Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1847-08-27
CHAPTER n.
81. Jun.ss' Palica.

81 yuHl5S Pdtic2.
The hundred clocks Of London had sounded
the hour of midnight when the Earl of Shrews-
bury asconded in haste the grand staircase of St.
Jancs's Palace, which on that evening blazed
forth with innunerable lights. The brow of ths
Earl was dark with trowns, and his step was
agitated uneven his manner was maniac like
lie proceeded through groups that were mask
ed, and clothed in fancy dresses but as he pe-
netrated in the midst Of them, his cold, pale face,
struck item with dismaY and alright. There
was in the midst OF them a woman who was
dressed US an Amazon and who, the instant she
beheld him. shud1ered with fear She WIS
about to retire, when the Earl of Shrewsbury
grasped her arm, aud exclaimed
Stop for wish all should hear me. Listen,
for wish that nv words may penetrate into the
hearts Of all. Give over your dances, ladies',
for promise yon piece Of scandal. There is
in the midst ofyou a nobeman, and trust may
say without boasting. gentleman, who espous-
ed lady born in situation in life far inferior
to hi; own, in order that he might pride himself
in the purity Of his love, and feel that she was
deserving Of all his affections. He left this lady
free--perfpctly free-complete mistress of her
own actions, being quite certain she would ne.
YER abuse his confidence. Well how think YOU
abe has recognized his sacrifices fer her his
idoatry towards her; his unceasing love with
regard to her Foully, falsely and basely has
she betrayed the trust reposed in her The
heart she had given to her husband she has ia.
ken from him, and she has bestowed it upon
young lord who must have been the very lowest
ofhe low in nobility, fit were not for the vices
OF his own family, and who is loved BY her be.
cause he is Duke because he has been loaded
with titles that he dishonored, and decorated
with dignities that he dcgradcs. The woman
who has acted thus said he, unmaskng the
Amazon, who was held dead from fear and con-
fusion, is you, Countess OF Shrews bury The
villain who has been the favored lover is and
here he snatched mask from the face of one
who bent over the chair of the King, is you
Duke of Buckingham and the husband who
has been thus betrayed is myself
There was a long silence. Vice stood ahash-
ed before outraged Virtue. The King attempt.
ed to soothe the irri'ated Earl but he broke
from the worthless Monarch, excamng it i'll
becomes an English King to become the pro.
tector OF iniamy. and the paator of vice,--As
/ for You Madame,' said he to the Countess as he
cast upon her look Of the most profound con.
tempt and scorn, you have brought shame
upon my name and it is therefore no longer
yours. You have brought dishonor upon my
roof No roof of mine shall henceforth shelter
you. You have sold yourself to vice. and it is
for vice to receive you. Begonc, base woman,
and lose in the abvrnths of diShonOr the little
Of virtue that's still left in you, You are no
ionger Countess Of Shrewsbury
Struck with these words, as with thunder
holt, the guilty wife uttered forth shrek odds.
1air and fell f,inlng upon the velvet covered
door of the palace. The Earl turned away his
yes, and then walking up to the Duke of Buck
nghtm, be struck him with his glove across
,ac face, aud said
challenge you 10 moral combat, my Lord
Duke. Tomorrow one or the other Of us shall
cease to live
Tomorrow, then, since you wish it, said
The Duke, who dpring the entire scene stood APP
parently unmoyed, with his arms crossed in
front OF the throne. Il have been for some days
back wishing for a duel What think you,
Sire' he said leaning carclessy towards tbs
King, is not this poor Ear! great fool p
! HE ia much worse he s--an honest man.
va, the answer Of King Charles the Second.