Ellsworth American., 1863-12-11
Misefllanrnus.
The Widows Beau.

Service had commenced in the nea, 1T.
tie sanctuary which the iahabitant, of
Fairmouut had consecrated to tne worship
Of God. The minister had read the
Palm and Scripture lesson, and the first
lines Of the opening hymn. The eyes Of
his people we're fixed intently upon him,
for he was not onl good, sound, elo-
qoent preacher, bu, was hne-looklng
ore too, and thu. enchanted usually not
only the attention of the true bat the
false worshipper. The house was very
sill-the clear, mclodious tones of the
speaker were the only sound that tsrob-
bed on the baluy. golden air which the
midsummer Sabbath morn had breathci
into that holy place. Ths first syllable
Of the second line was trembling on his
lips, when a rustic a; the door, and the
entrance of persons, Lady ami a
gentleman. dissolved the charm. lu a
second, every eye turned from the pulpit
10 the broad.aisle, and watched with more
than ordinary eagerness the progress OF
the couple. 4 most searching ordeal
were they subjected to, and when they
were fairly and quietly seated IN the front
pew, Immediately before the pulpit. what
a nudginz of elbows there was, az, and
how many whispers too. In vain sought
the good, the sound, the eloquent, and
hand.ome Mr. B. to steal the attention OF
his hearers again. They had eyes and
thoughts for nobody bu. Widow c, and
Widow C's young aud distinguishing at
tepdant.
How she had cheated them! Hadn't
she said an hundred times or more, that
her heart was in the grave OF her buried
one, that she would never marry ag'in :
Hadn't she refused always to walk out or
ride out with any OF the unapproprIated
gentlemen Of the village? Hadn't she
said she didn't feel as though she could
ever wear anything but mourning! And
in spite Of all these protcstations. hadn't
she come out. all at once, dressed all IN
white, aud walked into church in broad
daylight, leaning on the arm oil young
gentleman?
Yes, indeed she had. She would have
pleaded guilty to all Of these charges
grave ones as they were. and to the last
svo. how many witnesses might have been
,uhpDnad. She was actually dressed IN
white. A beautiful robe OF India null
tucked to the waist. with an open corsa5c,
di,playinr an els9orately wrought chcm'-
sette, drspery sleeves trimmed with the
richest OF Mcchlin lace, unde:-sleeves OF
the same expensive material, white
crtpc shawl, q white lace hat with orange
buds and flowers, white kid gloves aud
Nvht paiters.-sueh was the description
every lady had on her tongues end to re-
peat over as soon as the service was CLOS
cI. And the gentleman-he too was
d 'essed in style. Didn't he wear white
pants of the latest pattern, and a white
vest. and coat OF "satin hnlsh," and
white kids too; and didn't he sport
splendid pin and massive ch.iu' and
didn't he gaze often, and tenderly, AID
lovingly. on the fair creature beside him !
All. yes, he did so, and there was no tar,
ther room to doubt. Widow Z. had
cheated them. She had won beau, aid
ASIDE her mourning. put on bridal ATTIRE
and w4s going to be married IN church
But who the beau xas,or whence he came
WAS more difficult to solve.
Service proceeded The choir sang
and the minister prayed and preached
the people wondered when the ceremony
would take place. But to their utter as
tonishment. they we're left to wonder
For when tho benediction Was pronounced
Widow G. and the strange gentleman
walked vita the rest Of the congregation
aaietly out of the church. When they
reached the pavement, he offered his arm
very gracefully, and she placed her hand
very confidently on the beautifully soft
oeat-sleevs, ~ they passed on.
The Rev. Mr.. b. preached to crowd
Cd house that afternoon no compliment
p him though. The magnet was in the