READY FOR COLLEGE.
Octavia was now fourteen, and with her governess was spending their
vacation North. While they were absent Brutus came to the city and
gave himself up to the sheriff for the murder of Caesar about eighteen
years before. On a preliminary trial he easily proved that he did it
in self-defense and was discharged. He immediately applied to Simon
for employment. Simon was in need of some one to work his garden, chop
wood and do the chores on the place, and as Brutus was a good worker,
and for the sake of old times, he employed him. Brutus doubtless had a
motive in this, as he had not been there long before he proposed to
Elsie. She indignantly repelled him, telling him that she did not want
him or any other "kinky-headed" negro. Brutus thought that, as Elsie
had at one time in her life wandered from the paths of rectitude, she
would readily consent to a marriage. But in this "he reckoned without
his host." He continued, however, in Simon's employ and made a good
servant. During the whole time that Simon had been a resident of the
city he and his household had been very exclusive, holding aloof from
the large negro population of that place. Notwithstanding this
exclusiveness, Octavia and her governess were not unknown, and more
than one young man of Caucasian blood made efforts to get an
introduction to Octavia, but in vain. They had found out that Octavia
was one-eighth African, but that made no difference, one or two
declaring that she was so lovely and accomplished that if necessary
they would make a "Gretna Green" affair of it.
There were so many favorable comments on Octavia's beauty when she
appeared on the streets that Miss Mildred thought best for her not to
be seen so often, and made their visits less frequent. The summer
vacation soon sped away, and teacher and pupil were at their posts of
duty to put in their last session together. Miss Mildred said it was a
pleasure to teach such an apt scholar, and Octavia declared that it was
an equal pleasure to be taught by such a proficient and competent
teacher.
The affection that existed between the two was wonderful, something on
the order of the love that David and Jonathan had for each other. Time
did not drag heavily on teacher and pupil, as it does in some schools.
The session came to an end and the time at hand when there would have
to be a separation. It was decided, however, that Octavia should spend
the summer North with her teacher, thus postponing the time of
separation three months. Miss Mildred's work with Octavia was done.
She would now turn her over to higher educators. Ten years before she
took hold, as it were, of the budding mind of Octavia. She saw it
gradually grow and unfold, and ere long she would be a full-grown,
intellectual flower. She had faithfully performed her part in
imparting instruction, and Octavia had equally performed hers in
receiving it. The sad day arrived when Miss Mildred had to part with
Simon and Elsie--she to return to her far away Northern home and they
to remain "away down South in Dixie."
The fact that teacher and pupil had to separate in three months marred
the otherwise pleasant vacation which they would have enjoyed together.
It was more of a perfunctory sojourn together, both dreading the day of
separation.
Simon consulted Colonel R. as to the college Octavia should attend, and
it was left to Miss Mildred, who recommended the large female seminary
at ----, Massachusetts. Colonel R. then wrote the President of this
seminary that he had a ward, a young lady of rare beauty and intellect,
whom he desired to enter the ensuing session, and that in addition to
his regular fees he would pay for any extra work done for his ward
liberally, and for him to spare neither time, labor nor money to
advance this young lady, that he wanted for her the best that the
institution afforded. He informed the President that she could finish
in two sessions, and that she would be present at the beginning of the
coming session.
Three months soon sped away, and Octavia and her ex-teacher must part.
Their feelings can be better imagined than described. It had to be
witnessed to form a correct idea of the bond that existed. Miss
Mildred accompanied Octavia to the train and both were entwined in each
other's arms, kissing and caressing, and would separate, and Octavia
start for the train, when she would return, and the same performance be
repeated, and repeated again, until the conductor shouted "All aboard,"
and the train moved off, bearing a desolate heart, and leaving one
equally so at the station.
Octavia was going to a large city, an entire stranger. How desolate
one feels in a large city, with acres of humanity around you and not
acquainted with a single person! Reader, you will have to realize this
to get its full meaning. Miss Mildred had sent a telegram to the
President to meet the young lady from the South on the arrival of the
train. He did so, and endeavored to make it as pleasant as possible
for her, knowing she was a perfect stranger and far from home. The
school began the next day, and being engrossed in her studies Octavia
soon forgot her loneliness. It was not long before she was a favorite
with teachers and pupils. With such a being it could not be otherwise.
She was always referred to as "the lovely young lady from the South."
