A Little Girl in Old Washington

by Amanda M. Douglas

  CHAPTER IV.

  A NEW PRESIDENT.

  The inaugurations at New York and Philadelphia had been marked witha certain degree of pomp and stateliness. The first one in Washingtonhad been simple almost to indifference. There had preceded it a bittercampaign, and the Federalists kept the peace with a silent dignity thatwas chilling in the extreme. Mr. Adams left Washington at once. And thecity then was in a dismal stage, with few improvements perfected. Therewas really no accommodation for visitors, and many still believed theCapital would be removed. They delighted to call it "The WildernessCity," "Capital of Miserable Huts," and "A mudhole almost equal tothe great Serbonian bog." Mrs. Abigail Adams had not been charmedwith the White House nor the city. The great marsh stretched out in amost forbidding and discouraging manner. Piles of rubbish and heapsof stone, with unsightly masses of timber, gave the place anythingbut a homelike aspect. There was no accommodation for the wives ofcongressmen if they had chosen to come. Gay New York and charmingPhiladelphia disdained Washington.

  Eight years had changed much of this. True, Georgetown was moreattractive and growing faster, but streets were beginning to be clearedup, mudholes filled in, walks laid, and handsome houses erected. Thewife of the secretary of state, charming Dolly Madison, had healed manydifferences, and Mrs. Madison's drawing room was a favorite resort forsenators, ministers, and diplomats. She was often asked to preside atthe White House. Mrs. Randolph, the President's daughter, on her veryfirst visit had been delighted with her, and the two became lifelongfriends.

  Her bright and vivacious sister, Anna Payne, had added no little zestto social life, and her marriage had been quite an event in the slowlygrowing city. The Van Ness mansion was also the scene of much gayety.Old Virginia belles came up for a few weeks, and there were balls andparties at Georgetown, and no end of tea drinkings. The young womenfound plenty of cavaliers, and when riding was possible gay partiessallied out, stopping at some country inn for midday refreshments.

  And though there were many grave questions pending, this promised to bea day of unwonted satisfaction. For the first time great preparationswere made. Washington and Georgetown people invited friends, as inthose days people were given to hospitality.

  Mrs. Jettson had kept her sister Marian a large part of the winter,much to Dolly's discomfiture, but Mr. Floyd had sent for Marian andrefused them both the anticipated pleasure of the inauguration.

  Jaqueline had come home an undeniable young lady, with her hair donehigh on her head and sundry touches in her attire that made her veryattractive and coquettish. There was great rejoicing, from least togreatest, much envying on Patricia's part, much delight on Varina's andCharles', and a pretty, shy, winsome admiration from Annis.

  There was of course the duty visit to the Pineries. Then Jaqueline camedown to her Aunt Jane's.

  "I'd planned such a delightful time!" declared Mrs. Jettson, betweensatisfaction and vexation. "There is to be a gay season, with balls andparties and dinners. And, really, the young men are getting to be quitefactors in society. I wanted both the girls and you; and, Jaqueline,you've grown monstrously pretty, and your manners have improved somuch that you might be fresh from London or Paris. There have beenso many fine people here the last two or three years, and building isgoing on at a rapid rate. Philadelphia and New York will not be able tolook down on us much longer. I meant to give you young people a danceand supper, and father won't let the girls come. Marian was mad as ahornet, and poor Dolly stamped around. Father grows queerer about them.But _I_ wanted the company as well. I'm not an old woman, if I have twobabies. And I'm quite sure it will be a success if you will come."

  "Of course I shall be delighted. Why, it's just charming!" and thepretty face was alight with smiles.

  "I shall ask all the folks up for the grand event. You see, brotherRandolph is a true Madison man. And, do you know, I like your newmother wonderfully. She is quite like an elder sister, and you'llhave a fine time. You'll be just spoiled," laughingly. "But you'renot to call me Aunt Jane any more. I won't have it from a tall girllike you, who will no doubt be married herself next winter. How manydisconsolates did you leave at Williamsburg?"

  "None, I think, so deeply smitten but that a course of Greek and Latinwill restore them. I did have a splendid time, though Aunt Catharinewould persist in considering me about twelve. It was positively funny.But I had Louis to manage for me. Oh, Jane, I'm awfully sorry about thegirls! They cried with disappointment. And they did not know about theparty!"

