The shadow of a curse, or, Under the lilac bush

Chapter I. The Old Virginia Home

While passing through the old mother state Virginia, no true lover of the ideal southern life and its unequaled beautiful surroundings, would fail to linger with loving heart and unabated interest at the threshold of one of these ancestral homes situated in the Shenandoah Valley surrounded by great shade trees spreading their branches far and wide, as though still trying to shelter the children and descendants of many generations of the aristocratic family, reared in the old decaying home, beneath their shadows. As the the traveler drives through the long shady lane, bordered with massive oaks, and hears the murmuring of the brook as it flows on and on through the fields of emerald green and the great sugar camp, a desire to look into the restless rippling little stream seizes him and leaving tht carriage he mounts the plank fence and views the beautiful landscape before him. The sun is fast sinking in the western horizon, twilight is rapidly approaching; a feeling of awe and reverence 5 comes over him as he stands on the bank of the brook and looks into the clear transparent waters, beholding the ivory white, ruby red, turquoise blue, topaz brown and other varied colored pebbles gleaming like precious jewels from its crystal depths. The soft music of the beautiful stream seems to be chanting some sad sweet melody, or whispering some sacred secret, connected with the loved ancestors and descendants, who have for many generations been reared in this stately peaceful old home of the South.

It was February 22nd, 1833, a dreary winter morning when the storm king had robbed the sun of its heat, frozen and checked the voice of the musical brook and divested the fields and trees of their brilliant array of green, golden brown and scarlet, robing them instead in gowns of snow. While the wind moaned piteously through the tall gaunt trees, a tiny little infant girl made her earthly debut in the midst of the family circle in this happy old Virginia home. Strange that nature should give to so dainty a little flower of humanity such a dreary, cold, chilly birthday! But why not? Was not the 22nd. of February also the birthday of George Washington, her ancestral parent, the father of our country and the pride of America.

Little Lillian Constance Waud, for this was the name of the beautiful child born this bleak winter day, was from her early infancy a remarkable child. Her large clear gray eyes seemed to see, and her mind to grasp and understand the substance of conversation far too intricate for one of her tender age ; and when but five years old she could sing with the graceful ease of a canary and converse on subjects difficult for many of more mature years, to the astonishment of all who knew her. Reared in a Christian home, trained by loving, noble Godfearing parents, surrounded by fond brothers and sisters, faithful servants, wealth, luxury and happiness, this tender little blossom of the human race developed a character as pure as the lily, and principles as deeply rooted as the stately trees sheltering her golden curls from the rays of the sun, as she flitted from place to place, singing to the birds, chattering with the squirrels, and silver streamlet, seeing God in his beauty in everything and loving everything with a child’s pure devotion and simplicity.

Only those blessed with Christian parents and the hallowed influences and sacred training of such a home can fully appreciate its value and in the hour of greatest temptation, sorrow, pain, and unspeakable anguish turn to a heavenly father for peace, comfort and consolation. Little Lillian’s earliest recollections were of kneeling at her beautiful mother’s knee repeating her “ Now I Lay Me ” or sitting each morning and evening, reverently listening as her father read a chapter from the stained leaves of the old family Bible, sang a hymn, and kneeling, earnestly asked God’s care, daily guidance and blessings on his home and family, after which all united in repeating the Lord’s Prayer. This home was indeed a “ House of Prayer.” Cassil Waud was a man of fine intellect, noble, fearless, true; ever ready to serve God, country, home and family. Although a man of wealth, and excellent business qualities, he considered the moral and spiritual training of greater importance, than the financial and social standing, and his children were from their earliest youth taught that without the noble principles underlying a well-established character, such as truth, loyalty, honor and virtue, life must be a failure. Money, social standing, noble blood or handsome features could never alone make a great man or woman, such as would be honored and respected by God and country. He and his pure, gentle wife sought to control by love and gentleness, rather than force and harshness. Their children loved and feared God, honored, trusted and obeyed their parents; were kind and respectful to the servants ; and, although a family of nine — four boys and five girls — quarrels and turmoils were not permitted, strife and contention seldom existed. For love, the family watchword, ruled and reigned supreme in hearts and home.

