Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1834-06-12


I Allen promised to visit him, with his
country DIR. franklin, at his pa
lace ~ London. Some weeks.af,cr
Tins, he was reminded of his promise
by the nobleman above mentioned, and
an hour was fixed for the home bred phi
losophcr of America To explain the
mysteries of 4 new discovery in science
To the royal family. They attended
accordingly, and with an apparatus
chiefly OF his own invention, DR.. Frank
In exhibited many at those simple and
amusing experiments. for which he wa /,
so noted, and at which. the roval chill.
dren, even those of larger growth.
were much delighted.
In THIS playful way, DR.. franklin
took occasion To convey instruction as
tn the properties OF this astonishing
iluid. While the royal habi,a.ion was
thus IN most unkingly uproar. the
Premier was announced as IN waiting.
Inc King seemed for moment distur-
bed. 81 forgot NV appointment with
the minister, said he, "but no matter.
Will cschcw business for once, and
let North see how we are employ ed. -
Accordingly the minister was ushcre,l
in with little ceremony. and il was
soon concluded that he should have a
shock. Allen whispered to the DR.. To
remember how he hal shocked US
across the waters. To give him 4 double
charge whether il was designed on the
hint oi his friend or not, was NOT ascer-
tanned, but the charge was SO powerful
on the nerves ofhisLordship,as to- max c
him give way in the knees, nj which all.
especially the princesses, were almost
eonvulsed with mirth.
Some Of Col. Aliens happy retorts
at the clubs and fashionable parties are
still remembered and often repeated.
on one occasion he was challenged 20
glass of wine. by the beautiful Ouch.
ess OF Rutland, who seems TO have
been particularly pleased with his in d.
dependent manner. "anh YOU must
qualify your glass with toast. - obser.
we'd The lady. The Ncrmontcro very
unalIcctediy observed. that he was not
used to that sort of ceremony. and was
afraid he nigh, give offence. II. how.
ever, the lady would be so good as to
suggest subject, be would eudravor
to give a sentiment. "Oh. said she.
"never mind the subject, any thinc
Will do. so that IL has no treason init. =
WELL" says he, +" this may do for 4
truth, If not for a toast" and fixing his
eyes adoringly on the far.iamed court
beauty, he proceeded:
:" IL any thing could make A double
traitor out Of good patriot. it would
be the witchcraft Of such eyes as your
ladyship's."
The blunt sincerity with which thi.
was spoken, together with its exact
illness TO the occasion and the person.
caused il to be long hailed in the beau
monde as an excellent good thing; and
although It had The effect Of heichten.
ing Tor moment that beauty TO which
IT vas offered az a tribute. IL is said the
TAR Duchess often afterwards boosted
OF the compliment a. far before all the
empty homage she had received from
The giItterinG coxcombry of the city.
a lady once snceringly asked Col.
Allen. IN large assembly, at what
tine fashionable ladies IN America
preferred taking the air. He pcrceiy
ed her drift, and bluntly answered.
Whenever it was necessary TO feed
the geese and turkeys" What"
inquired the lady, " do the fine women
IN your country descend 10 such me.
nIAl empioymentsy" Allen was ALWAYS
aroused at any attempt TO depreciatc
the fair ones Of his own county; and
with good deal OF warmth he replied.
American ladies have the az, Of tor.
Ming even amusemeni= 10 account
Now many Of these ladies could take o.
the subject Of Your Gracc's family his.
tory, and tell you of the fcais Of yalor
and bursts oil eIoquencc 90 winch your
Ladyshipis probably indebted Tor YOUR
distinguished name. most uf which. IL
- likely. would be az new ~ Won as
the ATT II raising poultry" The Sar.
easm produced deep blush in the face
Of the fair scoll'er. but II procured Tor
the captive and his countrymcn an in
demp'fy against court fidica!c Tor the
future.
rfrrrer