The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-08-01

jor. Peregrine, being an easy, good-natured
man, would never have insulied Major Fitz-
fggins but the latter being an oyerbearing
puppy, thought fit to apply an epithet toward
Mr.. Peregrine Tweezle, which as gentle-
man, Mr. Peregrine Tweezle could not do
otherwise than resent. was, in consequence,
commissioned 10 bear an invitation to the hon.
orable Major Fiizfggins 10 take walk TO
Chalk Farm on the following morning, where
he would find certain person who would be
most happy to exchange the polheness Of a
shot with him. Major Fitz6ggins was too
much Of gentlemen to reject SO courteous
an offer, and next morning accordingly, tho
meeting took place.
Sad rascal that Fitzfggins said Tweezle
to me, as we arrived upon the ground.
And good shot p said !, like Jobs COM
forter, as was.
Pm glad Of it = said Tweezle.
was about to ask him why, when the hon
orabie Major Fitzfggins arrived on the field,
accompanied by his second. The customary
cold and formal civilities passed between the
belligerents; the ground was measured by
the seconds, and the principles took their
places There was an awful pause. Each
man fired, and each man fell! My friend
Tweezle was severely wounded in the Left
arm. kneh down and began TO bandage up
his wounds as well as was able, when the
second Of Major Fitzfggins came up to ms.
Alarm and anxiety were imprinted on his
countenance.
For heavens saken said he in hurried
tone, gentlemen, lose no timely, fY-Ma-
jor Fitz6ggins is, | fear, MORALLY wounded"
Good heaven = said l, hope not
81 fear So answered the second, shaking
his head dolefully as he turned to render that
assistance which his friend SO imperatively
needed. To my unsophisticated mind, the
aspect Of affairs was disagreeable enough.
Tweezle saw that thought SO and looking
earnestly in my face, whispered in confding
tone, II might hare been worse
'How!' replied !, mechanically; for ! was
thinking whittier we should proceed till the
dsagreeable business had blown over.
Il might have missed him y said Tweezle,
and he tainted from loss of blood.
| carried him in my arms to a hackney
coach that was in waiting, and we drove away
rapidly. Three weeks afterwards, we heard
that Major Fitzfggins was slowly recovering
from his wound, and that no further fears were
entertained Tor his safety. Not SO, however,
with poor Twcezle. His wounds had proved
exceedingly difficult TO cure at the end Of
month he lay in very precarious state ]! To
add to this vexation, news also reached us that
the heart Of the interesting and romantic Miss
Julietta Blossom had been touched by the
dangers which the gallant Major had under
gone for her sake. Rumor added--and ru-
NOR, for once, spoke the whole truth--it was
truth-that the gentle fair one had, after q
short seige, yielded her heart, and fixed day
when she would yield her hand to the capti-
waiting soldier. This news, ! thought, would
prove rather too much, even for the comforta-
BILE philosophy Of my friend; and hesiiated
about communicating 1t to him. BY some
means, however, il came TO his knowledge
What's your opinion, Of my wound, sir
said he to me one day, after had returned
from solitary saunter through Boulogne.
Bad enough said |, but you viii recover
in three or four months.
doubt it, replied Tweezle but still, it
might have been worse p .....
If he had killed YOU outright said /,
guessing his meaning.
Precisely so,' replied Tweezle, smiling
and looking quite happy to think he had es-
capped with life, and had only received a wound
which would confne him for six months to his
bed.
And what do you think Of womankind in
general said Tweezle again, tand Of Miss
Julietta Blossom in particular? =
They are false in general said I, and
Miss Julietta Blossom is false in particular
Abr said Tweezle, chuckling, l am
happy manp
Il wish you long continuance Of your
happiness replied.
Tweezle looked serious for moment, and
then heaved deep sigh. Il have lost her p
said he.
Miss Blossom !" inquired T.
Yes, and sweet creature she was ! rich,
beautiful, and well born and 1--we lost
hern Tweezle made an effort to look sad,
But II might hare been ,corse!, he added,
Frightening up.
For my part, l was glad to see him so
cheerful; but could not well see what rea-
sons he had for being so, and therefore asked
him.
| might have married her!, said Tweezle.
Happy, happy Peregrine!
THE CEREMONY OF TAKING THE VEIL.
By an Eye Witness.