The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1873-05-10
popular Gales.
A BACHELORS STORY.


am an old bachelor At sixty-fve |
can say | shall never be anything else; but,
like all other men-all | have ever met at
least--I have loved and hoped to be happy
with my chosen bride.
That passion, and those hopes, faded
forty years ago. Since then | have done
penance for the hasty act of one night. |
have Stunned the society of woman, and
forbade myself the shadow of hope that
might patch my shattered joys with new
ones.
To none who knew me have ever told
the tale. should have been esteemed
false, or n madman, and no one would
willingly accept such reputation. To
you, unknown reader, dare recite the
events of those four and twenty hours
events which turned my life into its now
well-worn channel, and made me the lonely,
hopeless man | am.
At the age of twenty -four was clerk in
the establishment of Messrs. Carp Il Cavil,
lawyers. had energy and ambition,
health and opportunity-eyerything, in
fact, that could be wished for by a man
who hoped to fight his way up in the world
and win wealth aud reputation.
was engaged to young lady by the
name of Grace Hunter, pretty, delicate
creature, so quiet that her pet name, Snow
fake, seemed to be the only one suitable
for her. Her step was noiseless, her move
ments soft, her voice sweet and low. She
never herself entertained large company
by her conversation, nor did any of those
things that give woman reputation for
brilliancy; but her mental powers were
very fine, and in tete-a-tete she was en-.
chanting. A lady to the hearts core, in
my eyes, at least, perfect beauty, she
might yet have been forgotten by most
men in a room full Of giggling, chatting
girls.
adored her. had felt that her love
was a jewel worthy Of an emperor wearing
and scarcely dared to utter the words
that told her all | felt. Even now her
high bred reserve kept me at distance.
was proud of her. | felt unworthy Of
her. She was at once the saint whom ]
revered, aud the being whom it was to be
my delight to cherish and protect until
death should part US.
Six months had passed since she had
promised to be mine. At the end of six
more she was to give me her hand. had
small salary, but my grandmother had
left me legacy which would enable me tc
20 to housekeeping in plain but comforta
BILE style, and Grace was willing to fight
Gfe's battles by my side.
Life seemed bright and joyous to me on
that night of midwinter, forty years ago
when walked through the city street,
with Grace upon my arm, and looking
down at her in her white wrappings, with
CLEANS of frosty starlight touching hel
black hair, wondered If the angels werC
fairer than she was.
We were going to spend the evening al
mutual friends residence. There was tC
be music and dancing and cards, and q
sociable supper. went because Grace
desired to 60,
Her sole society at her own home wal
more delightful to me than any other com
pany but l was young and light of heart
and when | had once entered the lighted
parlors did not sit silent in the corner
| talked l sang; turned the music fol
musical ladies' / walked through the Ian
cies, At last | found myself flirting with
one Of the female guests.
There are women man is Obliged tt
Airt with He does not admire them, re
spec' 'hem' or 'osc '"em one ~h'' nc uoe'
not even desire their society but he must
oe more than man ere ne can reiuse 70 re
spond % 'heir advances one Oh 'hes'
women know now having playea 'h'
'0oker-on ior 50 many years. ca" make any
man appear 70 o'ner women desperately II