The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-10-16

to place the brooch in his breast, and call on
Miss Deming the next morning. His heart
throbbed as he thought over the happy interview
that was to bless him for life
| Juliet met O'Halloran in the ballroom Many
times during the evening she attempted to re-
turn the gift, and as often failed. She should
have given the trife to Governor Denton OF
Mrs. Colburn, and let either hand it politely to
OHalloran; but he was so pleasant, entertaining
and good nstured, that she shrunk from causing
him any pain. Time few by--night's stars
were shining on the hour of twelve. YEARLY
the music rained down on wearied dancers-the
hour OF parting had come.
Mr.. U halloran," said Juliet, hurriedly, as
she gave him the ring-she had danced with
him often that evening for the purpose of say.
ing this cannot remain your debtor, as you
wish. This is better worn by you than myself
1t is very beautiful-very beautiful, indeed
you must wear it as my friend"
She fastened away, seizing the arm of her
uncle in her flight. In leaving the hall, she
gave one glance at O'Halloran, who stood
transfixed upon the spot like statue. " Poor
mani" sighed Juliet. The sympathy was
wasted. No two happier men saw a night melt
into morn. Each thought himself accepted.
Each thanked Heaven for the success 80 long
hoped for. To do both justice, they were as
and beautiful Juliet should be.
In the morning, Wardour, with the brooch
sparkling on his breast, called on Juliet. While
waiting her appearance, Victor O'Halloran en-
tered, his face flushed, his eyes glistening, and
every indication of man in the happiest hu-
NOR with himself
"Ah! Wardour, how do you do? 1 am
very glad to see - He ceased abruptly,
and dropped Wardours hand so suddenly, that
the act seemed as if Victor had been shot.
Then added, half to himself, ashes an Internal
fiirt." He began pacing the floor like mad
man, to Wardour's intense astonishment.
Why, O'Halloran, what is the matter?"
Probably you know, sir; you are here by
appointment, to witness this. Hope you enjoy
it. But you had better go. You'll repent if
you do not. Co. sir, CO."
upon my soul, this is strange language"
Victor paused suddenly, and, raising his
hand, pointed to the door. 1t was Wardour's
turn to pale. He saw his ring on Victor's
finger.
Il believe, Mr.. O'Halloran," he said, slow
ly, perfect tempest sending its calm in ad-
vance, A" believe, sir, that / know why you
say had better leave here. | will but, be-
fore doing so, let me say that whatever may
be your conduct hereafter, this, at least, should
bsve shown something more of the gentle
man."
He left. OHalloran, staring after him, then
muttered, as he tore the ring from his hand,
and flung it on the table, "More of a gentle
man, more of the gentleman. Insult to injury.
Well see. Yes, we'll see the scoundrel-the
jilt-to treat me thus and he followed.
Victor O'Halloran was not duelist, but he
was a gentleman and as such, in his opinion,
could see only one remedy for all social wrongs
q md hot 10 he ~,cf<l H. lx n
Waters, and by dint Of much loud talking,
made the Englishman understand his griev-
ances.
The challenge was sent and accepted, War
dour referring to Capt. Wattles, as his friend
The two friends, by an interchange of some
formal notes, selected the spot, and named the
hour of combat for the following morning.
Wardour and OHalloran passed the interme-
date time in preparation incident to such fear
full business.
sob! You quiet, serious, beautiful, little
devil" said OHalloran, as he ontemplated
one of his pistols that he lifted from the case
" how easy you rest in my hand now, quiet as
the night, yet deadly as the lightning There's
deal of mischief in ye-for many tall
youth I've known measure the sod, who left
breaking hearts to mourn, and hot tears to
water the grave. A deal of good have We spo-
ken, too, when the foul slanderer and heartless
| villain tumbled down, and went into quick de-
cay, because We said the word. Ye have a cure
for all lifes ills down in that deep, dark throat
and it is i, Victor O'Halloran, without mother
or sister to mourn, who is ready for ye My
heart is bitter with the abuse, for life comes to
me full of wearying nothingness. Come, come,
Victor, my boy, this won't do-there's work
on nd-there-what then2 will leave old
post here my property pistol csse-and on
some foggy morning he'll blow hole into his
hearing"
Victor, in his haste and Indignation, neg
lected to take Captain Waters to some place
secure from the hearing of others. One did
hear-he could not help but hear, 80 loud and
angrily was the Irishman expressing himself
and that one was Albert Pinckney, who roomed
near Captain Waters. He turned from them,
he coughed, he even spoke but Victor con.
| tinued the history of his troubles. Albert was
surprised-he had looked upon the good and
beautiful face of Juliet, and could not realize
| that she had been guilty of such heartless con-
duct. There must be an error, and he deter
mined, for once, to NEEDLE in the affairs of
others, and give opportunity to clear up the
matter before bloodshed.
He thought of seeking an interview with
Miss Deming; then, changing his mind, deter
mined to lay the affair before Governor Denton.
He sought that gentleman, and found that he
had gone to New York, and would not be back
until near midnight. Short time for consuta-
| ton, should he arrive. Albert waited with in
tense anxiety. He threw himself upon a bed,
| with orders to be Weakened at midnight. The
order was neglected, and at daylight he awoke,
found O'Hslloran and his friend stealing from
| their apartment. he fastened to the room of
| Governor Denton, and found that worthy sound
asleep Without much ceramopv he shook
him up, and hastily related all he had heard.
"God bless mel" exclaimed the honorable
gentleman, leaping from his bed. "We must
| see Julet-see Mrs. Colburn-this won't do
TERRIBLE remember Burr-hand me that
gown-dead shotr-slippers, please barbarous,
| barbarous!"
In gown and slippers, with night-cap yet on,
he ran to the ladies' room. They had taken a
| sudden freak, and were on the beach, bathing.
Without stopping to dress, he flew down stairs,
flung himself into the nearest coach. Albert
sprang on the box, and they galloped to the
beach.
The morning was breaking softly and beau
tifully over the waters of the boundless sea. as
the mbatants met for the purpose of she'd
ding each others blood. When O'Halloran
arrived with his second, Wardour and Wsttles
were on the ground, with surgeon and assist.
| ant-the only spectators. Preparations were
brief. The combatants had taken their places,
pistols in hand, and were waiting for the word
fire." when frantic shout, mingled with the
rafting of wheels, was heard. All turned, and
saw carriage approaching at rapid pace,
| from the window of which q long, gannt body,
in queer dress, was gesticulatipg violently.
The carriage whirled furiously into their midst
at galiop, end from it leaped Governor Den
ont sn1h V,to x