Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-07-21


every body looked around and beheld Paul
in supplicaton at the widows feet. He re-
manned transfixed with horror andvexation for
two thirds of a minute, and then, without ut
tering n word, made leap for the door and
bolted out of the house.
The next day, Paul's adventure was the
talk Of the town, and the congratulations and
coincidence which he received from his
friends on his engagement to the widow Will
ful, almost drove him stark mad. Paul,
my dear fellow, give You joy, but who
would have thought you had the courage to
do III Paul, how could you do such
thing" Paul, wsl, you much happiness
--bnt widows are such cunning things y
Paul It's all over with you = etc. ctr. Such
were the salutalions to which he was subject
ed for weekday, for nine days for so
long must wonder be allowed to last, espe-
cially when it gives people privilege to re-
mind a man of his misfortune. AS 10 deny
ing the thing, that of course was of the ques-
ton with Paul ; besides, had not whole
house full of people seen him on his knees
before the widow, and did not the whole town
affirm that it was certainly match! Paul
gave up in despair all thoughts of gainsaying
or denial, and only hoped that some lucky ac-
cident would pop in between him and the
dreadful catastrophe.
well, Paul, my conquerng hero, when
is to be the happy day?' asked his friend
Tom Sly, with look compounded of roguish
sarcasm and good na,ured concern.
oh yes, very happy day it will be GER
talnly,' returned Paul, Struggling up his
shoulders.
pretty soon, suppose
'Oh yes; soon enough, no doubt Of that,
ch
Left it pretty much to her, CHI? well,
that's quite right women like to have their
way, hey Paul 2
Exactly so, as you say replied Paul,
with half suppressed groan.
The widow is certainly fine woman,
said Tom, with an almost malicious look of
coincidence.
Paul made a very low bow, and very
desperate attempt to look smiling ii, the COM
plimeni.
Had husband three years ago died
one day, poor man y
'What allied hm?' said Paul, wishing to
turn the conversation; but feeling at the same
time an awkward sort of interest in the topic.
They say she punched him to DEATH.
'Horrid" exclaimed Paul, with an in
voluntary shuddcr.
Though don't altogether believe it, re-
turned Tom, in a tone as if he only said it
to comfort his friend Paul. 1t was great
deal worse than if he had said nothing at all /:
but probably this was just the thing he meant
Thank ye, said Paul, with an air Of do
lorous resignation.
Here they were interrupted by the APP
pearance Of Col. Strut. More friendly
congratulations ! SUPPOSE thought Paul
to himself, in heroic resignation.
Il believe have the honor to address Mr..
Paul Plant said the Colonel, marching with
stately port and in double common time up
10 Paul, and planting himself bolt upright be-
fore his face.
AT your service entirely said Paul, witt,
meek and measured civiity.
And Mr.. PLANT presume continued
the Colonel, making half bow, and screw
ing up his martial features into an apology
for civil smile-'is to marry the widow
Willul"
'Oh yes, certainly-that $50 they say.
'Thcn sir, have only to say SAID the
Colonel. lifting himself up as high as posi-.
bic, and twisting his fore finger into one OF
his formidable black whiskers, shat conside-
ring myself supplantcd, beguiled, and cir
cumvrnted by you, apnrehenj you are rca
dy to give me such satisfaction as the laws Of
honor requlre?'
&C 'rlainly sir, with great pleasure re-
piled Paul.
| Then sir, shall desire the pleasure Of
your company on the other side of the state
linc.' returned the colonel, in the civiles, tone
possible. Pistols, 1 suppose. would be
your preference
pistols said Paul, in tone which he
meant for an ejaculation of surprise.
Very WE'LL said the colonel, without Civ.
ing time for further explanation. Here are
the terms of the meeting, which | trust you
will find perfectly agreeable So saying,he
handed the paper to Paul who received it
and ran it over his eyes, without having sci
possession enough to gather the meaning O
particle Of its contents.
Perfectly agreeable, certainly SAID Pan
in his usual asserting way. The cOlone
turned upon his heel and stalked of,
Paul's good friend Tom, snatched up thu
document and read 'Pistos-1O A. NJ
thirty PAGES, seconds to mark the ground
no interference till third shot-surgeons fo
two-morally wounded etc.
'Why Paul, do you know you are to 6gh
a duel?
Am ~ said Paul, 'then heaven bt
praised, there is hope left; for if l an
Shot to death, shall escape marrying thu
widow
When Paul arrived at the field of actor
on the eventiul day, he found his spirits ;
great deal iirmer than he had expected. Il
fact, he felt inspired by the greatness of the
occasion, and very naturally; for wien
man knows lie must be either shot or mar
ried, he must be aware that the crisis re
quires all his for,ilude. Paul took his sta
ton, with the most bloodless intention tina
ever prompted man to battle. Il ha'
much rather be killed than KILL thought he
'One, two, three said the seconds. a
Paul raised his pistols TO about AZ degree