The Placer herald., 1873-07-05
HOW BUNTING WON THE WIDOW,

ooh, what a handsome mani" cried Mrs.
Hunter; "and such charming foreign ac-
cent, too"
Mrs. Hunter was a wdow-rich, child
less, fair and thirtyfve-and she made the
remark above recorded to Mr.. Bunting, a
bachelor, who had come to make an after,
noon call, apropos of the departure of Prof.
La Fontaine, who had, according to the laws
of etiquette, taken Lis departure at the arri-
val of Mr.. Bunting
"Don't like to contradict a lady," said
Mr.. Bunting, "but can't say agree with
you; and these foreigners are generally i'm
posters, too"
Mrs. Hunter shook her head coquettishly.
She was rather coquettsh and rather gush-
ing for her age.
"Oh, you gentlemen! you gentlemen"
she said; 81 can't see that you ever do JUS
tice to each other"
And then she rang the bell, and ordered
the servant 20 serve tsa, and pressed bach
elor Bunting to stay and partake of it.
There was maiden aunt of eighty in the
house to play propriety, and allow her to
have as many bachelors to tea as she chose;
and Mr.. Bunting forgot his jealousy and was
once more happy.
He was, to tell the truth, very much in
love with the widow, who was his junior by
fifteen years. He liked the idea of her liv-
ing on the interest of her money, tao.
She was a splendid bousckeeper and fine
pianist She was popular and good looking.
He intended to offer himself for her accep-
tance as soon as he felt sure that she would
not refuse him.
But this dreadful Professor La Fontaine,
with black eyes as big as saucers, and long
side whiskers, black also as any raven, 8
wing, and the advantage of being the wild
ow's junior.
The opportunity to make fool Of herself
is so irresistible to every widow. 1t troub-
led his dreams a good deal--not that he
thought him handsome--oh no! But still at
fifty man does not desire rival, however
he may despise him.
"She did not ask him to stay, and she
did ask me, said Mr.. Bunting. and depart
ed, after most delightful evening, during
which the maiden aunt who was as deaf as
post, snored sweetly in her chair. But
alas on the very next evening his sky was
overcast.
Professor La Fontane took the widow to
the opera. He saw them enter the door of
the opera house, and having followed and
secured seat in a retired portion of the
house, also noticed that the professor kept
his eyes fixed upon the lady's face in the
impressive manner, during the whole of the
performance, and that she now and then
even returned his glances.
"It cant go on" said Mr.. Bunting to
himself. II can't allow it. She'd regret it
all her life. l must demonstrate with her.
No woman likes coward. Faint heart
never won fair lady. She'll admire me for
speaking out"
And that very evening Mr.. Bunting trot-
ted up to the widows house, full Of dead
ly purpose and with set speech learned off
by heart The speech he forgot as be cross
ed the threshold. The purpose abode with
him.
There were the usual remarks about the
weather. The usual chitchat followed, but
the widow saw that Mr. Bunting was not at
ease. At last, with the sort Of plunge that
timid bather makes into the chilly water.
be dashed into the subject nearest bis heart.
"He's rascal, ma'am, l give you my
word"
"Oh dear! who is ?" cried the widow.
"That frog-eater," replied the bachelor.
"Upon my soul, speak for your own good.
l am interested in your welfare. Don't al
low his visits. You don't know q thing
about him."
"Do you allude to Monsieur Ea Fontaine?
Mrs. Hunter solemnly asked.
"I allude tb that fellow" said bachelor
Bunting. "Wdy bis very countenance proves
him to be rascal. Id enjoy kicking
him out so much /"
"Sir," said the widow, "if you have not