Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1854-06-17
THE WIDOW FITZ ALLEN,
By OSCAR DUMAS.

! BY OSCAR DUMAS.
! Some months since chanced to be riding in
chaise on the road from NJ, shire town, OF
| some Importance. This mode of travelling |
always adopt whenever practicable 1t was far
better, to my taste, than to be whirled through
the country pent up in close car, at rate
which precludes the enjoyment of sightseeing.
ln addition to this, railroad is generally loca-
| ted in the most unattraetve portions Of these
| towns through which it passes.
For the reasons, unless particularly hurried,
| usually eschew railroads and railroad cars and
cling to the old fashioned method of travelling.
So much by the way Of introduction and ex-
planation.
The scenery on either side of the road over
which was passing being of a very attractive
| character, checked my horse to walk.
In front OF US at some little distance l per-
ceived woman respectfully dressed, who was
walking slowly along, and turning an OCCASION
al glance back upon US as if she had something
to say.
She gradually slackened her pace as ap-
preached, and when fairly within hearing, in
quired whether had any objection to take her
in the chase with me.
Being naturally gallant, l could not do other.
wise than comply with the request from such a
source. Of course informed her that nothing
would afford me greater satisfaction. In triee
| was rolling over the highway with an un-
known lady by my side.
/ had an opportunity to scan her features
which did furtively.
She was what would be called rather pretty,
neatly but richly dressed, while from her neck
suspended by guard, hung gold watch. She
took it out once to learn the time, which gave
me an opportunity to remark that it was Of
costly workmanship.
"You must think" she said after pause,
shat have made rather a singular request Of
gentleman with whom | am totally unac-
quanted."
"Not in the least, madam" said politely.
Nevertheless fell bound to give some ex-
planation of this step in my own justification.
My name is Mrs. Fitz Allen"
An aristocratic name, thought I. I wonder
whether she's widow.
"lam something of an invalid, in consequence
as my physician tells me, of my taking too little
exercise. Ho has therefore directed me to
walk three hours day. In conformity with
his direction set out this morning with the
design Of walking to NJ, but found after
while that had miscalculated my strength,
and resolved to throw myself upon the gene
rosity and kindness Of the first passer by whom
thought could con6de in. l am sure from
your appearance, sir, that am not mistaken in
judging you to be of the character
felt exceedingly tiattered at what rightly
judged to be intended as compliment, and be-
gan to esteem myself in luck at having encoun.
tered the fair lady who had placed herself under
my protection.
We kept up an animated conversation, which
however, was now and then interrupted by Mrs.
Fitz Allen bending forward and looking back
over the side Of the cha!se.
Supposing that she was desirous Of seeing
more of the country than could be observed
from covered carriage, offered to let down
the chaise top, but she demonstrated so earnest
ly against this proceeding, that was fain to let
things remain as they were.
Meanwhile had become more and more
pleased with my companion, and began to con.
slider more and more earnestly whether she was
likely to be a widow.
For the purpose of fascertaining this, resort
ed to very ingenious fabrication as follows:
"lt would be singular" remarked carelessly,
"if it should chance that your husband and
are old acquaintances used to know a MI.
Henry Fitz Allen, who was, if l remember
rightly, a-a-a-lawycr."
mo, don't think it could have been the one.
My husband died some years since. But
his name was Robert, and he was merchant"
81 had gained the information desired. |
need not say that Mr.. Henry Fitz Allen, the
lawyer, whom had mentioned, was quite an
apocryphal parsonage.
l began to consider whether it would not be
worth while to follow up the acquaintance
when the widow, afterwards inquired, with vi
sible agitation, whether ] woulden't drive lit.
tie faster.
To this had not the least objection. there.
fore laid on the whip, aad the horse bounded
forward at rapid pace.
u like 10 ride fast" said my companion, in
explanation of her request, "it is 20 exhileratng
think there is no enjoyment like that Of riding
rapidly"
"Iagree with you perfectly" said I. ut is
favorite recreation Of mine."
The sound of wheels were heard behind rs.
aCouldn't you drive a little faster'" asked
Mrs. Fitz Allen, anxiously.
/ was about to apply the whip once more
when heard shout to stop from behind.
"No, don't stop" said my companion. "He
don't want anything with YOU"
was puzzled, and was about to follow her
advice, when the words were repeated in more
authortive tone.
"Stop! command you in the name Of the
law"
"What do you want with me-" asked in
astonshment
sNothing with you. But have something
to do with Mrs. Saunders who is with you"
II know nothing Of Mrs. Saunders,' said |.
"This lady is Mrs. F;tz Allen, and 10 under my
protection"
.Mrs. Fitz Allen!' retorted the constable,
bursting into loud laugh. "Well, she was
Mrs. Saunders only this morning. Howsoeyer,
whatever her name 10, she must come will,
me-"
SWith vou-what for!" asked /, bewildered