule continuait a parler du passe, pendant que je regardais le portrait de mon grand-pfere, et que ma grand ' mfere tournait ses pensees vers le ciel et vers ceux qu ' elle esperait y rejoindre bien- t6t. KuTH B. See. Un Village Morave. OX pent voir la vie la plus pure et la simplicite la plus area- dienne a Salem, un petit village fonde par les Moraves dans la Caroline du Nord. Les habitants de ce dllage viveut dans leur propre monde, loin des commotions et des tumultes. Un air de tranquillite et de calme r gne partout, interrompu, de temps en temjDs, par le chant du coq on le bruit de la cloche. 11 y a pen de pietons dans les rues et pen de vie sociale. Les matrones restent chez elles, rendant leurs maisons belles et attractives pour leurs maris et leurs enfauts. La nettete 4ent apres la piete ; c ' est une des maximes de ces matrones : les vitres, les miroirs, m me la batterie de cuisine, en ces humbles demeures, sont si luisants, qu ' ils reflechissent parfaite- ment votre image. Au printemps le village est h, son plus beau, et comme nous mar- The Augusta Seminary Annual. 51 chons tout le o de raveiuie des cadres centenaires, le parfiini des violettes et des imigiiets nous entoure ; la verdure des arbres et du gazou est ])lus brillante ([u ' ailleurs et uous sonnnes pro- fondement inipressioinies des l)eautc ' ' s de la nature. La mission de ces gens senible 6tre I ' education de la jeunesse et on j)eut trouver des eeoles partout dans leurs colonies. II y a ic ' i a Salem une tres bonne ecole, (pii nous rappelle celle de Saint-Cyr, fondee par Madame de Maintenon. C ' est un asile enfin ou les jeunes lilies, innocentes comnie les eolombes, re9oivent les plus j)n fondes impressions religieuses. Nous les rencontrons, avec des visages calmes et purs, (jui, le rituel en main, vont h la classe de confirmation cbez leur 6v6que ; le clier vieux ev que, si noble, si bon, va parmi ses ouailles, admi- nistrant la cliarite et leur donnant sa benediction. Euiin, c ' est le jour de Faques : nous nous eveillons au son du cor et nous suivons la procession au cimetiere. Les notes d ' une glo- rieuse antienne, montant jus(pi ' aux cieux, se font entendre au mo- ment mSme o Taube vient de paraitre, en jetant un voile rose sur toute la scSne. Les services dans I ' eglise avant Pa(|ues font une impression aussi forte sur nos ames que la sublime tragedie de la passion k Oberammergau et nous ne les oublions jamais. Le moude serait meilleur s ' il y avait plus de gens comme les Moraves, insensibles aux entrainements de la jalousie et de la haine, implicitement croyant dans I ' LTnitas Fratrum. ' ' ' Edith Wallace. La Petite Goutte de Pluie. SOUS un grand saule pleureur, sur le bord d ' un petit ruisseau, qui ehante et rit dans sa course, un petit gar9on, Pien-e, s ' est etendu. II voit avec joie que la pluie a cesse, et que les petites gouttes brillent sur les ileurs de trifle qui environnent sa t6te. Sous riniiuence de la berceuse que lui ehante le ruisseau ses paupi res se ferment lentement. Soudainement, prds de son oreille, une petite voix se fait en- S2 The Augusta Seminary Annual. teiidre: Grand-pere Gontte d ' Eau, O Grand-pfere, est-ce que nous sommes a la fin de notre voyage? Pourquoi somraes-nous partis des beaux nuages, ou nous etions si lieureux? Pauvre petite, replique le grand-p re, notre roi, le grand roi Sol, a vu que cette pauvre terre souffrait beaucoup parce que nos amis et nous ne I ' avions pas visitee depuis longtemps. Alors il a dit au Tonnerre I : Sonnez doucernent votre trompette pour appeler mon regiment des pluies-legferes. [Nous appartenons §- ce regiment, mon enfant.] Je veux I ' envoyer la terre. Notre regiment, general en t6te, vient ; I ' ordre est donne ; et nous