, 1861-08-29
NO. Is
The yvav Of the widows.

relative Of Daniel Webster, whom We VIII
call Col. Webster, had the misfortune TO lose bis
wife, to whom he was tenderly attached He
was man characterized by much of the eoal'
ness, wit, and shrewdhess Of the family. Tine
gradually soothed down bis grief, and finally b
ielt sufficiently lonely 10 desire The companions
ship of wife once more. In the course Of .
conversation on the subject, Daniel suggested
that tho widow Of q near friend Of the Cclonel
would suit his case very satisfactorily, and ID
vised him TO make move In that direction
The Colonel pondered over the matter and
came to a favorable conclusion. He was not &C.
quainted with the lady, and. Indeed, bed never
seen her but the choice Of so excellent man
rs his friend, he felt persuaded, must be WORTHY.
Accordingly, urged BY Daniel, he made an cary
start 10 visit the widow and propose his suit
Arriving at her house, which vas 10 NeE
Ham shire village, be apclogized for any seem.
ing freedom on his part in calling. and Pleaded
in excuse, his intimacy with her deceased lord,
He was graciously received and invited 70 re-
main. A view Of the dame and an evening
speut with her did not prove as prcpitcu4 as his
hopes had led him % expect The gQqd ia1y
was full Of her admiration and tender memories
Of her deceased husband, in whom her heaTt
seemed still wrapt up. In her praise ol The
dad the Colonel heartily Joined, but be lelt 40
awkward disinclinatioh 70 take 10 bis bosom .
wife whose love was 50 ardently and warmly DE-
vot to the memory Of predecessor. D
However, the Colonel was matter-oi hct
man; and having come upon special business, ne
concluded to accomplish Il, and take the hazar1A
Accordingly, about the time Of retiring be-
o,ened the subject and stated the purplse ol
his visit, and his belief that they could increase
their mutual happiness BY filling for each other
the places Of their sleeeased partsers.
Hereupon the widow burst into violent weenr
ing-was surprised he dare do such thing
could never love another man-woud nryer
wed again, never-wOuld eonsecFate al her life
to the dear, dear loved one, 50 cruelty torn from
her arms, and now in the cold, cold grapo-and
40 on, in true widow fashion.
The poor Colonel, grieyrd and nstnundeds
though not altogether dissatisfied. apoleGze4
earnestly. He was lonely and felt the need & p
colnpanion-had cherished the friendship ol her
husband, who was his intimate bie1d-had
Ihougl,t that their union might be mutually Dc;
siFabie and beneficial, and made quite lgrglhy
speech, in selE-yndication and 70 Hoothe the dls-
tnrbed feelings Of the unhappy lady, and finally
she dried her tears and ceased her lamsntaliops,
and the scene was elosed BY the Colonera rrtif-
ing 10 bed. ga 3s.sfal fi .ttNf - rt. !.
In the morning the widow had reeoFefeS hel
peace Of mind, and was an atirnlIon, gracips1-
ness and smiles to the good Colonel he bore
himself With the amenily Of : couftly genue-
tlan, and as soon as breakfast was ended, prp.,
pared TO start The widow seemed in mighty,
Hurry, and urged stay to dinner, but the Col,
onel felt obliged TO be on the move homeunld,
AT last be was At the door, and offered his hand
Gar parting pressure. The widow clarped Is
held il for moment, trembled, blushedS turned
aside her head, and gently muTmured I
Z" WELL Colonel, have been thinking o'-ol
;--Of what you said, and I'LL think might
be induccdw
1he Colonel gave her halfquizsical hnlEe6
rious look, and replying with aGood morning,
madam" entered bis chaiss, and leit for hom1s
an instructed man.