The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-09-18

Wardour. The Lieutenant was, strange to say,
a modest navy officer. He had put a girde
round the earth, without
Suffering a change
Into something rch and strange
which the gallant gentlemen of our immortal
navy 80 generally present. He was modest,
exceedingly modest; when we remember the
fact that he was young, rather handsome, and
possessed mind stored with instruction and
amusement-only at the service, however, OF
those who would go to the labor of mining them
out from beneath his mountain of diffidence.
his manner of becoming acquainted with Ju-
liet, for day set Newport in a roar.
Lieutenant Wardour accompanied Captain
Wattles to Newport. The captain was prinl,
nervous, dressy old bachelor, who would have
things Just so, aud to such an extent that he
went by the name Of Old Orderly among his
more immediate acquaintance. Looking over
the list of denizens, ne discovered in Mrs. Col
burn, the daughter of an old friend. To con-
sumo an hour or more over his toilet, and then
pay his respects, was a matter of course. Un-
fortunately for him, that very morning O'Hallo-
ran had informed Mrs. Colburn of the arrival
of an old friend of his, q Captain Waters, who
was very entertaining gentleman, but, unfor-
tunately, deaf Mrs. Colburn did not hear the
name distinctly, and when afterwards Captain
Wattless card was presented, she COMPOUNDED
the persons.
"Why, Juliet, here is Mr.. O'Haloran's friend.
Singular he should call on US, and he is so very
deaf"
Further comment was cut short by the en-
trance of the victim. Prim and precise, he en-
tered, and deliberately bowed himself into seat.
How do you like Newport" began Mrs.
Colburn, in loud voice.
Madam " said the Captain, startled at the
manner Of address.
"Is this your first visit2" she asked, varying
her question, but still elevating her voice. think
ing she had not been heard.
"Why, no-yes "-stammercd the unfortu-
nate; truly-yes, indeed"
Juliet" said Mrs. Colburn, in her ordinary
tone, this really is too much but must say
something" Then, almost shrieking, she con-
tinued:
ave are more thronged than usual this sea-
SON." ITO Juliet y 81 cannot continue; say
something, Juliet"
AZ can't, aunt; it is too ridiculous"
"You must" To the Captain in shrill
scream:) "Hsve you heard the Germania
band?"
"Not had that pleasure, madam; indeed, 1
am so unfortunate as to have no ear for music"
"Of course not. The man, Juliet must
think I'm fool to ask such question" Then,
"The beach here is very fine, but you have
tried it, Of course. Juliet, do say something
I'm administration Heavens sake, assist me-"
81 positively cannot. What shall l say?"
Say-say anything. Ask the old post if
he's acquainted with many here how long he's
been from sea-"
Juliet looked helplessly at her guardian
then at the old gentleman, gathered all her
strength for mighty effort. Her aunt, de-
spsiring Of assistance, began again. The re-
suit was, that both screamed Captain" and
then, frightened at their own fearful noise,
stopped suddenly.
Captain Wattles looked wildly from one to
the other. Juliet blushed from suppressed
laughter, Mrs. Colburn from shame, and the
"a. ore lo.e enor. ~ pe Pleasan.y Gu
tone, from behind her fan to Juliet, then scream
ing frightfully at the captain.
al fear we do not make ourselves under
stood" (Lower.) "Who on earth could but
hope we'll become better acquainted"
(Lower.) sit will result in my death if we do.
You must go with US and hear the Rev; Mr..
Evangel tomorrow" (Lower.) "There, have
done it again; it would be miraculous if he
were to. What under heavens, Juliet, was this
old gander turned loose for?"
Captain Wattles could bear no more-seizng
his hat and cane, and bowling hurriedly, he
rushed from the parlor, leaving Mrs. Colburn
and Juliet in maze of wonder.
Captain Wattles retreated ingloriously to his
apartment, which he entered in a manner Dor
dering on distraction. Giving his hat fling
across the room, his cane after it, and his gloves
after both, he informed the astounded ieuten-
ant that he had been insulted, abused, and
laughed at. He detailed, with many strong
expressions, between pauses, the interview Of
the morning. Wardour laughed until he fairly
rolled from the sofa to the floor, declaring
4" it was the richest thing he had ever met
with"
"But, my dear boy" said the captain, "what
the devil do the women meant"
"Why, captain, it is very evident the elder of
the two, or both, perhaps, are deaf, or confound-
edly hard of hearing, and, like all persons In
that situation, thought you could not hear them.
Try again" o m -.
em - first. Why, the old one called me
a gander, and wondered what was let loose
for"
Another roar of laughter from Wardour fol-
lowed this announcement. "Come, come, cap
tain," he said, as soon as he recovered, "Try
it again. I'll 60 along, and see you out You
may take me under your wing. Gander Hot
hol"
make another attempt, for the young lady is
deuced pretty"
On the following morning, accompanied by
young Wardour, the captain once more sought
the presence Of our friends. When they entered,
they found Mrs. Colburn alone. She would have
exhibited great dismay, had not politeness train
ed her features. The Captain, remembering
his instructions, bowed, and, in loud, round,
sonorous voice, as ifhailng seventy -four, intro
duced his friend. Wsrdour took his seat, leav-
ing the conversation to be carried on by the
senior
81 was afraid you were indisposed, captain,
you left us so suddenly upon yesterday" scream
ed Mrs. Colburn.
~ was, indeed, indisposed," responded the
captain, in as loud key, and then, adding, in
his natural tone, hit her then, Jack
Had not Mrs. Coburn been thoroughly
schooled against dramatic surprises, astonish-
ment would have disconnected her at once; but,
| looking as if she had not heard word, she
continued:
You're fond of the sea, captain, and so am
/. Nothing delights me so much as listening
to its continuous roar"
1t must be very pleasant" retorted the cap
tain, loudl y-adding, in low tone, to Wardour,
"she takes on airs, Jack!" Then, addressing
Mrs. Colburn, he asked, Do you find sea.bath
ing beneficial? We have glorious beach here
the safest, / believe, in the United States
Then, subsiding into low key, he said, "Palk
Jack, Pm out of wind-shes deaf as post"
Lieutenant Wardour was about hailing Mrs
G. at the top of his voice, when she quietly In
formed both that she was not at all hard o
hearing-but that she sympathized sincerely
with the captain in his distressing intrmity-
which his friend, Mr.. O'Halloran, had kindly