Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-07-22

mind, could not possibly come at the same
conclusion in reference to what is harsh and
what is mild" said Mr.. Trueman there
fore | cannot consent that you shall write
one word of the proposed reply must
write it."
"Well, suppose then, 1 shall have to
submit. When will it be ready p
"Come this afternoon, and | will give
you the draft, which you will copy and sign"
In the the afternoon, Mr.. Singleton came
and received the letter prepared by Mr..
Trueman. 1t ran thus, after the date and
formal address
81 regret that my proposition did not
meet your appreciation. The mode of set
Element which suggested was the result of
a careful consideration of our mutual inter-
ests. Be kind enough to suggest to Mr..
Trueman, my lawyer, any plan which you
think will lead to an early and amicable adj
justment of our business. You may rely
upon my consent to it, if it meets his ap-
probation"
els it possible, Mr.. Trueman, that you
expect me to sign such cringing letter as
that ?" said Mr.. Singleton, throwing it down,
and walking backward and forward with
great irritation of manner
"Well, what is your objection to it ?" re-
piled Mr.. Trueman, mildly, for he was pre-
pared for such an exhibition of feeling.
COLLECTION How can you ask such a
question Am to go on my knees to him,
and beg him to do me justice? No! I'll
sacrifice every shilling / have in the world
first, the scoundrel p
You wish to have your business settled,
do you not 2" asked Mr.. Trueman, looking
him steady in the face
"Of course do-honorably settled '
well, let me hear what you mean by
an honorable settlement"
The young man hesitated moment, and
said,
"Why, mean"
You mean settlement in which your
interest shall be equally considered with
that of Mr. Williams
eyes, certainly, and that"
"And that" continued Mr.. Trueman,
l." Mr.. Williams in the settlement shall con-
slider and treat you as a gentleman p
Certainly do; but that is more than
he has DONE"
"Well, never mind. Let what is past GO
for as much as it is worth. The principal
point of action is in the present"
"But | will never send that mean cring.
ing letter, though"
"You mistake its whole tenor, | do as.
sure you, Mr.. Singleton. You have allow.
ed your angry feelings to blind you. You
certainly carefully considered before you
adopted it, the proposed basis of settle
ment, did you not !'
"Of course | did"
{" So the letter which have prepared fol
you states. Now as an honest and an hon
orable man, you are, | am sure, willing tC
grant to him the same privilege which yor
asked for yourself, viz: that of proposing /
plan of settlement. Your proposition doe
not seem to please him; now it is but tai
that he should be invited to state how h,
wishes the settlement to be made-and il
giving such an invitation, gentleman
should use gentlemanly language"
q" But he don't deserve to be treated lik
gentleman. In fact he has no claim t.
the title" said the young man.
I" If he has none, as you say, you profes
to be gentleman, and all gentlemen shout,
prove by their actions and words that the
are gentlemen"
81 can't say that am convinced by wha
you say; but, as you seem to be bent o
having it your own way, why, here, let IN
copy the thing and sign it," said the youn
man, suddenly changing his manner
"There, now" he added, passing acros
the table the brief letter he had copied, :"
suppose he'll think me low-spirited fello'
60. Io hot h,tb hos ctal A
ter it's all over, I'll take good care to tie
him that it didn't contain my sentiments"
| Come tomorrow afternoon, and thin
we'll have things in pretty fair way" h
said, looking up with his usual pleasar
smile, as he finished the direction ofthe lie
ter.
"Good morning, Mr.. Singleton" he saio
as that gentleman entered his Office on III
succeeding day.
"Good morning, sir" responded ii
young man, "Well, have you heard frol
the mik-and-water letter of yours! can
call it mine"
Yes, here is the answer Take sea
and l will read it to YOU" said the old gel
tleman.
well, let's hear it,"
"Dear George / have your kind an
gentlemanly note of yesterday, in reply
my harsh, unreasonable, and ungentleman
one of the day before. We have both bee
playing the fool but you are ahead of II
in becoming sane. have examined, sine
| got your note, more carefully the tenor
your proposition for a settlement, and
meets my views precisely. My foolish al
ger kept me from seeing it before Let o,
mutual friend, Mr.. Trueman, arrange Il
matter according to the plan mentioned, an
| shall most heartily acquiesce.
"Yours, ETC., Thomas WILLIAMS"
" He never wrote that letter in the world
exclaimed Singleton, starting on his feet
"You know his writing, presume, )" sa
Mr.. Trueman, handing him the letter
It's Thomas Williams own hand, as
liveW calculated Singleton, on gancing
the letter. My old friend, Thomas wi
liams, the best natured fellow in the world
he continued, his feelings undergoing a SUI
den and entire revolution. "What a fool
have been 2"
"And how foolish have been, too !" sa
Williams, advancing from an adjoining roor
at the same time extending his hand t