Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-10-20


ino manner-at the same time extending
to him her hand tc kiss.
sAh, madam! exclaimed the chcyailcr
springing from his knees In a transport,
{ how mucl, do l owe you. Allow me to
ask how long | must wait before my hap
piuess shall be complcted''
when you will, chevalicr,' said the
lady, affecting languishing air.
The chcvalier muttoring his indiscrcct
thanks. retired one of the happlest of
men, and told his young mistress as he
quilted her, that her mother had just
consented to their marriage.
Delighted to hear this, Nichon rah to
her mother; and kissing her, thanked her
very earnestly for the excellent choice
she had made; adding, that she had al
ways thought the chevalier the most cl-
cgant and agreeable man in the world.
Il ain very happy answered her
mother, that you approve of my choice
IT. postourd is very worthy man; he
will DO his duty by you, and You will be
perfectly contented with him.
Nichon, who put wholly 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.
sThe chevalier Pastourd HIMSELF an
swcred Nichon; he was too happy a.
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 marriage! Upon
my honor, that is pretty notion for Il
child of your age! Go nurse your doll,
and prepare to receive as your father-ln.
law the husband you promised YOURSELF
Nicaon was overwhelmed at these
words, but thought it best to retire.
The next time Pastourd called he was
as,onished to find his mistress in very
low spirits, and he fell into the same hu.
mour from mere sympathy. The widow
perceiving it, asked what was tho mat
ter.
& am alarmed, madam answered
he, to perceive the melancholy Of your
daughter, and fear she does not approve
of our union.'
tIt matters little whether she be
pleased or displeascd:' said the mother;
sam not the mistress?
THAT is true replied the cheva!ier;-
ebut | would not think OF possessing
myself of her hand against her con-
SENT
sWha,! her handp exclaimed the
mother; twas it her hand you asked me
to give you'
sYes, madam said the chcyalicr;-
'and I swear that l never will accept
any other
sThen you arc like to remain long
unmarried said the lady with a con
temptuous sneer. Il do not intend that
my daughter shall marry for some years
to come: and / beg that henceiorlh you
will discontinue your visits.
A ihunderbolt could not have more
astonishcd poor Pastourd, who made the
best of his way homo overwhelmed with
grief, and took to his bed, refusing to
see any one. The valet to whom this
order was given was a fellow of great
readiness, most indonitable impudence,
and very much attached to his master;
who, in consequence Of Cambiac's good
qualities and former services, had per-
mitted him to use great familiarity. See
ing his master so much detected, he
anxiously inquired the cause. The
chcvalier told him all that had passed.
sIs that ALP said Combiac, with the
greatest GOODNESS. Don't disturb your
self, pray. You shall be happy in less
than month: upon the faith Of a valet,
who has Il reputation to lose, and that
with her mothers consent. The old la
dy has never seen me, but 1 know her
character. will obtain admission into
her house in the character Of a noble
man:-nothing is more easy than to i'm
itate the manners Of fine gentleman;-
well enough at least, to impose on an old
coquette; and you shall see how | will
bring matters about
Little persuasion was necessary to
induce the chcvalicr to accede to this
proposition. Combiac dressed himself
conformably to his new character, hired
two footmen Of his own particular ac-
| quaintance, dressed them in magnificent
liveries, and took house in the same
street as the widow, who was in the hab-
it of passing great part of the day at
windows, dressed like May-day queen.
Combiac, whose first object was to get
a footing in her house, commenced his
attack by constantly looking at her in
the most languishing and amorous man
ncr; and he even went one day to the
| church she frcquentcd, to get an oppor-