sommes conduits dans de grands chars noirs jusqu ' la terre, oft le general avait d ' avance assigne S. chacun son poste, pour porter renfort aux pauvres herbes opprimees par Secheresse, notre ennemie mortelle. Comment pouvons-nous faire cela ? reprit la petite voix. Notre bon roi desire que vous rafraichissiez d ' une nourriture celeste la pauvre fleur affamee, sur laquelle vous avez ete placee. Voyez, ma clierie, comme la jolie fleur I ' absorbe avec joie et comme Zepliir lui apprend a dire ' Mei-ci ' en lui faisant baisser la tete. . Vous avez encore un autre devoir remplir. Reflechissez lea doux rayons de Sol, et en le faisant vous serez joyeuse et belle. Si vous faites bien votre devoir, chfere enfant, dans pen de temps notre bon roi enverra ses messagers pour vous reconduire par le pont de FArc-en-ciel dans notre patrie aerienne. .Pierre, Pierre, appelle une autre voix, ou 6tes-vous, mon filsT ' Ici, maman, erie le petit garpon, se relevant du gazon, oft il etait couclie, et courant k sa mere. Et, I ' esprit plein de son r ve, il I ' embrasse en disant: O Maman, si je suis un bon petit gar9on, et vous ol)eis en tout, puis-je aller avec la petite Goutte par I ' Arc-en-ciel, quand Sol nous appellera? La mfere, comprenant avec le vrai instinct matemel le reve de son petit fils, replique : Oui, mon cher petit Pierre, oui, quand le ' Soleil de Justice ' se Ivera, vous pourrez courir Lui qui disait : ' Laissez venir h. moi les petits enfants, et ne les en emp chez point ; car le royaume de Dieu est pour ceux qui leur ressemblent. ' Pauline Du Bose. THE AUGUSTA Seminary Annual. Vol. III. Staunton, Va., May, 1893. No. 1. Editor-in-Chief : MISS S. E. VJRIQHT. Associate Editors : SADIE ANDERSON. MATTIE WAYT. JULIA AUNSPAUQH. ELIZABETH T. NEWMAN. CARRIE BELL. RUTH SEE. GUSSIE BUMGARDNER. Business Managers : GUSSIE BUMGARDNER. KATE ST. CLARE MAY. LOUISE STREET. BERT A MACATEE. THROUGH The Annual, its reminiscences and its essays, we whose names liave long been in the catalogue bid farewell to the Seminary. We leave our paper to other hands, to others will descend our Literature library, our Macaulays , Carlyles, Lowells and Wordsworths ; to us who have gathered about the desk in Chapel reciting our There was a time comes but too strongly the thought that The things that we have seen, we now shall see no more. Since we have had this paper, the publication of the Literature classes, in which each member feels a pride of possession, a ne ' impulse has been given to our essay and composition writing, and the highest praise looked for when our efforts were subjected to criticism was : It must be in The Annual. ' ' We have therefore tried to pre])are a paper that shall show our own work and interests, and also be pleasing to all. We hope that the lovers of dear old Virginia will find recollections sweet of their childhood hours in the Pastoral Sketches ; that those who would travel or have traveled among unknown men may care for the pictures from Brazil and China-Town ; that those who have 54 The Augusta Seminary Annual. studied French here may see with pride what the French girl of to-day can do ; tliat the pupils of long ago as w ell as those of later years niaj be interested in the struggles of The Seminary in War Times; and that the essays on Chaucer and Wordsworth, Tennyson, Shakspere, and Thackeray may bring back pleasant memories of their own studies here to the girls of the last twelve years. We trust there will be many to read the Reminiscences and to search among our Notes for items of news of their school mates and teachers. If this paper lovingly cherished by us awakens one more affectionate and loyal thought for the dear old Seminary, our work will be successfully accomplished and its mission performed. The Southern Collegian has come to us regularly throughout the year. It is a paper that for the dignity of its tone, the ex- cellence of its literary matter, the liberality of its spirit must incite other colleges to worthier efforts and arouse them as it has us to higher aims. The Augusta Seminary Annual. 