I have heard
that neither the colonel nor his wife could bear her out of their
sight. She had been with them nearly a year, when the young son and
heir, Edgar Ashton, returned from his college. He soon followed the
rest, and was deeply in love with the governess. My mother was very
beautiful, possessing so much gentleness, with such a merry
disposition, that I have heard them say that grandfather used to call
her his Sunshine. The negroes said that she had a charm to make all
she looked upon love her. But when the son, their pride, declared his
intention of making May Everett his wife, it was met with a decided
objection by both parents. Impossible! marry a Northern teacher; he,
the son of Colonel Ashton--the heir of Ashton manor! preposterous! My
mother then prepared to bid adieu to them and return to her home,
never for a moment listening to the repeated petitions of her lover to
marry him. She would not go into a family where she was not welcome.
Her high-toned principles won for her additional love and respect. And
when the hour of parting came, the old colonel opened his arms, and
drew her to his heart, and exclaimed:
"'Wife, we cannot give her up. Welcome your daughter.
Pages:
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174