She matriculated simply as "Octavia," and when the President insisted
that she write her full name (in reality she had none), she would reply
"that will do."
This was a strange condition to be in--a lovely, intelligent young lady
without a name! Whether the President thought anything strange about
this peculiarity was never known. In college, as with her governess,
she made rapid strides in all her studies, excelling in elocution,
music and art.
She captivated the musical director almost on sight. He knew, however,
that propriety forbade his making it known to her. At every musical
recital every eye was focussed on her. She received the plaudits and
commendation of teacher and pupils. The following appeared in one of
the leading dailies of that city in regard to one of her recitals: "The
recital yesterday eve at the ---- Seminary was indeed a musical treat
to the large and cultured audience who graced the occasion. Miss
Octavia, a beautiful and accomplished young lady from Alabama, rendered
several difficult pieces on the piano which were grand. To have heard
these strains one would have thought he or she was listening to
Rubenstein, Mozart or others of the masters. It was a greater treat to
hear her sing. That voice! It reminded you of Adelina Patti, Jenny
Lind or other famous prima donnas. Musical Director ----, of the
seminary, is to be congratulated in having such a talented young lady
to teach. He also deserves the thanks of the public for getting up
such a musical treat."
The above notice is only one of similar import that appeared at
different times in the various city papers while Octavia was at the
seminary. The session progressed apace; the musical director all the
while becoming more and more infatuated with his Southern magnolia, as
he termed her. The session at last came to a close, much to the regret
of the musical director. Octavia's success had been phenomenal from
the first. Her music teacher, being so infatuated, was probably
partial, and gave her extra attention. While it was Colonel R.'s wish
that she receive extra attention, for which teachers would get extra
pay, this teacher of music imparted this extra instruction because of
his extra love which he had for his fair pupil from the South. He had
always boasted that he could withstand the charms of the loveliest, but
he had at last been conquered and had surrendered, "horse, foot and
dragoons," to the loveliest being that he had ever beheld. He resolved
to make an effort to make her his bride. Consequently he indited the
following epistle, which he decided to send her on the evening of
commencement, this being grand concert night, and the closing of the
school:
"Dear Miss Octavia: I suppose you will be surprised to receive such a
note from me, but I don't see why, as my every look and act for the
past nine months plainly indicated that I was passionately, devotedly
and blindly in love with you. But the rules of the seminary as well as
propriety forbade that I should tell you so. The session having closed
I now say so, with all the emphasis of my soul, that you are the
loveliest and most intelligent girl that these heretofore
woman-resisting eyes have ever beheld. Have the breezes wafted this
magnolia from the South to make me happy or miserable the balance of my
days? Heaven grant that it may be the former. I have surrendered to
the most attractive object in existence. This conquest was made
innocently on your part, you not having the remotest idea that I
entertained any such feelings for you. You are the essence of
quintessence; the nectar that Jupiter sipped of the gods was not half
so sweet. But enough until I see you and have a personal interview,
which I hope you will grant immediately. I anxiously await until the
messenger returns. Yours, madly in love with the beautiful flower from
Alabama,
"Your Music Teacher."
Upon reading this passionate effusion she burst into tears, and it was
quite awhile before she was calm enough to send the following note:
"My Efficient Music Teacher: Your note has just been received and
contents regretfully noted. I am pained to have such sentiments from
you, and sorry that I have innocently caused such. Were I ever so
willing to reciprocate the sentiments expressed, there is an impassable
barrier between us, the cause of which I cannot and will not explain.
I am sure this is only a passing fancy with you, and on reflection you
will soon forget me, and 'Richard will be himself again.' I leave in
the early morning for my home in Dixie, where I can have the pleasure
of again being with my dear mother and uncle. I appreciate your extra
efforts in my behalf in my music lessons, but I cannot and will not
grant the interview. Your music pupil from Alabama,
"Octavia."
Upon reading this respectful but positive refusal he tore it in
fragments and tossed it out of the window. He then wrote the following
note to President ----, of the seminary:
"Dear Sir: Please engage the services of Miss ----, who has been my
proficient assistant during the session just closed, as your musical
directress during the ensuing session. Don't ask me to explain. Yours
truly, ----."