65 Marriages. LLEN BARTON— Mrs. Dwiglit Armstrong, Memphis,Tenn. Ella Barnes — IVIrs, AVm. H. Barrett, Augusta, Ga. Bessie Berry — IVIrs. Moses K. Wright, Oak Hill, Bertie Boyd — Mrs. Ed. Buchanan. Juliette Buffington — Mrs. Charles W. Baldwin, Huntingdon, W.Ya. ' g Eloise Butt— Mrs. AVm. C. Dowd, Charlotte, N. C. Susan W. Campbell — Mrs. Anthony Arnoux, St. Louis. Willye Maude Childress — Mrs. Sam V. Goodman, Terrell, Texas. Sallie Hanger — Mrs. W. F. Garber, Staunton, Va. Lillie Logan — Mrs. Franklin H. Kean, Richmond, Ky. Mary Mann — Mrs. Dr. (diaries P. Nash, Alderson, W. Va. Lelali Maupin — Mrs. Arthur W. Lucraft. Denison, Texas. Mallie Otey — Mrs. Paul C. Edmunds, Jr., Lynchburg, Ya. Sallie Ott— Mrs. W. E. Tribbett, Rockbridge county, Va. Mary G. Reinhart — Mrs. Henrv Shepperd, Sbepperdstown, W. Va. Lucy Rieves — Mrs. Edward G. Black, Savannah, (xa. Franc Robbins — Mrs. Walter S. Marder, Chicago. Linder Smith — Mrs. Frank M. Ball, Austin, Texas. Nellie J. Strider — Mrs. CUiarles (bleman, Charlestown, W. Va. Evelyn H. Thrasher— Mrs. Ed. B. Durlin, Sanford, Fla. Maude J. Taylor — Mrs. John McClintock, Little Rock, Ark. Mary Tra dor — Mrs. Robert Buckner ] Iorris, Houston, Texas. Mattie J. Allen— Mrs. W. Winant, Walden, N. Y. Marie Perle Habicht— Mrs. Howard Mann, Austin, Texas. Bella Frank Harber — Mrs. Curtis B. Hume, Richmond, Ky. Georgia Stubbs — Mrs. Victor C. Barringer, Monroe, La. Nancy De Wolfe — Mrs. Robert B. Albertson, Seattle, Wash- ington. Cora A. Turner — Mrs. Charles Freijs, Chicago, 111. Eulah Carson — Mrs. Robert IL Simmons, Knoxville, Tenn. Susie B. Daniel — Mrs. Joseph M. Towler, Jr.,Clarksville, Tenn. Lillian Ellis — Mrs. John L. Emerson, New Orleans, La. Louise Hawes— Mrs. Geo. LI. Hill, Bluelield, W. Va. Camille Mercier — Mrs. John Parker, St. Paul, Minn. Maccie Robinson — Mrs. Thomson Cooper, Mobile, Ala. Kathleen Acheson — Mrs. Foster, Wheeling, W. Va. Augustine Davis — Mrs. Ed. R. Holden, Denver, Col. 56 The Augusta Seminary Annual. Items of News from The Old Girls. VHILE searching for news from the old girls a timely letter from our former school friend Margaret E]3es comes to us gi ing several informal bits of news which we quote without permission : The quality should come lirst, so Lettie Scott dll head the list since she is the Vice-President ' s niece. She travelled all through the South this fall with the Vice- President ' s party and was dined and f ted to her heart ' s content. We saw her on the day of the inauguration sitting with the Vice- President ' s family. Mrs. Davenport (nee Miss Leila (Jrisp), Speaker Crisp ' s daughter, spent a part of the winter at the ' Metropolitan. ' Janie and Boydie Faulkner and Amelia Pearson came to the inauguration. Mary Capehart ' s father is a Representative, and she spent this winter in Washington and is quite popular. India Turner made her debut in Washington society this winter and is quite a success. She is the same demure little India and is known as that sweet little Miss Turner. She had Aurie Hol- lingsworth visit her there. Sue Stribling has been spending the winter in Washington and studying water color. Sadie Meetze visited her friend Miss Davis in Washington during the inauguration. She is the same gentle Sadie. Madge Greenlees and her little son are staying in Washington, while her husband is on his three years cruise. Adelaide Pettit visited Washington during the inauguration. It is rumored that she may be instrumental in drawing New York and Virginia nearer to each other. Mrs. Burke, of Staunton (formerly Miss Witz), made a great many warm friends at the Metropolitan this winter. The Augusta Semina ry Annual. 