The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1847-10-26
rise out Of such proceeding
Il have no fear Of that, we should be two


ly, and then ran for the coachman. Peter.
said she, 'putthe horse into the carriage, and
take this Eoie 10 It's address,
The coachman obeyed his orders, and
Lucy clapped her hands in ecstacy. antici
pating rare sport. The two ladies, like two
children eager for game of play, waited
impaheutly Tor the return of Peter, with NJ
Alfred Couvraud.
quarter Of an hour before Allred's door, yet
he had not comprehended the note, which
he was reading for ninth time.
M. Alfred Couvraud is requested that he
will allow himself TO be conveyed, in the car
rage sent for him, TO person who wants 10
see him on important business
Suddenly recoleciing The wager OF ;he
previous evening, he said 10 himself-sAh.
this is some trick Of those merry fellows
They would tain to see whether am willing
TO follow up the consequences of that adver-
tisement. Well, they shall find am not
one 10 recede, and if they think to mistify
me, they may see the tables turned, per-
haps,'
And he dressed himself hastily, and
descended ; but on getting into the carriage,
the coachman's livery staggered him little.
He stretched himself, however, quite COM
lorfably on the cushioned seat, and thought
BAH the better TO succeed, they have Dor
rowed this equipagc. Well, let those laugh
who VIM The horses, in very few min
utes, stopped before the gates ola handsome
hotel, which we're Immediately opened, and
Alfred alighting, was conducted by do
mestic. who was evidently waiting for him
up stars The yong gentleman was some
what astonished when, the servant having
thrown open pair of folding doors TO an
nounce him, he found hmselfin the presence
of two ladies'. Though he was puzzled he
did not loose his presence ofmind, and still
suspecting some ambush, he held himself
prepared on The defensive. The surprise OF
the ladies was equal 10 his own. Instead Of
an awkward simpletol. with whom they
thought 10 amuse themselves, they saw a
well-matured personable young man, His
look was gracious, yet polite. and his dress
elegant without being foppish. He addressed
the ladies without embarrassment and beg
ged 10 know 10 what cause he might attribute
the invitation which had brought him 10 their
presence. They were confounded and silent
for 4 time, not knowing how 10 reply. Al
length, Lucy summoning confidence pointed
10 the Journal and said; Il believe you are the
gentleman whose name appears in that pa
per-
i am. madame he replied.
You will excuse the liberty we have taken,
continued Lucy, motionng thai he should
take a seat.
Ladies' said Alfred. seating himself. you
have only used The privilege which | accor-
ded 10 any one by that advertisement
Perhaps our curiosity has been 10 great
in this Natter added Lucy.
NO greater than the singularily OF the lines
that caused it, madame: the one Justifies the
oiher'
These answers were not such as were eX-
pected, and she began 10 feel herself rather
awkwardly situated. when her friends came
TO her assistance. OF course this insertion
is not meant seriously said NJ. Souvillc.
III is, | assure you, madame
And do you think il will answer your
purpose?
i hope it will
Marriage, sir is a sacred and important
thing; she means you take.'-
Are certainly not the most prudent. mad
anne, but they have the merit of candor. II
is better TO be known before the marriage
than 10 be studied afterwards; and for my
part look for something more solid than
love based on illusion, and hypothetical
happiness, OF mere PROMISES
you are positive, sir
Il think am reasonable
Madame said no more, and Lucy took up
the conversation in laughing manner.
Then if were 10 offer my hand, you
would accept it without hesitation
without hesIfation-that is, if you would
answer the condition for which stipulated,
said Alfred, rather staggered by the lady
coming to the point al once.
'What pity no doubt you mean young
girl-you would not marry a widow
And why moi q replied the young man
unable 10 perceive how he should gel out Of
the scrape he had advertised himself into
i should think my chance for happiness
greater with a widow than a young girl
Girls have such golden dreams, and invest
the man OF their choice with imaginary per-
lection. And know that l am not perfect
This difficulty being removed. see no
other added Lucy, laughing heartily, Alfred
felt rather strange-he thought some Jest
was TO be played off, but could not guess
how OF for what purpose. He resolved, how
ever, to have his thoughts about him, and
at any rate TO come off with the honors of
war. No. continued Lucy Il see no obsta-
Gle. think am not very ugly, and know
| am not 100 old; and | suppose If my for
tune was double what you name, that would
be POSITIVE objection?
Alfred breathed more freely; he saw a
way 10 escape, and he fastened to say, In
deed, Madame; that would be a greater OBJ
stacle than you may suppose?
Indeed @
Yes. l have talents, by which can gain
a yearly income OF nine or len thousand
francs /; l estimate myself at that sum, and
no more, and as an. OF opinion that there
should be equality on all points between
uniting parties, 10 ensure mutual happiness.
| am resolved that will owe nothing TO my
wife, nor shall she be indebted 10 me-
And would you refuse lady from this
motive p
Il would. am not OF an ungreatful dis
position, but cannot endure the feeling Of
Obligation
Then sir, there is no more 10 be said
Forget this interview, Madame and AZ
fred, rising. begged permission to retire.
The ladies assented; he bowed and left the