After writing this he deliberately took his pistol, and placing it to
his forehead, fired. The occupants of the house, hearing the report,
rushed into his room and found him on the floor, pistol by his side and
bullet hole in his forehead, from which blood was trickling. They soon
discovered the note to President ----, of the seminary, sent it to him,
with instructions to come at once and bring a surgeon with him. The
two were soon there, and the surgeon, on examining, found that the
would-be suicide failed to make a center shot, the ball being deflected
and going around the skull, where he extracted it without much trouble.
He soon regained consciousness from the concussion, arranged his
affairs and left on an early train, never to return. There were
glowing accounts in the morning papers of the grand concert,
complimenting the director; also giving glowing descriptions of
Octavia's singing and playing, and in the same issue giving a detailed
account of the tragedy at No. -- ---- Street, when the musical director
shot and thought he had killed himself. As a natural consequence the
city, early the next morning, was all agog about the "Grand Concert"
and the attempted suicide of the musical director who so successfully
conducted it. Everybody was amazed, as no clew could be found for his
deed and flight. Octavia called at the President's house on her way to
the train to bid him farewell. She inquired of him the cause of the
commotion in the city. He told her he was surprised to find that she
had not heard of the attempted suicide of his musical director, and her
music teacher the past session. He told her of his note requesting him
to employ the assistant directress as principal the ensuing session,
which he would have to do, as the director had fled and no cause could
be found for all this, as he had left in good shape, at least as to
money matters. She could easily have told him the cause, but kept her
counsel. It was with difficulty that she could restrain her tears
while he was telling this.
The President congratulated her on the success she had attained in the
seminary, and told of the encomiums he had heard heaped upon her, and
after giving her a pressing invitation to return and graduate at the
seminary, he bade her an affectionate farewell. She was soon aboard
the Pullman sleeper and on her way to the Southland. Being an entire
stranger to every one on the train she had opportunity to read the
account in one of the city papers, which she had purchased, of the
preceding night's events. She was not a vain or egotistical girl, and
the papers' compliments of herself did not "turn her head." She was
only gratified that she really merited these plaudits. She was
grieved, however, to know that she was the innocent cause of the
attempted suicide of the musical director, and of President ---- being
deprived of his efficient services the ensuing term. The lightning
speed of the train soon landed her in her mother's arms, who, with
Simon, gave her a joyous welcome. She had much to say to them of her
seminary life, of the plaudits of the press and people and the farewell
commendation of the President, and when she told them of the attempted
suicide of her music teacher, and she being the cause, she broke down
and wept bitterly. They comforted her by telling her that her next
music teacher would be a lady, and surely that could not happen again.
She whiled away the hours of vacation at her piano or organ or with her
guitar, violin or harp. Several attempts to gain admission to her
society by some of the best white bloods of the city were made, but all
in vain. She always refused, telling them that she was a school-girl
striving for an education, and she would admit nothing that would
detract her from her studies.
Three months soon rolled away, and she bade her mother and uncle
farewell, she hoped for the last time, they showering upon her many God
bless you's and best wishes.
The second and last session of her seminary life was but a repetition
of the first, minus the musical director, and another variation, which
will soon be narrated.
Let us now return for awhile to Octavia's home and notice an event that
was destined to have an important bearing upon Octavia's post graduate
life. A wealthy lady from the North came to the city with a letter of
introduction from Miss Mildred to Simon. She was simply making a tour
of the South, and Miss Mildred knowing that her friend would be in the
city where she had spent ten years of her life, gave her this letter.
Anything emanating from Miss Mildred was all right, in Simon's and his
sister's estimation, and they gave the lady a cordial welcome, bidding
her spend her time with them. She respectfully declined, but said that
she would come around often while in the city. This lady had a costly
diamond ring, valued at one thousand dollars, which she had taken from
her finger one day while at Simon's residence. While in the
sitting-room she had carelessly laid the ring on the dresser and forgot
it until some time afterwards, when she could find it nowhere. All of
the occupants of the house were questioned about it; search for it was
made, but it could be found nowhere. It was clearly a case of theft.
But who did it? was the question. Surely Miss Mildred would not give
her a letter of introduction to a family any one of whom would steal a
ring laid on a dresser. Yet she had lost it in their house, and as
Simon was at his place of business suspicion at once pointed to Elsie
as the thief. The lady put the case in a detective's hands to ferret
out. Simon had a next door neighbor, a negro woman as black as the
proverbial ace of spades, whom he had spotted as the real thief. She
was frequently employed to do scouring and cleaning up in his house,
and while she was not doing any work of that kind on the day the ring
was stolen, she could easily have stealthily gone into the sitting-room
and got it. This woman told several parties that she saw Elsie have a
fine diamond ring. The detective found this out and questioned the
woman, who confirmed the report. The detective at once suspicioned the
woman and also that the woman said she would swear that she saw Elsie
have on a fine diamond ring.
