South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1834-07-05

to woman's heart, (for ! had begun to
think Of hers, / contented myself, for
that time, by expressing hope that ]
should have the happiness to meet her a.
gain, and bowed myself away.
That night rose fifty per cent. 10 my
ray own esteem. "Truly," said to my.
self, "the man whom that woman distin-'
guishes must own some attractions: she
is lovely and an intellectual specimen Of
her sex; to possess the love Of such a.
one would be something TO pride ones
self on. What honour is the love Of a
giddy, indiscriminating girl, who runs the.
market of matrimony with her heart in
her hand, eager to bestow it on the frs,
bidder a-Truly, I'll be chapman no
more for such common wares.-But, van.
ity ! vanity Can the rich, beautiful,
sought, and at an age when prudence has
mastered passion, think of such one as
me? Yet she seemed very kind" tBut
kindness never marries," said still small
voice. "Yets oftimes gives birth to
love-" thought, in answer. "But she,
! is wealthy, has wide range for choice,
is widow, and has the whole town after
her." replied my monitor. "True, true,"
whispered; abut she has interested me,
and by , I'll try it !"
Again we met--HEt je contais encore
.quelques Aeurettes." The widow smiled
at them, and threatened, if persisted to
reprove me.-"Cela va bien," said to
myself, and / retired; for my vanity, or
little else, was, as yet, interested.
A third time we met. "Now then,
Ephraim," said 4, "for the coup d'essai-|
this time you must be serious and distant,
and if she has thought upon you, the res
suit will tell" l approached her with
low and most respectful reverence, in.
CURED after her health !; without giving
her time to answer made some dry re-
marks on the wet weather; preached .
recent murder ; remarked on the Alma
mac, and the last new founce, and was re.
firing, when she said
"But, Mr.. Montagu, / wish to trouble
you with commission, if you can find
time to execute it for me-"
i assured her that was at her service.
"Then will you have the goodness to
see my carriage ordered here at twelve,
as l have been out all the week, and am
fatigued. Perhaps you will let me know
when it is at the door, as ! don't wish to
be seen leaving SO early"
"Allons, mon bon ami, Ephraim,"
thought "cela va du meux.' And|
thanking her for the honor of her com.
mands in tone ofdeep and grateful re-
spect, / left her to execute them.
That done, and twelve o'clock come,
| made my way to her. She was seated
near the door, and whispering to her (for
the secrecy she wished me to practice
gave me the privilege to do SOY that the
carriage was ready, | offered myself as her
escort to it. She accepted my offer, and
placed her arm within mine as she did
so, / felt futtering in my heart / was
unprepared for, and as the staircase was
deserted, / looked up with trembling and
confusion ia her face, and perceived she
looked at me. One instant our eyes met,
and the next they were cast down or a
verted, and thought the confusion was
mutual positively shook. As | hand
ed her into the carriage, stammered out
an expression Of hope that she would feel
relieved from her fatigue next day, and
begged her permission to call and inquire
after her health in the morning: gra.
sious smile, and a graceful inclination of
the head, answered me, and the coach
drove off
"Fool," said I, as slowly reascended,
Ito match your punny wits against wo-
mans charms and wiles! Your own weak
snares have entrapped you."
IN the morning, having dressed myself
with more than ordinary care, found
myself, about two O'Clock, with very
unsettled pulse, at Madame Perollet's door;
and being announced, was ushered into
the drawing room, where the widow was
seated on a couch, at small and elegant.
ly carved writing table, drawing her small
white hands over some invitation cards.
The usual inquiries made and answered,
our conversation turned on the previous
nights party, and she told me she was
busy when entered writing cards for one
Of her own.
"But do you know" she said, 81 write
so little lately that my hand is quite stiff,
and | am so awkward. See," said she,
laying it over the table to me, "see how
Ihave BACKED my fingers with the ink"
"Indeed," said !, rising and advancing
10 ALa Anhla md uifh n N n Go nt;a. &c LII