The Kanzas news., 1857-09-12
Which to Choose.

Mrs. Champion, a rich widow OF only
thirty summers, and in the rich bloom of
her beauty, was in the matrimonial market,
closely besieged by three suitors, all of them
good-looking, all gentlemen, and all profess
ing unbounded and disinterested affection
for the fair lady. Capt. Trevanien had been
cavalry officer, but had retired from the
service. He was tail, dashing figure, with
very aristocratic manners, and, like Ned
Pepper, Paul Clifford's friend, possessed an
uncommon fine head of hair" Indeed, it
was rumored that his ambrosial curls were
no Natures gift to him, but the spoila OPP
tina of some nameless and more favored in
dividual, procured of Boyle by the inter-
mediation of certain amount of filthy
lucre. The Captain had inherited large
fortune.
Suitor No. was a young man about
town, very fashionable, polished, and pleas
ant. He contrived to keep out of debt, but
his financial resources were very limited
Mr.. Claude Careless evidently had a good
prospect of success.
The third suitor, Mr.. Stanley Moreton,
was an art-student, and also cultivated poe
try. Though very modest and unaffected,
he was slightly eccentric in the matter of
costume-wore a Rubens hat, and black
velvet coat, and, during the Kossuth excite
ment, had seriously thought of completing
his equipment by feather; but his better
genius saved him from the solecism. AS he
was quite sensitive and timid, had an awk-
ward habit of blushing, and was silent in
company, the captain and Careless made
light of his rivalship, and considered the
contest as confined to themselves.
The captain proposed, after the most ap
proved taste of fashion, dropping gracefully
on the knee, and pressing the lips that muir
INJURED his vows to the fair hand be solicited
as his guerdon.
When he had retired, Claude paid his de-
voirs, and made his proposal with great
earnestness. His professions of disinter
estedness were no less emphatic than the
captains.
The painter came next. When alone
with the lady of his love, he found a voice
which failed him in the presence of others.
To each of the suitors she gave the same
reply, namely That she would return a
definite answer to his suit exactly three
weeks from the date of his proposal, requir-
ing him in the. interval to refrain from call
ing on or inquiring about her, and to absent
himself from the city.
The commands of rich beauty are i'm
perative. Each wooer promised knightly
obedience, and kept his pledge. The Cap
tain ran down to Newport, Claude 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, punctual TO
the appointed day, hour, and minute, the ell
egant 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
selfadmiration. when light step recalled
him to sense of propriety. He turned
and beheld the widow; but thick veil COW
cred her face. He drew chair to her side
and addressed her
dearest issbA,'' said he, in his most
persuasive tones, ssallow me to remove the
envious screen which hides 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
ssIs 1t possiblei" cried the captain In a
tone of alarm. "What do you mean?'
ssSince saw you have been very sick.
When was child my parents neglected
to have me yaccinated, and the rayages of
the small -pox-"
.Thesnall- -poxl'' cried the captain, push
ing his chair back to the other side of the
room.
.'Don't be afraid captain" said the wild
ov, sits all over. and am dreadful OBJ
ject to behold; but, of course, that makes
no difference in your Affections
"Heml'' cried the captain, sit would
make no difference If l wanted to retire
with You in the country TO live like Darby
and Joan: but to go into society-to intro
dace as my wife at balls and soirees a per-
son dis6gured by dreadful disorderi o,
Lord! ma'am, the idea never entered my
headl''
II release you from your engagement
you are free," said the widow.