Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-07-21
onel Strut; for so it is laid down in the code

1t seemed now 10 be all over with Paul.
must be married them said he TO himself,
killing won't save me-
The day was fixed, and his fate appeared
inevitable. The nearer it approached, the
less he felt resigned to il. The day before
the wedding, Paul met Dr.. BindemIlgh', the
worthy Parson who was to Join him to his
bonny bride.
Doctor said Paul, how shall escape?'
Marriage said the doctor, in his most
solemn, argumentative way, is considered
by all authorities, ecclesiastical, political, le-
thi,ical, legal and judicial, as bond or cove
nant, entered into by mutual consent aud
agreement of the two parties. Therefore, |
am decidedly of opinion, that when the cere-
mony is to take place, and PROFOUND the
regular question, 'WiIl you take this woman
for your wife 2 You answer No, it is not a
marriage by no manner of means
Il can't do it, said Paul, mournfu!y, |
have tried hundred times, but the word has
always stuck in my throat. There is spell
upon me in the matter of denying. must
assent TO every thing, was born without ca
pacty to do otherwise. Ask me if have
three heads, l believe should say yes
Then you always say yes
'Ycs, always, certainly
Good bye, friend Paul. said the Doctor,
civillv touching his hat.
Mercy on me = exclaimed Paul Plant.
| There was such a turn out among the
bellies the next day wish had been there
TO see is. Trinity church was thronged, for
every body knew Paul Plant, and the &C.
quaintance of Widow Wilful comprised near.
ly the whole of that circle which calls Itself
good society," | wish, moreover, | had
the talent of the immortal Clarsa Harlow a,
describing feathers and luteslrng: then would
tell how magniiccnly the widow was deck.
ed out. But this cannot be done. Every
thing was as it should bc-in the judgment o
the world. The 'happy pair drove tc
: church; a long string of coaches followed
them; the widow blushed and smiled 'ant
all the world was shy. Was ever bride.
groom in IA state of more mexcapible awk.
wardness ! He debated will, himself, for {
moment, whether he should not make des
peratc effort, to take TO his heels and run
but it was too late.
Paul cast il longing, lingering look behint
Hlii us Ic cUtcTtu tuc SIutCII uOOT. are
well, blessed light of heaven!' said he tt
himself, It's the last time shall see you
free mani The widow held fast by the arm,
My dear Paul, said she, here we are ii
last
Yes replied Paul with groan.
eve are ready said the bridesmaids
sDesrl. beloved, began Doctor Bindem
tipht; Paul felt his heart beat terribly. On,
minute more, and there will be no remedy
thought he. lie looked most imploringly IA
the doctor, as much as to say, can you b'
so cruel 2 The Doctor made an awfil
pause before the great question. Paul
heart beat faster than ever. Now for th'
catastrophe! = SAID he. The Doctor CAV,
Pau! keen look every body was breath
less. At length he spoke.
DO you refuse this voman for your wifc?
Yes exclaimed Paul, IN the loudes
tone he was ever known to utter. In an IN
slant the idea flashed upon his mind that h,
was free. He sprang into the broad aisl
with the qnickness of lightning, knocked
down an old gentleman in spectaclcs, burs
through the crowd, and boIted into the stree,
He ran home without stopping and it was no
till he had locked himself within his ow,
chamber, that he felt certain that he was no
+ married to Widow Wilful.
There was terrible scene at church, witt
fainling and so forth but the widow is aliv
to this day, and when she finds another MAJ
that cannot say no. she may play the GAM
which had nearly en,rappod poor Paul Plant