Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1841-05-01


started off at full speed. Il received your
note, SIR said the lady to M. de la Tour, in
soft and sweet voice; and, in spite of
your refusal hope yet to see you to-mor-
row evening at my party.
To see me madamep cried Frederick.
yes, sir, you---Ahv a thousand par
dons,' continued she, with an air of confu-
sion; Il see my mistake. Forgive me, sir;
you are so like particular friend of mine!
What can you think of mel Yet the re-
semblance is so striking, that it would have
deceived any one
Of course Frederick politely replied to
these apologies Just as they were termi-
mated the carriage stopt at the door of a
splendid mansion, and the young man could
not do less than offer his arm to the lady
Melton, as the fair stranger announced her.
self to be. Though English in name the
lady nevertheless, was evidently of French
origin. Her extreme beauty charmed M.
de la Tour and he congratulated himself
upon the happy accident which had gained
him such an acquaintance-Lady Melton
loaded him with civilties and he received
and accepted an invitation for the party
spoken of. Invitation to her parties fol-
lowed, and to be brief, the young man soon
found himself an established visitor at the
house of Lady Melton. She, rich and
youthful widow, was enriched by admirers.
One by one however they disappeared,
giving way to the poor clerk, who seemed
to engross the lady's whole thoughts Fl
nally almost by her own asking, they were
betrothed. Frederick used to look some
times at the little glass which hung in his
humble lodging and wonder to what cir
cumstance he owed his happy fortune
He was not Unlocking certainly but he had
not the vanity to think his appearance mag
nificient; and his plain and scanty ward
robe prevented him from giving the credit
| to his tailor. He used to conclude his med
itations by the reflection that assuredly the
lovely widow was fulfilling some unavoid-
able award of destiny. As for his own
feelings, the lady was lovely, young, rich,
accomplished, and noted for her sensibility
and virtue:-could he hesitate
When the marriage contract was signed,
his establishment was redoubled, he found
himself through the lady's love, the virtual
possessor of large property, both in Eng
land and France. The presence of friends
had certified and sanctioned the union, yet,
as has been stated, Frederick felt some
strange fear, in spite of himself, lest all
should prove an illusion, and he grasped his
BRIDES hand, as if to prevent her from be-
ing spirited away from his view.
MY dear Frederick said the lady smi-
something to you.
The young husband obeyed, but still did
not quit her hand. She began.
Once on time
Frederick started, and half seriously ex-
claimed, Heavens! it is fairy taler
Listen to me, foolish boyp resumed the
lady. There was once young girl, the
daug hter of parents well born. and at one
time rich, but who had declined sadly in
circumstances. Until her fifteenth year,
the family livedin Lyons, depending entire
ly for substance upon the labor of her
father. Some better hopes sprang up, and
induced them to come to Paris; but it is diff
fcult to stop in the descent down the path
of misfortune. For three years the father
struggled against poverty, but at last died
in hospital.
The mother soon followed, and the
young girl was left alone, the occupant of a
garnet of which the rent was not paid
If there were any fairy connected with this
; story this was the moment of her appear
ance; but none came. The young girl re-
manned alone, without friends or protect.
ors, harrassed by debts which she could moi
pay, and seeking in vain for some species
of employment. She found none. Still
it was necessary for her to have food
One day passed on which she tasted no
thing. The night that followed was sleep
: less-Next day was again without food
s and the poor girl was forced into resolu
t ton of begging. She covered her fac,
4 with her mothers veil, the only heritage sh'
S had received, and, STOPPING so as to initiate
+ age, she went out into the streets. Whel
: there, she held out her hand. Alas, tina
hand was white, and youthful and delicate
f She felt the necessity of covering it up il
the folds of the veil as if it had been lep
r rosied. Thus concealed, the poor girl he'll
). out the hand to a young woman wh'
D. passed---one more happy than herself, an,
ofl asked, "A sou single sou to get bread
? The petition was UNDECIDED. An old ma
i passed-The mendicant thought that expl
70 rience of dstresses of life might have sof
ened one like him but she was in error
;" Experience had only hardened not softene
d. his heart.
m The night was cold and rainy, and tn
III hour had come when the police appeare
= to keep the streets clear of all mendcan
and suspicious characters. At this perio
a the shrinking girl took courage once mol
he to hold out her hand to passer-by.
of was young man. He stopped at the siel