Lillian Constance was the third child born in this happy home, and developed into a beautiful girl, the very soul of gentleness and purity. At the age of twelve she, with her sister Edith, was placed in a female seminary where they remained four years. She finished with highest honors awarded, and at the age of sixteen was as cultured as most girls of twenty.

Chapter II. The Brick Mansion On The Hillside

From the little village of Hegmeyherville, the dignified old brick mansion of Godfried Hegmeyher looked cool and inviting, placed on an elevation on the hillside with a wealth of century old trees, relieving the severity of its outlines. A spirit of prosperity, thrift and activity seemed to prevail in the very atmosphere surrounding this beautiful majestic old residence. Great fields and forests stretched far over the valleys and hills. Many hundreds of cattle, horses and sheep were seen grazing in green pastures. Immense fields of wheat, corn, barley and every imaginable product gleamed in the distance. Dusky-colored slaves could be seen actively engaged in various kinds of labor, or hastening along the road as though bent on some urgent or important business.

Godfried Hegmeyher was a German of the old nobility of Berlin, the most prosperous man in the western part of Virginia and endowed with great wealth. His vast estate extended many miles in every direction. One of the greatest slave owners of the south, he was handsome, affable, clever, discerning, determined — a man of iron will and almost unequaled business qualities. A genial and agreeable host, he was both the pride and envy of the surrounding country. Everything he undertook was sure to be accomplished. Obstacles and difficulties, unsurmountable by others, seemed to almost melt into insignificance when met by his shrewd and indomitable will. His neighbors feared him, yet were proud to be numbered among his friends. In the home, the same unquestioned authority prevailed and was instantly obeyed. He ruled the servants, the family and in fact the entire household as with a rod of iron. His commands were positive and unchangeable, and no one dare interrogate. Silent submission and obedience was the inevitable rule.

Godfried Hegmeyher loved his family, but he never told them so. He thought it weak and effeminate to express his personal sentiments. He believed that lavished love and affection would destroy the government and control of his family, and develop lazy, worthless, unruly, disobedient children, lacking personality, dignity, pride and proper development. He was honest in all financial obligations and never wronged any man of one penny. But his honor and ambition formed the foundation of his religion. He never attended church, yet if one had asked him if he believed in God, he would have answered in the affirmative. His wife was a timid gentle woman, a church member, and a good Christian, but it was “ a house divided against itself ” and she, in her weak way, was not strong enough to stand alone. She attended church services when convenient, but the management of the household consumed most of her time and energy, and with little to encourage and many bitter oppositions and discouragements to encounter, she found it very difficult to “ let her light shine,”

OR, UNDER THE LILAC BUSH n so kept her candle concealed under a bushel. Elethia Hegmeyher was the mother of ten children — eight sons and two daughters. They were not required to attend church or Sabbath school, for their father argued that compulsion along religious lines weakened their self-will and personality, and he believed in allowing them to decide for themselves on all such subjects.

No cellar in Virginia contained a greater variety or better quality of wine, than the one at the Hegmeyher manson, — it was served at the family table to each child, for their father believed that, in this way, his children would never become drunkards. He taught them that to use and not abuse liquor was the proper thing to do. He claimed if they were allowed the correct use of wine while children, they would never crave it or over indulge when grown. True, if one of his sons or servants seemed slightly intoxicated, their punishment was most unmerciful and severe. For Godfried Hegmeyher like many other parents had learned but one passage of scripture “ Spare the rod and spoil the child ” — and this he quoted and executed repeatedly to the sorrow and disgust of his children, until they learned to hate and judge the Bible and the quotation alike. How could they love the Bible? They knew nothing of its teachings of God’s love and mercy. They never read a chapter, nor did they hear one read. They knew nothing of prayer or the Savior’s blessing, care and protection. They believed, as did their father, that some place there was possibly a supreme power, but farther than this they did not concern themselves, for they were rapidly developing into bright, stalwart men like their father and would soon be engulfed in the absorbing vortex of a business career.

