Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1851-04-11

langhnglY Teplled.
These two invincible coquettes are now en-
tered for trial OF their skill, in fair and equa
combat. Let him laugh who wins but
crown to the victor, say. A two minute de
tail Of this well-con'ested game might prov
tedious therefore, we will pass over three
months of alternate irowns and smiles, and al
low the reader to Judge by the following chap
ter, 10 whose eide the victory most inclines.
A pleasant spring morning found Franl
Gadsby-where Not prompnading Chesnu
strept-not lonnging upon the steps Of fashion
able hotel, nor whispering smooth batteries il
the ear of beauty bnt positively up those three
| flights Of stairs, in that gloomy back room dig
/ nfcd bv the name of study. Several books were
open before him, and papers-with red tapes
and huge sea!s-werp scatte red around him
Indeed, the man himself had more promising
business like appearance there was less o
the dandy, more cf the gentleman. and the look
of self-compacenc lost in more serious
thoughtful expression. AS said before, Mr.
Gadsbv had talents, hidden beneath the mask
Of fripperv which needed but some impetus tC
bring into power. and this impetus seemed now
to have been supplied.
For three months the fashionable world had
wondered why so often it's mos, brilliant orna-
ment had been missing from its gay gatherings
nor, perhaps, wondered more than MI. Gadsby
himself ut his own sudden dsaste for those
pursuits which had but lately afforded him so
much pleasure. Perhaps the remonstrances Of
his friend Walton had awakened him to a sense
OF the improbable life he was leading; but, as
we have more to do with effects than causes,
at present. we will not pursue the inquiry.
For some time, perhaps half an hour, GadsbY
steadily applied himself to hs studies-now
turning over the papes Of folio. now lost in
deep thought, and then rapidly transferring his
conclusions TO paper. AT length with sigh
Of relief, as if he had mastered some compca.
ted problem of the law he pushed books and
papers from him, and rising from the table,
walked back and forth the narrow limits Of his
study.
Are you rdady p said Clarence Walton, un-
ceremoniouslv opening the door.
q believe shall not go. Make my excuses,
if you please, TO the ladies' replied Gadsby
slightly embarrassed.
Not go! Why, what has come over you,
man? The party ere now only waiting your
presence to start. What will Miss Laurence
think7 1t will never do to slight her invitation
in this way. Come
NO. answered Gadsby. Say what you
please for me to Miss Laurence /; if she chooses
10 take offence, it matters but little to me-
The frown Of one whose smiles are so general.
are easily borne. hope you will have a
pleasant ride
But what new freak is this Last night you
were in fine spirits for the excursion, and am
sure you received the invitation of Miss Lau>
renee with undisguised pleasure
'Think so Wel' have altered my mind
that's ALL said Gadsby, carelessly.
'Ah-ha Are your wings scorched, that you
thus shun the presence ofthe irresistible Lucia"
Cannot a man Of business absent himself
from the society Of II firt, without giving rea-
son, Walton p said Gadsby. tartly.
"A man of business Good-excelent
will report that weighty concerns of the law
interfere with your engagements. You wont
20, them
'No! and saying this, Gadsby took up book
and sat down, with a dogged, reso'ute air.
well, must be off. AZ reroi,.'
No sooner did The door close after his friend,
than, throwing away the book, Gadsby started
up, excaming,
NO this syren-this coGuette--this all fas-
cinating woman, as she is called. shall find
am not so easily made her dupe She is a per.
feet mistress af art: for who tha, did not know
her would think the light o! her bcntin eyes
shone only to deceive-thev are heavenly -
Who wonld think that sweet. renrle smile
which she sometimes wears. and the soft,
witchinp tones Of bor voice we're but suDerf-
cial. In outrard appearances she is type Of
all that is most perfect in woman; and if this
boau,v Of mind and nerson bu, eytcnded IN the
hear,.-ah | dare no, thinl, oft, am told she
considers mo a vain. concaited follow-Ia ha
she shall find ve, that am not what nave an.
poarod and that his vain cnnc .i,cd f,unw has
At least VIII enonch ,o 500 ,hrourh and dosoise
her arts Wh,f hsautifnl morninc f,r rho
ride was foolish not n 90. h,sdrs she NAV
,binl,- ,n.t,or ,vb,t sba thinks Rtthon I
would no, bs unriy,l.as accented the invita-.
ZION I .Lond havo rono u.isb had Ia,
mo 500 i, ia no,y ten o'clocl . norba,s NAV
vot be in ,ims yes JwiII shn.v ber ina, can
moet her fac;n,,ions unnoyaJ and ,n,va bor
mithont ono sirr,a sioh of rar,a,-hei,b no -
And Mr. Gadshv ended his sn-,loouy by catch.
;na m tho hroon. .brnsb AID r,n;dIv onnly,pr i,
to bis shonIIers and arm. and ,han vim a
at ,ha s,naIr I,ol,;nrrI,ss no soi,,d his
ns, and rushed dawn stars swinIy ,broaded
his ,,,a,, ,h,onrt ,ho o,c,,d ,n,u ho .o,,had ,to
-asidanoo 81 T,,s ,nronoo ,,.ho,,,a ,,, n,,,.v
,,,ora - 60, f,,,h R,rr;n, nm ,ho s,oo, H.,
r,n,, ,ho hou e =