  "No, I hadn't the cruelty to speak of that. But I'll whisper to you,Jaqueline, and you must not breathe it. Somebody here has takena tremendous fancy to Marian. He is well connected, a young civilengineer, and a militia lieutenant; but we are afraid father will blazeout and perhaps refuse to listen. He has quite set his heart on Marianmarrying their next neighbor, that Mr. Greaves who lost his wife lastsummer and has no one to look after his four children but the slavemammy. And Marian just hates him. The idea! Oh, Jaqueline, it is justcomforting to have someone to talk to, a young person that you can sayanything to!"

  "Marian told me. Of course there is the fine estate and the slaves.I do suppose old people think a great deal of that," and there was atouch of regretful wisdom that sat oddly upon the young girl. "And fourchildren! I wouldn't want 'em."

  "A young girl has no business with another woman's children. I wantyou to see this young man. And I want to get your father interested. Ithink after a little I'll bring it about."

  "Mr. Greaves doesn't seem very"--Jaqueline knit her pretty brows,thinking of the fervent tones and impassioned glances that had markedher victorious sway--"very deeply smitten. He and grandfather talkedpolitics and war all the evening."

  "But he means business. He has asked for her. He thinks it onlyrespectful to wait a year before beginning his new addresses. So wehave until July."

  "I wouldn't marry him," declared Jaqueline with much vigor.

  "I dare say your father will be easy enough about lovers if they are ofthe right kind. Don't be in a hurry. Have a good time first. You are soyoung."

  Mrs. Jettson had insisted upon taking in the whole family, and theycame the evening before, being comfortably stowed away, although someof Mrs. Mason's relatives who had lately come to Washington insistedupon sharing the honors.

  Annis and Charles had been much interested, and questioned Mr. Evans inevery conceivable manner as to what it was for, and why America did nothave a king or an emperor. Patricia was bubbling over with delight.

  Fortunately the day was fair, and everything seemed auspicious. Salutesof cannon were fired from the navy yard at dawn, and responded tofrom Fort Warburton. The militia from Alexandria and Georgetown, infine array, marched into the city to escort the new President to theCapitol. Thousands of people gathered along the way, and there was agreat hurrahing, emphasized by the waving of hats and handkerchiefs.Mr. Mason and his wife and the two younger children were in a carriage,while the two girls went with Mr. and Mrs. Jettson.

  Annis looked out curiously at the scene. There was the tall form of Mr.Jefferson, quite in contrast with the smaller one of his friend, whobore himself with becoming dignity. At twelve Mr. Madison reverentlytook the oath of office and made his inaugural address, when the cheersand enthusiasm became deafening. It was the first really grand ceremonyof the kind that Washington had witnessed.

  And now the new President reviewed the array of soldiers, and eagerinterest marked every step. It was indeed a gala day. Many people weredriving around in their carriages, enjoying the sunshine and the crowd.

  Then the President, with most of the officers and senators, returnedto his home, where Mrs. Madison had prepared tables of refreshments forall who chose to call and pay their respects to the new magistrate.

  A fine young fellow in Continental uniform paused at the carriage ofthe Jettsons, and greeted them cordially.

  "This is something like," he said. "Simplicity may be very good in itsway, when one cannot help himself, but the nation ought to honor itsruler.
I am proud to be in it."

  Mrs. Jettson turned and introduced Mr. Ralston to the girls, whosmilingly acknowledged his presence.

  "Then you could not persuade Miss Floyd?" and he glanced up wistfully.

  "Father is not quite in accord with the administration, and he wouldnot consent to her return."

  "I am desperately sorry. I managed at the eleventh hour, which wasearly this morning, to get a ticket to the ball. Some dear friendsof mine would have been delighted to chaperone Miss Floyd, if shecould have consented to so short a notice. And there will be so manyfestivities!"

  "I regret it deeply," returned Mrs. Jettson. "What a shame!" she saidto her husband when Mr. Ralston had left them. "At Long's there couldbe only a given number accommodated. And to have missed such a finearray of people! I should like to be there myself."

