Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1861-06-21
THOUGHT SIZE @SnnEGHr BE IN
RUCED.''

The fraternity of widows has been largely
I drafted upon for material to point morals anc
adorn tales and stories. The story 1 an
about to relate happened perhaps did not
/ happen-and was standard joke with "a
nous wag 50 many years ego. that it can d.
no harm now to relate it in print, as he often
did in the social circle somewhat in this wise:
A relative Of Daniel Webster, whom we
will call Col Webster. had the misfortune TO
lose his wife. to whom he was tenderly attach
ed. He vas a man characterized by much Of
the coolness, wit, and shrewdness Of the fami =.
Time gradually soothed down his grief. and
finally he felt sufficiently lonely to desire the
companionship Of a wife once more. In the
course of a conversation on the subject. Dan
iel suggested that the widow of a near friend
Of the colonel would -uii his case very Satislac-
torily and advised him 10 make move in
that direction.
The colonel pondered over the matter, and
came to a favorite conclusion. He was not
acquainted with the lady. and, indeed, had
never Even seen her. but the choice of 50 ex-
cellent a man as his friend. he felt persuaded
must b. worthy one for him. Accord Hgiy,
urged by Daniel, he made an early start to
visit the widow and propose his suit Ar
rived at her house, which was In New
Hampshire village. he Apoiogized for any
Sc ming freedom on his part in calling, and
pleaded. in excuse his Intimacy with her de-
ceas-d lord He was graciously received and
Invited To remain A view of the dame and
an evening spent with her did not prove as
propitious a his hopes had led bin TO * Pect.
The good lady was full Of admiration aud
tender memories Of her deceased husband, in
whom her heart seemed still wrapped up. In
her praises of the dead the colonel cordially
joined but he felt an awkward disinclinafion
to take to his bosom wife whose love was so
very ardent and warmly devoted to the mem
DRY Of predece ssoF.
However, the colonel was a matter-offact
man and, having come upon special business.
ha concluded 10 accomplish it, and take the
hazards Accordingly, about the time for
returning, he opened his subject. nd stated
the purpose Of his visit, and his belief that
they could increase their mutla! happiness by
fliliag for each other the PAGES Of their de-
ceased partners.
Hereupon the widow burst into violent
weepn g-was surprised he had dared do such
a thing never love another maH-
would never wed again. neVer-wonld consc-
crate all her life to the dear dear loved one 50
cruelty torn from her arms, and now in the
cold, cold grave-and SO on in-shai say
it?- widow fashion.
The poor colonel, grieved and astounded, |
though not altogether dissaii SIZED apologized |
earnestly. He was lonely and felt the need of /
a companion-had cherished the friend hip of |
her husband, who wa, his immediate friend
had thought that their union might be mntu.
ally desirable and ben, icial-and made quite /
a lengthy speech, in sef.vindicStion and 10
soJta the disiuI bei feelings IF the unhappy
lady-and finally she dried her tears and ccas.
,d hen lamentations and the scene was closed
by the coeuels retiring TO bed.
In the morning the widow had recovered |
her peace of mind, and was all attention, gra-
ciouSness, and smiles to the good colonel. lie
bore himself with the amenity of courtly /
gent eman, and as soon as breakfast was end
ed. prepared to start. The widow seemed in
nightly firrry, and urged stay to dinner, bur
The colonel felt obliged 20 be oh the move
At last be was at the door, and /
offered his hand for parting pressure. The /
widow clasped it, held it for "a moment, trein-
bled b!ushed, turned aside her head, and gent |
y nlurmured:
We'll, colonel have been thinking of-of /
of what you said, and Ill think I might |
be- induced -
The colonel gave her hafqu'zzical, hall! I
serious look, and replying with Good morn
ing madam" entered his chase, aud lett for |
home all instructed man.