Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-10-25

very worthy man: he will do his duty 0y you,
and you will be perfectly contenled with MN
Nichon, who put wholly different cons'ruc-
ton on these words 10 that when nel "o
Their intended blushed, and was fastening Out
of the room; when her mother called her oack
to ask who told her this.
sThe chevalier Pas,ourd himself answered
'Nichon; he was too happy at the idea oil mar
rying me TO concealit long
Marry you!' screamed the mother. do you
believe, you sim2leton, that he asked Tor your
hand in marriages? Upon my honor, tina, is
pretty notion for child ofyour age. Go nurse
poor doll, and prepare To receive as your Ia
Their in law the husband you promised your
SELF
Nichon was overwhelmed at these words and
thought it best TO retire. The next time Pas-
tourd called, he was astonished TO find his mis-
tress in very low spirits, and he fell into the
same humor from mere sympathy. The widow
perceiving it; asked him what was the matter
81 am alarmed, madam answered he, 'to per-
cci,e the melancholy ofyourdaughter, and fear
she does not approve of our union.
Itmatters little whether she be pleased or
dispeased,' said the mother; sam not the mis-
tress?'
THAT is true replied the chevalier; but
would not think Of possessing myself fher hand
against her consent
sNVha,! her handl' exclaimed the mother: 'was
il her hand YOU asked me to give you?'
'Yes madam, said :hc chc'alier; and swear
that will never accept any other
Then YOU are like 10 remain long unmar-
ried,' said the lady, with conlemptuous sneer.
q do not intend that my daughter Shall marry
for some years to come, and beg henceforth
YOU will discontinue your visits
4 thundrrbo 1t could not have more aston
ished poor Paslourd, who IN de the best OF his
way home overwhelmed with grief, and took
10 his bed, refusing TO see any one. The valet
10 whom this order was given was fellow OF
grea, readiness, mos' indonI,able impotence,
and very much attached 10 his Master; who, 10
conse quence of Combac's good qualities and
former services, had permitted him 10 use great
familiarity Seeing his master SO much de-
ieced, he anxiously inquired the cause. The
chevalier told him all that had passed.
ais that all? said Combiac, with the greatest
calmness: "Don't disturb yourself, Way. You
shall be happyn less than month Upon
the faith Of a valet, who has reputation 10
loose, shall obtain N;chon's hand, and that
with her mothers consent. The old lady has
never seen me, but know her character, | will
obtain admission into her house in the charac.
ter of nobleman: nothing is more easy than
to mi,ate the manners of fine gentleman: well
enough at least, 10 impose on an old coquette;
and you shall src how well bring matters a.
bout"
Little persuasion was necessary to induce the
chevalier TO accede 10 this proposition. Com
biac dressed himself comfortably to his new
charac ter, hired two foolmen Of his own partl-
cuar acquaintance, dressed them III magnih-
cent liveries, and took house in the same
street with the widow, who was in the habi. OF
pas sing great part Of the day at her windows,
dressed like May-day queen. Combiac whose
first object was so get footing in her house,
commenced his attack by constantly looking al
her in the most languishing and amourous man
ner and he even went one day 10 the church
she frequened, TO get an opportunity OF speak.
ing 10 her.
At the conclusion Of the service, he presented
her book, with an air Of profound respectj
and, thus scraping acquaintance he attended
her home. On the road he said with most
insinua,ing air; thai he had long wished for an
opportunity of telling her the imme asurable de.
gree Of respec, he felt for her: and having pre-
faced her willing ears by such discourse, he
added, emphatically,
"If the homage Of man Of tolerable fortune
high rank, and most fervent desire to please
you, will be acceptable, you will find these quail
tiles in your most humble, aiTcctiona,e, and de-
voted slave"
There is no resisting The compliment. The
widows answer was couched in such gracious
terms, that Combiac ventured to ask permits
sion tn wait on her at home. The widow ac-
coded; and under pretext Of playing a. piquet,
the Marquis de MascariIle (as Combac had
created himself on this occasion) said so many
agreeable things; and played his part so well
that the widow was perfectly delighted.
The idea Of having made conquest Of SO
great man for titles must make great men,
induced her to treat him with The creates, al
liability; and in short time, the Marquis had
made such an impression, that he was admit
ed 10 the house on the most intimate terms.
AT length he told the old lady that he could
no longer resls, so many attractions, and that
his life depended on her returning his ove.Thc
widow blushed, and the Marquis went on 10
tell her that he should not have hesilated so
long in making his proposals, but thai, being
Of an extremely jealous dispositions, and as mad
am had manageable daughter, he should be
81 rab leSf ho