The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1841-01-04
VOL. line. 225.


not one to recede; and they may see the ia
bles turned perhaps And he dressed himself
II Silly and descended, but on getting int the
carriage, the coachman's livery staggered him
little He stretched himself, however, quite
comfortably on the cushioned seat, and thought,
: Bah the better to succeed, they have borrowed
this eqmpage. Well, let those laugh who VIM
The horses, in very few minutes, stopped be-
fore the gates of handsome hotel, which were
Immediately opened, and Alfred, alighting, was
conducted by a domestic, who was evidently
waiting for him, up STAIRS. The young gentle
man was somewhat astonished, when, the servant
having thrOwn open pair of folding doors to
announce him, he foand himselfin the presence
Of two ladies. Though he felt puzzled, he did
not lose his presence Of mind, and still suspect
ing some ambush, he held himself prepared to
act ON the defensive. The surprise Of the LADIES
was equal to his own. Instead of an awkward
simpleton, with whom they thought to amuse
themselves, they saw we'll hammered, person
able young man. His look was gracious, yet
polite; and is dress elegant, without being fop-
pish.. He addressed the ladies without embar-
rassment, and begged to know to what cause
to attribute the invitation which had brou CHIT
him to their presence. They were contounded
and silent for time, not know ing how TO reply
At length, Lucy, summoningc pointed
to the Journal, and said, II believe you are the
gentleman, whose name appears in that paPerT
Il am, Madam, he replied.
you will excuse the liberty we have taiCen,'
continued Lucy, motioning that he should
take a seat.
Ladies' said Alfred, seating himself, you
have only used the privilege which L accorded
to any one by that advertisement
Perhaps our curiosity has been too great in
this NATTER added Lucy.
Not greater than the singularity of the lines
that caused it., Madame; the one justiies the
other f
rTbo.o o,,sx,,a,.s ,,,ero ,,,t .,,ob -. ,,,ora -
pected, and she began TO feel herself rather
awkwardly situated, when her friend came to
her assistance. 'Of course this Insertion is not
ment seriously said Madame Sogville,
1T is, assure you, Madame!'
tAnd do you think it will answer your pur-
pose!
q hope it WILL
Marriage, Sir, is a sacred and important
thing, the means you take
sAre certainly not the most prudent, Madame,
but they have the merit of candor. 1t is better
to be known before marriage, that TO be stu
died afterward; and for my part, 1 look for
something more solid than love based on illu-
sion, and the hypothetical happiness of mere
promise.
you are positive, Sir
q think / am reasonable
Madame said no more, and Lucy took up
the conversation in laughing manner. Then,
if were to offer you my hand, you would ac-
cept it without hesitation;
without hesitatieA-that is, ifyeu answer to
the conditions for which | have stipulated,
said Alfred, rather staggered by the lady com
ing to the point at once.
4 what pity; no doubt you mean young
girl, you would not marry widow
tAnd why not?' replied the young man, una
bic to perceive how he should get out of the
scrape he had advertised himself into 4 should
think my chance for happiness greater with
widow than young girl, Girls have such
golden dreams, and invest the men of their
choice with imaginary perfection. And I
know that ! am not perfect - -1
This difficulty being removed, | see no
othsr,' added Lucy, laughing heartily. Alfred
felt rather strange; he thought some jest was
% be played of, but he could not guess how,
Or for what purpose. He resolved, however,
% have all bis wits about him, and at any rate
o come offwith the honors ofwar. mo, cen
inued Lucy, Il see no obstacle. / think | am
not very ugly, 1 knowI am not too old; and
suppose if my fortune were double what you
1ame, that would not be positive objection
Alfred breathed more freely; he saw means
Of escape, and he fastened to say, indeed,
Madame, that would be greater obstacle than
you may supposet
slndeedf -ast
Yes. / have talents by which / can gain
yearly income ofnine or ten thousand francs.
estimate myself at that sum, and no more;
and, as am of opinion that there should be
equality on all points between uniting parties
10 ensure their mutual happiness, have re-
solved that will owe nothinglto my wife, nor
hall she be indebted to me!' ,e4 -l.....- q. 81
tAnd you would refuse a lady from this mo-
ivee ~
Il would. am not of an ungrateful DISPOSE
ion, and cannot endure the feeling of obliga-
ion.' .sss.....
Then, Sir there is no more to be said
Forget this interview, Madam, and Alfred
Using, & begg ed permission TO retire. The ladies
scented; he bowed and left the rooms doubling
whether he were in dream, or had been en-
aged in scene, planned by Felix Janier.
Truly this young man is singular being,'
aid Lucy to her friend, when the door had
losed on Alfred, sit is very well that magni-
led my riches, or he might nave taken me az
ny word'
IT fold vou.' said Madame Souville, that we
night find we had done foolish thing sis
but who could imagine that we should NEE
With such an adversary observed the widow;
really { not dislike him. 500
That same evening, Alfred, Felix, and their
riends assembled at the appointed place: Fe-
IL enacted the Amphitryon, with a rather ill
race; and Alfred, by few adroit questions,
atistied himself that none of the party had b9en
,rivy to the adventure, of the morning. lie
housht it very odd, as he reflected on It, alter
lis return from the dinner. The following DAY
q vent IL concert Valentino, and there, by
.haneeI met the two ladies'. He bowed to
hem a" day or two after eDuPrez played
William Wilt Tell. and in the lobby of the opera
,onss Alfred again, by chance, met Madame
Souy;ile and Lucy. They exchanged few
,.o-ds The following day was inviting for
VII and thew met in the Tcilleres;of course
s1 chance. This time they entered into con7
-ssrsation; something like old acquaintance
Two months after this, Felix Janier, ar
living from an excursion into Normandy found
N bis table letter, from Alfred, announc-
ng his approaching marriage, ana request
ne his friend to be present al the cere-
nony. AsS -.. .h.t ~ oa,a,t;ss.
Hereafter let it not be sad, Ihat an aayeluss