Simon at once employed a rising young attorney to defend his sister, as
he knew she would be arraigned in court. The Grand Jury was in
session, Elsie was indicted, and the trial set for Monday of the next
week. The trial came off, and there was a hotly contested legal battle
between the opposing counsel, Elsie's lawyer making a fine speech in
her behalf and having no trouble in impeaching the evidence of the only
witness the State had. Elsie's lawyer proved and brought out the fact
that this woman, the State's witness, was in love with Brutus and
Brutus in love with Elsie, and that she would swear to Elsie having a
diamond ring, when, as the woman thought, Elsie would be convicted,
sent to State's prison, and she would have no opposition to Brutus'
heart and hand. The attorney made the telling point, that "green eyed
jealousy" was why this woman had perjured herself. The jury gave Elsie
a unanimous acquittal. This woman, the State's only witness, was then
arrested for perjury, when she confessed to having stolen the ring, and
to swearing to a lie on Elsie, and handed the ring to the presiding
judge. This woman was "hoisted on her own petard," being sent to the
penitentiary, instead of Elsie.
Simon thought best to keep all this from Octavia, to whom we will now
return. There were two lawyers in the city where Octavia was attending
school, who had been struck, the previous session, with Octavia's
beauty and accomplishments, but had kept it to themselves. During this
session, they attended every recital at the seminary, and the church
that Octavia attended. They could, at least, admire at a distance.
There were stringent rules, in the seminary, forbidding the girls from
having gentlemen visitors. To this, Octavia made no objection, as was
done by many other students. It is needless to say that the admiration
of these lawyers increased, as the session wore on, Octavia being
ignorant of anything of the kind. These men, by some means, found out
that the other was in love with this young lady from Alabama, and
became bitter enemies, because of this. The session closed, and
Octavia graduated with the highest honors, taking all of the prizes,
some of which were valuable.
The city papers were again highly complimentary of Octavia, and
predicted a brilliant career, for "the accomplished young lady from
Alabama." The President of the seminary agreed that on the night of
the grand concert, the girls would be allowed to receive attentions
from the young men, if agreeable. Octavia's silent rivals met up with
each other, on their way to the concert, when the subject of the girls
being allowed that night to receive gentlemen attendants, was broached.
One claimed the privilege of seeing Miss Octavia; the other said he
would enjoy that privilege himself, both showing how egotistical they
were. Miss Octavia's feelings were not taken into consideration. They
kept contending, until a difficulty ensued, both pulling their pistols
and firing at the same time, both falling, one dead and the other
wounded. Of course the police were soon there, and the wounded man
gave the facts which have just been related.
The concert came off, and Octavia carried off the laurels of the
evening. She might not have done so, however, if she had been told
that two men, perfect strangers to her had fought a duel about her, one
getting killed, and the other wounded. "Where ignorance is bliss, 'tis
folly to be wise." After the conclusion of the concert, all this was
told her, when she immediately went to her room, and was weeping, when
the President of the seminary knocked, and was admitted. He inquired
the cause of her grief when she said that again she was the innocent
cause of another tragedy; one man dead and another wounded, on her
account. The President then tried to comfort her, telling her that he
was more the cause of it than any one; that he had removed the
restrictions that night, and that these men, not knowing that she would
see either one, got into a quarrel as to which one should see her, with
the results as stated.
He then complimented her on her attainments and brilliant success in
the seminary; of her original graduating essay, etc., and assured her
that she would always find a fast friend in him, and wished her
unbounded success in life, and would now sadly say farewell. When he
was gone, she again was convulsed with tears; bitter tears, at parting
with her presiding teacher, and of being innocently the cause of the
tragedy that had just been enacted.
She retired weeping, and cried herself to sleep, and was awakened early
the next morning by her hackman, to take her to the train, which was
almost ready to start. She hastily dressed, and with her baggage was
soon in the hack, arriving just in time for Octavia to board the moving
train. She was bidding farewell to the city of her triumphs, in which
two tragedies had been enacted on her account, and was on her way to
her own Southern, sunny, happy home, at the same time wondering what
would be her future.