  The ball was considered quite a sumptuous affair. A host of beautifulwomen in their most elegant attire, military men who had not laidaside their trappings "in the piping times of peace," and the brilliantuniforms of the different legations, made a picture quite worthy of theyoung Capital. Mrs. Madison, in her robe of yellow velvet, her Paristurban with its bird-of-paradise plume, her neck and arms adorned withpearls, dispensed her smiles and greetings with the wonderful tact andsweetness which were never to desert her; jest and repartee ran roundthe circle; and Mr. Jefferson shone in his genial cordiality. Someoneremarked upon his gayety, and the gravity of the new incumbent.

  "Can you wonder at it?" he asked. "My shoulders have just been freedfrom a burden of cares; he is just beginning to assume them." Yet hegave his friend a glance of sympathy and tenderness that indicated acontinuance of the lifelong friendship.

  Some glowing accounts of the ball found their way to differentpapers, and it seemed as if Washington was suddenly looming intoconspicuousness.

  The children were tired with the day's pleasures and ready to go bed.But the next morning they were eager to inspect the Capitol.

  Mrs. Adams' plaint about it still held good in many respects. The wingsalone had a finished aspect. There were the Senate Chamber and Houseof Representatives, the nuclei of many things to come. But to Charlesand Annis, who looked at it through the romantic eyes of childhood,enlarged by their rather narrow reading, it was grand.

  The two elder girls were more interested in Jane's party. There weresome of the younger representatives, not averse to dancing with prettygirls and having a merry time while they were off duty. If Philadelphiaand New York rather disdained the social pleasures of the newer city,it was a great favorite with the more southern States; and Virginia didall honor to her fine line of Presidents.

  For, after all, the provincialism was not so marked. There were peoplewho dared the voyage to Europe with as much complacency as the steamtraveler of to-day, and who studied the best Europe had to offer. Youngmen were sent abroad for education; not a few young women had a year ortwo of finishing abroad. There were noted foreigners, too, who left animpress on society: Albert Gallatin and his charming wife, the learnedSwiss scholar and the American girl who had grafted some delightfulforeign ways on a very thorough foundation of patriotic culture. Mrs.Monroe was a famous New York beauty who had lost her heart to Virginia,and the Vice President was from the northern State that was slowlyaccepting the new city. There were foreign ministers and their wiveswho accepted the republican methods and the dignified simplicity, if itdid lack the stately elements of the courts abroad.

  Mr. Arthur Jettson was one of the enthusiasts, and already saw greatpossibilities for the infant city. On the staff of engineers andlargely interested in building, he laid the plans of the future beforenew acquaintances and had the good fortune to interest many. Old DavidBurns had already made a great fortune in shrewd land speculations.And although the Presidential mansion was toward the eastward, therewere many who argued that the trend would be more westward. There wasGeorgetown, a really thriving place, whose gravity did not depend onCongress in session.

  He had already persuaded Mr. Mason to make some investments, though theelder man shook his head rather ruefully at the unpromising aspect asthey drove around.

  Jaqueline and Patricia were much more interested in the invitations tothe party. But the day after the inauguration Lieutenant Ralston camein, though now in citizen's attire, with an eager manner and sparklingeyes.

  "I wonder if you could be induced to take the young ladies to areception to-morrow evening?" he inquired. "It will be rather informaland a crush, to be sure, but they will be able to see both Presidents,though not the White House. That will come later on. Next weekthe Madisons will no doubt be domiciled there. If you would preferwaiting----"

  "Oh, no!" replied Mrs. Jettson. "The crowd will be well worth seeing.I do not despise crowds," laughingly. "Did you go to the ball?"

  "Yes, with some brother officers, and wishing all the while yoursister could have been there. It was an elegant scene, I assure you.I am proud of the beauty of my countrywomen. Mrs. Madison has beenaccustomed to honors, to be sure, but this was in a new role, as chieflady in her own right. And she graced the occasion. She is charming.We shall have a brilliant administration in spite of the perplexities.Well--you will go, then?"

  "We cannot afford to miss it. Mr. Mason talks of returning in a day ortwo."

