The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1847-11-04
sYes. exactly so.' returned Paul.

| didn', perceive tho drift Of your obscrva-
tion.'
Deg pardon, ma'nm--l WINS only saying
-as you remarked, that everything was
remarkably iine in this house Of yours, and
TINT all is vanity, or rather should say,
that one thing il needful.'
sAh, Mr.. Plinnt. understand you-you
mean the furniture 10 complete except one
article
Exactly SO. Ycs-thnt is-if you think
any thing is wanting replied Paul in con-
siderable perturbation, and glad to escape
the appearance Of finding fault, BY any sort
Of cquivoquc.
The widow clappcd her handkerchief to
her face, aud exhibited, or pretended to en-
hibit, slight emotion. My dcar Mr.. PHI
ant said she in tender voice, iii is impos-
sible not to understand you. You mean Q
hus--husbnnd!'
"A husband! exclaimed Paul, startled
by the audacious boldness Of the PROPOSE
ton.
Iknew you meant so,' returned the wild
ow, sinking into the chair. %, q, my dear
cir, feel quito over-cmbarrcsscd.' Paul's
intelects we're in such a cloudy state Ut
this moment that he thought she was about
to faint. lie caught her hand, and was
just going to call for hartshorn, when she
opened her eyes with an appearance Of
great languor.
%, Mr.. Pliant, tho sincerity Of this avow-
al; you nro sincere, Mr.. Plant
'Certninly--ycs,' exclaimed Paul, for he
could say nothing else; he WIS n lost man.
The widow kept fast hold Of his hand.
Paul struggled TO shy something felt
how desperately he was situated. Mrs.
Wilfnl,' said he, in great agitation, 4 do
not wish you to be deccivcd--thc fact 10,
must plainly
my dear Mr.. PLANT, I never thought
you decciver. o! there are some men
who are SO dccciving!
Paul was Mt his last gasp, AZ tho widow
uttered this pathetic exclamation. Il must
set the matter right this momcnt,' thought
he, or it will be oil over with me! he threw
himself into On attitude Of earnest cntrca-
~. Listen to mo one moment, madam!
said he, with as much frmness Of voice a.
he was master of-bnt, lucklcss man! his
foot catching in the hearth rug, tossed him
on his knees in IN instant, and tho attcn-
ton Of the whole company being aroused
by tho fall, every body looked around, and
behcld Paul in duplication at the widows
act. lie renamed trnnsfixcd with horror
and vexation for two-thirds of minute,
and then, without uttcring word, made
leap for the door, md 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 10 tho widow
Wilful, almost drove him stark mad. paul,
my dear fellow, | give you joy-but who
would have thought you had the courage TO
do i,?' paul, how could you do such
.hing9 paul, wish you much happiness,
but widows are such cunning thingsr--
paul, it's al! over with you, thenp &c.
Such were the salutations, to which he was
subjected for week, ay, for nine days; for
SO long must wonder be allowed TO last,
especially when il gives privilege TO man
to remind another Of his misfortunes. As
to denying the thing, that, Of course, was
out Of tho question with Paul; beside, had
not tho whole house full Of people seen him
on his knees before tho widow9 and did
not the whole town affirm TINT it was GER
tainly 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 tho dreadful catas-
trophe.
well, Paul, my conqucring hero, when
is 70 be the happy dayr asked his friend
Tom Sly. with look Of roguish sarcasm
and good natured concern.
% yes, q very happy day il will be GER
tainly,' replied Paul, struggling up bis
shoulders.
Pretty soon, ! supposed
% yes-soon enough, no doubt Of that,
chr
Left il pretty much 10 her, ch9 Well
that's quite right-women lovo TO have
their way, hey, Paulg
Exactly 80, az you say replied Paul,
with half suppressed groan.
The widow 10 certainly fino woman
said Tom, with on almost malicious look Of
coincidence.
Paul made very low bow, and very
desperate attempt to look smiling ut the
compliment.
Had husband three years ago--died
one day, poor man.
what ailed himr said Paul, wishing TO
turn the conversation, but feeling at the
same time IN awkward sort Of interest in
the topic.
They shy she pinched him to DEATH
sHorrid! exclaimed Paul, with nm invoI.
untsry shudder.
Though don't altogether believe it,
returned Tom, il tone 40 IL he only said
il 10 comfort his friend Paul. u was
l-.~nH l>.n .,c.s> H. r. ho hsA .~:l rofh