57 Nolle Estes is reported to contemplate adding Mrs. to lier name soon, Alex, Read is enj( yini society in San Antonio this winter. Addie J arnes has just recovered from a spell of fever, and her eyes are said to be larger and brighter than ever. Lillie Logan (Mrs. Keene) is at Hampden Sidney with her hnsband, who is studying at the Union Theological Seminary. Florence and Juliet J uffington showed the influence of their A. F. S. training by marrying Messrs. Staunton and Baldwin respectively. We all sympathize deeply with Nora Sunpson in the loss of her only sister, Mrs. McCalmont, who died in December. Mary Irwin is teaching art at home this winter, and some one from Lexington says she is the best lady skater there. Kathleen Acheson is having a delightful time in Wheeling and is said to be engaged again. Etta Rheinhart is also quite a belle in her set in Wheeling. Violet Henry spent the winter in South Carolina. Olhe Elhs and her sister are at school in Cleveland, Tennessee. Jacqueline Levy is a debutante in New Orleans this winter. Camille Mercier will soon be married, and Roselle, who is to be Maid of Honor, says slie knows she will walk up the aisle on the bridesmaids ' trains and on Canaille ' s veil. Eva Bowe spent the winter with Roselle Mercier and Minnie Chafee. Jacqueline Epes is teaching in Nottoway. Julia Castex is studying Vocal Music and Laura Wadsworth, Art in New York. Lucille Foster is teaching Elocution in Shreveport, La. LoUie Nance is teaclnng Latin in Arkansas, Olivia Summers is teaching Art and Elocution in Stanford Col- lege, Ky. Lizzie Hanger is teacliing Mathematics in Isabelle College, Tal- ladega, Ala. Nettie Baker has charge of a school near Staunton. 58 The Augusta Seminary Annual. Cornelia May lias been teaching elocution and giving lectures on the Delsarte System in Brownsville, Tenn. Annie Tate is teaching Art in Hampton, Ya, We saw an announcement in the Colmnbus paper of the en- gagement of our old school-mate, Harriet Lilley, to Mr. Pace of Danville, Va. Rumor says that Mattie Allen and Alice Hill are to be married in a short time. Emma Diller is at school in New Jersey, preparing for Yassar. Mary and Saidie Townsend are completing -their education at The Woman ' s College, Columbia, S. C. ISText winter we ex- pect to hear of them as the belles of their island home. Lelia Dickinson is flourishing in society at Hampden Sidney and still rejoices that she does not have to get uj) at six. King Dyer is in New York studying for the stage. Hallie England has turned her back upon the world and now haunts the corridors of the cloister instead of the back gallery of the A. F. S. Bessie Beall, Boydie Falkner and Net. Robinson have paid us flying visits this winter. Page Osborne also stopped to -see us on her way home from the wedding of Florence and Juliet Bufiington and told us of her pleasant visit with Ye vie Forsythe and Minnie Bolion. Charlie Wheatley is traveling with her father in Florida. Maggie Hogshead spent November and December in New York, where she met Eloise Butt on her bridal tour, and her maid of honor, Love Hilliard. We hear Elizabeth McMillan is studying Literature, Latin and Short-hand. We hope to see the dear, familiar faces of Roselle Mercie, Sue Stribling, Nelhe Zimmerman, Sallie Pace, Julia Castex, Laura Wadsworth and May Mann among us once more at Commence- ment. Kate Faust has been boarding in Staunton during the winter and continuing her art work in the new studio. The Augusta Seminary Annual. 