The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1852-10-28
R. L. THURSDAY. OCTOBER %, 1857

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Igave me the privilege to do SOY that the
carriage was ready, | offered myself as
her escort to it. She accepted my
offer, and placed her arm within mine !;
as she did SO, felt futtering in my
heart | was unprepared for, and as the
staircase was deserted, l looked up in
trembling and confusion into her face,
and perceived she looked at me. One
instant our eyes met, and the next they
Were cast down or averted, and / thought
the confusion was mutual-I positively
shook. AS l handed her into the car
riage, l stammered out an expression of
hope that she would feel relieved from
her fatigue the next day, and begged
her permission to call and inquire after
her health in the morning gracious
smile, and a graceful inclination of the
head, answered me, and the coach drove
on. ..... @
" Fool" said ], as slowly reascend-
ed, " to match your puny wits against a
woman's charms and wiles; your own
weak snares have entrappe you"
In the morning, having dressed my
self with more than ordinary care, l
found myself, about two o'clock, with a
very unsettled pulse, at Madame de
Perollct's door; and being announced,
was ushered into the drawing-room where
the widow was seated on a couch, at
small and elegantly carved writing table,
drawing her small white hands over
some invitation cards. The usual in
quiries made and answered, our CONVEX
sation turned on the previous night party,
and she told me she was busy when |
entered, writing cards for her own.
"But do you know" she said, 1 write
so little lately that my hand is quite
stiff, and / am so awkward. "See,"I
said she, laying it over the table to me
IS see how l have BACKED my fingers
with the ink" ID
Indeed" said I, rising and advancing
to the table, and with an affectation Of
short sight, taking her hand in mine to
examine it. "This lux Of yours is a.
most sacreligious violator. Would you
permit me-" | added, as she drew her
land away, to finish your task :"
ooh, indeed" she answered, rising
md vacating her place to me, "you will
'blige me much, if you will undertake
hat kind Office for me-"
Rather say for myself" said, I" for
fear | am selfish in seeking the pleasure
ask" .f .r ~.
She made no reply, but smiled, and
placed herself opposite, with a list Of
names to dictate.
" What is this Z" said I, taking the
last she had finished. This is my name.
Am | the only MIR. Montague of your
acquaintance :" .is.l
She nodded acquiescence.
I" And am l to have the honor of at
ending you 2" 4" 20
eff" she answered, "no better, no
nore agreeable engagement.
Heavens!" said |, what better,
Vhat more agreeable engagement is it
'ossible could have? what other en-
agement, could induce me to fore.
o." .t
"Mr. Montague" said the widow,
will read the Names" ra.. 81. ...
81 thank you-but, Madam" re-
umed, "you must first permit me to
hank you for the honor you have done
ne, or you will make me believe you
hink so meanly of me as to deem me
to it. ...
IF your thanks are on each recur-
ence of the occasion to be as fervent,"
aid the widow, 9" / fear the task will '
ooh be irksome to you, for | have just
made up my mind, if you will promise !
0 write all my cards, and be little /,
,ore sedate in your gratitude, to put
our name down in my bo,,k for the
eason."
I" Is it possible, Madame then l will
G sworn, like the Hebrew copyist, II
ever to pen aught else; and will attend
on, too happy at your bidding, your
ounden scribe-nay, but there is no
oom for that dubious smile-I will
wear" 8
"Don't, pray" she replied ; !" remem- y
er, if you write for me only, how many
amsels will die for lack of the elegant
,od of your billets-doux !" |,
&C Nnt ono 4 oseura Won Madam. ,T (,