The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-10-19
Miseeuaneous.
ABLooDLEss DUEL,
Or, THE WIFE 8 sTRATEaEM.
ny MRS. n. r. CALBoR.

wife Of one Of tho most gifted and popuia
senators from the South, whispered to he
companion in the promenade, tall, broad
shouldered man Of thirty-fye or forty years
Cousin George, for my fathers sake yo'
must help me now. Have you not hear
about those fery speeches at the capitol DC
tween Mr.. Dayton and my husband. ! nav
been following every movement oil theirs 70
night, and know there will be a duel. Tel
me what can do to avert the terrible ciisis'
The sharp anxiety betrayed in tho voie
thrilled painfully upon the listeners ear.
Surely, Mary dear, your own gentle yoic'
has power TO still the storm OF anger IN you
husbands breast, and if not, with all hi
life's blessings about him, will no dare t
risk every thing for 50 trivial acauseF
Tho true wife flushed crimson with sham'
at the reproach her woris cast upon the DO
loved one.
Alas 20 perfectly humane and upright,
and tender in all things else, he is stubborn
and unapproachablc upon that subject.
have pleaded, and reasoned, and adjured
him. but he has never ceased to declare he
should accept challenge whenever one wa'
sent to him. D, how have prayed for some
magic power to open his eyes to the wicked,
ness ofsuch an act =
sAh. Mary, a little home experience would
soon convince him once faco to face with
the sorrowful ,onscquences, his false phylOso-
ply and flimsy code Of honor would speedily
perish before truths imperial reality
She did notreply. Suddenly as they thread
cd the crowd, he felt light trembling OF the
fingers that rested on his arm. lic conclu.
ded her agitation betokenod the near ap-
proach Of her husband, but was surprised to
find it occasioned by meeting face to face a
lady Of stately, almost imperial beauty.
A very queen she seemed TO have boon pro-
nounccd by Nature itself, and tho graceful
regal head was carried haughtily, rs ifwell
aware il meritcd weightier crown than that
shining coil Of raven hair. Not so brightly
or coldly flashed the diamond star amid those
ebon trcSses, ss tho chilling glance Of thai
large, dark eye, when il fell on the slight
tair.haired wife Of Senator Phillips.
A naughty bow from the stately southern
wife Of Dayton, a startled, shivering glance
from the gentle northernor, and the CROWD
passed between; but Mary Phillips turned
her white face pitiously to her cousin, and
whispered faintly:
(which will Ii bo? One of must lay aside
these festive robes for the widows sombre
veil. Which OF us7 o God, have mercy!
which will 1t be2'
Singularly enough, all the circumstances
about thcm had contributed to place in an
position these two, universally
to DO the lOyeliest ladies in
First, and most Of all because
their husbands represented two opposing
parties in politics, and were each possessed
of 50 nearly the same degree OF talents and
worth, as to place them side by side in the
grcat race for the prire OF the world renown
and applause. Then they themselves had
bccome rival stars. likewise, in the gay cir
cles Of fashion, neither permanently outshin-
ing the other, but each peerless in her own
way. fairly representing their peculiar style
of her northern or southern cline.
Scarcely had Mrs. Dayton's stately form
disappeared amid the throng, ere the pallor
ON Mrs. Phillips cheek gave place to soft
lush, irradiating her whole countenancc.
George, George, cried she, what was that
you Just said to me little time agoT Do
you really believe little home experience
would convince my husband Of his error?-
D, such wild, daring plan has occurred to
me, and yet il seems like inspiration. can
rely on you. Go gather every PARTICULAR
the hour and place of meeting, and DO sure
md come W me before We leave. For me, |
must SEQ Mrs. Dayton, and speak with her,
| force the interview. DO not try
% keep me. Let me 20 now. l tell you l
believe the way has been pointed out to me
n answer to my prayers. You shall hear it
III, presently
Later in the evening the rival bellies stood
tide by side, and Mary Phillips's gentle face
was sweet and calm beneath the naughty
glance Of atOnishcd prido aung down upon
her.
MY errand is urgent enough to excuse this
abrupt address, she said, ,halfapologetically,
for have come as one anxious woman may
come to another who shares the same fearful
doom that Is hanging above her. Little heed
then, can pay to etiquette, or past aliena-
ton, and speak with you must
To what can Mira. Phillipsrefer!' was the
distant, repcllins reply.
To the duel your husband and mine have
planned, even amidst to-nightis festivities,
came sharply and distinctly amid the confu-
sion OF sounds around.
A shade Of pallor on the beautiful face, q
scarcely perceptible quiyer Of the naughty
lip. Thatwas all.
WELL
Mary Phillips gazed at her in utter wonder.
Nay rctortcd she, passionately. ut is not
we'll. ls earth's glory and beauty to be sud-
denly blotted out for me--the happiness Of
my whole life swept away by your husbands
be il wellr Or if my staff Of
strength Is still left for me to lean upon,
must see the father Of my boy, the husband
yenerate for all that is noble and upright,
and branded as duellist! Great
heavens, Mrs. Dayton, can you for moment
encourage your husband in duel?'
The regal head was thrown proudly back,
the dark eyes bright and clear, and unfaltcr-
'ngly came thereby. .....
Certainly, Mrs. Phillips / should scarcely
care To see my husbands good name arn-
lsned. should dcspisc him for poltroon
sno9id no bear insult tamely, and not defend
his honor, ~ abrave man should, when he ID
wantonly assailed.'
A quick, scornfal laugh, strapro enough
from those gentle lip..
Ills honor. The honor Of a duel, q.
how little do you comprehend the sacrcJ
meaning Of that word? But there ia NO tim,
20 argue here. Look you, it is but one sid,
my words have dwelt upon. There is an
other, and Heaven bc my witness, Il Is as ter
rible for me to think about. IL possible
nav IL is probable, no has the firmcst nerve
NV husband may return uu>eathcd, and your
%, God have mercy on us both.-what
another sun beholds your head bowed in wild
dowhood beside . bloody corpse, ignobl
fallen in foolish. sinful cause =
There YES an carncstncss,a q prophetic 90
lcmnity in her manner. that thrilled tn
listeners heart. Suddenly the barrier Q
pride yavc way, q convulsive quiver relaxc
tho naughty lip, teas spranS to tho glisten