Chapter III. Starting For The Golden West

In the year of 1846 exaggerated reports and glowing accounts of the Golden West, its unlimited wealth and marvelous resources, reached the Eastern and Southern states. The newspapers portrayed the future of this new country with such attractive inducements that many of the old established families decided to leave their peaceful, beautiful homes and cast their lots with the fortune seekers of the Wild West.

Cassil Waud, after some missgivings, much thought and many interesting discussions, sold his ancestral estate and with his wife and children started for the new country, the Canon of America, the land flowing with milk and honey. Sad indeed was the home leaving, for, a few days before they started, the death angel entered the home and took from their midst little Mary, the golden-haired baby, and the pet of the family. She was gently laid to rest in the old family cemetery on the farm, and with many tears and sad unhappy hearts, they started on their journey westward.

The South at that time had no steam engines or electric cars to speedily carry them in four or five days across the continent from the shores of the Atlantic to the Pacific; no observation cars, Pullman sleepers and well equipped dining cars, furnishing almost the pleasure and luxury existing at the home table and fireside. They traveled instead in large wagons, covered with canvas to protect them from scorching sun, and chilly dew, or drenching rain. Day after day they slowly wended their way along the narrow, poorly-kept roads until the approach of twilight, when they selected a suitable place to camp, and grazed the horses, and prepared for their night’s rest. But the sadness of the home departure, or the uncomfortable inconvenience of the trip did not deter Cassil Waud from his duty to his family and his God.

After supper by the camp-fire, with the starlight canopy of heaven for a covering, he read a chapter and quietly thanked the great Creator and Controller of the Universe for his protection for the past day, invoking his blessings and watchfulness during the night. Then all would retire resting as peacefully as if in the old beloved home in the vale of Shenandoah.

Saturday night, preparations were made for the Sabbath, for this was God’s day of rest, and their journey was discontinued until Monday morning. In this way, they pressed forward over the Alleghany mountains, descending into what is now called West Virginia.

Chapter IV. Affliction In New Country

When Cassil Waud and family reached the beautiful Ohio River they were compelled to cease their travel and seek a temporary abode, for Lillian had in some way contracted measles, and with other complications was seriously ill. Mrs. Waud was the only one of the family who had previously had this disease and in a very few days the father and eight children were confined to their beds. Their recent exposure, together with the present inconveniences (for they were not yet very comfortably established) caused this otherwise simple malady to take on a more malignant form. Stuart, the youngest son, soon succumbed; his little earthly light was extinguished, and his soul returned to his heavenly parent who had loaned him but a few short years to gladden the hearts of those who had learned to love him on earth. He was placed in a lonely grave in this new country near the western border of Virginia. Alas, it seemed that sickness had changed this ideal home to one of sorrow and misfortune! Howard a bright, promising youth of twenty-one years, the eldest of the family, his father’s pride and the idol of his mother’s heart, went into rapid decline and in a few months called the family around his bed, assured them of his hope beyond the grave, his preparation for a joyous transport to the life eternal, bade them a fond “ good-bye/’ and passed also into the spirit world from which none return. His farewell words were, “ My Sun is setting without a cloud, to rise in gloom no more.” He left for a girl sweetheart, near his childhood home, a note with these short lines penned in a trembling hand “ ‘ Man proposes, but God disposes.’ I will meet you at the Throne of God. Farewell, Howard V. Waud.”

Cassil Waud was never a strong man again. His vitality was at a very low ebb — he was a physical wreck. The glare of the Golden West no longer allured him. His ambition for worldly gain was a thing of the past ; thus, he decided to purchase a home and remain near the graves of his two beloved sons.

