Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-06-15

ten 10 me one moment madam - said he, will
as much hrmneSS of voice as he was master
oi---but luckless man His foot catching IN
the hearth rug, tossed him upon his knees in
an instant, and the attention of the whole
company being aroused by the fall, every body
looked around, and beheld Paul in supplica-
ton at the Widows feet He remained trans
! fixed with horror and vexation, for two thirds
Ola minute, and then, without u,terng word
made leap Tor the door, and boled out oil
the house.
| Ivy next day, Paul's adventure was the talk
of the town, and the congratulations and con-
dolence which he received from his friends OH
his engagement TO the widow Wilfu, almost
drove him stark mad. paul, my dear fellow,
give you Joy-but who would have thought
you had the courage 10 do il:' paul, how
could YOU do such thing Paul, wish
you much happiness--but widows are such
cunning things Paul, ii's all over with you,
then" sc. Such were the salutations TO
which he was subjected for n week, ay, for
nine days; for SO long must a wonder be al
lowed TO last, especially when it gives people
a privilege 10 remind man of his misloriunes
As TO denying the thing, that. of course, was
out OF the question with Paul besides had not
whole house full of people seen him on his
whole town affirm that it was certainly a
match Paul gave up in despair all thoughts
of gainsaying or denial, and only hoped that
some lucky accident would pop in between
him and the dreadful catastrophe
well, Paul, my conquering hero, when is TO
be the happy day ? asked his friend Tom sly,
with a look compounded of roguish sarcasm
and good natured concern
80 ypS. n yprv hoDny fl,y ~ ,rin ho ,or,,;,,
ly,' returned Paul, struggling up his should
ers.
'Pretty soon, ! suppose
ooh yes-soon enough, no doubt of that ell
Ieii it all pretty much to her ell /; Well,
that's quite right-women love 10 have their
way, hey, Paul p
'EXactly so, as you say replied Paul, with
half suppressed groan.
'Ihe widow is certainly a fine woman
said Tom, with an almost malicious look of
coincidence.
Paul made a VERY low bow. and a very des-
perate attempt to look smiling at the compi-
ment.
Had husband three years ago-died one
day. poor manp
What allied him = SAID Paul, wishing to
turn the conversation, but feeling at the same
Tune an awkward sort Of interest in the topic
They say she pinched HIM to DEATH
SHorrdn exclaimed Paul. with an involn-
tary snutaer
Though don't altogether believe it, re-
turned Tom, in a tone as if he only said it TO
comfort his friend Paul. it was great deal
worse than if he had said nothing at all bu:
probably this was just the thing he meant
'Thank ye,' said Paul, with an air of door-
Gus resignation.
Here they were interrupted by the entrance
OF Colonel Strut. More friendly congratula-
tons, suppose, thought Paul TO himself, in
heroic resignation.
81 believe have the honor to address Mr.
Paul Plant said the Colonel, marching with
stately port ard in double common time up
TO Paul, and planting himself bolt upright be-
fore his face.
CAT your service, entirely said Paul, with
meek and measured civility.
Sand MIR. Plant, presume,' continued the
Colonel, making half bow, and screwing up
his martial features into an apology for CT
wi smile, lis to marry the widow Willul y
ooh yes, certainly-lhat $50 they saw
Chen, sir, have only TO say said the Co
lionel, lifting himself up as high as possible
and twisting his fore finger into one of his
formidable black whiskers, that considering
myself supplanted, beguiled, and circumvenled
by you, apprehcnd you are ready to give me
such satisfaction as the laws of honor re-
quire;'
Certainly, sir, with great pleasure, replied
Paul.
'Ihen, sir, shall desire the pleasure Of
your company on the other side of the State
line returned the Colonel, in the civilest tone
possible. Pistols, suppose would be your
preference
Pistols p said Paul, in tone which he
meant for an ejaculation Of surprise.
very WE'LL said the Colonel, without Civ
ing time for any further explanation. Here
are the terms of the meeting, which trust YOU
VIII find perfectly agreeable.' SO saying, he
handed paper to Paul who received it, and
ran l; over with his eyes, without having self
possession enough to see the meaning of par
| ticle of its contents
Perfectly agreeable, certainly, said Paul, in
his usual asserting way. The Colonel turned
upon his heel, and siaIked of.
PauPs good friend Tom snatched up iht
document,and read--.Pistols--ten 4. M.-thir
ty PAGES, seconds TO mark out the ground--nc
interference till third shot--surgeons for two
MORALLY wounded,' &c.
| why Paul, do you know you are TO fight
! duel p
Am | " said Paul, then Heaven be praised
there is still hope left; for if ] am shot t
death, shall escape marrying the widowp
! When Paul arrived at the field of action N
the eventiul day, he found his spirits grea
deal firmer than he had expected. In fact, h
ielt inspired by the greatness Of the occasion