Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1856-06-05
WHICH TO CHOOSE.

was in The matrimonial market closely besieged
by three suitors all OF them good looking, all
gentlemen, and all protesting unbounded and
disineresed love for the fair lady. Captain
Trevanien had been cavalry officer, but had
retired frm the service. He was tall, dash
ing figure, with very aristocratic manners, and
like Ned Pepper, Paul Cliford's friend pos.
SesSed an 'unkimmon fne head Of hair In
deed, il was rumored that bis ambToiSal curls
were not natures gift TO him, but she spolia
opima Of some nameless and more favored indi-
vidual, procured OF Boyle by the intermeda-
tsn of certain amount of filthy lucre. The
captoin had inherited large fortune.
Suitot No. 2, was a,young man about town,
very fashionable, polished, and pleasant He
contrived to keep out OF debt, but his financial
resources were said 10 be very limited. Ar.
Careless evidently had good prospect Of sue
cess.
The third suitor, Mr.. Stanely was an
art student, and also cultivated poeiry.-
Though very modest and unaffected, he was
slightly eccentric in the matter of costume
wore Reubens hat, and back velvet coat,
and during the Kossuth excitement, had a Sc
rious thought oil completing his equipment by
a feather-but his better genious saved him
from this selection. As he was quite sensitive
and timid, had an awkard habit of blushing
and was silent in company, the captain and
| Careless made light OF The riva lship, and con-
| sidered the contest as confined only 10 them
selves.
The captain proposed after the most ap-
proved taste OF fashion, dropping gracefully on
one knee, and pressing the lips that murmured
his own VOWS 10 the fair hand he solicited as
| his que rdon.
When he had retired, Claude paid bis de-
voirs, and made his proposals W tn great ear
nestness. His profess ions and intereslednesS
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.
10 each ofthe suilors she gave the same re-
| ply, namely; that she would return definite
answer 10 his suit exactly three weeks from the
date Of his proposal; requiring him in the in
terval 10 refrain from calling or inquiring about
| her, and 10 absent himself from the city. Each
wooer promised knighlly obedience, and
kept his pledge. The captain ran down 10
Newport; Claude went 10 Saratoga, and Stan
| ley carried his sketch-book up 10 the White
Mountains.
The widow shut herselfup for three weeks.
AT the expiration Of that time punciual to the
appointed day, hour, and minute, the elegant
captain entered Mrs. Champions drawing roUm,
and surveyed himself from head to foot in the
| Versailles mirror, with a smile OF satisfaction.
He was engaged in self admiration, when q
light step recalled him 10 sense ofproprety
He turned and beheld The widow. but a thick
veil covered her face. He drew chair 10 heI
side and addressed her.
| "Dearest Isabella" said he, in his most
persuasive tones, ALLOW me to remove The en-
vious screen which shrouds charms that were
never meant 10 be concealed
"Alas, Captain" said the widow, with Q
tremulous voice, and drawing her veil yeI
closer, "lhose charms exist no longer.
ais it possible!" cried the captain in tone
OF alarm. "What do you meanw
"Since saw you have been very SICK
When vaccinated, and the rayages OF the small
pox"
"The small poxp' cried The captain, push.
ing his chair back TO the other side of The
loom.
"Don't be afraid, Captain" said the widow.
'Ips all over, and am dreadful object to
behold, but Of course that makes no difference
in your affections"
"Hem !' cried the captain. "It would
make do difference if wanted 10 retire with
you 10 the country, 10 live like Darby and
Joan. But 10 60 into society-to Introduce o;
balls and soitess person dlsfgured by dread
full disorder, o, Lord ma'am the idea never en-
tered my heodl"
release you from your ngagement-yoh are
free," said the widow.
al have 10 doubt ma'am," said he captain
greatly relieved. "thal YOU will find individu.
ais not exactly in my situation, who will be
will be very happy to-in short ma'am, l wish
you very. good day.
"COlt hearted, vain egotist," said the wild
ow, when he had left her. al rightly gauged
your character. YJu only wished for hand
some wife 10 enhance your consequences and
parade in society, as you show oil your hand
some horse in the street. Let usSee whether
my thoughts have wronged Mr.. Careless"
TO Careless she told the same story. The
young gentleman heard ol The loss oil her beau
ty " ith great nonhalence.
"But that is not all" said Mrs. Champion,
"My business mo n hos just been with me all
the morning. My investments were most UNI
fortunate. am completely beggared."
"How unfortunate cried Careless, "for |
am in the same predicament. don't see my
way through this quartet Now it is very ev'
ident that il would be the height Of folly fol
. lWO pcISOHS WltHOuL VI piOoPSNJ
10 marry only 10 multiply misery; must beg
you 10 receive my proposals Of last month as
only conditional. Doubtless there are rash
unrrincipled men who would in my case think
ouly of sentiment; but am 100 good moral.
ist and TOO good citizen 10 think of persever
ing now. Farewell, madame Fafewell for.
ever! leave you with despair in my heart
ard madness in my brain.
u Probabl, no declaration of despair was ever
uttered in cooler tone-pnd SO thought the
widow.
"He loved me for my money, as thought"
she said. al begin 10 believe that a Il men are
7 alike. II fStaney proves equally heartless
sbs L renounce the profdous."
, The young artist heard the loss OF his lady's
beauty calmly
"lt is misfortune," said he. Beauty is o
glorious gift, but perishaole; the true heoil
aud mind alone remain unchanged till DEATH"
"But am poor" said the widow.
| "You give me new life Isabella ]" cried
) the painter. "The world cannot say now thai
! any mercenary motives tainted the pure feeling
/ with which regard you. Trust me you shal
never want while have brain and hand Il
woik for you.
"Then take me for such as am and vas
cried the widow, lh,owing Off her veil, "bott
in person and in purse, and rgive The fabri
Gated tale which proved two Of my sutton
worthless.
Freed from the veil, her dazzling beaui!
beamed on The painter in undimmed radiance
4