One evening, as he sat in the twilight, watching the setting sun, as it cast its delicate rays like a golden sceptre on the silvery water of the placid Ohio, pretty Lillian came up to him and gently smoothing his hair said, “ Father, I wish to have a conversation with you.” He looked at her as she seated herself before him and thought, “ How she has changed — only a child in years, yet a queenly beautiful woman ! ” She clasped his hands between both of hers and looked into his deep, blue eyes, saying, “ Father you are no longer young. Howard, whom you have long looked upon as a stay for declining years has been called from our midst. Edith is so timid, sweet, innocent, domestic and homeloving that she will be a boon of comfort to mother in the management of the home. Ruth, Malcina, Cameron and Byron are young and must be educated, and I am the only one of the family left unincumbered. I feel that I want to know more of the world and the people who inhabit it. I want to understand something about business. I should like to help educate and develop the minds of the youth of this country, and with your consent I should so much like to secure a school and teach.” Cassil Waud was astounded. Did his ears hear correctly? Could it be possible that this was his pure Lily whom he had so carefully guarded and shielded from every temptation? It was not customary for southern ladies to have employment outside of the home. True, teaching was a repectable profession, but it had never occurred to him that one of his daughters would ever express a desire to do anything of the kind. After a few moments of silence and deep thought, he smiled and replied, “ Daughter, the people will want some one beside children in the school room. You are but a child yourself. Not yet seventeen years old ; do you think you could control a school of rough, uncultured boys and girls? ”

“ Yes, father I am quite sure — in fact, I know I can. I have the education, that you will admit, and you have no idea how demure, positive, dignified and prim I can be. Just let me try, and I shall prove to you what a successful schoolmarm I can make.”

“ My child, what has caused you to think of such a thing? Who suggested it?

“ And where would you expect to install yourself as Lady Superior? You are surely not in earnest.”

“ Father, I am not jesting, I was never more sincere in my life. Cousin Margaret Thayer is going to teach, and has the choice of two schools. She is confident I could control one, and make a success as a teacher, and will gladly introduce and recommend me. God will help me. I shall not fail. May I undertake it? Please, father, have I your permission ? ”

How could he refuse her earnest pleadings? She was so sincere, so enthusiastic, so ambitious. Possibly, after all, it might be her vocation. If so, had he any right to check her in her chosen path of life? No, he believed not. He would allow her to make the trial; and, too, she would probably grow weary of her task soon, and be contented to remain at home. So he replied,

“ Yes, daughter, you have my consent and approval. Where is this school? And when will you begin ? ”

“ Thank you, father ; I knew you would say that. It is twelve miles from here, at a little village called Hegmeyherville and I should like to go about ten days hence.”

“ Very well, daughter, I shall arrange it for you. Come, it is growing late, and the dew is falling; we had better go in the house.” Thus, they walked, arm in arm, from the garden together.

Chapter V. The Village School Teacher

" Well, what do you think of her? Don’t you think she is too young ? ”

“ Yes and too pretty. She is awfully dressy and stylish. I’m afraid she is proud. Will you send your children ? ”

These are a few of the remarks made by the gossiping mothers of Hegmeyherville. They had a new topic for discussion. The village school teacher had arrived, and called at various homes that day. They had no public school system then, as we have now. The schools were all conducted by subscription. The parents financially able, paid for their children, and the teacher must ask the county for payment on the others. It was a new experience in the life of Lillian Constance Waud. Some of the women were most exasperating, others amusing, while some were very polite, cultured and interesting. One woman when asked, if she wished to send her children to school, replied,

“ Wall, I don’t know ’bout it. I’d like my young ’uns to larn somethin’. They’ve got sense ’nough, and would larn all right, if the teachers would let ’em larn. But most of the gals teachin’ now’days won’t let ’em larn. You are awful stylish like, and it ’peers to me you might be ’arter lamin’ ’em some new fangled idees, and forgit all ’bout spellin’ and readin’, and writin’ and Tithmetic, and sich stuff.”

