Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1827-11-22

l FOftu.
Lam very happy, answered her moth
err, that you have no dislike to this mar
riage, and that you approve of my
choice. II. Pastourd isa very worthy
man; he win do his duty by you, and
you will be perfectly cOntented with
him.
Nichon, who put wholly a different
construction on these words to- that
which her mother intended, blushed,
and was Fastening out of the room,
when her mother called her back to ask
who had told her this.
The chevalier Pastourd himself, an
swered Nichon; be was too happy at
the idea of marrying me to conceal 1t
long.
Marry you! screamed the mother,
Do you believe, you simpleton, that he
asked for your hand in marriage3 Upon
my honor, that is a pretty notion tor a
child Of your age. Go nurse your doll,
and prepare to receive as your father
in law the husband you promised your
self.
Nichon was overwhelmed at these
words and thought it best to retire. The
ne xt time Pastourd called, he was as
toniShed to find bis mistress 10 very low
spirits and he fell into the same humor
from mere sympathy. The widow per.
ceiving it, asked him what was the mat
! ter.
| am alarmed, madam, answered he
TO perceive the melancholy of your
daughter, and fear she does not approve
of our union.
II matters little whether she be pleas,
ed or dispeased, said the mother, am
| not the mistress?
That is true, replied che ehevalier:
but would not think of possessing my
self OF her hand against her CONSENT
What! her hand! exclaimed tha moth
er:---was il her hand you asked me to
give your
Yes, madam, said the chevalier; and
] swear that | will never accept any 9th.
er.
Then you are like to remain long I'M
married, said the lady, with conteptu
Gus sneer. do not intend that my
daughter shall marry for some years to
come, and I beg that benceforlh you
will discontinue your visits.
A thunderboIt could net have more
astonished poor Pastourd, who made the
grief, and took to his bed, refusing to
see any one. The valet 10 whom this
order was given was a fellow OF great
readiness, cOnsummate impotence, and
very much attached to his master; who,
in consequence of Combiac's good quail.
tiles and former services, had permit
ted him to use great familiarity. See
ing bis master so much detected, be
anXiousiy inquired the cause. The che
Waller told him all that had passed
Is that all7 said Combiac, with the
greatest calmness. Don't disturb your
self, ipray. You shall be happy in less
than month. Upon the faith of valet
who has a reputation to lose, shall
| obtain Nichon's hand, and that with her
mothers consent. The old lady has ne.
yer seen me, but know her character.
will obtain admission into her house
IN the character of noblemaD; nothing
is more easy than to initiate the man.
ners of fine gentleman, well enough
at least to impose on an old coquette;
and you shall see how we'll bring mat
teTs about.
Little persuasion was necessary TO in
duce the chevalier to accede to this pro-
PRESTON Combiac dressed himself
conformably to bis new character, hired
too footmen of his own particular ac.
quaintance, dressed them in magnif-
cent liveries, and took house in the
same street with the widow, who was
in the habit of passing great part Of the
day at her windows, dressed like May
day queen. Combiac, whose first OBJ
ject was to get footing in her house,
commenced his attack by constantly
looking at her in the most languishing
and amorous manner; and even went
one day to the church she frequented,
1 to get an opportunity OF speaking to her.
AT the conclusion of the service he
presented her a book. with an air Of
/ profound respect, and, thus seraping
an acquaintance, he attended her home.
On the road he said, With most insin-
uating air, that be had long wished for
an opportunity Of telling Der the i'm
measurable degree of respect he felt for
her: and having pFefaced her willing
ears by such discourse, be added, en-
phaticaily,
Iftha hopaoe of a man nc toIA.ohlo