  "I have hardly seen the young ladies. Can you not lay an embargo onthem?"

  "I shall try, for my own sake," she returned laughingly. "Thanks foryour trouble."

  "It is a pleasure to me."

  The party had gone out for views of Washington and an inspection of theCapitol. When they returned Jaqueline ran up to Jane's room, her facebeaming with interest, since she had been introduced to severalrepresentatives. Mrs. Jettson looked up from a pile of finery.

  "You suggest a hollyhock in brilliant array," said Jaquelinemirthfully. "Are you going to hold an auction?"

  Jane gave a half-amused sigh. "You have had an invitation out, andthere is very little time to prepare. I am trying to think what can bealtered. There is my pink paduasoy with the race ruffles. I cannot getinto the waist any more, but you are so slim. Just try it on. Anythingwill do for a child like Patty."

  "But where to in such fine feather?"

  "To the Madisons'. Not a regular levee--something much more informal.Lieutenant Ralston has it in hand. I have my new brocade and theembroidered petticoat. We can take this gown over to Mrs. Walker's, andcoax her to make it more youthful. I haven't worn it since Floyd was ababy."

  Jaqueline hurried off her woolen frock and slipped into the prettysilken garment. The skirt answered, but the bodice needed considerablealteration.

  "And I thought I was slim; Jack, you have an elegant figure. Now wemust go at once to Mrs. Walker's, or it may be too late. It's justdown Pennsylvania Avenue. Scipio will take it for us, and we will goover and do the marketing. You will like the pink, won't you? It's verybecoming."

  "Oh, how good you are! Yes, I just adore it. Do you really mean me tohave it? How can I thank you?"

  Jaqueline patted and caressed it with her soft fingers.

  "I did mean it for Dolly, but father is so queer about things--andgowns. He and mother keep in the same little round, with the samefriends, and think that it is all-sufficient for the girls. And I'mso afraid Marian will give in to the constant dropping that is said towear away the stone. Jacky dear," in an almost plaintive tone, "won'tyou be--that is--I mean--I can't think just how to put it--only youwon't try to win away Lieutenant Ralston, will you, dear? I've setmy heart on his making a match with Marian. _You're_ so pretty andcoquettish!"

  The color came and went in Mrs. Jettson's face, and her voice droppedto a pleading cadence.

  "Why, no! But what has he to do with----"

  "Oh, he brought the invitation! He knows just how to bring abouteverything. And the Ralstons are delightful people--well-to-do and allthat. Marian would be so happy! It is a shame she isn't here. But wemust not dawdle. Get into your coat and hat again."

  Scipio, the butler and upper servant, came wit
h his best bow and putthe parcel carefully into the big basket, covering the delicate stuffwith a napkin. Then he trotted along behind the two ladies, looking asif weighty matters devolved upon him.

  Mrs. Walker kept three rooms upstairs. In the front one she displayedher goods: silks, velvets and laces, flowers and feathers. She had laidin a new and extensive stock. Two or three women were chaffering. ButMrs. Walker left them presently, and when she heard the errand summonedthem into the adjoining room. Jaqueline hated to leave the beautifulshow on which her eyes had feasted.

  And though women were fond enough of gay attire shipped from Londonand Paris, and Belgium frippery and laces when they could get them,they were beginning to think it was not always necessary to send toPhiladelphia or to New York. And to her stock of materials Mrs. Walkerhad added a workroom, not so much for the making of garments as thealtering and refurbishing of party gowns, caps, and turbans.

  Jaqueline was put in the pink gown again, and when Mrs. Walker lookedher over she decided upon the sort of bodice there must be for a younggirl, and promised to have it done the next afternoon. Scipio wouldcome for it.

  Center Market was the only place of account to household purveyors.They went thither followed by the slave, meeting other ladies withan obsequious attendant. Marketing was one of the duties of a goodhousewife. Some had come in their carriages. There was an exchange offriendliness, as is often the case in the infancy of towns, and somebits of family gossip, some references to the ball at Long's Hotel.

  All the others had come in when they returned. Charles had his brainfull of marvels. Varina was tired and cross.