Lillian smiled and assured her that she would be very careful to teach them to read, write and spell, and above all would be sure to not hinder them from learning. She soon subdued the old lady’s prejudice and secured the names of five little ragged urchins on her subscription paper. Her canvass was very successful, and she soon had sixty-three pupils, varying in age from six to eighteen years* A very pleasant home-like boarding house was engaged about one-half mile from the school house, and the time was set for the opening of the school.

The day finally arrived. It was with much dread, many fears and disturbed thoughts, that Lillian wended her way toward the village school house. Her self-confidence was wavering. Perhaps her father was right, after all — She was too young. She was nearly two years younger than some of her pupils — and such reputations, too, as they had. She had been repeatedly warned of the rudeness of the larger boys. They seemed to have banded themselves together to drive out the teacher. Last year, they had actually pried a board from the floor, put the teacher under it, and kept her there for hours. How could she expect to control such young ruffians? She wished herself home with loved ones. Why had she decided so rashly? And now it was too late. Her pride would not allow her to return, and tell them of her fear, dread and inner loathing of these coarse people. True, nothing but love, kindness and affection awaited her at home — no jeering or harsh words; no one would tease or laugh at her, for such things were never allowed in this home. But she could not face her father, after her egotistic boasting. No she must go on and face the worst. She had read everything to be found on the subject of government or controlling the young, and had carefully prepared a list of rules, but when brought face to face with this rough, rollicking flock she fully realized that they would be useless and inadequate. Poor Lillian was amazed and dumfounded, but, after a moment’s hesitation, smiled and greeted them in a pleasant respectful manner, and proceeded to her desk where she arranged the books and papers preparatory to opening the school, with the stately dignity of a princess and the ease and grace of one who had been long employed in the profession, while silently a prayer ascended to God for guidance.

This teacher was different from those who had previously taught at Hegmeyherville — she was so pretty, young, modest and yet she carried herself like a queen, a goddess — elegantly dressed, though neat and in good taste. Then, how different the way her school was conducted, after ringing the bell and registering the pupils’ names. They were surprised to see her open a small Bible, read the 121st Psalm, and bowing her beautiful head, raise a voice “ so soft and sweet that it sounded like silvery bells ” to God in earnest supplication in behalf of herself and those entrusted to her care and training, asking for patience, wisdom, justice and love, and that her infiuence might be instrumental in developing them intellectually, morally and spiritually into wise, noble, honored, Christian men and women. She then asked them to join her in singing a hymn. They were all spell-bound. What did this mean ? Was this a church ? Ora Sabbath school — surely not just an ordinary school ! The other teachers did not read the Bible, pray and sing like this one. This lady was more like an angel, than a sour, cross, old school teacher. She arose and talked to them a few minutes of the importance of education, her interest in their advancement and welfare, her willingness to assist them in every way, she told them how she loved each of them, and would always be kind and gentle if they obeyed her. She appealed to their personal pride and honor and finally asked that each would determine within his or her own heart to join in making this the happiest and most successful year of the Hegmeyherville school. By this simple little speech she won the confidence and friendship of most of her pupils. Then followed the usual routine of grading and arranging classes in public school.

For one week Hegmeyherville school seemed to glide along smoothly. No friction or unpleasantness arose. Each day the teacher seemed to gain the respect of her pupils, and all but three boys of about fifteen years of age, obeyed and loved her. These boys, James Hegmeyher, Oscar Wauld, and John Long, had been the ruling power of this school for two or three years and were not willing to yield their acknowledged authority without a struggle. The very idea of letting a mere girl, just because she was pretty and talked nice, control them, was absurd. They were sure they could frighten her out, the very first attempt, and on their way home they decided to try her the following day.

