CHAPTER II.

O, young Lochinvar is come out of the West,
Through all the wide Border his steed was the best;

And save his good broadsword, he weapons had none,
He rode all unarm'd, and he rode all alone.

So faithful in love, and so dauntless in war,
There never was knight like the young Lochinvar!

And bright

The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men:
A thousand hearts beat happily; and when
Music arose with its voluptuous swell,

SCOTT.

Soft eyes look'd love to eyes which spake again!

BYRON.

BEAUTIFUL, gifted, with great fascination of manner, unusually accomplished,

wealthy, youthful, and

extremely

"Without any control, but the sweet one of gracefulness,"

it is not surprising,—the usual period of mourning and seclusion passed,-that the hand of MRS. CUSTIS was sought by many and ardent suitors.

The "White House" became again the chosen abode of refined and graceful hospitality, and its fair and gentle mistress once more assumed her place in the elegant and distinguished circle, to

the attractions of which her presence had formerly made so agreeable an addition.

But though participating with subdued cheerfulness in the rational enjoyments of social life, and extending equal courtesy to all who came within the sphere of her magic influence; yet a taste, refined, it might be even to fastidiousness, by prolonged and intimate association with one of the most amiable and honorable of men, was not easily satisfied. Nor would the heart that had been so entirely his, through many happy years of wedded love, readily yield itself to the keeping of another.

"Oft she rejects, but never once offends."

Content in her singular freedom from authoritative restraint, conscious of her ability to conduct, unaided, her own business affairs, and those of her children,-young, lovely, admired, respected,-why should she exchange her felicitous independence for a protection, in her peculiar circumstances little better than nominal perchance, or, at least, for many reasons, undesirable and unnecessary? The well-remembered virtues of his father would be the best guide of her son, and her ceaseless assiduity would obtain both for

him and for his sister, every advantage that unlimited pecuniary resources and the most affectionate interest could unitedly secure. Why, then, either for their benefit, or for her own happiness, should their mother renounce her present name?

Governed by these numerous, weighty, and seemingly-conclusive reasons, the beautiful widow remained immovably relentless, while each enamored lover pressed, in turn, his glowing and disinterested suit! Eloquence did not shake her resolution, manly beauty and intelligence, polished manners, high honor,-all were vain to ruffle the "waveless calm" of the unresponding heart, in whose peaceful depths lay enshrinedthe treasures of memory!

At length, by accident, there crossed her path, one, whose Star of Fame was already far in the ascendant in his native State; a patriotic and distinguished citizen-soldier, who could tell

"of most disastrous chances,

Of moving accidents by flood and field,

Of hair-breadth 'scapes i' the imminent deadly breach,
Of being taken by the insolent foe!"*

* Our readers will consider the application of this last line as scarcely involving a poetic license, when they recollect the fact recorded in the annexed

passage:

His conversation, his manners, his appearance, combined to prove this interesting stranger no common mortal, no ordinary wooer! Nature had stamped upon his powerful frame and majestic countenance an unmistakable impress of the mental power that dwelt within, and sealed his august brow, with

"The stamp of Fate and fiat of a God!"

Again and again the fascinated soldier sought the presence of the enchanting widow. Again and again he spontaneously acknowledged the winning power of her lithe and graceful form, her bright, expressive face, and the far more potent magic of her suave and benignant manners, her noble and disciplined intellect. And he, the victor-crowned,-now himself subdued,-awaited his fate at the hand of the resistless charmer!

What wonder, then, that the lofty resolve to preserve unchanged her womanly liberty, which was erst the high prerogative of MRS. CUSTIS,

Lieutenant Col. Washington, "being joined soon after by the residue of the regiment, and a few other troops, making an aggregate of somewhat less than four hundred men, they erected a small stockade fort; here he was attacked by twelve hundred French and Indians, and after a brave resistance from ten in the morning until night, he capitulated."

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY.

should, gradually, "melt into thin air," like the scrolled snow-wreath, beneath the ardent gaze of advancing Phoebus!—

and, with one accord, they yielded the palm of highest merit to the youthful Washington!

*

The favorite charger of the Hero of Monongahela, and his faithful Bishop, in obedience to the high behest of their noble master, now often traced with him, the familiar way that conducted. to the hospitable "White House." Long and often did the impatient war-steed await his timeunheeding rider; long and often did the assiduous attendant marvel at a forgetfulness of commands that on other occasions, sometimes anticipated even his prompt and exact punctuality.

And now, all was in elegant and tasteful preparation in the "White House," for the elaborate and splendid celebration of the approaching bridal.

Numerous relatives and valued friends, aristocratic magnates of the "Old Dominion," stately

* Each bequeathed him by the dying Braddock on the illstarred field of his last battle.