  "I shall have to send you back home," declared her father. "Indeed,perhaps we had all better go to-morrow. We are to take supper to-nightwith the Carringtons, over at Georgetown. Jaqueline and Patty, you mustgo with us--that was Madam Carrington's orders. She has not seen you ina long while."

  Annis crept around to her mother and took her hand, looking upwistfully. It seemed as if everyone wanted her mother.

  "No, you can't go to-morrow," said Mrs. Jettson. "At least, the girlscannot. They have a state invitation, and I have been to get a propergown for Jaqueline," and she laughed mischievously.

  "Jane!" said the squire sharply; "what nonsense! Jaqueline has gownsand frocks and fal-lals enough. You will make her vainer than apeacock. What is this invitation, pray?"

  "To pay our respects to Mr. and Mrs. Madison. Dear me, Randolph, thinkhow father would rail at such republican crowds as have haunted theplace to see plain Mr. President! They are to move to the White Houseearly next week, when Mr. Jefferson goes to Monticello; and then, nodoubt, there will be more state. But the Madisons have always kept suchan open, hospitable house, and welcomed guests so charmingly."

  "Jane, you are getting to be an astute politician. No doubt Arthurhas his eye on some street or creek or stream for improvement, and isengineering a grant through the House. Not but what Washington needsit badly enough. There's muddy old Tiber, and lanes full of pitfalls,and last year's weeds like battalions of an army. Well, I must notgrumble, for I have a finger in the pie. Virginia Avenue, for all itshigh-sounding name, is a disgrace to the State standing sponsor for it;and I am quite sure my money is buried in bogs. So you and Arthur tryyour best with the new administration. I'm too old a dog to be apt atnew tricks."

  "But it isn't Arthur's doings. Lieutenant Ralston is to convoy usthither," returned Jane.

  "Well, go and get ready, girls. We will start soon after dinnerand return early. Lucky the fandango wasn't to-night, or the bravelieutenant would have to content himself with Jane."

  Annis kept close to her mother. After dinner she followed her to herdressing room.

  "I suppose, mamma, I couldn't go with you?" she asked wistfully, as hermother was making great puffs out of her abundant hair.

  "My dear--there will be all grown people, and nothing to interest alittle girl," was the soft reply.

  "But I don't mind interest. I could sit very still and watch the restof you. I----" The child's voice faltered.

  Her mother bent over and kissed her, endangering the structure of hairshe was piling up.

  "Oh, my dear, to-morrow perhaps we will go home and you will have mealtogether. It will be only a little while. You see, people do not asklittle girls out to tea."

  "But you always took me before. Oh, mamma, I can't like all thesepeople, there are too many of them! I do not want anyone but you."

  The child clung convulsively to her mother. Patricia Mason's heart wastorn between the two loves. For each day she was learning to love hergenerous, large-hearted husband with a deeper affection, and taking awarmer interest in the children. The hurt and jealous feeling of Anniswas very natural; she could hardly blame her little daughter. Indeed,it would have pained her sorely if the child had been easily won away.Yet scenes like this smote the very depths of her soul. As Annis grewolder she would understand that nothing could change a mother's love,though circumstances might appear to divide it.

  Patricia kissed her tenderly, unclasped her arms, and went on with herpreparations. The slow tears coursed each other down the soft cheek inthe grave quiet harder to bear than sobs.

  "Patty! Patty!" called the good-humored voice up the stairs, "don'tprink all the afternoon, or you will outshine your old husband and puthim out of temper. Girls, come! The horses are tired of waiting."

  A quick footfall sounded on the stair, and Jaqueline's voice was heardlaughing gayly. Then Patty the younger, peered into the room.

  "Oh, I thought I was the last! Can I do anything for you? Here is yourcloak. We are not in summer yet. It really is warmer at home; but I'mglad to be here, all the same. Why, madam mother, you look so prettyand young father will have to introduce us as sisters--the ThreeGraces. Here are your gloves. Good-by, little Annis. Charles will lookafter you."

  Mrs. Mason kissed her little girl. "Will you not come downstairs?" shewhispered.

  Annis shook her head.

  She heard the merry voices, and presently the sound of the wheels. Thenshe leaned her head down on a chair, and felt more solitary than in theKentucky forests.