The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-03-04
(VOLUM Z a.
y" NUMBER 80.

estedness were no less emphatic than the
captains.
The painter came next. When alone
with the lady of his love, he found voice
which failed him in the presence of others.
To each Of the suitors she gave the same
reply-nHmely, that she would return
definite answer to his suit exactly three
weeks from the date Of his proposal; re-
quiring him in the interval to refrain from
calling, or inquiring about her, and to absent
himself from the city. The commands of
rich beauty are imperative. Each wooer
promised a knightly obedience. and kept
his pledge. The captain ran down to New
port; Clande went to Saratoga, and Stanley
carried his sketch-book up to the White
Mountains.
The widow shut herself up for three
weeks. At the expiration of that time,
punetual to the appointed day, hour and
minute, the elegant captain entered Mrs.
Champions drawing room, and surveyed
himself from head to foot in the Versailles
mirror with smile of satisfaction. He was
engaged in admiration when light
step recalled him to a sense of propriety.
He turned and beheld the widow, but thick
veil covered her face. He drew chair to
her side and addressed her.
Dearest Isabella" said he, in his most
persuasive tones, "allow me to remove the
envious screen which shrouds charms that
were never meant to be concealed"
''Alas, captain" said the widow, with a
tremulous voice, and drawing her veil yet
closer, ''those charms exist no longer"
'Is it possible!" cried the captain in
tone of alarm. What do you mean!'
''Since saw you have been very sick.
When l was a child, my parents neglected
to have me vaccinated, and the ravages of
the small pox-"
1.-THE small pox!" cried the captain, push
ing his chair back to the other side Of the
room.
Don't be afraid, captain" said the wi
dow. ut is all overland am dreadful
object to behold-but of course that makes
no difference in your affections"
"Hemn's cried the captain. ''It would
make no difference if I wanted to retire with
you into the country, to live like Darby
and Joan. But to 60 into society-to in
troduce as my wife at balls and soirees
person disfgured by dreadful disorder,
o, Lord, ma am, the idea never entered my
headr'
Il release you from your engagement
you are free," said the widow.
II have no doubt, ma aam," said the cap
tain, greatly relieved, ''that you will find
individuals not exactly in my situation, who
will be-will be very happy to-in short,
ma'am, wish you very good day"
"Cold-hearted, vain egotist!" said the
widow when he had left. II rightly guaged
your character. You only wished for q
handsome wife to enhance your conse-
quence, and parade in society, as you show
off your handsome horse in the street. Let
US see whether my thoughts have wronged
Mr.. Careless"
To Careless she told the same story.
The young gentleman heard of the loss Of
her beauty with great monchaIance.
'But that is not ALL" said Mrs. Cham
pion. ''My business man has just been with
me all the morning. My investments were
most unfortunate. I am completely beg
CARED"
"How unfortunate" cried Careless. For
I am in the same predicament. don't see
my way through this quarter. Now it is
very evident that it would be the height of
folly for two persons without any income
or prospect to marry only to multiply
misery. I must beg you to consider my
proposal of last month as only conditional.
Doubtless there are rash unprincipled men,
who would in my case, think only Of senti-
ment, but am too good mOralist, and too
good citizen, to think of persevering now.
Farewell, madam! farewell forever! l leave
you with despair in my heart, and madness
in my brain.''
Probably no declaration of despair was
ever uttered in cooler tone-and so thought
the widow.
"He loved me for my money, as thought"
she said. Il begin to believe that all the
men are alike. If Stanley prove equally
heartless, shall renounce the perfdious
SEX"
The young artist heard the loss of his
lady's beauty calmly.
at is a misfortune" said he. Beauty
is glorious gift-but perishable-the true
heart and mind alone remain unchanged
till death"
"But 1 am poor, Stanley" said the widow.
IL
the painter. THE world cannot say now
that any mercenary motives tainted the pure
feeling with which regarded you. Trust
me you shall never want, while have brain
and hand to work for you"
"Then take me such as am and was,"
cried the widow, throwing off her veil, "both
in person and in purpose, and forgive the
r