59 In Memoriam. Dark indeed was tlie cloud which hnng over the Seminary on the 12th and 13th of April, as it was whispered from Hall to hall, Mrs. Darrow is dying, and with the whisper went the universal feeling of distress. We met and passed without a salutation, we gathered in silent groups, tears on every face, sor- row in every heart. At live o ' clock on the evening of the 13th, when we were told that the flickering spark had gone out, each one silently went to her room ; not a sound could be heard. There were one hundred and fifty dumb in their sorrow as we waited for evening prayers ; the stillness that rested upon us was broken only by suppressed sobs as Mr. Murray prayed feelingly for the sorrowing friends, the stricken mother, the orphan boy. We left the room as quietly as we entered — a hush was upon every spirit. It was a sad dispensation that took her who had been a comfort to Miss Baldwin, the light of her mother ' s life, the guiding star of her little boy ; she wa.s cut down, as it were, by an untimely frost. From early childhood she had lived in the Seminary ; here she was graduated in both the literary and the musical depart- ments, and here she taught vocal music until her marriage to Dr. Darrow in 1883 ; after seven years of manied life in Omaha, she was left a widow, and returned to the Seminary to take her old place as vocal teacher. Her smile and welcome made friends of all, her personal interest as a teacher won for her the devotion of her pupils, and she has left here many an aching heart. ' Tis hard at first to see it all aright : In vain Faith blows her trump to summon back Her scattered troop ; yet, through the clouded glass , Of our own bitter teai-s, we learn to look Undazzled on the kindness of God ' s face ; Earth is too dark, and Heaven alone shines through. 60 The Augusta Seminary Annual. Seminary Notes. VHILE tlie names of Florence Nightingale and those of many other noble women who have spent their lives in ministering to earth ' s mnltitude of sick and sorrowing ones are familiar to all the world, there is one who if her countless chari- ties, tender nursing and holy words of comfort were made known, would be as worthy of praise and homage. We refer to Mrs. Williamson, our beloved friend and sympathizer, of whose resig- nation from infirmary duties we have heard with the deepest sorrow. Born to nurse, to soothe and solace, to helj) and to heal the sick that lean on her, she goes through life ever thoughtful of the comfort and pleasures of others, and though griefs and mis- fortunes crowd thickly around her she receives them prayerfully and trustingly as decrees of the Divine will. She may have many efficient and worthy successors, but there will be none whose service night and day will be given more willingly and unself- ishly, prompted by the kindness of a loving heart rather than a sense of duty. Those who have come under her kind and watch- ful care during the past two years will always remember her with love and gratitude, and will ever be better for the example of her pure unselfish life, for No life can be pure in its purpose and strong in its strife And all life not be pure and stronger thereby. Mrs. Maslin, of Ya., will have charge of the Infirmary. Miss Wright has accepted a position in Mile. Yeltiii ' s Day-School, No. 160 AVest Tith street. New York city. Miss Fandira Crocker, of New York, succeeds her. Miss Crock- er ' s educational advantages have been the best, having spent several years at the University of Michigan and afterwards grad- uated at Cornell Universit}-. She taught for a number of years at Ingham University, N. Y. Prof. Hiram Corson, of Cornell, whose woi ' d is authority on the subjects of Higher English and Literature, says her training for tlie work is the very best, and he endorses her in the hitrhest terms. The Augusta Seminarif Annual. 