Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1850-10-19

can boast of uncommon beauty, the elder es-
peeially, Miss Eugenie,) whose mind and rare
qualities can find but few toequal them. You
introduced yourself into Madame Duport's
family, and you were received with the distinc-
ton due to your name and standing. Your
visits became more frequent, and you appear
ed to have formed an attachment for Miss Eu
genie.
Soon you called every day, and just at the
time when Madame Duport had right to ex-
pect an explanation, and an offer, (for such as
siduities on the part of young man, must al
ways have motive, and when they have none,
they compromise the honor of family,) just
at that moment l say, you suddenly disap-
pear, and are not heard Of tilP-
And Madame Duport has sent you to ask
some explanations, suppose?'
Madame Duport?' exclaimed Jerome, with
an air of perfect astonishment 4 do not ev-
eu know her by sight, and never have entered
you are neither relation nor friend of
the family?'
None at all, SIR
Then, what are you meddling with?
what am I meddling with p replied Mr..
Jerome, in the quietest manner; why, with
that which is honorable, which is just; in a
word with your honor
1T is very kind of you indeed, ironically re-
piled Arthur.
Not in the least. l have taken an interest
in you; and it seems to me, that in order to
act as an honorable man, you must marry Miss
Eugenie,' and Mr.. Jerome emphasized the
word mast.
,Ah! indeed; mustP
'Yes, sir, it seems to me entirely neces-
sary'
and if 1 did not think that it was neces-
sary?'
But you cannot think so, sir. You under
stand the matter as well as l do; you know
the protestations of love you have made; you
know the value of yourvows and your promis-
es; you know all the love which Miss Eugenie
has for you, and
Then, it is Miss Eugene who has sent you 2
inquired Arthur.
'She; Miss Eugene! I swear to you that
she does not know me- replied Jerome.
Mr.. Jerome then pictured to Arthur Ray
mond. in the most vivid colors, how honorable
and advantageous this marriage would be to
him He entered into such minute details,
and related such intimate circumstances, that
he quite astonished his hearer.
You have pledged your word,' he contin-
ued: you have taken advantage of the mex
perience of theyoung girl, to seduce her affec-
tons, and you have thus placed yourself in
such a situation, that you cannot now with
draw without dishonor! You are well aware
of ityourself and this retreat to which you
have condemned yourself, and where your
bad inclinations struggle against your good
qualities is the best proof of it / am there
fore reioieed believe SIR, that you will at once,
repair to Madame Duport, and ask her daugh-
ter's hand in marriage
No, sir, no-I will not replied Arthur in
resolute manner.
what has been yourlife, SO far" continued
Jerome. Abusing of your youth, of your nat
ural advantages, and of your wealth; you have
deceived innocent girls, obtained what you
call a thousand conquests, done much harm
and little good Would to Heaven, that some
one like me should have stopped you in the
midst of your wicked career, and obliged you
to marry your first victim
Marry, Sir?'
Yes, marry. There are wrongs for which
nothing less can atone
Raymond, all abashed at the unexpected
words of Mr.. Jerome, tried but in vain, to
struggle against the firmness of his antagonist
He endeavored, at the same time, to account
for the motives which could have led this man
to meddle with an affair, which appeared to
have been no interest to him; but there was
such calm dignity on Mr.. Jerome's counten-
ance, that his interference could be attributed
to no bad motives or passion, nor even to per-
sonal interest. He seemed instigated merely
by the desire of preventing wicked action,
and to see an honest one accomplished.
Then, SIR said he to Arthur, you refuse
to marry Miss Eugene Duport ?"
Yes, sir, do most decidedly
Take care, and consider that under existing
circumstances, your action is that of a cow
ard
"A coward = exclaimed Arthur passionateIy,
take care yourself what you say -..
4 say the deed Ola coward cody repeated
Mr.. Jerome Captain Duport died, you know
on the battlefield; his widow is left without
near relations or friends to protect her; her
daughters are without support. She has a
son, it is true, but he is too young yet, and
could not avenge their wrongs these ten years
and ten years is a long time to harbor an of
fence. You know all that, sir, and you have
basely abused your advantages
Take back those words sir, or l will make
you repent cried Arthur.
Not at all; know well, and understand
that usual means would not suffice to bring
you back to duty, and l am prepared for any.
thing-sure never to repent You are COW,
ard, man without honor or principle--you
are villian?'
Sir, you shall give me satisfaction
with all my heart. There are swords ir
the carriage which brought nee here. But sir
remember, duel is often the judgment O
God How will you find it in your heart tc
turn your sword against me, who asks you
only what is Just and honorable; that which
your conscience and your love urge you tc
DO Come, sir, think how different your con
duct would have been if the father of the
young girl was still living, or if her brother
was twenty. But here am; will take the
place of the husband, of the father, of the
brother whom you thought too young to pun,
sh you. am ready. sir; come
4 am at your service replied Arthur.