New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1854-07-07
The Widow ritz Allen.

soroe months since chanced to he riding in
ch'ilse on the road from N a shire-to of
some Importance This mode of travelling |
alW Ays adopt whenever practicable. 1t was far
ne1 ter to my taste, than to be whrled through
me country pent up in close car, at a rate
winch precluded the enjoyment of Sightseeing
IN addition to this, a railroad is generally
located In the most unattractiye portions of the
towns through which it passes.
for these reasons, unless particularly hur.
| rled, usually eschew railroads and railroad
cars, and cling to the old fashioned method of
travelling
So much by way of introduction and explana.
ton.
| The scenery on either side of the road over
! which was passing being of very attractive
| character, checked my horse to walk
In front OF us at some little distance I per-
celyed woman respectfully dressed who was
walking slowly along, and turning an occa-
sional glance oack upon us as if she had some-
| thing to say.
| She gradually slackened her pace as I an
preached, and when fairly within hearing. in
| qulred whether had any objection to take her
| IN the chaise with me-
| Being naturally gallant, I 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 a trice
| was rolling over the highway with an un-
| - oWu iiuy ny my sue
| had 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 paye
me an opportunity to remark that it was of
| costly workmanship.
g You must think" said she after pause,
that have made rather a singular request
| OF a tlamaO with yphn
quainted"
:" Not in the least, madam said I politely.
!" Nevertheless ! feel bound to give some ex.
PLANTATION of this step in my own justification.
My name is Mrs. Fitz Allen
3" An aristocratic nnme," thought T. 'sI won
der whether she's q widow
8 | am something of an invalid, in conse-
quence, as my physician tells me. of my taking
too little exercise He has therefore directed
me to walk three hours day In conformity
with his direction set out this morning with
the design of walking to M, but found
after while that-I had miscalculated nv
strength, and resolved to throw myself upon
the generosity and kindness of the first passer
by whom thought | could confde in am
sure from your appearance, sir that | am not
mistaken in judging you to be of that char
acter.o
felt exceedingly fattered 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 nnder
my protection.
We kept up an animated conversation, which
however, was now and then interrupted by Mrs
titz Allen bending forward and looking back
over the side of the chaise
Supposing that she was desrous of seeing
more of the country than could be observed
a covered carriage, l offered to let down the
chaise top, but she demonstrated so earnestly
against this proceeding, that was fain to lei
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 ascertaining this, re.
sorted to very ingenious fabrication as fol
lows:
'' 1t would be singular" remarked |, care.
lessly, ''if it should chance that your husband
and are old acquaintances. used to know o
Mr. Henry Fitz Allen, who was, if | remember
rightly, a-a--a-lawyer.
''No, | don't think it could have been the
one. My husband died some years since Be.
sides, his name was Robert, and he vas mer.
chant
'I had gained the information desired
need not say that Mr. Henry Fitz Allen, tht
lawyer, whom ! had mentioned, was quite al
apocryphal parsonage.
, utRHu 10 cuuSluer whether IL WQulu not nG
worth while to follow up the Acquaintance
when the widow inquired, with visible agita
ton, whether wouldn't drive little faster.
To this had not the least objection There
fore laid on the whip, and the horse bounded
forward at q rapid pace.
{. like to ride FAST" said my companion il
explanation of her request, Is it is so exhilar
ating; | think there is no enjoyment like tha
of riding rapidly
g agree with you perfectly, said l. g 1t i
a fayorte recreation of mine''
The sound of wheels was heard behind us.
"Couldu't you drive q little faster 20 asket
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. III
5 don't want anything with you"
e | was puzzled, and was about to follow he
advice, when the words were repeated in NOR
9 authoritative tone.
= "Stop! | command you in the name of til
) law"
The instant afterward, constable drove up
6 What do you want with me % | asked i
} astonishment,
Nothing with you; but I have some thin
to do with Mrs Saunders, who is with you.'
''l know nothing of Mrs Saunders said
'This lady is Mrs Fitz Allen, and is under m,
9 protection.
"a Mrs, Fitz Allen!" retorted the constable
bursting into laugh. "Well, she was Mrs
: Saunders only this morning. Howsoeyer, what
J, ever her name is, she must come with me-"
with you--What for :" asked /, bewildered