61 Miss Faircliild, after twelve years of hard work in charge of tlie Art Department here, has sent in l er resi ;nation that she may take a year of well-earned rest. Only we who have seen her untiring zeal and devotion as she strove each year to elevate our standard, training the lieart as Avell as the liand — tlie true aim of all art — can appreciate fully the loss we sustain. By hard and earnest labor she has raised our somewhat desultory art work into a thorough academic course, with all its rigorous discipline of east, still life, and life. To her we owe many of our most pleas- ant hours, hours that wall ever linger in our memory as the birth of higher thoughts and aspirations. We trust that she may gain the refreshment she needs and may enjoy uninterrupted work at her own ea.sel in her sister ' s home in New York. Miss Annie Lester, who was formerly a pupil here and who has since studied with the best masters in New York, will take Miss Fairchild ' s place. For the remaining six weeks of the session Mrs. Darrow ' s pupils are to be taught by Mrs. Nellis, of Pittsburgh, Pa. Hill Top girls will miss Mr. and Mrs. Murray, who next year are to live in one of Miss Baldwin ' s new houses in Market street ; but it will be pleasant for them to find Mrs. Williamson, released from her Infii-mary cares, there to greet them. We of ' 82- ' 83 would like to join our voices with those of ' 92- ' ' 93 in a few parting words of her who is so soon to go out from our midst, leaving in our hearts a nameless blank, a void, that ever speaks of something that is gone. For more than ten years Miss Wright has taught in this Seminary, exhibiting an energy and ah enthusiasm in her work as unflagging as it has been unrivalled. By her efforts the School of English has been placed on a footing second to none in the land. To her classes she has been more than an esteemed teacher ; she has been a loved friend who neglected not to know the human heart in its endeavor after knowledge. She has strengthened the weak, emboldened the timid ; with rare clearness, correctness and thorouwliness she instructed ; with an art akin to magic she sounded her pupils and brought out the best that was in them. The same zeal which made her the hardest of students was transmitted to her classes. 62 The Augusta Seminary Annual. inspiring them to put forth their l est efforts in honest work. The liigh standard of excellence slie unswervingly held up before them awoke an ambition for that which is greatest and best. By her wondrous tact and a never-failing fund of quaint liumor, she maintained with ease the most enviable discipline, and her rela- tions to her classes have been withont exception harmonious and pleasant. It is in deep sorrow we bid her farewell, but with heartfelt wishes that in her new life all her ways may be pleasant- ness and all her paths be peace. Dr. N. WAYT BRO., No. 16 W. Main Street. STAUNTON, VA. KEEP CONSTANTLY ON HAND THE MOST COMPLETE LINE OF Perfumes, Extracts And all Xoilet Preparations, BOTH FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC. Our Prescription Department Is fitted •witb. every New and Scientific Appliance for the accixrate and perfect compounding of Physicians ' Prescriptions, which are given SPECIALi attention day and night. GO TO BERKELEY ' S Photographic Studio = FOR .... iTISTK P@ Ti DT BflRKMflN S SINGER, MANUFACTURERS OF FINE OANDIES. CAKES. AND PURB ICB CRBAM, MAIN STREET, - - - STAUNTON, VA. Special attention to Orders from the Scliool. SPITLER, POWELL CO., DEALERS IN , STAPLE FANCY GROCERIES AND COUNTRY PRODUCE, PATENT