Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-03-30
A VERY EXTRAORDINARY AFFAIR.

ht -''N hOth htECanulc hQNtru-
ser, OF recent date. related the fol-
loving" One bright frosty morning.
not long since, young and beautiful
lady, Of slender form, wrapped in a
flowing cloak with graceful bow, en-
tered the dry goods store OF Mr.,
IN Broadway. She was not slow 10
exercise all the privileges Of her or
der u. =. overhaul half the contents
Of the store.) The counter was cover
ed with rich silks. saiins, and velvets-
the delicate manufactures OF Paris. and
the more substantial productions of
Spltalfeld. were IN turn submitted 10
her inspection, and after a proper lady
like delay, some ;rifling selection was
made, and the pretty purchaser trip
ped out, casting sweet smiles upon the
good looking young clerks as she pass
ed down the counters. But her actions
had not been unnoticed by the LYNX
eyed proprietor. He instantly follow
ed her, aud waiting till they approach
ed the corner Of one Of the quiet streets
leading off Broadway. he tapped her
on the shoulder and requested Q few
minutes conversation.
Al first there was a manifestation OF
indignant hsuteur; but single whisper
converted the naughty curl Of the lip
into one OF trembling terror; and an
imploring look from a pair Of beautiful
dark eyes, almost unhinged his resolu.
ton; but moments reflection sug.
Rusted all the advantages her impru.
dence had given him.
All arts Of women, conscious Of the
majesty Of beauty. were brought "a
bear an succession upon the feelings oi
the impenetrable merchant; and hint.
were thrown out OF the immeasurAble
extent Of her gratitude, but all in vain.
AT length, finding all her shifts boot.
less. she was forced 10 make a candid
confession OF her name, rank, and con.
nections.
4 What was his surprise TO End that
she was daughter Of one Of the mos,
respectable and wealthy citizens ofthe
city lie paused, add walked a Eew
PAGES in silence by the eide Of the un.
lucky gIri. whose feelings could mol
have been enviable. At last, hayips
made up his mind. he turned abruptly
on his victim and said, Madam. YOU
have robbed me an imploring look;
yes, madam. you have robbed me, and
you know it; you have now about YOU
tie articles distracted from my store
(snoiher look. and wTinging OF the
delicate hsnds.) Now listen TO me. u
he continued firmly. Il offer YOU bu
one slterna,ive-you must ACCOMPANY
me TO a magistrate or ministeI"'
What could she doi Exposure anG
disgrace-disgracs 20 which death H.
self would be preferable to herself anc
her friends--stared her in the face
She looked IN her accuseTs face. bu
there she read nothing but ipllexibl,
sternness, . second glance too. told be
that that countcnance vas neither ole
or ugly; in short, that "ss men 90" .
vas very passable. And then the ter
rible alternstIve--the public pelic,
couft--the awful frown Of the magis
traie, the rude gaze Of the multitude
could she hesitate Placing one del,
cate hand upon his arm, while IA,
other applied the white cambnc hand
keTchiei to her fearful eyes. DO tiil
, me ~ha, you will - she murmufec
out.
The result was. that ,he triumphan
storekeeper, instead Of losing his pro
perry TO the value Of few dollars
gained lovely, accomplished, and yif
tuous wife. this little foible excepted
and With herupvards Of SIXTY ,housaD,
dollars