When the bell rang the next morning the three boys shuffled in carelessly, making as much noise as possible. They whispered to each other and sat up erect during the chapel exercise, and when the history class was called they exchanged glances and indifferently took their places. Miss Waud understood the meaning of their conduct but made no comment. When their names were called for recitation, each refused to respond. She repeated them, receiving no reply. The others of the class were dismissed and went to their seats, while James, Oscar and John were commanded to remain where they were until ready to recite their lesson. After thirty minutes had elapsed she kindly exclaimed,

“ Now, boys are you prepared for your history recitation ? ”

They remained silent. Miss Waud seated herself before them, and lowering her voice to a confidential tone said, “ Boys, I am surprised. Is it possible that such interesting, manly, promising boys will conduct themselves in such a rude, unbecoming manner? You are no longer children, but almost grown men, capable of becoming men of which the world might well feel proud. But if you persist in the course you are now taking, you will become a disgrace to your parents and a menace to your country. It is not for my sake I am pleading with you, nor do I fear you, but I shudder to think of your future career. I am willing to give you my hand and pledge myself to do everything in my power to assist in developing all that is good, wise, noble and true in you. Will you try to do your part ? ”

Oscar and John both extended their hands and with tremulous voices replied,

“ Thank you, Miss Waud, we will do our best — and can you ever forgive us ? ”

She assured them that all would be forgotten, and they returned to their seats. After they grew to manhood and were prominent citizens, filling responsible positions, they always dated the turning point of their lives from the day Miss Waud taught them that they were capable of making great men, if they would direct all their energy in the proper channel. But James Hegmeyher was not so easily convinced of his error. He decided on a certain course and would follow it, even though he stood alone. Now, that the other boys had failed him he was more determined than ever. He would run the teacher out himself and have the laurels alone. So, he refused to speak a word. She earnestly urged and pleaded with him but all to no avail. At last she calmly arose and said,

“ Oscar will you please take this knife and go get me a rod? Not a small one, look at the size of the boy, think of his conduct, and get the rod accordingly.”

In a few minutes the boy returned with a stick as long as the door, saying,

“ Will this suit you, Miss Waud? ”

She looked at it and replied, “ Yes, thank you

Oscar. I think that will do. Now, James are you prepared to recite. He replied, “ No, I will not.” When Lillian raised the rod James struck at her with his book but before he fully realized what had occurred, she had taken it from his hand and given him a severe whipping. Finally, she asked if he would now obey. He wept and promised, but that night when school closed he gathered all the books belonging to his younger brother, his two sisters and himself and as he went out the door cried out loudly,

“ Good-bye, old school house. I will never be in you again while this woman remains here.”

Lillian was greatly discouraged, the life of a school teacher was not so pleasant as she had anticipated, roses were not always blooming along her pathway. She had believed all children could be controlled by kindness and love, and she had taught but one week, and had already severely punished a boy. Her father had warned her against the element she would have to contend with, but how could she understand? Never in her life had she come in contact with such uncouth creatures. Her brothers were such gallant, polite, respectful little fellows, and she had actually chastised this boy harder than any of her own family had ever been punished. She was horrified at herself. How did she steel her will enough to execute such punishment? Would her parents approve of such a course? But what else could she do under the circumstances ? He would not obey her, if he were allowed to openly defy her rules. Would she not lose the control and respect of the entire school? She believed she had done her duty — but had she conquered him, after all? True he had promised to obey, but the taunting farewell to the school house rang in her ears. That night her rest was disturbed by disagreeable, unpleasant dreams, and the next morning it was with a dull headache and heavy heart she entered the school room. The Hegmeyer children were not present. She had conducted the opening service and just called the first class when a carriage drove rapidly up and some one knocked at the door. When Lillian opened it a handsome well-dressed gentleman, with the strongest, most determined features she had ever seen faced her. He politely removed his hat and remarked, “ Miss Waud, I presume? Hegmeyher is my name. From my eldest daughter I have learned what I believe to be a correct account of the trouble you had with my son James yesterday, and I decided to accompany the children to-day to school. ,,