“I think I will read another chapter of Washington’s life,” suggested Mrs. Parke.
“Read a quiet, uneventful chapter,” hinted Mrs. Davis.
“Read about the battle of Bunker Hill!” cried George.
“On a dreary day like this we ought to read about the dying of the first child of Martha Custis and then later, the death-bed scene of Colonel Custis. Then we can fill in time with reading of Mrs. Custis’ life with her two remaining children after she was widowed,” ventured Mrs. Parke.
But the objections violently raised against such mournful readings, soon quieted both ladies and led them to see the wisdom of a more active tale for that day.
“If you do not care to hear me read of Martha Custis’ bereavement perhaps you will like to hear of her second marriage?” said Mrs. Parke, turning over the pages of the book slowly.
“Oh, aunty, do tell us how Washington met Martha Custis and fell in love!” sighed Anne, the sentimental one of the group.
“If the boys will keep quiet I will read that chapter, and then you girls must promise to listen to a battle scene which I will read to them.”
They all promised to be model listeners, so Mrs. Parke began:
“‘In the month of May, 1758, Washington journeyed from Fort Loudoun to Williamsburg, and in the course of travelling, he first met Martha Custis, the fair widow who was later to be his wife.