Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-06-28

on very important matter-one WHICH heariy
concerns my happiness. :.
COW air y replied the widow, takinga seat on the
sofa by my side.
"Dear Mrs. Olarkson," began, for thought
II hest to smooth her down, 81 have now been
an inmate of your house for two months. |
need not dwell on the happiness have enjoyed
in YOUR charming society. Your charming
daughter. and you have conspired to make lme
the Ianniest of mortals. Your own natural a.
cnteness must have long ago detected that my
heart is involved. Yes, my dear madame,
conM not gaze on that lovely form without be-
inc sensible that this house contains prize OF
the most peerless worth have even dared to
hope that may claim that prize as my own,
and now only await your consent"
Really, sir stammered the widow, glanclng
on the carpet, this confession he's taken me una
wares do not know if my daughter would
Ike
Make your mind easy on that score, my dear
Mrs. Olarkson; have seen your daughter, and
have gained her consent to our marriage
Thoughtful man! exclaimed the widow.
thought this was strange reply to make
but knew the mother was little eccentric, and
put it down CD that score
tNow. nv dear madam exclaimed, 1 only
wait for YOUR answer. Will you consent to make
me the happiest man in the United States
sReally. sir, this is so unexpected. You take
ma so much by surprise, scarcely know what
reply to make. am poor lone widow, Mr
Smith. My dear, departed husband ives klno
husband to me. Respect for his memory
NV dear madam interrupted, 1 am sure II
the late Mr.. Clarkson is looking down from
heaven this moment, he would give his consent
I am rich, madam; you shall have house Wor'
thy of your kind heart -,
| NV dear John, can resist no longer, and the
widow deposited her head of false hair on my
heart.
did not expect this demonstration and gent
" removed her head. Nor did at first under
stand her calling me John-but then thought
as was soon to become ltay son-in.law she was
addressing me fially.
John she exclaimed, dear John, will con-
fess the truth, do love YOU
| You love mel =,
Yes, dear John, your entreaties have prevail
ed. .1sconsent to be your wife, and l felt bel
soragg9 arm pass around my neck, while she
hugged my face against her hard cheek bones.
MADAM exclaimed, release mel hear
STEP
No, dear John, cannot release you. Arr
you not soon to become my own dear husband
And she hugged Inc again, harder than before
At that moment the door opened, and cousin
and Miss Clarkson entered the room. WheI
they saw our loving attitude, they retired laugh
ing.
Madam, there's mistake exclaimed. $
do not want to marry you, but your daughter.
what, sir = exclaimed the ogress, releasing
her hold. what do you tell me, you bold man
Is this the way you trife with a lone widow
feelings9 You know my daughter is to be
married to her cousin next week. And you
dare to insult me in this manner-if there's an.
Justice in the land, sir, will have it,
So saying she bounded out of the room,
l received notice to quit that day-and three
days afterwards an action for breach of promis
of marriage was commenced against me. 1t wa
in vain my counsel tried to explain the mistake
The evidence was too strong against me, and
was compelled to pay five thousand dollars dam
ages. :, :.
Since that day have become misanthropist
hate both men and women-but especially tn
| latter.
The reader now knows why am bachelor