FLODR, GRAIN, HAY, MILL FEED, Etc, No. 10 SOUTH AUGUSTA STKEET, STAUNTON, VA. Harts Grand Bazaar, DRY GOODS. FANCY GOODS, MILLINERY Muslin Underwear, Corsets, (tluves, 1 lO WEST MAIN ST., NEXT TO THE POST OFFICE. DENNY S BROTHERS, Novelties, Dry Goods, Notions, c. No. 2 2 EAST MAIN ST., STAUNTON, - VIRGINIA. W. H. Weller (Y. Nt. C. A. BUILDINQ) IS NOW SHOWING VERY HANDSOME AND EXTREME NOVELTIES OF THIS SEASON ' S IMPORTATION IN Dtess Goods, Silks, Trimmings, t ibbons, LACES. PARASOLS. FANS. W. H. WELLER, Y. M. C. A. BUILDING. McH. HOLUDAY. Tennis Oxfords imth Embroidered Toes are the latest. McH. Holliday ' s Shoe Store, No. 20 W. MAIN STREET. GO TO Berry ' s Reliable Shoe Store FOR m : Fine Shoes -ym:: TIES AND SUPPERS. A Nice Stock: of Cloth Top Boots. A LARGE STOCK OF TIES AND SLIPPERS. TRUNKS, TRAVELING BAGS. c. No. 21 W. MAIN STREET. NEAR Y. M. C. A. HALL. CHAS. C. BERRY. Chas. F, Jesser. Fine Cakes, Candies, Ice-Cream FRUITS, Etc. SPECIAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO ORDERS FROn SEniNARIES. 17 W. FREDERICK STREET. Bee- Hive Store, 28 W. Main Street, Millinery, Hosiery, Underwear, KID GLOVES, HANDKERCHIEFS, CORSETS OF ALL KINDS, NOTIONS AND SMALL WEARS. THESE ARE OUR SPECIALTIES. A full assortment always on hand at Ioav prices. LANDES ' Palace Gallery, EAST MAIN STREET. THE FINEST PHOTOGRAPHS IN THE CITY AT LOWEST PRICES. 5JC D. J. LANDES, Propkietor. LANG ' S Jewelry Store. WATCHES, DIAMONDS,. RICH JEWELRY, SILVER NOVELTIES, SOUVENIR SPOONS, LOVE CHAINS, HAT MARKS, PHOTOGRAPH FRAMES, SCARF HOLDERS, PEARL PENS, DAGGER PINS, GLOVE BUTTONERS, BOOK MARKS, VINAIGRETTES, Silver Mounted PURSES, HAIR PINS, HAT PINS, SILVER BUCKLES, Etc. MKDALS and BADGES. i All the Latest Novelties OF the Season. OLIVER ' S. IT is probable that you have no further use for your SCHOOL BOOKS after finishing your classes, or perhaps you do not care to trouble taking them home. We would like to have them, and will give you in exchange good value in Stationery, Fancy Gtoods OR OTHER Books. Bring them down. We give especial atten- tion to orders for Engraved Visiting Cards and Invita- tions, and Stamped and Illuminated Crests and Monograms on high-grade Stationery. N. L. OLIVER, BOOKSELLERS STATIONER 2S W. MAIN Street. WHEAT SDMMERSON, GROCERIES, No. 17 East Main Street, STAUNTON. VA. We keep constantly on hand a very desirable stock of Fancy Groceries WHICH ARE GROWING IN FAVOR EACH YEAR. Call and examine our stock. Yours respectfully, WHEAT SUMMERSON. Caldwell S Holt, No. 4 E. Main Street, Booksellefs, AND DEALERS IN FINE STATIONERY, PURSES, CARD CASES AND HOLIDAY GOODS of every description. SECOND-HAND BOOKS TAKEN IN EXCHANGE. J. G. KRUEGER, Manufacturing: Jeweller. Most complete stock: in the city. MEDALS IN ALL DESIGNS MADE TO ORDER. REPAIRING IN ALL BRANCHES A SPECIALTY. SPECTACLES TO ORDER. NEW STORE : 26 East Main Street. Thos. Hogshead Co., FINE GOODS A SPECIALTY. PAINTS, OILS and QEvASS. STAUNTON, VA. FRETWELL CO., Wall Paper and Window Shades, No. io6 W. Main Street. J. WIT2 S SON, D ?y GOODS, SILKS, RIBBONS, LACES. ETC.. CARPETS, OIL CLOTHS, MATTINGS, AND EVERYTHING FOUND IN A FIRST-CLASS STORE AND AT LOWEST PRICES. $ QLADKE ' S THE LARGEST MILLINERY HOUSE IN THE VALLEY. A the Latest Novelties always on hand. NEW GOODS COMING IN DAILY. Ladies ' fluslin Underwear, Hosiery, Handerchiefs, TIES AND GLOVES OF Al-L. DESCRIPTIONS. A very large stock of French Flowers. A very handsome stock of Ribbons in every variety. The largest assortment of French Pattern Hats ever seen in this market. Fine Hats trimmed to order at very short notice. Our prices are always the lowest. IN SURAH. CHINA, CREPE DE CHINE. AND SATINS IN ALL WIDTHS AND COLORS. LIBRARY OF JBASY BALDWIN COLLEGE